Howdy Errybody!

Wow, sounds like my family is having so much fun in the sun this summer! We have been having one of the coldest summers in Sweden (and we had the warmest winters earlier...) so thats been quite weird. Oh well. Special shoutout to Carter saturday for his 2nd bday and today for Stacy and her 18th!!! WHOOOO!!!! Thats so weird that my baby sister is an adult now...Be smart;) It was a good week this week, we got to celebrate Midsommar, the longest day of the year! 

The sun had been up for 5 1/2 hours already by 6:38 am!

I took a picture right when I woke up to capture all the light, I shouldve gotten up at 1 in the morning to capture the SUNRISE, yes, I said sunrise. 12 am was the SUNSET. Very interesting. Well, it looks like everything is back downhill going to the darkest day of the year. No more light, darn. haha anyway, let me tell you about the week...

Mån: After emailing we came home to do a lot of cleaning. We defrosted the freezer and boy did that take a lot of time! Sheesh! I got some pictures and videos commemorating my struggles...but now I know how to do that all on my own, and the freezer looks so much better now. Later we went to the train station to wait for N, someone Elder A contacted on his way to Eskilstuna his first day of transfer. I thought he was just making her up, but I was very wrong. I have never been more happy to be proved wrong in all my life because she is so prepared. She was piecing things together so fast, it was amazing! The spirit was so strong when we were testifying to her that this was what she has been searching for. We had her say a prayer and boy, that was so strong. Seriously one of the greatest lessons/ feelings I have ever been a part of.

Tis: Taught 3 of our regulars then helped set up a funeral program for a member's father.

Ons: We met N again early on, with a member there to help us out and befriend her. Again, such a sweet spirit and so strong feeling that this is what she needs. We set up a baptismal date for her as well! Funny story: She had read the scriptures that we gave her last time, then she asked us if she was only allowed to read the certain few we gave, or if she could start from the beginning and read the whole thing! Hahaha of course you can read the whole thing!  We then helped out with the funeral service. It was interesting because I never knew the man but I felt a calm peace that said everything was gonna be ok for their family. 

Tors: District meeting (btw, do all of you have a PMG now that Elder Ballard has challenged us to have one!!!). We went over how important the spirit is, especially teaching. Without the spirit bearing witness of truth, nothing you say will ever mean anything to anyone. The spirit is the real teacher, and if you think you are better than the spirit, well you are wrong. I ended by telling one of my favorite stories ever -"the kings son" about King Louie's son getting tortured, beaten, submitted to all sorts of cruel/vile things and not caving in. When his enemies asked why he wouldn't cave in, he responded " I cannot do what you ask, for I was born to be a king." That has hit me so hard, and still does every time I hear that. He knew his potential, and nothing stood in the way of that. He was meant to become a king. All of us are meant to become kings and queens. We are sons and daughters of a heavenly king with the potential to become like him. If we understand this, nothing in life can stand in the way of us achieving that. Becoming who God needs us to be. Who we are is not who we can become. It was pretty powerful. I love that story.  

Fre: MIDSOMMARS AFTON celebration.

The whole day is a non proselyting day so we could go celebrate somewhere, but with our personal money. We decided to go to Tyresta By, a big gathering put together by the Stake. Seriously about 1/3 of the missionaries in the mission there at Tyresta By. It was really cool, minus the rainy weather. I hung out missionaries from my MTC group and I got to catch up with a lot of friends/members from Stockholm -the G's!!

They had little festivities going on around the whole time we were there. We got to wear normal clothes, and I honestly did not feel like a missionary. It was really scary and I didnt like it ha. But I had fun.

So The main thing is raising the may pole and singing and dancing around the pole! So I got to hold a random pretty girls hand for the first time in a long time, hahahaha. It was nice to say the least;) Dont worry, Im still focused on the mission. It's kind of hard to explain the whole midsommar thing, because I dont really know it all ha. But, we made it home safe and sound, very tired but happy and ready to go back to work.

Lör: So we had a random transfer go on and we picked up a new companion for Elder C. We sadly had 2 people cancel on us, but we went out to contact people and ended up teaching 2 strangers on the street.

