Hello Handen

Hello hello errybody! Wow, sounds like you all had a blast for the 24th of July. Thank you to the pioneers. What great examples they are for us! It was a very hot week (major heat wave for Sweden), but really good, saying goodbye to friends and making new ones.

Mån: We met a woman who invited us over for some cheesecake. And boy was it good cheesecake! She isn't interested in the church but we kind of snuck in some stuff about the church whilst talking. I visited B for my last time. Im sad to leave him, but I know he will be baptized and all will be well. I feel very strongly about this man and like I was meant to find him. We had FHE with D and S and discussed about priorities in life. When God is first, everything else just falls into place where they need to be. Not necessarily where we want them to be, but it all works out. I love those 2 so much. They are the best. We got joking around that me and my future wife would take them to Hawaii if they took us to Sardegna -an island off of Italy. Sounds good to me!

Good trade: 4 ties for these goggles.

Tis: I finished my packing in a relatively decent amount of time. All of my bags were stuffed to the brim, super heavy and tight. Plus I had my backpack and shoulder bag and my ukulele as well. Whew! Crazy! We went to visit all my investigators and K, who I baptized, to say good bye.  Then went to M -I gave him 4 ties and then he gave me some goggles. Good trade off. I told him Im gonna keep track of him and his reading so he holds onto the challenge I gave him. We were then chilling at the apartment, about to go to bed when we receive a phone call from the office elders saying that Elder M, elder A's new comp, had been waiting at the station for awhile for us. We had been told that he wasn't coming until Wednesday, Oops. Luckily we live right next to the station so it's all good:)

Ons: I have been starting my spanish studies and I have actually contacted people on the street speaking spanish! I took all of my stuff to the train station, waved goodbye to the Tuna and was on my way. It was sad to leave but I said a prayer and told God that I have done my best here and I had a great feeling of satisfaction and peace. I have no regrets. I slept most of the way and then met up with Elder L -my companion. We live in a 4 man which is actually a lot of fun. The apartment is very nice. We went right away to a member dinner -we get those a lot here which is exciting ha!

My new home and companion

Tors: So in Handen ward we have 2 sets of elders. The ward boundaries are the smallest in all of Europe!!! Crazy! It's a big ward, but a tiny proselyting area. We handle Jordbro, which literally means Earth Bridge, and it makes sense because there are many immigrants here, so perfect for missionary work:) We also work a lot with YSAs, and that is so helpful. We had 2 teaches this day with YSA member present. The first was W. She is from the Middle East but has lived most of her life in Finland. She was supposed to get baptized last month but her family didn't approve. We will be patient and just give her the encouragement and support she needs.

Then there is G, who is 19 from Bolivia and super ready. A, the YSA who found him, will be leaving on his mission soon and will get to baptize him right before he leaves.  No better way to start a mission, eh? We met T,  from Iran, who grew up in Sweden. His son has been asking a lot of questions like "what do we believe in" and that got wanting to find the truth. Man, what a great first day! 3 awesome people to teach!!

Fre: Correlation meeting with our recently returned missionary, mission leader Brother O.  He is super awesome. Working with him is nice because now I don't have to worry about the other stuff and I can focus on teaching people -my calling. At district meeting we each told our conversion story. It was powerful. Most people are gone on semester-vacation until late August but we have a lot of potential here and I'm super stoked! I serenaded the boys with my ukulele skills tonight. Im getting pretty good eh.

Lör: We taught a member who has never been to the temple since he was baptized years ago. We are making a goal with him to get there. We had a little bbq with a member M from Philippines, who loves the missionaries. We played soccer with her autistic son who is super awesome! Playing soccer on a turf field felt so good:) ! We met W again at the church. I love teaching at the church because the spirit is already there. Our church is the one right next to the temple! So I will be able to go to the temple soon. It has been a year since I have been and I am needing it. Do not take that for granted those of you who live near a temple.

Sön: We don't have church until 1 which I find to be less productive. Oh well, I make the best of it and get all of my studies in. We made it to church in a most random rainstorm. We got pretty soaked but it felt nice. G and W were both at church! Man, it was weird having a big huge ward again. Its been ages like ive seen tons of people in church and going from 2 hour church to 3 hour was pretty hard hahaha;) Afterwards we went out to contact and swingby some people. We do not have a car because we are in the greater Stockholm area and our bus/train cards take us everywhere we need to go.

