SELFIE, DINNER IS SERVED, I GOT IT ALL DOWN, TRANSFERS OR MALMO HAS BEEN GOOD TO ME, Malmö, FALL, 154 MILES TO KUNGSBACKA

SELFIE

Selfie with Jesus and the Sjödin family. 

DINNER IS SERVED

Dinner is served!

I GOT IT ALL DOWN

This describes what you see above. When I explained to Brandon that missionaries just eat whatever is placed in front of us, he decided to test us and make the culinary delicacy you see in the other picture. He didn't eat any of it, but I got it all down.

TRANSFERS OR MALMO HAS BEEN GOOD TO ME

Transfers are here once again, and I must say, I did not see this one coming. I am heading up north to Kungsbacka. I wasn't writing my blog when I first came out, so this may not mean much to you. But this was my second area. So almost exactly a year later, I am returning. I am excited for what the future holds there. However, moving means that I no longer get to be in Malmö, which is definitely a bummer. After six months in this ward, it feels like I am leaving home all over again. I have met so many wonderful people, and I have many close friends here. If one were to read my experiences over the past six months, it is most certainly a gilded image. As a missionary, our lives are full. Packed with memories of the good, the bad, and the ugly. But these experiences are the ones that I look back on now with fondness. You may not have a full picture of the journey I am experiencing, but this is a wonderful time in my life. Malmö has been good to me, and I will always treasure my service here.

Malmö

Last glimpses of Malmö.

FALL

Fall is officially here.

The driving distance from Malmo, Sweden to Kungsbacka, Sweden is:

154 miles / 248 km

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CHEF SWEAT, IT'S IRONIC, SMILED HIS LIFE AWAY, GIANT, MEMBERS WHO SACRIFICED THEIR TIME, Staffanstorp, MOVING MASS OF SQUIRMING CHILDREN, THE DARKNESS RETURNS

CHEF SWEAT

Some people know me as Demetri. Others know me as Äldste Sweat. In the kitchen, it's Chef Sweat.

IT'S IRONIC

I don't know how to explain this picture, other than that I think it's ironic.

SMILED HIS LIFE AWAY

On Wednesday, we went to Staffanstorp to visit an elderly member named Peter. We wanted to see how things were going for him, and ask if there was something we could do to help out. It was refreshing to meet him. I had never met him before, so I did not know what to to expect. But as we walked into the restaurant I was met by a face that is best described as being smiley. His whole demeanor was one of a person who has smiled his life away. He talked about his experience of coming to church, showed us pictures of previous missionaries he'd met, and gave us an opportunity to catch a glimpse of his past that made him who he is today. His conviction of the gospel was invigorating, and I am grateful for people like him.

GIANT

I had mentioned in an earlier entry that everything is smaller in Sweden. But I got a kick out of this. Giant bikes seem to be quite small. But that's just Swedish. :)

MEMBERS WHO SACRIFICED THEIR TIME
On Friday, we usually do what is called weekly planning. It's pretty self explanatory, but we call a lot of people. Most of the time it takes between 3 and 4 hours to complete it. We began the journey, and about 30 minutes in, we called a few people. The first person we called said they had time that day to meet; it would cut into our planning time, so we decided to try and find a different time. The next person we called said to come on over that day as well. We decided if it happened twice, we should just take it. So we set up appointments for an hour later, and we began scrambling to figure out the logistics. Elder Rowley went to one appointment, and I headed to the other. As missionaries we can't just split up whenever we want, so we had to organize some splits. Long story short, we found ourselves sitting down at lessons with members who sacrificed their time to come with us. And it went awesome! I was impressed with their willingness to serve, and on such short notice. When I look back on the experience and think of the craziness of it all, I realize my writing does not do it justice. But it was fun to see those ward members come together with us.

Staffanstorp

This is a little town outside of Malmö called Staffanstorp. Elder Rowley and I were confused, because it was so peaceful. I hadn't realized how used I'd become to all the noises of the city until we went to Staffanstorp. It was almost an uncomfortable silence. But we returned back to Malmö later that day, and I was back in my element.

MOVING MASS OF SQUIRMING CHILDREN

One more short experience. We got to help teach the primary kids who are between 6 and 8 years-old. I've talked a little about another experience teaching them. But this time was a riot. I am amazed at the amount of knowledge these kids know. They were tossing out answers to questions that I felt like I didn't know until I had gone to seminary. The whole class was a moving mass of squirming children, but their minds were just as focused as mine (take that as you will). It was a delight to have that chance to be with them again. 

THE DARKNESS RETURNS

The Darkness Returns

DR. SEUSS SOCCER FIELD, ELDER ROWLEY AND I, WARRIORS, EACH OF US HAS GREAT POTENTIAL, I ONLY BELIEVE IN SCIENCE

DR. SEUSS SOCCER FIELD

The Dr. Seuss soccer field. We played as a district last Monday, and it was quite the experience.

ELDER ROWLEY AND I

Elder Rowley and I couldn't decide which of the dogs best represented us.

