28 July 2010
Subject: Missionary’s first transfer
Hej på er!
So, transfers are this week. Hence, the late email. I'm getting transferred to Örebro and Sis Robinson will be my new companion. I'm really sad to be leaving, actually partially because Stockholm is really fun. It's fun to be able to go there for P-Day and District meeting and there are so many missionaries around. I also love the people here. That was my first reason not to leave, but really, it feels like the right time. IA disappeared on us. No explanation. And the Spanish lady I felt like I wanted to stick around to support is going back to Chile until February in September anyway. Sadly, they decided to put an end to the Spanish Sunday School class on a Stake level. I had a hard time with that one, not going to lie, because it was a draw to Spanish speakers that we meet and was keeping some people active because they had at least one class where they could fully express themselves and understand. Of course the reasons, were the usual ones, unity, the ward is small anyway, so giving the other Sunday school class more numbers. I see both sides, but if they can't have their class, why is it ok for us to have our English Investigator class? It's hard for me to get coming from the US where we have Spanish, Chinese, Tongan, even Cambodian branches in some areas. We want everyone to hear the gospel in their own language, but we also want to be a unified body. Difficult.
Something else difficult from this week is that our investigator who has been trying to kick his coffee habit and actually threw away the coffee he had, chatted with some guy from Utah this week who told him that he's Mormon and he drinks coffee and some Mormons do too. It's ok! No big deal! Don't kick your habit! That made me so mad! It's just like Swedish, for every rule, there's always a list of exceptions a mile long. One thing I've realized is you don't teach people the exceptions because they will live by them and not the rule. They'll pick up the exceptions along the way and find their own ways to rationalize things away just like we all do (I'm not condoning that, I'm just saying that). I've also found it difficult with teaching the Sabbath Day because that is such a widely interpreted law itself. We try to stick with what the prophets say, but some of the things don't apply here to the people we are talking to. But it's hard to draw the line between culture and doctrine. But don't worry, we teach them correct principles.
Well, yesterday we helped one of our investigators move from Kista to Husby. He didn't have anything to pack his stuff up in, so we took over our empty suitcases to help him pack and move. I discovered in the hour of rolling our suitcases all over the place that one of the wheels on my gray suitcase is bent and rubs against the plastic casing. Problematic since I have to move 60 pounds of stuff in it tomorrow. Moral of the story: don't buy cheap luggage? Or maybe don't overpack your suitcase? Probably the latter. Last week we bought 170 SEK worth of fruit. It was two huge bags and we've been eating it slowly with bread, cheese, and vegetables mostly. Yay for the summer!
On Sunday, we went to Jenny Kempler's house and made phone calls while she made lunch (I helped). We ate a very red lunch. We had boiled beets with salt and goat cheese, fried herring with lingon jam, potatoes and carrots and cherry juice that she made herself which was thick and tart. It was delicious!! She ended up coming out with us for the two teaches we had that evening and it was really nice having a ride everywhere and her awesome testimony. Every time she opened her mouth, the Spirit was overwhelming. It was amazing! We've been averaging about 4 member teaches a week which is really bad. That's July in Sweden for you.
I bought some (tame) leopard print footies because that was better than the electric blue or orange that they had (end of the summer selection, you know). I thought it would be ok because no one would see them in my shoes. I forgot we have to take our shoes off at people's homes. Oops. It's been ok so far.
On Friday last week we were sitting in Bro waiting for someone who didn't show up, but another guy came up to us and said hey and walked past and sat down on the bench right behind and to the side of us. Sis Swenson had her triple out and when he'd almost finished his cigarette, he asked us what the book was. We talked to him for awhile about it and the church and then he told us all about his history and how he'd seen God while he was on drugs, but he wasn't sure if it was real because he was on drugs, ya know. He doesn't do drugs anymore, and wanted to talk more sometime, but we haven't been able to yet.