Sön: A lot of people were gone for the holiday weekend, so we had very few members here at church. However, I was very happily surprised when I saw the T family enter (they've been investigating for a time and we had stopped by last Monday)! Then D and K showed up! We had more investigators than members at church haha. Also a Finnish family visiting, and a former missionary Elder Rowley and his parents visiting. It was quite nice. After church we stopped by a less active and she was really nice and warm with us. She was joking around and having a good time showing us her watch collection! Well we finished off with a scripture and prayer before heading home to pack up for the bastu:)

Gods means "goods" in Swedish

I have had a chance to do a lot of personal reflection this last week and it has been very good for me. I fasted all day tuesday and received some answers that I have been looking for. I asked my bros and bro-in-law for some advice and they have been very helpful with that. I've learned a lot about charity. In the Book of Mormon, Mormon prays without much faith or hope for his people because of how wicked they are, yet he prays still because he loves them. Everything will fail, but charity wont. It is everlasting. It is so strong, it causes miracles. By expressing and showing love, we can help people around us back on the path home to our Heavenly Father. Correction is needed from time to time, but an increase of love needs to be there as well. I am grateful for a loving Father in Heaven who corrects me from time to time, but shows forth his love in numerous ways that I cannot even fully fathom. I know because He loves me, I can and want to be better. I know that by trusting in His son, we can overcome our individual weaknesses and make them our strengths. I love this work. I love being able to testify of these truths that I hold dear to me. It is so rewarding, I love it! I love you all, have a great week!

I love Brady's gifts from Cambodia

Med Kärlek

Äldste Johnson

Hey there family and friends! Well, the weather seems to be very bipolar. This week we got destroyed by a thunderstorm, and the next day it was sunny as can be. Så är det med livet. I'm struggling a bit knowing that the world cup is going on right now, haha. But Im doing my best (and I have a member who keeps me updated;)

Mån: I went to Gripsholms Slott -the castle, and boy was it amazing!!! Definitely worth the trip out there. Obviously I got some trinkets and souveniers, though doing a good job of not looking like a tourist... It was a lot of history and just a lot of cool stuff! I definitely want to show my family that. We came home to let elder smith pack up. We had dinner and FHE with the K's and yummy desserts!

   

I think I'll knock this door

 A "rune stone"?

Sun dial

What time is it?

Tis: We went around for Elder S to say goodbye to and teach for one last time. B has been filling in at a hair clipping place so we stopped by there to say bye.  Also taught S then ate dinner with D and S and had a great time with them. They are awesome. The other elders met us at our place for one last sleepover, because our apartment is right next to the train station so that makes things easier for transfers.

Ons: We picked up my new comp, Elder A (who loves to sing and lived in Mexico for 3 years of his life and knows Spanish really well) and for a while it was us three as a companionship. We had 2 really good lessons back to back, with us 3 teaching them and working really well together. We then visited a less active before picking up Elder C's new companion, Elder J #2. Hahaha, as if it wasn't enough to go from one Elder S to another, we now have to have 2 elder J's here at the same time! It is a really good joke! 

Tors: District meeting on contacting. We ate lunch at a place called American Pizza Today but it wasn't american. It was close, but there was a big difference. Tyvärr. We headed down to Strängnäs and as we were walking to the library to meet K we were hit by a huge thunderstorm out of nowhere! I havent been in a thunderstorm in a year, I really miss it. It was soo cool, and so much water! We didn't have jackets or an umbrella so we were soaked, head to toe! Ooops!:) We then met with S and then visited C and her family, who invited us to stay for salmon dinner. We couldnt decline. We then met with A to read the BoM outloud in Swedish together, trying to imitate the way she pronounces words. Elder A is really good at languages and imitating people because that s the best way to learn!

Fre: Weekly planning session and contacting then sports night where it was just us 4 missionaries and two more.

Lör: We had a great lesson with D and the spirit was strong and testifying of the truth. We went down to Strängnäs to meet a new guy. The first time we met he was not yet ready but this time he was. After saying a prayer he felt really calm and peaceful. We testified that that was the spirit. He was so excited and said he wants that feeling so much all the time!! We can help!:) We missed the train, so we did some contacting/tracting for a bit and got some return appointments set up.

Sön: Always a glorious day. I made some french toast for us in the morning, and it was goooood:) We made it to church and got things set up. None of our investigators came today, kind of sad. But we did have tons of members there so that was good. We met a less actives daughter who hasn't been baptized. She was really cool is willing to meet and try it out. 