Well, it's been a good couple of days so far and I'm super stoked for the future. I miss Eskilstuna but the future looks bright indeed. Im grateful for the opportunity to be and serve here. I love this gospel. I know its true. I love you all, have a great week! -elder johnson

Goodbye to the big Tuna

Dear Fam and Friends, Glad to hear you are all doing well! I'm very jealous that I can't go to Wicked with you, but we'll do that later. It was a very warm week, and very humid. So about 90 degrees fahrenheit with 100 %humidity. Nice and wet if you know what I'm saying.

Chocolate Molten cake

Mån: After emailing, we cut our pday short to proselyte because of something we were going to do on Thursday. We met with M who taught me some Spanish. Then we had dinner and family home evening with K's and B's whole family! Plus it was my going away party because we knew I would be leaving. We had homemade chocolate molten cake. Oh man, it was so good:) The K's are the best fellow-shippers ever. We got to watch front row how member missionary work should be done. I love them. I know B and his family will be baptized. I hope I will be able to come and see that happen.

Tis: We went down to strängnäs only to walk around with people cancelling on us left and right. I honestly have no idea how we got 20 lessons this week because we got cancelled on so much. We did get to visit with C and her family before heading home.

Ons: District meeting: the discussion was led to Bearing Testimony Frequently. Many times we think that we need to make this huge extravagant testimony at the end of the lesson, but it doesnt need to be so. Small simple sincere statements of truth allows the Holy Ghost to penetrate to the investigators heart. We received a call from an old investigator (GU-gamal undersökare) wanting a Doctrine and Covenants -this guy knows a ton about our beliefs and everyones, he does deep deep study to honestly find truth. So we took this as a sign that all of the cancellations were so that we could meet with him. He tried to bible bash but he still wants to meet and discuss certain things. So thats cool. We met with K and he was being so hardhearted with everything. He was just fighting the Mormon doctrine, but I was like, "Look, we don't teach any Mormon doctrine, there is no such thing. We teach the doctrine of Jesus Christ, because it is the Church of Christ, the same that has been taught since the beginning of the world." It was intense, just let me leave it at that.

Teaching me the munspel

Tors: We got to go to a Medieval Knight Festival going on in Mariefred with a member family and it was pretty awesome! I got myself a munspel -mouth game. There's a pic of the guy teaching me how to play it. Ill have to show you guys when I get home, it is super cool!!! Sick! Then they had tournament with competitions and they actually jousted! Well, as much as they could without people getting hurt. I wish though that I could have seen a real joust, just like from A Knights Tale. That wouldve been sick! It was definitely worth it, though the sun was blazing hot. I got me some good color again:)

Hole in one

Back to work where we met with Y. Things have been stressful for him because his family lives in Libya and theres some crazy things going on over there.

Fre: Exchanges. There was a locked building and just at that moment we get to the door someone was there! Perfect! Turns out it was this TUs girlfriend. So she lets us in and we met with the TU. He isnt religious at all, though is interested in Theology -like most people here ha. We had him pray for his first time ever, and it was pretty great. He definitely opened up a lot more from when we first got in. We were able to meet with this less active family for a visit. I'm very grateful for Elder C. We've had some good talks together. He has really helped a ton here in Eskilstuna, especially for me.

Lör: We met with T for a good deep conversation and he is sincere in his desire to find truth. He had great prayer afterwards to ask God for him to open his understanding if the Book of Mormon is true. We met D who had a spiritual experience this week. 6 months ago he was very content with his life, lagom. Then after meeting with us, reading from the Book of Mormon and coming to church, he has felt even better than before. It was so cool hearing him say that and for him to recognize it himself. So wonderful!

We finally met up with B who is from El Salvador and he and his wife were excited to see us and we had some fika and talked. They are in the belief that God is first priority. And testimony should be centered on Jesus Christ, not some priest. They were super nice and just awesome people. And we finally got in contact with N again!! It seems her boyfriend doesn't like us. Man, that was very disappointing. 

Oh just det, we received the transfer call from President Beckstrand and I will be transferring to Handen, Stockholm South, as a Zone Leader!?! I'm super excited for the opportunity and I'm also a little nervous but I know that when I put my faith in Christ he can use me as an instrument in His hands to carry this work forward.