Well, I can't think of anything else right now. There was something...nope. Not coming. Anyway, Sweden is an interesting place. So many people and so many interesting issues. Do your home and visiting teaching. Love your families. No excuses.
Syster Maxwell
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Week 17
19 July 2010
Subject: An outside perspective
Well, I'm still here. We are just plugging along. This week was weird because we taught about 6 Swedes. That is more than usual. I have also been sharply reminded about how bad my Swedish is. I don't feel so bad about it when we teach people who also don't come from Sweden. I also heard a lot more swearing than usual this week.
Our French-only speaking investigator is back in town for awhile, so that's been exciting. On Sunday one of our less active ladies, who only doesn't come every week because her husband won't always let her, came up to him and started speaking French! We were so surprised, but it makes sense since we met and taught her sister this week who lives in Switzerland and also speaks French. Turns out they went to a French school growing up. It was a real blessing because we were actually able to communicate with him during our lesson during Sunday School. She said she had been able to come to church last minute. Miracle for the week.
We had another lesson with the Jehovah's Witnesses who are very nice. It was really fun because we were able to ask them questions about their church and beliefs and there was no argument. It was just a normal exchange of ideas. They kept asking us questions about the resurrection and the timing of everything with the second coming. I think it's been years since I thought about it, strangely enough, so we had to get back to them on that one.
We also had a little mishap where we were offered either rice and sauce or rice and strawberry filmjölk which is like thick yoghurty milk, but not so good. But I didn't know that and thought I would try it. Sadly, it was hard to choke down the entire bowl and the man who gave it to us is quite poor.
We also talked to this guy in Vällingby who was English speaking and told us he doesn't share his thoughts with anyone because the powers that be will steal it. Then he went off for five minutes on how terrible the world is, especially the United States Government and what would he termed 'big business'. He must have known we were Americans, but maybe not.
Also, there is a couple that we go eat food at their house sometimes. They have a garage that they did up with a couple of couches and a table and the husband's music and stereo and such. It's a really cute little gathering place. When some of the other guests were commenting on it this last time, they mentioned how uncommon it was, but the wife turned to us and said that this type of thing was common in the US, right? We responded with blank stares and uh....'s. Then she said that it was on TV at least. The King of Queens? Anything else? Seems like it, but I really struggled to find a real life example of that. Maybe they were thinking of basements? That makes more sense.
Well, the only other exciting thing is that we went to a few fun museums the last couple of P-Days in Stockholm including the Dance Museum and the Ethnographic Museum. It's weird to go to museums as a missionary. We also ate lunch today in a tower that over looks all of Stockholm. Fun!
Well, that's all I can squeeze out this week. The church is true and the work moves on even if it is at a slower pace than we'd want. Take care. Love you all.
Amy
Subject: An outside perspective
Well, I'm still here. We are just plugging along. This week was weird because we taught about 6 Swedes. That is more than usual. I have also been sharply reminded about how bad my Swedish is. I don't feel so bad about it when we teach people who also don't come from Sweden. I also heard a lot more swearing than usual this week.
Our French-only speaking investigator is back in town for awhile, so that's been exciting. On Sunday one of our less active ladies, who only doesn't come every week because her husband won't always let her, came up to him and started speaking French! We were so surprised, but it makes sense since we met and taught her sister this week who lives in Switzerland and also speaks French. Turns out they went to a French school growing up. It was a real blessing because we were actually able to communicate with him during our lesson during Sunday School. She said she had been able to come to church last minute. Miracle for the week.
We had another lesson with the Jehovah's Witnesses who are very nice. It was really fun because we were able to ask them questions about their church and beliefs and there was no argument. It was just a normal exchange of ideas. They kept asking us questions about the resurrection and the timing of everything with the second coming. I think it's been years since I thought about it, strangely enough, so we had to get back to them on that one.
We also had a little mishap where we were offered either rice and sauce or rice and strawberry filmjölk which is like thick yoghurty milk, but not so good. But I didn't know that and thought I would try it. Sadly, it was hard to choke down the entire bowl and the man who gave it to us is quite poor.