Me and my duck friend

Well, it was fathers day yesterday. I kind of forgot about it because in Sweden it is in November. But I would like to take the time now to give my old man a tribute. I think of the Mormon message, Earthly Father Heavenly Father, and that's what reminds me of my dad. Growing up, kids don't fully comprehend where things come from or how things came to be: the food in the pantry, the clothes in the drawers, etc. They just expect it. Not realizing where it came from, the work of father and mother providing for the care of the children. And as a father, he has worked hard to provide me with a home where I could learn and grow in the gospel. Allowing me to apply myself to many different things, and not judging, but loving me through it all. I am grateful for my father for the wonderful Priesthood man that he is. Being the patriarch of the home. His example is what I want to follow when I have the sacred privilege of becoming a father and husband. I have seen him fulfill callings and responsibilities above and beyond the call. He is always so kind and friendly to everyone-because he knows everyone ha. I miss being at all of the BYU sporting events with him and knowing I could always count on him for a boost when times were rough. I could always hear him when I was playing my games, and I knew that he loved me and still does. Thanks for all that you do pops, I love you. You deserve a great day!

I love you all, this church is true. I'm so grateful to be apart of it. Let us do all that we can to build the Kingdom of God on the earth. Have a great week,

MVH

Äldste Johnson

Well Hello errybody!

We received transfer calls and it looks like I will be staying another 6 weeks in the TUNA! I will be getting Elder A who can speak Spanish quite well so that will be good! And Elder S is actually going to my birthplace of Stockholm where the G family will be in his ward. Lucky him!

Daycare graduation at the park with 2 member girls

Mån: When we were getting our groceries, guess who we run into!!! Sister K and her girls! Then later that day, who do we see again? Sister K and her girls! So we ended up following them to this park to watch this graduation ceremony from dagis -daycare. It was so cute, 25 little 5 year olds trying to sing in front of all of their family and friends. You couldn't hear em, but it was pretty cute. We then got lost trying to visit a less active, but finally made it there to meet and talk.

Tis:  B is doing good.  And S has finished reading all standards works. Man, this guy can read! We then visited with M -who feels a whole lot better now that he has begun reading through the book again! That's the power of the Book of Mormon right there! 

Ons: So we did a lot of swingbys where we made some return appointments and also got told not to come back again, so that was pretty positive ha. That was very oxymoronical. Anywho, I practiced a lot on the piano during open church time. I can successfully play a few hymns on both hands fairly well. Im really happy with that! I'm trying to implement singing at the same time, but it's gonna take some time. So we had a contact on Tuesday who we told to meet us today. Usually when that happens people don't show up. My faith was lacking -i repented- because here comes this man right on time! Wow, what a stud! It was hard with the language barrier -he knew Portuguese, so my Spanish helped a little but not too much. We gave him a BoM and set up to meet again in a couple of weeks.

Tors: We had an early zone training because President is leaving soon and wanted to do interviews. The zone leaders talked about keeping a balance with everything going on. That's why missionary work is so exhausting, because you are constantly spinning plates going back and forth from one to another making sure they are spinning ever more. Whew! When we went to lunch we had a guy contact us and was very prepared. Hopefully the Södertälje Elders can follow up. It just goes to show that wherever you are, you are constantly doing missionary work! I had my interview then President gave me a blessing and said some things that I have pondered greatly on. 

sports night

We made it back to Strängnäs to meet T and K came with us to teach him! We gave him a priesthood blessing which was very spiritual and powerful. I'm grateful for the knowledge that I have that I know Priesthood power is back on the earth.

Fre: We played soccer at a legit field early in the morning. Later on we went to sports night where J came and became great friends with L! He is athletic so it was getting really intense! Oh the joy of sports night!

Lör: We were able to meet up with a potential investigator and we got introduced to a whole group of friends. Lots of Eritreans in one room all trying to talk to you. It was hard, but super funny. We brought out a Book of Mormon and explained that and went on our lovely way. We had dinner with A for one last time before Elder S would leave.

Sön: We ended up having more than 30 people come to church! I did the translation but the speakers were just talking extra fast for some reason -it was hard to keep up. Tyvärr. We taught D during 2nd hour and finally set up a baptismal date for July. It came so randomly, but Im grateful that we followed the spirit and set this up. So D has a baptismal date! Whoo!!! We met G for one final time before he left for Norway, and hopefully we can get missionaries set up there for him.