Love these people!

Sön: It was my last Sunday in Eskilstuna and when I bare my testimony I usually cry, its just how it is. It gave me a chance to just pause, look out over the congregation and feel the spirit. It's truly a remarkable feeling. I had my last dinner with the L's and visited H for my last time (every Sunday for 6 months.) At home I packed a little bit -that is always so stressful for me ha! and went to the other elders for my last bastu, tyvärr. It was nice.

These 6 months in Eskilstuna have truly been a great blessing. I love these people with all of my heart and am pained to leave them. But I know that life goes on, and same with the mission so there are new adventures to be had and new people needed to be found and I am honored for the chance I have to do it. There is a big place in my heart for the Tuna. I know the work will continue to progress here - I have seen mighty changes from day 1. This work is true. It blesses lives. It heals the broken soul. It promises eternal joy. I am forever grateful. I love you all, have a great week

Med Kärlek

Äldste Johnson

Ooh, ooh, half way there! (and living on a prayer!)

Hello family and friends! Wow, what a week. I'm glad to hear that you guys went to the Newell's homecoming. They are the best! Lemme tell you about my week and how I passed the Hump!

Mån: We helped the apartment couple carry in some new desks for us, because ours were falling apart. And we got some office chairs and they are a lot better than the wooden ones we used to have:) Ha, I'm so spoiled. It's crazy. We met K at the church  and taught him. We later met up with N again and taught her the Restoration. She accepted the invitation to be baptized when she knows it's true. That's interesting what we do as missionaries with the baptismal invitation. We say "will you be baptized...when you know it's true" instead of "if". It's bold, it's powerful, but that's because we know it's true.

Tis: My mission is focusing a lot on family history. We have received a booklet called "My Family" and it is simple and easy and everyone can do it! I think I have finally begun to catch the Spirit of Elijah and I am really happy about it!:) I've already begun to put some information on familysearch.org and put up pictures. You all should look into it!

We have had some difficulty with our bikes lately -we've taken them to the shop 4 times in the past month. We now walk -which is a lot slower. Such is life. By the end of the week we would have 15 scheduled appointments get cancelled. So getting 16 lessons this week was a miracle. We should have had at least 30!

We got into this building but our investigator wasn't home so what did we do? We tracted it of course! We found a really cool Palestinian guy. We told him about the Book of Mormon and he let us in so we did a basic Restoration lesson. Afterwards he said, "What happens to me if I don't follow your beliefs?" I said that we are a church of invitation. We don't force anyone to do anything, we just invite them to try it out and see if it is true for themselves. He was totally down with that and immediately began reading the Book of Mormon after we left!

Ons: Well this day was a trying one. We had 7 lessons scheduled for today -all of them cancelled. We swungby a lot of people -no one wanted to meet. It was pretty warm -about 85-90 with humidity. We contacted 30 people and only 1 of them actually listened. But we kept working hard and doing what we know was true. I remembered something that Pops told me a while ago that really has helped me with situations like this. I remember when I was in 8th grade, playing in the Allstar Football game, I had sprained my ankle, pulled my hamstring, and jammed a couple of fingers. I was done. I had no desire or energy to finish the game and it was only halftime. Pops came down and I told him how I was feeling, expecting him to be sympathetic. Nope. He just said, "Suck it up." I was so angry and absolutely mad at him for saying that. But I used that frustration to carry me through the rest of the game, and I believe I ended up scoring as well. When life gets hards and is beating upon you, just suck it up. Now I know not everyone can do this, but I am very grateful for that opportunity to learn to never give up when times are hard, when the world is beating on you and denying everything that you have to offer. I have learned to press forward with hope that something good is coming up. How sad it would be if we gave up just before the finish line, when we could not see it because you first had to cross a giant mountain. Do all that you can and leave the rest to Christ.

Tors: 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!! WHOOOOOO!!!! Man, how crazy is that! Just one year ago I was pulling up to the Mtc and saying goodbye to the worldly world. Now when I think, "what was I doing this time last year?" I respond, Oh yeah, I was on my mission ha. Weird. I thought of all the things that I have done so far in just one year. So many memories were flooding in and testifying to me that what I have done is pleasing to God. I laughed out loud at times thinking of certain things, and I cried as well. There is still so much more I can give and do until the end. It's like having a midlife crisis, or so I imagine. I wouldn't know, I'm not in my 50s or whatever.