We also talked to this guy in Vällingby who was English speaking and told us he doesn't share his thoughts with anyone because the powers that be will steal it. Then he went off for five minutes on how terrible the world is, especially the United States Government and what would he termed 'big business'. He must have known we were Americans, but maybe not.
Also, there is a couple that we go eat food at their house sometimes. They have a garage that they did up with a couple of couches and a table and the husband's music and stereo and such. It's a really cute little gathering place. When some of the other guests were commenting on it this last time, they mentioned how uncommon it was, but the wife turned to us and said that this type of thing was common in the US, right? We responded with blank stares and uh....'s. Then she said that it was on TV at least. The King of Queens? Anything else? Seems like it, but I really struggled to find a real life example of that. Maybe they were thinking of basements? That makes more sense.
Well, the only other exciting thing is that we went to a few fun museums the last couple of P-Days in Stockholm including the Dance Museum and the Ethnographic Museum. It's weird to go to museums as a missionary. We also ate lunch today in a tower that over looks all of Stockholm. Fun!
Well, that's all I can squeeze out this week. The church is true and the work moves on even if it is at a slower pace than we'd want. Take care. Love you all.
Amy
Monday, July 12, 2010
Week 16
Subject: Weird days and lovely muggy weather
Hejsan hejsan!
So it's been an interesting week. Lots of ups and downs and I think it was really long. Last Monday we went to the Nobel Museum and learned a lot about Alfred Nobel. We were sad that there wasn't more information about the people who had won Nobel Prizes. They did highlight a few controversial prizes like the one awarded to Sartre which he rejected until a few years later, but he couldn't get it because the time was up for him to collect his money. Interesting. We saw a little clip about Martin Luther King Jr. and I had forgotten how inspiring the things he said were. What I've read and heard of his speaks to my idealistic hopes.
Sis Swenson and I have talked a lot about our teaching methods this week and things have gotten a lot better. I thought she didn't like what I would share in lessons, but turns out she just had no idea where I was going. Typical. I'm working on clearly expressing myself.
On Tuesday we had 'Sharpening' in Gubbangen. We get together and have short learning activities put on by the Zone Leaders and then President Anderson speaks for a little and then we have district meeting. In the meantime we have interviews with Pres. Anderson. That was followed up by running over to Spånga where we were supposed to meet IG and take him to a Spanish speaking member's house for a lesson on tithing. The members are a great asset, but it's hard to get a word in edgewise because they probably figure they can explain it better. I felt like maybe I wasn't doing a good enough job teaching him everything until he told me he didn't understand the concepts they had explained to him. I realized he probably understands me because I speak slowly and clearly since Spanish isn't my second language, so that's all ok.
The next few days after that were weird. We sat around a lot waiting for IG to show up and having a lot of other things fall through. Part of the weirdness is that Sweden basically shuts down in the month of July because everyone has 5 weeks of mandatory vacation and for some reason I still don't know they all seem to take it in the month of July.
On Friday we ended the weird days streak with a teach with a former member who wanted to talk about the Priesthood and blessings and things. So, like I said, we've been working on teaching together and I've been trying to finish the things I start, so when I asked him what he remembers about his own priesthood and service he started talking about the Priesthood as the power that keeps the universe in motion or together or something (Big words in Swedish...). When he had finished his thought, I was like, "....Uhhhh...." Desperate look at Sis Swenson, and then I just dove in with something about faith and God's love and our potential and it all connected and came back to the lesson, but in Swedish, who knows if it made sense. So that was fun. And embarrassing. But everyone was nice.
On Saturday I was reminded about the non-status that missionaries have in the ward at our ward grillfest. Everyone loves us, but we are tied to no one, and there's always a lurking distrust that we will freak out there friends or "eat them alive." It's sad that missionaries lose common sense of what makes people uncomfortable and that members don't trust us. (All the ward members are very nice and I feel a part of the ward, but we still are the transitory ones that no one really feels particularly attached to in most cases).