We met a potential investigator, D in Strängnäs. By testifying with all of our hearts that our message will help her find what she is looking for, her heart was softened and she agreed to meet with us again. Wow, that was pretty cool to see that quick transformation because the spirit was working on her. I lost our phone for about 1 hour when we were talking with her, but were able to find it right where I had left it. My heart was pumping so fast. I was so mad at myself haha. But luckily God was able to answer my prayer right then and there to help me find the phone. We headed over to the other elders place for the final sleepover/ bastu sesh before Elders B and S leave. 

Kind of looks like I'm Batman on a bike

I would just like to end by telling you how grateful I am for each and every one of you. I truly feel the power of your prayers for me. It means so much to me that you are thinking about me. I love you all and I love my Savior who has given me this wonderful chance to help in this great work. I know it is true. I love it. Hope you all have a great week

Med Kärlek

Äldste Johnson

Welcome June

Hey Fam and Friends! Summer is definitely here. I don't think I have told you guys but the days are super long-meaning the sun is up ALL the time! From 11pm to 3 or 4 am is darkness, the rest is super bright and sunny. The weather has been about 25 Celsius or higher (77) except a little random cold front over the weekend. But with summer comes other stuff -basically, no clothes. That is eventful. ha. Yeah, people here don't like to wear much clothing when it's warm, men så är det med livet -but so is it with life. :) 

Family Home Evening

Mån: We had FHE with B and his family at the K's! We had a great dinner -most of which Elder S and I cooked, dessert (of course), and a fun lesson. We showed them how to hold a family evening together where we could sing songs, play games and teach important life lessons. I'm seeing how I want to raise my kids up in the gospel and how to have family home evening with little kids. I was a little nervous about the lesson, I don't know why, I guess kids just scare me ha, not. But it was really good.

Tis: We met with B again to prepare him for his baptism this week. We met S and went over Kysketslagen -law of chastity which simple, straightforward and easy. Later that day we had dinner with A and her kids and read the Book of Mormon out loud in Swedish. She has been enjoying that, and we are benefiting from it as a language study as well as spiritual study. I honestly think that is why the MTC works so well is that it is working 2 different parts of your brain when learning a new language and having the spiritual side there as well, and it can connect easier. Plus, doing the work of the Lord gives you blessings.

Ons: We did contacting and swingbys. We met with K who has read some things on the internet so that makes things difficult, but he understood fully the need for Priesthood Authority. We ate dinner and headed over to D and S's place so we could practice a song for the baptism. D cannot sing so S banished him, haha. The song is a cool arrangement of I am a Child of God. We had a good time with them talking afterwards -I really enjoy those 2 a lot. Their marriage, the way they interact with eachother is hilarious and exactly what I want with my framtid fru -future wife.

Sushi

Tors: This was a very jam packed stressful day, doing one thing right to the next. Every time I have trouble focusing on preparing district meeting it usually always turns out really well. Im grateful for that wonderful blessing. Anywho, we were walking to lunch when we see President K and his wife and they invited us to have sushi with them. Im not the biggest fan of it but Im not gonna turn something down like that. It actually was really good, so yay! We then had B come over and it was a very spiritual powerful lesson. President told some very personal stories that got me and B going (tears.) I shared my experience and my knowledge of the Plan of Salvation with him about Elder Bailey and it was a very tender experience. I feel like I have been able to connect more deeply with people when I share that knowledge because it is so personal and so real to me, it's a big blessing in disguise.

We then met up with M, someone who Elder Bailey actually contacted in Västerås a couple months prior. He felt a cleansing when he was with the missionaries. He really loved Elder Bailey (as everyone does) and he took the loss quite hard. But afterwards, he came to himself and now is doing really well. He lives in Etuna now and wants to meet with the missionaries again and get baptized! I've already had a great connection with him just sharing stories of Elder Bailey, it's quite amazing.