Zone Meeting

We had zone training where we got to wear sports clothes. We had an egg toss, relay race and talked about our vision with the new mission president. "Hastening the work of the 2nd Harvest by helping others live the Gospel of Jesus Christ" or as I like to call it HTWOTSHBHOLTGOJC:) hahahaha. We then took some time to re-evaluate what we have done on our mission so far and what we want to do to better ourselves. It was fitting since I was already thinking about that today with it being exactly 1 year. 

Found a cannon in the hills

We decided to hit up this outlying town in our area. Way far out, but it'd had been 6 months since I've been in this area and have not been to Åkers Styckebruk, it reminds me a lot of Pocatello Idaho. We had a referral there -turned out not so interested. We had a TU, who was gone. And then we had some less actives who were very friendly. They are from Chile and don't like how the church isnt the same here as there. They are like a lot of people here who think that there are too many good people in the world that there couldn't possibly be one true church. Man, that is so sad. I then had a conference call with my MTC group. It was good to hear from them all and it we realized that our sisters only have 6 months left. :O crazy. It was a good "birthday" here-I wore my elephant tie and it looked good.

Fre: We did some swingbys and language study and then sports night. 

Lör: Sometimes I have sleepless nights and don't want to get out of bed, but I do it and give my all to God and he helps me. I have a burning conviction that I could not do any of this on my own. I rely so much on God for absolutely everything, he is able to work through me to fulfill his purposes. It's truly remarkable. We met an old (not age) potential named N. She loves talking about Christianity so she was ecstatic to meet with us! She was able to find God on her own after her mother died, though none of her family is religious at all. She was really cool and respectful, so we'll see how it goes. 

Sön: At church today we were able to have K, D an B AND HIS WHOLE FAMILY!!! Whooo, it was great to finally see them all again! And even better, we had 2 families from Switzerland and Germany visiting. So it was a full house! We didnt have enough english translators, so elder C took the visitors and I took B's family ha. It was quite a lot to deal with but it all worked out. Things look promising for B to get out of his current circumstance. He was so happy to be at church and feel the spirit again. It was amazing. After church we decided to call some people while sitting outside on a bench. A lady saw us and came down to talk because she loves seeing Mormons but never really knew what they believed in! Ha, well thats wonderful! We taught her the restoration and she took it all in. She was super funny and awesome (she's half Swede half Finn.) Sometimes people are guided to us rather than us guided to them. Either way, it is always so fun!

I'm on a soccer pitch - I'm in heaven.

Well, it's true. I'm halfway there, and I'm living on a prayer day to day. I got over that hump and I feel very happy with what the Lord and I have accomplished. Am I gonna plateau? Absolutely not! There is still so much more for me to do here and learn and grow. I have loved all that has happened to me so far: the good and the bad, and I'm excited for the trials ahead to continue to shape me into the missionary and person I am meant to be. I know this work is true with every fiber of my being. If it wasn't, I wouldn't be here. If it wasn't I wouldn't be able to get through the hard times, as well as the good. Jesus Christ is my Savior, he is your savior. God lives and loves us so much. The biggest thing that I want to happen this year of my mission is completely give everything I have to God and let him work through me. Let the mission go through me and change me. I love this work. I love you all, have a great week!

Med Kärlek

Äldste Johnson

Dear Family and Friends!

Sounds like you are all doing so well. I am very heartbroken with what happened to my good friend Kenzie Lewis. My heart and prayers go out to her and her family. God is watching over them and things will work out -I am sure of that.

Woweee, there was just lots of stuff that happened this week. It was hot, it was cool -we got drenched one day, we met some cool people, we got cancelled, we had a firework, yes a firework, and many more things.

Euro haircut

Mån: I cleaned, cut my hair -looks totally euro ha, wrote some letters, played my uke, among other things. We then did some swingbys to set up return appointments. I bet nearly 90 % of the stuff we do is set return appointments, and set some more when we come to meet them, and set some more ha. We had family home evening with D and S. We read Pres Uchtdorfs "Continue in Patience" from a few years ago. I invite you all to go back and read that. We can find peace of mind when we go through trials in knowing that something good is waiting for us. Whether it comes in this life or the next, we don't know. But what we do know is that it will come.