The last memorable experience of the week was yesterday evening. We went to go teach a guy who is a former Jehovah's Witness and is now seeking the truth. He said it would be him and his friend (a girl). When we got there, the apartment was decorated really dark but creatively, it smelled thickly of smoke and such, and there were not 1 but 3 big young guys and their friend (the girl). So, not what we were expecting and rather intimidating and borderline creepy. But, it was really cool. They listened intently and respectfully and had seeking questions, not skeptical questions. It was lovely and they were lovely people.
Anyway, that's too much. It's raining and we left our clothes out to dry. I knew it was going to rain. Why didn't we take our clothes in? Or bring an umbrella? Typical.
Well, do your family history work and "watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives...And now, O man, remember, and perish not." Mosiah 4:30--one of my favorites but not one I get to share very often :) Have a lovely week! Love you all
Syster Maxwell
Hejsan hejsan!
So it's been an interesting week. Lots of ups and downs and I think it was really long. Last Monday we went to the Nobel Museum and learned a lot about Alfred Nobel. We were sad that there wasn't more information about the people who had won Nobel Prizes. They did highlight a few controversial prizes like the one awarded to Sartre which he rejected until a few years later, but he couldn't get it because the time was up for him to collect his money. Interesting. We saw a little clip about Martin Luther King Jr. and I had forgotten how inspiring the things he said were. What I've read and heard of his speaks to my idealistic hopes.
Sis Swenson and I have talked a lot about our teaching methods this week and things have gotten a lot better. I thought she didn't like what I would share in lessons, but turns out she just had no idea where I was going. Typical. I'm working on clearly expressing myself.
On Tuesday we had 'Sharpening' in Gubbangen. We get together and have short learning activities put on by the Zone Leaders and then President Anderson speaks for a little and then we have district meeting. In the meantime we have interviews with Pres. Anderson. That was followed up by running over to Spånga where we were supposed to meet IG and take him to a Spanish speaking member's house for a lesson on tithing. The members are a great asset, but it's hard to get a word in edgewise because they probably figure they can explain it better. I felt like maybe I wasn't doing a good enough job teaching him everything until he told me he didn't understand the concepts they had explained to him. I realized he probably understands me because I speak slowly and clearly since Spanish isn't my second language, so that's all ok.
The next few days after that were weird. We sat around a lot waiting for IG to show up and having a lot of other things fall through. Part of the weirdness is that Sweden basically shuts down in the month of July because everyone has 5 weeks of mandatory vacation and for some reason I still don't know they all seem to take it in the month of July.
On Friday we ended the weird days streak with a teach with a former member who wanted to talk about the Priesthood and blessings and things. So, like I said, we've been working on teaching together and I've been trying to finish the things I start, so when I asked him what he remembers about his own priesthood and service he started talking about the Priesthood as the power that keeps the universe in motion or together or something (Big words in Swedish...). When he had finished his thought, I was like, "....Uhhhh...." Desperate look at Sis Swenson, and then I just dove in with something about faith and God's love and our potential and it all connected and came back to the lesson, but in Swedish, who knows if it made sense. So that was fun. And embarrassing. But everyone was nice.
On Saturday I was reminded about the non-status that missionaries have in the ward at our ward grillfest. Everyone loves us, but we are tied to no one, and there's always a lurking distrust that we will freak out there friends or "eat them alive." It's sad that missionaries lose common sense of what makes people uncomfortable and that members don't trust us. (All the ward members are very nice and I feel a part of the ward, but we still are the transitory ones that no one really feels particularly attached to in most cases).
