Oh, How Swede It Is!: Syster C and Me

Letter sent August 8, 2016:

Dora

Didn't realize the repercussions of not writing last week when I made the decision not to. Currently in regret. BUT. Last week I went down to Helsingborg. I got to spend a day with Syster Christofferson. She is darling and so confident to just talk with everyone! She is Syster Wilson's greenie so I got to see Syster Wilson as well. It was super fun! Basically that was the only super-out-of-the-norm thing that we did last week. Hence no email.

But this week is a whole new ballgame. On Monday we had a zone volleyball tournament. President and Syster Beckstrand organized one last year as well so I guess it's going to be a tradition or something. It was super fun. My team took a devastating loss in the championship game and ended up getting second. I eliminated my frustration playing doubles for the next hour and a half and had the literal time of my life. Also got sad because my volleyball skills have significantly diminished (not reason for loss of the championship). It was super fun to dive again.

While there, Emma came to visit the park we were playing at so I got to see her and talk to her for a little bit! It had been so long since she was living with Holly and it was so fun to see her. Mom, we'll have to come visit her because she lives in the most beautiful city.

Thursday we went back to Gothenburg for a specialized zone training. It was just wonderful, like they always are when President and Syster Beckstrand and the assistants talk to us. They talked about obedience and the blessings that come from being completely obedient and following the spirit. During lunch we did this thing where we had a ball of yarn and you toss it to someone in the circle and say what you like about them or something you've noticed that's good about them. Then they toss it to someone else, but keep hold of the string so it's like a giant spider web at the end. It was supposed to be a unifying activity because everyone was doing it in all the zones and so we're all connected. It sounds cheesy but it was actually super heartfelt and nice and feel-goody.

We visited Dora again this week. Can't say it enough but I love her. We're trying to help her understand that God's commandments apply to all of us, regardless of circumstances.

We also met with Abdul a couple times this week. A member named Alex came to one of the lessons and it was so so good. The spirit was so strong as we read Mosiah 18 with him and all 3 of us bore testimony that baptism really is his next step and that it's possible. I've seen such a big change in Abdul since we started meeting with him. His countenance is different and when he bears his testimony in lessons, his belief in Christ and repentance has strengthened. It's wonderful to see. I think when I came on my mission I expected change to be immediate. And even now I expect that sometimes. But with Abdul it's taken time, but it's so worth it. It's so good to see that anyone who exerts effort can change and become better and happier.

We also met with Ted a few times this week. Ted is hilarious. He was talking about my birthmark and so we were asking him how to say mole in Swedish and he kept on acting out the animal, mole, and telling us the word for the animal instead of for the skin deformity. It was super funny. And he came to church on Sunday! We've been reading the book of mormon with him. This week we read 1 Nephi 3 and 4. When Nephi and his brothers return to Jerusalem to get the brass plates from Laban. I was getting so into the story. Nephi is so obedient. I know that obedience to what God has asked us to do brings blessings and happiness. I also know that God doesn't ask us to do anything that we aren't capable of. When we rely on Him, we can do everything that is required of us.

I'm just really happy for the gospel in my life. For my belief in Jesus Christ and the happiness that it brings me every day. It's not always easy to read the scriptures, and say good prayers, and pay attention during church but I know that when we just buckle down, stop making excuses, and do it, blessing come. Happiness comes. You just feel good. Hela tiden. all the time. It's wonderful.

Ha en bra dag och vecka!

Kram,

Syster May