Tis: July is here. Wow, that is weird. Nearly one whole year down. Almost there. You all need to do some family history. I think I am beginning to catch the spirit of Elijah. It's something that I have been praying and working for for a long time. S returned to his habit after going 6 days (because of watching the world cup.) He is not showing any desire to try anymore. We know he has felt the truth but we can't force anyone to repent.

Ons: We're using our swingby list. Though most of the people say don't come back or give me more time, that is success. It's our responsibility to take care of these children of God, though some don't want the truth...yet, we do our job and love em through it all. During our time at the church I have been practicing a lot of the piano and singing as well and I am getting a lot better. K came and said that he is getting frustrated and scared that the book of Mormon is true and that our church is the only true church. Haha what?  That's awesome.  As we left the church an immediate down pour came on us while we were biking on our broken bikes, in nice white khaki pants and no jacket...that was brutal. Hahaha,

Tors: I made cookies: not my best batch, not my worst. I was content. Lagom (that's very swedish thing. Lagom, not too much, not too little, not too bad, not too good, just right). We met with K and shared a very tender moment of testimony. I told her I know that Christ has gone through my trials and my pains and my fears with me. It is through him I am able to make it through those hard times. We then had dinner with A and had a good talk.

Fre: So, 4th of July! Happy Birthday America! God bless the USA!!!! ....and Sweden! We had a big zone conference where we met President and Sister Beckstrand!!! Wow, what can I say? They are awesome! I am so convinced they are who is needed to fill the shoes of President and Sister Newell. They have so much energy and conviction in helping this work go forward. They love Obedience!!!! YES!!! That is something that I have been praying for recently- how can I be more obedient and how can the mission be more obedient. And well, here you go. A quote from Pres Beckstrand -"the gospel is fun. It is even more fun when we are obedient." He had a miracle happen to him a couple of years ago. I wont share the personal story but many missionaries fasted for him - missionaries are the most obedient people in the world (or should be). When we missionaries are obedient, we are endowed with great power. I'm stoked to work with them. Sister Beckstrand even bore her testimony in broken Swedish, that was so bold and so powerful. They truly love this work and love the Lord.

Ford Mustang in Sweden!

We played soccer for our sports night and that was a lot of fun:) We also got one firework from a member that we lit off of our balcony hahahaha. America!

Lör: Us 4 missionaries and the branch president went down and cleaned S's apartment for 2 hours. I don't know what else we can do for him. We were doing some swingbys and we looked at the list and a certain name stuck out to me -N. Turns out, it was just what she needed. She had been having a very hard day and just needed someone to listen to her. We listening to her concerns and questions and we just boldly testified that what we have to offer will help her in every aspect of her life. We testified that we were guided to go by her place and she knew it as well. It was so cool to be able to be to be an answer to someone else's prayer. That's when you feel like a servant of God. Man that was incredible.

Sön: Fast Sunday! Those are always so good though I always get a huge headache from them ha. Its a sacrifice I'm willing to make to come closer to God. K and D made it to church. S did not so we decided to drop him. It will honestly be the best thing for him. To see for himself that he needs this. Hopefully he will come back soon. It's hard dropping people. D stayed for the Priesthood lesson. Guess what the theme was? Baptism!! 8 people were able to testify of their own baptismal experience to him and that was very powerful! Then president K was able to talk with him and help him understand more!

Oh just det, I forgot to tell you, I was asked to play the piano in sacrament meeting, so I was a little freaked out by it. I just need a little more practice. I was relieved when President K came in and played instead. Whew! Hahaha. I'll get there eventually. After church we contacted 2 older men on a bench and ended up talking with them for 40 minutes. We are going by there same time next week! We swungby a TU and turned him into a U! (potential investigator into investigator). Then we ate some good homemade stir fry by yours truly. Mmmmhm. Good stuff:)

Jag vill lämna mitt vittnesbörd om evangeliet till er. Jag vet med all mitt hjärta att den här kyrkan är sann. Jag vet att Joseph Smith var en Guds profet. Och att han återställde Jesu Kristi Evangeliet och prästadömets nycklar. Jag älskar det här verket så mycket. Jag kan inte uttrycka mina tankar om det, men det känns så underbart att vara här. I love you guys, have a great week!

Med Kärlek

Äldste N. Brock Johnson

Carry on!