The last memorable experience of the week was yesterday evening. We went to go teach a guy who is a former Jehovah's Witness and is now seeking the truth. He said it would be him and his friend (a girl). When we got there, the apartment was decorated really dark but creatively, it smelled thickly of smoke and such, and there were not 1 but 3 big young guys and their friend (the girl). So, not what we were expecting and rather intimidating and borderline creepy. But, it was really cool. They listened intently and respectfully and had seeking questions, not skeptical questions. It was lovely and they were lovely people.
Anyway, that's too much. It's raining and we left our clothes out to dry. I knew it was going to rain. Why didn't we take our clothes in? Or bring an umbrella? Typical.
Well, do your family history work and "watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives...And now, O man, remember, and perish not." Mosiah 4:30--one of my favorites but not one I get to share very often :) Have a lovely week! Love you all
Syster Maxwell
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Week 15
5 July 2010
Subject: Short sleeves and flip flops
Okej, not flip flops, but it was beautiful all week with temperatures in the mid to high 20s and I think we even broke 30. I have 3 short sleeve shirts which aren't really cutting it. Time to shop! I've become more of a shopaholic on my mission. It's strangely hard not to buy new things. I think it's my way of breaking up the sameness of it all and trying to feel normal.
This week was interesting. We had the sister's training (which we are not calling a conference because that would sound like a sleepover). It was really fun to see everyone again. We found out that the unnamed companionship that I thought would be an interesting and difficult combination actually has been really rough, so it was good for them to have people to talk to. It's hard to protect privacy and make that interesting at all. It was also really fun to have our MTC group back together again. Everyone had their group of sisters that they were being reunited with and it was fun to see everyone so happy to see each other again. We had great sister themed workshops complete with an abundance of tears and emotion. We also went out and did contacting training with the office elders and some of the others in the area. It was a little strange contacting with the elders but worked really well and we learned a lot from them. We split up so it wasn't paired off, but someone had recently told me that having an elder go out with two sisters was a little awkward because people would ask if the sisters were the elder's wives. Inget bra. So, I was a little wary of the set up, but it worked. As a grand finale we all went to the temple together. It's amazing the difference it makes to understand the language and to not be jet lagged. Much more uplifting.
We lost contact with our Portuguese-speaking baptismal candidate last week and were freaking out because we didn't know why he had just disappeared and then didn't come to church like he'd said. We had given him a quick Word of Wisdom lesson and he asked if he could drink leite. I didn't register that he was talking about leche, or milk, and we thought he meant latte. So we said no. He said that was going to be really hard! We were surprised because he's accepted not drinking coffee easily. Finally I realized he was saying milk and we had a good laugh about it. Oops. But then we didn't see him again. But, we were in Vällingby yesterday teaching a Muslim man and were finishing up explaining about Joseph Smith when we saw IG go by across the way with a big smile on his face motioning for us to follow him. We were so surprised and happy that we quickly wrapped up the current teach, made a return appointment and ran after him. A lot of times I feel like a stalker, but this time he told us to follow him, so it was ok. Turns out he lost his phone and met someone, two reasons he wasn't making us a priority anymore. We told him we'd have to push back his baptism and then I gave him a law of chastity lesson in Spanish! All by myself! Obviously.
So all is well there. We also went to a BBQ on Saturday at a friend of Nick's who also comes from the states. I've turned into a real missionary because I 'forgot' to bring the wine down and made jokes about the Word of Wisdom to Niklas and Sandra, two members who Nick had also invited. I've succumbed! It's good though.
We also set up a baptismal date with A, an investigator who actually lives in a different area, so we'll be passing him off. It's a really cool story though. Lawal was really late to his confirmation on April 11th and was standing by the train looking really distressed. A saw him and asked him was wrong. He said "I'm really late! I 'm really late!" A offered him a ride to the church and Lawal was surprised, but gratefully accepted. A thought to just drop him off, but Lawal said, "Brother, I think you should come in," so A went in and was greatly impressed by how calm, happy, and stable all of the members seemed. He is really nice and has been fun to teach.
