Week of November 1st

Happy Birthday CJ (14)
Monday is our p-day so we went on the train with Pres and Sister Evensen and also Mary Jane and Hank Lundgren to the Armory at the Palace. It was so interesting. We saw a lot of displays about the early wars in this country and the Armor they wore not only on the soldiers but also on the horses.

We saw many carriages and clothing worn by past kings and queens and even some baby clothes. The dress that the present Crown Princess, Victoria wore on her 18th birthday (coming out day). It was very informative and we spent several hours there. We also took the Lundgrens to see the littlest statue, the Stor Kryska, the narrowest street and the house where the artist Karl Larsson was born. We then tried to find a fun place to eat. Every place was so crowded we rode the train home and ate hamburgers at the ‘Pub’. It was a fun day.
School has been out in Sweden and Norway for a week of Fall vacation. The baptistry was very busy and so was the temple. It was wonderful. I am not sure how many baptisms we did but some days the font never closed.
Wednesday (3rd) we had been in Sweden for one year. It seems colder this year than last year but the beautiful blue sky and sunshine for a few hours a day is the same. It is dark about 4:15 and the sun comes up about 7:00. The frost on the north side of the buildings never melts during the day.
Our Swedish class was culture again. Sister Klarin talked about Swedish music and music artists from Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. We listened to 8-10 songs on CD’s and most were wonderful. One CD was of religious songs and we liked it so much that Sister Klarin allowed us to bring it home with us until we leave Sweden. Sister Klarin also fixed homemade Kräm for desert (Brent, it is similar to röd gröd). That was wonderful too.
The visiting group has been the Swedish Mission and they kept us very busy. Neil Baker, a member from Göteborg, brought his accordion and put on a mini concert here at the guesthouse. He does this every time he comes to the temple. He is a very talented man and his accordion is computerized so it can sound like other instruments too.
Saturday was super busy at the temple. There must have been some miscommunications because no shift leaders came. SOooo, Chuck and I were asked to be the leaders when we arrived. In preparation meeting we had 4 women and the men had only 3. But the Lord did provide and we were kept busy. At 10:00 we had a Swedish session and a Spanish session; there were over 500 names done in the baptistry, with lots of clothes and towels to be washed; and there was a beautiful wedding. We came home so tired but we still went with the Evensens and tried a new pizza place, Millas. It was great pizza and we will go back and try other menu items too.
Saturday was ‘All Saints Day’ (like Memorial Day) and the families place candles in containers on the graves.

Most of the candles last for 24-36 hours and it looked so beautiful. We were so tired we did not walk over on Saturday but we did on Sunday. It was very cold but very special to see it and walk through the cemetery.
Sunday was fast Sunday and we heard some great testimonies. Some were more like talks but there was a great spirit in church. We were sad because we did not get to talk to the Rose family on ooVo. We so look forward to seeing and visiting with each family as it is their turn.
Being the month of Thanksgiving we give thanks everyday in our prayers for our family and friends that we love so much (we do this even if it is not Thanksgiving). Thanks once again for your prayers and continued support for us here in Sweden serving the Lord. We love you.