I loved  seeing the pictures of everyone having a good time at home and at Lake Powell. I am grateful for all of you taking the time out of your busy schedule to update me and give me support through your prayers. I really appreciate all that you guys do for me 5,000 miles away! You are amazing! This week was very rainy, and I havent seen the sun for awhile, but All is well in Zion regardless. 

Mån: On pday, we traveled down to Vingåker for a shopping spree at a store called Tiger of Sweden, and needless to say it was well worth it. We bought pants that are usually 900 krowns for 100 krowns each!! Great success!

Tis: We had a great thing happen while we went out contacting around the Centrum. We had a potential investigator in a portcoded place. Luckily we got in somehow -miracle 1. Then he wasn't home so we decided to tract the building. On the 3rd door -miracle 2. We got in with this lady her daughter. The daughter was the one who wanted us to come in! We talk about our purpose as missionaries in helping others come closer to Christ. The mom was was willing to let us come back to "teach her child good values" which was secretly hinting that she wanted to know more about what we had to say! Ha, that was pretty awesome! We then taught S the 15 step 7 day program to stop smoking and so far it is working on him! (today-it has been nearly 6 full days without a smoke!!!!).

Ons: We again met with the mom and daughter we found yesterday. Sadly the mom ended up being on the phone for the whole time but it was fun and cute teaching a little girl about God and Jesus ha:) For our meeting with K we wanted to start a seed of faith for him -literally- buy some seeds and have him nurture it and water it. But the stores didnt have anything!!! but he really loved Alma 32. He is opening up and trusting us more. We went to a Less active's place, where Elder A used his Spanish fluently. I understood most of what was being said, I just couldn't join in. Rats. Im gonna work on it though! Afterwards we did some service for the K's  -it felt good.

Farewell to President and Sister Newell

Tors: We had the Zone Conference "The Last of the Newells". It was very sad. They have done so much for the mission and for Sweden in these last 3 years -it is truly remarkable.  Even though their time is up, it doesn't mean we stop. We keep going. And thats what they said they are going to do when they go home -keep going. Yes the badge comes off, but the missionary work never ceases. We watched the updated version of Den Andra Skörden-the second harvest, and it gets me so pumped every time I watch it. So amazing. We got to hug both president and sister newell and get a picture with them. I really am going to miss President a lot. I know with all my heart that he is inspired of God and knows me personally. I love that man and am so grateful for his service here. He will be missed.

Fre: Exchanges. I got to know Elder B a lot better and I have a huge respect for him. He went to church by himself for 4 years and is the first in his family to serve a mission, and he is reactivate his family while he is out. What a great example. If you have a willing desire to serve the lord, there is nothing that can hold you back from being an amazing instrument in this work. We had dinner with A. She has only met with missionaries who have been born and raised in the church so Elder B was able to help her out a lot, and that was just what she needed. We made it to sports night but the numbers were few.

Just chillin in the elevator

Lör: Lots of cancellations so we did a lot of walking and not a lot of stuff happening. Everyone was indoors because it was raining. But what did we do? Carried on. We were able to get a new investigator with a Vietnamese woman. The language barrier is hard, but we sat down and gave her a BOM and she just went to town reading it! Haha that was pretty awesome! 

Sön: We had our branch conference and had 0 investigators but 40 members! There were visitors from the stake to talk to everyone, and it was really good. It's always frustrating when investigators dont come to church. We had a dinner afterwards and K was able to make it to that and meet S so that was really good. We ended up getting into a portcoded building where we tracted half of it and found 4 TUs!! Miracle! God was definitely mindful of us.

This week was rough haha. But what'd we do when the big rains came? We carried on! You can choose to be grumpy and frustrated or choose to sing a hymn in your head -there is sunshine in my soul today- and be happy to get to serve the lord. I took some time to go over my Patriarchal Blessing this week and it really seemed to help me out. It doesn't necessarily say this, but somehow this is what I got out of it this week "Carry On". Keep doing what you know you should be doing. Trust in the Lord, and good things will come. I know this to be true, though it may be hard to see and understand at times. Carry On brothers and sisters in this great work. For with Christ as our foundation, how can we Fail? It is impossible. I love this work. I know it's true. Have a great week everybody! Love ya

Med Kärlek

Äldste Johnson

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