Oh! On Wednesday we went from the Sister's Training to the laser doctor who lasered Sis Swenson's feet! It was gross, but really fun to watch! She is much happier now. Sis. and Pres. Anderson came and picked us up which was really nice of them. When we got home the water was turned off and came out brown and in sporadic bursts for the next few hours. Ok. Not that interesting, but we were worried for a bit.
Well, I am loving what we are doing here.
Subject: Short sleeves and flip flops
Okej, not flip flops, but it was beautiful all week with temperatures in the mid to high 20s and I think we even broke 30. I have 3 short sleeve shirts which aren't really cutting it. Time to shop! I've become more of a shopaholic on my mission. It's strangely hard not to buy new things. I think it's my way of breaking up the sameness of it all and trying to feel normal.
This week was interesting. We had the sister's training (which we are not calling a conference because that would sound like a sleepover). It was really fun to see everyone again. We found out that the unnamed companionship that I thought would be an interesting and difficult combination actually has been really rough, so it was good for them to have people to talk to. It's hard to protect privacy and make that interesting at all. It was also really fun to have our MTC group back together again. Everyone had their group of sisters that they were being reunited with and it was fun to see everyone so happy to see each other again. We had great sister themed workshops complete with an abundance of tears and emotion. We also went out and did contacting training with the office elders and some of the others in the area. It was a little strange contacting with the elders but worked really well and we learned a lot from them. We split up so it wasn't paired off, but someone had recently told me that having an elder go out with two sisters was a little awkward because people would ask if the sisters were the elder's wives. Inget bra. So, I was a little wary of the set up, but it worked. As a grand finale we all went to the temple together. It's amazing the difference it makes to understand the language and to not be jet lagged. Much more uplifting.
We lost contact with our Portuguese-speaking baptismal candidate last week and were freaking out because we didn't know why he had just disappeared and then didn't come to church like he'd said. We had given him a quick Word of Wisdom lesson and he asked if he could drink leite. I didn't register that he was talking about leche, or milk, and we thought he meant latte. So we said no. He said that was going to be really hard! We were surprised because he's accepted not drinking coffee easily. Finally I realized he was saying milk and we had a good laugh about it. Oops. But then we didn't see him again. But, we were in Vällingby yesterday teaching a Muslim man and were finishing up explaining about Joseph Smith when we saw IG go by across the way with a big smile on his face motioning for us to follow him. We were so surprised and happy that we quickly wrapped up the current teach, made a return appointment and ran after him. A lot of times I feel like a stalker, but this time he told us to follow him, so it was ok. Turns out he lost his phone and met someone, two reasons he wasn't making us a priority anymore. We told him we'd have to push back his baptism and then I gave him a law of chastity lesson in Spanish! All by myself! Obviously.
So all is well there. We also went to a BBQ on Saturday at a friend of Nick's who also comes from the states. I've turned into a real missionary because I 'forgot' to bring the wine down and made jokes about the Word of Wisdom to Niklas and Sandra, two members who Nick had also invited. I've succumbed! It's good though.
We also set up a baptismal date with A, an investigator who actually lives in a different area, so we'll be passing him off. It's a really cool story though. Lawal was really late to his confirmation on April 11th and was standing by the train looking really distressed. A saw him and asked him was wrong. He said "I'm really late! I 'm really late!" A offered him a ride to the church and Lawal was surprised, but gratefully accepted. A thought to just drop him off, but Lawal said, "Brother, I think you should come in," so A went in and was greatly impressed by how calm, happy, and stable all of the members seemed. He is really nice and has been fun to teach.
Oh! On Wednesday we went from the Sister's Training to the laser doctor who lasered Sis Swenson's feet! It was gross, but really fun to watch! She is much happier now. Sis. and Pres. Anderson came and picked us up which was really nice of them. When we got home the water was turned off and came out brown and in sporadic bursts for the next few hours. Ok. Not that interesting, but we were worried for a bit.
Well, I am loving what we are doing here.
