Week of December 28th

The missionary couples and Pres and Sys Oscarson were invited to Nynäshamn to the home of the Högland’s for lunch. He was the former Temple President. It was a beautiful ride and their home is on the bank of the harbor and wow what a view. We met them when they were in Salt Lake for the Temple President’s training, in 2006. They are great people and their daughter lives in our ward.
There were no extra workers in the temple over the Christmas holiday because there were no wards or stakes with temple assignments. One day we got to spend from 9:00a.m. to 9:00p.m. in doing service in the temple. We were able to have all the session and it really was a wonderful day.
Here in Sweden the Youth and the Young Adults come together for youth conferences twice a year. During the holidays their winter conference was held. During one of the days of the conference the Young Adults came and did a session and baptisms. I love to see young people in the temple.
We had our Swedish lessons during the holidays and they are very helpful. I am learning many new words and Chuck already knows them!
New Years Eve the temple missionaries were invited to the home of the Stockholm Sweden Mission President (President Anderson).
We had a great time eating, playing games, laughing, singing and eating again! The weather was snowing and it took us an hour to get there because it is on the other side of Stockholm from Västerhaninge. The home is quite large with beds in the basement for the elders and upstairs for the sisters. The missionaries stay here before leaving for their first assignments or before they leave for home after being released. The Anderson’s are wonderful people and come from Richland, Washington.
New Years day was a quiet day as they do not `undo’ Christmas’ until Jan 6th. Tradition has it that on that day the Wise Men came. So they have a party, undo the decorations and dance around the tree and then throw it outside. We are throwing ours out now as we need it for next year!
We have certainly enjoyed all our mail, computer email, packages and being able to Skype our family. May each of you have a great New Year and peace in your lives in 2010.