Well folks,
It's here. The final email home. Thank you everyone who has followed me on
my journey across Sweden. It has been a wonderful 2 years in which I have been
forever changed. I continue to work really hard and stay busy up until the day I
leave. Happy
Fathers day to all you great Dads. Sweden's father's day is in November so we
didnt do anything for that here. Let me tell ya what happened this last
week.
Mån: We visited the whole southern coast of Gotland. I've never noticed this before, but Gotland is a tiny version of Sweden- it looks like the shape of Sweden. Anywho, we saw lots of cool buildings, had some fun taking pictures, drove by a beautiful scenic route, everything you can imagine 2 missionaries would do on a Pday ha. I also said goodbye to some members because they are going out of town and I wouldnt see them again. So the goodbyes begin. I've never been good at saying goodbye. Like, it doesn't feel real to me. Maybe it's because I feel and sense that it never really is a hej då -goodbye. It's more of a vi ses- see you later. It's a happier thought:)
Tis: A great busy day! We got to read with E then we met up with the Beckstrands again because they had more family come
for a visit and they wanted to show them Gotland. So naturally we got ice cream
with them - tradition! I texted J and told her that I
was leaving soon and wanted to see her again (she
had become anxious that things were going to fast and decided to hop off. She is
still praying daily and reading a little bit here and there.) She felt bad about
what had happened and thought we were upset with her, but with the visit,
we answered a lot of her questions and concerns and it was a great positive
experience. She still is so wonderful, and I know, without a shadow of a doubt
that she will find the truth one day. I don't need to worry. God is taking care
of her. We also had a fun experience meeting with an old investigator on our
list. Gosh, those kind of meetings never get
old!:)
Ons: We walked around the city looking for new
people. We had a good meeting with a
former investigator so I guess we'll see what happens with her
in the future.
Tors: Last district meeting! Crazy. We played a missionary
version of Jeopardy which was super fun. My comp and I took 2nd after having a
rough start haha. We then got some much needed haircuts- I was a little upset at
mine, but over time I have grown to like my haircut ha. We went to teach F. We
had planned to give her the DO OR DIE message because things hadn't been
going anywhere. Instead, and I am so grateful that we followed the
spirit, she opened up and shared things with us. I love being able to put aside the things we
plan for, so that the spirit -the true teacher- can do his thing.
Fre: Midsommars Afton! Major holiday here so the whole day was
nonproselyting, and it was tons of fun. We went with the Hs
to the Botanical Garden where they were celebrating Midsommar. There were about
1000 people there and it was great. I honestly felt soooooo awkward wearing
"normal" clothes. Hahahaha, I have just grown so accustomed to the shirt tie! We
got to lay out on the grass, enjoy good company, and dance around the Maypole.
It was a blast. I love Midsommar!
We then went home and I did some packing. I kind of got a little panic attack when I first started packing "this isnt real" haha and I also got really tired. But, oh well. I am 99 percent done now and it feels good.
The Gothem Godzilla Burrito challenge - eat them in 20 minutes |
Lör: So half of this day Midsommar Dag, was also non-proselyting. So we went up to Gothem where my comp tried to do the Gothem Godzilla Burrito challenge- 2 footlong burritos in 20 minutes. It was intense. He didn't make it hahaha. But I got to eat his leftovers for free!:) We found a new investigator on the street. We also did a little bit of planning for the next week for my comp. Transfer calls came and it felt weird to hear "you will be transferred...home" ha.
Sön: Busy, busy day. And I wouldn't have it any other way!:) It turned out to be "Missionary Sunday". We drove most of the people to and from church, took care of the sacrament, played and lead the music, I sang a solo, gave a talk, we held the lesson in the 2nd hour, haha. It was great. It was nice to feel so needed. The song I sang was my favorite, (and elder Baileys favorite) "Blott en dag, ett ögonblick i sänder". It meant a ton to me to be able to sing that for him. We spent the rest of the afternoon eating with several members and saying goodbye. That's still so weird for me. The next couple of days are going to be totally nuts but I'm excited for it.
Here we are, the final stage. I never thought I would be here, I never
planned for "the end". But honestly, there are no real endings. Only everlasting
beginnings. It's only the beginning of a whole new adventure where I can take
all that I have learned with me. I have pondered the question "who am I?" over
and over and over again these past couple of weeks. Honestly, I am not the same
person I was 2 years ago. I am not even the same person I was a week ago. I am
constantly changing, constantly improving and trying to become more and more
like the person my Father in Heaven wants me to become. So I guess, that is one constant. I am constantly improving to become more
like the Savior. Thanks to His loving kindness, his Atoning sacrifice, and his
enabling grace, I have the ability to change, to improve. Thanks to Him, I have
been able to serve an honorable full time mission. I have come so close to Him
because I have been in the very depths of humility. I have been to Gethsamane
and back, several times. I know my Master. I know He lives. And because He
lives, I will live again.
The answer that I have learned from the mission is this: "I am
representative of the Lord Jesus Christ" Not just for 2 years, not just for
this life, but always. His love is real. It has changed me so much and I am so
grateful for that. My greatest desire is to be able to return to Him again. As a
representative of Jesus Christ, I also work to help others return to Him. This
has been my greatest joy these last 2 years. I can stand before you all today
with a clear conscious and know who I am. I don't know everything, but I know He
lives.
Jag vet att Gud lever. Jesus är kristus. Han är vår frälsare. Detta är hans
verk. Det är sant.:)
I'm excited to see you all again. Take care and God be with you till we
meet again.
mvh
Äldste N. Brock Johnson
Sweden stockholm mission
july 2013-june2015