We then went down to Strängnäs to help S. We taught him Tithing and Fast offerings and he got it. We came back and we met up with H. We ate dinner with him and then went on a walk just talking about everything and finally getting down to the Book of Mormon, which he actually really enjoys! We got talking more and more about it and somehow I mentioned hope. He opened up to us big time and shared a personal story about his grandmother that was so tender. I told him about my grandmother, who died not too long after I was born. And though she is gone, I have felt her presence in my life so strong and fully that I cannot deny that there is no afterlife. She lives, and helps me. And I testified that his grandmother does the same. It was a very real personal connection that we had together. It was amazing.

Fre: we went on exchanges with the zone leaders so they could interview B. (I was with Elder O in Etuna) We found out that B needed more time and understanding before he can be baptized so we are going to continue to work with him and help prepare some more. I had to tell everyone the baptism was off, right after I had sent the text talking about it ha. That was tough. But it'll be ok.

We met with K and asked that if he knew this was the right path for him if he would be baptized, and he said yes. We set up a day in July to work towards. We picked up L and headed to sports night. He said he wants to go to the temple. It was really cool seeing that motivation take place (I believe it might have come from the BoM challenge we gave him earlier). So Sports night was pretty fun. Elder O is an athletic guy so he wasn't really used to our type of Sports night. Sports night is not really about the sports:)

Lör: So no baptism today. Sad. But we press forward.  Sister K told us she had some food for us. So we go over and find out that she picked up a hitchhiker, who is from Vancouver Canada (where sis k will be visiting in a couple of weeks), coming here to work on an free organic farm, she wants to be a librarian (sis k is a librarian) she grew up in a Mormon family (but not so active anymore). Her name is P (I'm naming my daughter P) it was just crazy! AND she has a ukulele! So we go grab our ukuleles and have a jam session with President K rocking his guitar! SO AWESOME!

Talk not with me about weaknesses, talk with me about possibilities

Sön: Fast sunday! Yes! Man, Sunday was a good day. We got L, B and K to come to church. AND P ended up coming too! The Newells (Mission Pres and wife)  were there to visit the K's. It was testimony meeting. Everything was so good. I helped L pass the Sacrament for his first time ever, and it was amazing. So many memories were coming back to me as we were passing of when I did it for my first time, and through the ages of preparing and then blessing the sacrament. I later bore my testimony about that, and how sacred it is be able to pass the sacrament. It truly is a sacred calling; to enable people the opportunity to renew their baptismal covenant as well as all of their covenants, to invite the spirit and let angels administer in the congregation. It was powerful. We then had dinner with the K's, P, and the Newells! It was a lot of fun. We found out later that P really enjoyed us missionaries and thought we were quite normal. She has tons of friends on missions and now wants to write them! Wow, cool stuff!!! She's from halfway across the world, and there are still so many ties!!!

We went to H for the sacrament and then proceeded to do swingbys. Nothing much came of it, we tried to set return appointments but people dont like to commit ha. We ended up going by H again and taking another walk/talk with him.

Thursday seemed to be so jammed and stressful, but it turned out to be one of the most spiritual days of my life. I do not do this work on my own. There is no way that I could. It humbles me to know, in situations like that, that I can truly rely on the Lord to strengthen me and support me through it all. I'm having special experiences everyday that connects me to people so deeply and so powerfully, that it can only come through the gospel. I know this is the Lord's work. I am a part of it, and I could not be any more grateful for this chance, this sacred calling. I love it. I know it is true. I know He lives. And loves. I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Med Kärlek

Äldste Johnson

Riktigt Mors Dag

Tjaba Grabbar!

Man, what a week for you guys back at home! My heart aches for Stacy that she was so sick that she couldn't go on her grad trip. Baby Lia is sure looking great! She is so cute!! I love how Carter and Brody pray for me, that's so awesome. Well this week was quite warm, but I'm already gaining my skin color back. Someone asked me this week if I was Hispanic:) I might bet a little whiter during the winter, but by the time I come home, you won't even notice that I was ever white before. Sorry to disappoint some of you (Brady) ha! Most every morning this week we went outside next door to the field to workout and play some soccer (T Wilk gave me some pointers on what I could do to train for soccer), so that was a lot of fun.

Deer in the hills

Mån: After emailing we headed back home to have crepes for brunch. Yes, I am enjoying brunch more and more now -it's hip. We did some cleaning, some sleeping, some writing, some playing uke amongst other things. We came to the church to meet with 3 people and all 3 of them blåsted us. It's been a while since I have had a full schedule blåst day. It was humbling though, I can't stay in a routine. God is telling me I need to stay on my toes at all times, have backup plans, and be able to think quickly and effectively. We spent the night going out to contact and swingby some people.