Week 14
27 June 2010
Subject: Hey!
Ok. We booked computers at the Stockholm City Library, but we think we might have missed our time on accident, so we only have 30 minutes. Back to the MTC days! Also, the mouse wasn't working, so I switched them with the comp next to me, so people keep coming up and jiggling my mouse. Anyway. Crazy week this week. We went shopping on Monday. I got some silver earrings b-c that's all that seems to work for long periods of times in my ears. Then we had the Örebro sisters over on Monday. They waited with us at the Spånga station while we waited for our Baptismal Date to run to Spånga from Vällingby. He wasn't even breathing hard when he got there. Then on Tuesday we had zone conference which was amazing. Then on Friday we had Midsummer which was super fun. It is the biggest holiday here next to Christmas. So we went to a big activity on Friday with the Stockholm and Stockholm South stakes and others from the community and we went to Tyresta, the national forest south east of Stockholm. It was great fun! All the missionaries were there and we brought an investigator, Nick. We started the day playing frisbee, then ran a 5K (28:30 b/c I had to stay with the other sister and we really didn't train for that, but it was fun nonetheless, we borrowed shorts from the elders) our investigator got lost on the 5k and didn't come back for 2 hours, then we bbq'd and waited for the dancing to begin. They dance around a large cross dressed with leafy branches. There are two rings that hang from each side of the cross. It was fun to see them set it up. and then the dancing began. They form a few rings around the pole and follow a 'caller' I guess you could say. It's kind of for kids and very silly, but it was so fun. Sis Swenson and I agreed that it was kind of surreal. She felt like we were in the movie Big Fish. It was a really cool thing especially when we went around the circle with all the rings together in one giant spiral. Then tug o war and ice cream in Stockholm. It was a day off for us, but we worked extra hard the next day. This is terribly written, sorry.
Anyway next day was a day of miracles. It all came together and we had 7 teaches. Real teaches. Not fake teaches. Anyway. Love you all!
Syster Maxwell
Subject: Hey!
Ok. We booked computers at the Stockholm City Library, but we think we might have missed our time on accident, so we only have 30 minutes. Back to the MTC days! Also, the mouse wasn't working, so I switched them with the comp next to me, so people keep coming up and jiggling my mouse. Anyway. Crazy week this week. We went shopping on Monday. I got some silver earrings b-c that's all that seems to work for long periods of times in my ears. Then we had the Örebro sisters over on Monday. They waited with us at the Spånga station while we waited for our Baptismal Date to run to Spånga from Vällingby. He wasn't even breathing hard when he got there. Then on Tuesday we had zone conference which was amazing. Then on Friday we had Midsummer which was super fun. It is the biggest holiday here next to Christmas. So we went to a big activity on Friday with the Stockholm and Stockholm South stakes and others from the community and we went to Tyresta, the national forest south east of Stockholm. It was great fun! All the missionaries were there and we brought an investigator, Nick. We started the day playing frisbee, then ran a 5K (28:30 b/c I had to stay with the other sister and we really didn't train for that, but it was fun nonetheless, we borrowed shorts from the elders) our investigator got lost on the 5k and didn't come back for 2 hours, then we bbq'd and waited for the dancing to begin. They dance around a large cross dressed with leafy branches. There are two rings that hang from each side of the cross. It was fun to see them set it up. and then the dancing began. They form a few rings around the pole and follow a 'caller' I guess you could say. It's kind of for kids and very silly, but it was so fun. Sis Swenson and I agreed that it was kind of surreal. She felt like we were in the movie Big Fish. It was a really cool thing especially when we went around the circle with all the rings together in one giant spiral. Then tug o war and ice cream in Stockholm. It was a day off for us, but we worked extra hard the next day. This is terribly written, sorry.
Anyway next day was a day of miracles. It all came together and we had 7 teaches. Real teaches. Not fake teaches. Anyway. Love you all!
Syster Maxwell
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