WARRIORS

While I can't say that the mission was meant to be fun, there are definitely those moments. We were asked by the ward to accompany the youth on a mission of adrenaline and stealth. We are not by any means the warriors Teancum or Moroni were, but we did give it our best in the war of paint-balling. 

EACH OF US HAS GREAT POTENTIAL
This Thursday, I went on an exchange in Lund, leaving Elder Rowley behind to take care of the area for his first time. And he did magnificently. I was with Elder Higgins in Lund. My first time meeting Elder Higgins was his first morning in Sweden, nearly 8 months ago. At that time he was tired, worried about Swedish, but pressing forward. This last Thursday, I found myself with a seasoned veteran. Something that only time and experience can create, and it's amazing to think of all the experiences that has gone into shaping each of us. I feel like I don't see it as easily in myself, but seeing that change in Elder Higgins was awesome. I found myself sitting by him as we taught lessons in Swedish, no longer with words uncomfortably stumbling out. Being a missionary is a time of growth, and it shapes us in a way that will help us reach a greater potential. Each of us have great potential.

 I ONLY BELIEVE IN SCIENCE

"I only believe in science." What was once a humorous statement from the movie Nacho Libre, has seemingly become the statement heralded by people all over Sweden. There are so many that are convinced by that which science offers. And I must say, I believe in science as well. However, I used to think that it was widely understood that science is imperfect and incomplete. We read about theories and hypothesis. Each of these are written with room for exception. If we took a look at the science we have today and compared it to what we had 200 years ago, it would be amazing to see the growth. So often, people seem to be focused on the narrow scope that scientific discoveries offer, when in reality, their picture is obscured by doubt and human limitations. As we speak to people each day, we do it with the intent to show them a way they can find their own knowledge. It must sound funny, hearing a 21 year-old kid trying to offer advice on life. Not only here on Earth, but in the life to come. But that's what we have. We have a way to expand our understanding and receive more light. People reject us, because they do not understand what they could have. 

THIS IS WHAT WE FOUND, THE WEDDING PLANNER, WARMTH AND HAPPINESS, NO ELEVATOR, OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE, LOOKING FOR ANSWERS, FOG

THIS IS WHAT WE FOUND

On the outside, this looks like any normal hedge. But then we saw an opening, and this is what we found.

THE WEDDING PLANNER

 This was a great week. One of the highlights was the marriage of Su and Jing. Unfortunately, I also don't have any pictures of it. I was stressing out the whole time making sure it went well. It's tough to be the wedding planner and I have gained great respect for them. But we had a nice ceremony in the chapel where our bishop united them until the separation of death. 

After the ceremony, as we were eating cake, I asked Su if he felt different. He responded with, "Yes, I'm married now." (I should add that they had been together for several years.) 

So then I asked a follow up question, "Well, is it good?"  He smiled big and said, "Of course." 

We have talked with Su a lot about the purpose of life, who God is, and why prayer is important. But at this point, these are not major roles of his life. However, marriage is still a priority in his life. And that's what the Gospel is meant for. It is meant to strengthen and build strong families. We have talked about eternal marriage and what that means. And it is amazing when one considers the importance of such a statement or a claim. But it is backed up with evidence. We cannot slap down the evidence of such a union; rather, it is a truth that each person can receive for themselves. It's a personal witness. And once we have the witness we can move forward with great hope. The commandments and everything we have to guide us will improve us. And we have it all, because God loves us. 

WARMTH AND HAPPINESS

These ducks are probably just taking a break from the flight coming down from Boden. They'll soon be on their way to warmth and happiness.

NO ELEVATOR

No elevator...

OPPORTUNITES TO SERVE

To go in a little more detail with the tall building, I should explain that missionaries love opportunities to serve. When we are serving our men, we are practicing true religion. On Saturday, we had planned to help a family move. When we showed up, I instantly noticed the grandeur of the building. Then as I looked on the board to see which floor we were heading too, I just had to chuckle. It seems that it's always the top floor. Even better, there was no elevator. So five flights of stairs later, we reached the door and were welcomed in. Needless to say, I could feel it in my legs the next morning.

LOOKING FOR ANSWERS

Then there was General Conference. We have a slightly different schedule of watching the sessions here in Sweden. But the words are still the same. I had prepared several questions that I was looking for answers to, and it was awesome to see the talks addressing my questions and concerns. With one speaker left, I had one more question I wanted answered. And then, there it was. Every single question was hit. The conference was wonderful, and I enjoyed hearing the inspired words of our leaders. Three new apostles have been called, and with each of them I can see the wonderful potential they each have in this service. I am grateful that we have a prophet and apostles, just like in the days of Christ. And I am grateful that we have a Father who loves us and gives us guidance. The modern day scripture of conference is a treasure that we can continue to study in the months to come. It's real-time scripture. :)

FOG

This isn't typical either. It's the first time I've seen the fog since the spring. But the gray skies visit us frequently.