Tis: We had a good lesson with B about the Law of Chastity. I just want to say it was one of the funniest lessons I have ever had. It wasn't awkward, it was just super funny. I can't explain it. B is just very straightforward and tells you how it is, which is awesome. We've really grown into a great relationship with him. He knows he can't rely on us for everything, especially after he is baptized. He wants this so much, and knows its his decision, not us forcing him to do anything.

We met up with J to talk about släktforskning -family history. I read my favorite scripture about it from D&C 128:15 where it says we without them (the dead) cannot be made perfect, neither they without us can be made perfect. There comes a special bond, a thinning of the veil, when you are doing family history work. J is excited for that, and we are excited for her. We have also asked her to pray about someone she could invite to listen to us! She has been working on it, and will let us know soon! We met S and SURPRISE!! He cut his hair!!!! What????  It looks really good now! I believe that the spirit was/has been working in him to change him physically.

Ons: We had to send back in our old phones to the mission, and we hadn't got all of the contacts out of that. So I wrote down all 178 contacts by name and number and when I got to the church, I rewrote all 178 names and numbers. Whew! We found a lot of people who have moved so we can refer them to other missionaries; and then some new people we have never even heard of, so we will try them out! We had to drop someone. It's sad, but sometimes you gotta drop some people to find the chosen. K -a new investigator, came over to the church and we went over the Introduction to the Book of Mormon.

We shared some of our favorite scriptures from it and he seemed to really enjoy it. He said that he would rather read the BoM which has only been translated once, than read the bible that has been translated into so many books and times and many things have been lost! Wow!

We then went to help B move some more things and have dinner. She is working toward the temple and the patriarchal blessing. We met up with the other missionaries to start exchanges: Me with Elder B in his area, and the other 2 in mine. We got to bastu:) sauna because they have one in their apartment building.

Tors: Elder B and I had a good day. I showed him the computer work that I am doing to keep things updated and helpful for future missionaries so that he could do that for his area as well. We got some Swedish Mors dag cards (Sweden's Mother's day was yesterday), wrote in them and then sent them on their way to our lovely mothers in america. We did some tracting on some homes -it was so nice to get away from all of the apartment complexes. We got the door slammed on us, people swearing at us and cursing us, and ignoring us, but such is the life of a missionary. It is only a testimony to me that this is true when people do those types of things to us. We did however find a family! That was really cool. They didn't really have time right then to meet, but accepted our Book of Mormon and invited us to come back again. We taught an old investigator who dropped off the map for some time. He says he still wants to be baptized.

Caramel is called Kola- that's what I got!

We had been out tracting and contacting all day and we felt like we could use a boost so we ate a nice big hamburger and went to this really famous ice cream place called, Slagsta Glas! Boy, that was nice. I think it was my first time on the whole mission that I went out for some ice cream. Good times.

Fre: We went to Södertälje for zone training and a training from Sister N.  It was a mixture of reprimanding and refocusing and was needed. The zone leaders told us that we are going to do a contacting competition with a prize. I believe you should contact and do missionary work for the joy of helping out in the Lord's work but maybe a prize will motivate and unify us.  We made it back to sports night but not a lot of people came. It was kind of sad.

Lör: We had a great lesson with D.  He said he hopes what we teach is true. From that we were able to testify to him that that hope he has is the first step of faith. The faith to find out the truth. A big light turned on in his head when we said that. He heard that we were giving talks in church and he wanted to come support us! Met with B -talked about tithing and fast offerings. We met K again and it was a complete turn around. He didn't want to read the BoM, he was saying all sorts of things about Joseph Smith. He believes things he reads on the internet and doesn't like us trying to explain the truth. So that was frustrating ha. We didn't even realize it, but we were at the church pretty much the whole day and this day was a celebration/parade for something we don't believe in so it was really good that we were in the church the whole time avoiding all of that. God was guiding us to stay there the whole day to avoid running into trouble. 

Sön: RIKTIGT MORS DAG! Whoo! And guess who got to speak in church, both of us! B and 2 daughters were able to come to church along with D! S didn't make it but we swungby his place later. We gave all of the women flowers as gifts. During 2nd hour, we taught B the Word of Wisdom but he doesn't drink, smoke, or do drugs. Good on ya mate! We explained once he's baptized he needs to keep his body a temple. He had an experience where he was defending us and telling someone that we are not forcing him to do anything, it's all his desire and his choice. That was really cool to hear! We went down to Strängnäs after our weekly visit with H where we visited M. We played with some Hot Wheelz -man that was nostalgic, as well as read 2 Nephi 2 together. I gave him a challenge -spirit guiding me, that he could read the whole book of Mormon by the time I go home from my mission. He said he would really like to do that. I'm gonna keep in contact with him and hold him to that! 

We actually saw N as well -couldn't meet, but that was great just to see her!  We are just praying that she will be able to make things work. We swungby S to talk about his baptism, that he needs to come to church 2 times minimum before. So we set his date back. He said now that Sweden is out of hockey world series and the world cup for soccer, he has no excuse staying home to watch tv on sundays hahaha. Good! We stopped by D's where she showed us how to make tortillas! So now I know! Nice!

As I said, yesterday was Swedish Mother's Day. I was privileged to talk in church about mothers, as well as "what motivated me to serve a mission" and "what motivates me to do missionary work".  I only had like 5 notes on what I wanted to mention, and I didn't even get to 2 of them because the spirit was guiding me. I began by thanking all of the mothers in all the world. They truly have a wonderful calling. They walk with God. They are entrusted to nurture and care for their children and raise them up, teaching them to trust in God. Alma 56:47-48 talks about the 2,000 stripling warriors and what they thought of their mothers. "Their mothers had taught them that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them...We do not doubt our mothers knew it." I shared some experiences that have confirmed to me that I know my mother knew it. Such a time came the day I had received my mission call. I found out that same day that I was not going to be a captain of my soccer team, something that I had worked for and had dreamed about. I was so angry, hurt and sad. I came home frustrated and not wanting to talk to anyone. I remember so clearly mom coming down to comfort me. She told me that I needed to pray about it. I prayed so hard for understanding and for help, that I could change my attitude and open my mission call and know that it is where I was needed. I came upstairs to my mom's room and didn't say a word. She just knew. I knew that she knew. I gave her a big hug and she told me that God doesn't need me to be a captain, he needs me to be His servant now. I do not doubt my mother knew it. I know she walks with God. And as soon as I opened my call to Sweden, I knew it was where I was needed. I know I am supposed to be here. I am here to show my mother that she has raised me into a humble servant of the Lord, and as well show the Lord how much I appreciate him and my mother for all that they have done for me. Needless to say, there were many tears coming from my eyes. I'm still a very emotional guy. But on this Swedish Mothers Day, I just would like to say Jag Älskar Dig Mama -I love you mama.

I love this work. I know it's true. Have a great week, I love you all!

Med kärlek

Äldste Johnson

Baby Lia

Hello, Hello, I am so happy to hear that baby Lia Skye Blake has entered the world! She is so cute and precious and I'm sad that I can't be there to see her in person, but I will see her next year!:) Man, it's great thinking about that only a couple of days ago, she was with Heavenly Father. There is such a strong connection to God when things like that happen. Glad to hear all is well there. Sorry to hear mom had a kidney stone as part of the trip. Hope she gets back in time for Stacy's graduation. Speaking of that, WHAT THE HECK! I was just there a year ago, that does not seem so long ago, yet it is. Man, lots of memories and flashbacks are going into my mind right now. But, Good luck Stacy! Goodbye to high school and hello to the rest of your life!:)

This week was very sunny and amazing and great! Lemme tell you about it!

Mån: Well, we got ourselves a lot of ukulele tabs and music so we could jam out. We met a new investigator at the church. He was a Muslim and as soon as he accepted Jesus Christ in his heart, good things were happening to him. He wants to become Christian and we are helping him find that way.

Tis: We met with B basically everyday this week and it was very spiritual. Because of his situation, he doesn't know if he will stay in Sweden for long. He told us he doesn't want to just be baptized and then lose communication with the church if he goes back to his country. (man, this guy is awesome!). We told him that we would try to help. We met with a few other people this day like S who finished the Book of Mormon completely!!! Wow! So we discussed what all that means and if he took Moroni's challenge. He had, and he knows it's true!

Sonic the hedgehog lives

Then, while we were walking from the train station to go meet J we see N! So we set up to meet her later that day and fika! (that basically means coffee break without coffee) So we come back and sit outside in a park with chocolate muffins and mango juice:)  As we were talking, I noticed something in the bushes. Lo and behold it was a HEDGEHOG!!! Sonic is real!;) no, but it was really awesome! We spent a couple of minutes trying to catch it and finally we did! We had a hedgehog in Sweden! That was cool!

Ons: We helped B move some things into her new apartment. We got done too fast (that's what happens when you put 2 young men to work) so we asked if we could read the Book of Mormon together in Swedish, so she could correct us on our pronunciation and we could sound like swedes! It was brutal but very helpful, and we are gonna do that every week now!  We had dinner at the K's. I was kind of not in a good mood earlier. I think that the Spiritual high from J's baptism and skyping the family dropped me off. It was just nice to be with the K's and get back into a good mood.

Tors: District meeting where we did role plays. As usual, it was a good spiritual meeting. We met B -talked about the celestial kingdom and that he can live with his family for ever (he wants to be there and knows his family needs to be there too); J -service in the church (she wants to become a visiting teacher); and S -we pushed back his baptismal date to June and moved B's up, he is progressing so well.  

A fun service opportunity

Fre: We met B and he gave elder S a great haircut! He did it in 10 minutes too!! He really is a pro! We then spent the rest of the day doing service at the K's. We got the garden in order, mowed and edged the lawn, painted the gates black among other things. After awhile the other elders had to go to sports night, but we wanted to stay and get the job done. Even in Sweden, after service we get pizza!:) It was a lot of fun doing service for them because they are always helping us. It is really hard to find service opportunities here in Sweden, so it is nice when it comes around. As well, we got some good life lessons and marriage advice, which I was grateful for haha:)

Lör: We met B and his 2 oldest daughters and watched Finding Faith in Christ. One of them said to us "Why doesn't everyone believe this?" I had to catch myself, That's a good question. That's what I ask myself every day haha! It was a really cool experience to talk to them the importance of Jesus Christ in each and every one of our lives. We asked them if they would be baptized like their father, but B said they had to wait until they were 18. What??? We are looking on how we can help him understand that his children can choose now to be baptized.   

Sön: B and his family came to church.  I did the translation again, and I feel like it is getting better. Plus it's also good for me to translate certain things and leave out a couple of them too ha. It all works out. His family really seems to like it here and already have good friendships in the branch!

Looking out over Strängnäs

We went down to Strängnäs to meet up with a new investigator who actually contacted us on the street. He took us to the top of a hill which overlooked all of Strängnäs. It was beautiful! That marks another spot of where I am going to take my future wife ha. Anywho, many of his beliefs matches with ours. It's just hard for him to accept new things because he is happy with where he is at. It'll come with time. We got some great numbers this week-22 lessons! Things just keep getting bigger and bigger here, I love it! 

We visit with H, I talked about how church went and the topics of the talks. What does it mean to be Christian? Really? It made me think long and hard about that. So many times on the street when we contact people and say "excuse me, we are missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ..." and they ask us, are you Christians. OF COURSE! The name of Christ is the name of our church. But then I was thinking, Just because I am a member does not make me a Christian. Being a christian is something very personal (see Mosiah 5). Are we doing things every day that lets people know we are followers of Christ? Have I shown others that I have Christ written on my heart and I have tried to follow him and do as he would do? Do I remember him every day and not just Sunday when I take the Sacrament? What is it that I am doing to bring me closer to Jesus Christ? I want you all to ask yourselves that. So many times we just get into the routine of life and go throughout our days, come to church on Sunday to renew our baptismal covenant. But do we understand what that means? That we are willing to take upon us the name of Jesus Christ, to always remember Him and follow His commandments. I know I need to work on it, even as a missionary. But I know, through Christ, I can and will become better if I but try. I know and promise he can do the same for you. I love this work. I am so grateful for this wonderful opportunity and this sacred calling that I have to physically wear the name of Christ on my heart each and every day. But as well, I wear him on my heart spiritually. I love you all, have a wonderful week!

Med Kärlek

Äldste Johnson