Monday, November 30, 2015

A LOT OF RAIN THIS WEEK, THANKFUL FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE BRAINS, I KNOW MY SAVIOR LOVES ME, SWEDISH KIDS RIDE TO SCHOOL IN STYLE, AWESOME TO BE IN SWEDEN, A LITTLE RED HOUSE SET IN THE WOODS, I AM THANKFUL THAT I HAVE A WONDERFUL FAMILY AT HOME, BLUE OPEL CORSA, ELDER AND SISTER HAWLEY

A LOT OF RAIN THIS WEEK
The rain has been coming down, and the floods are going up. You can see the differences in the water levels from the picture I took last week. It's been a lot of rain this week.

THANKFUL FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE BRAINS
On our way through the middle of nowhere, we came to this towel factory. The member we were with wanted to show us it. Apparently it has been producing cloth for longer than America has been a country. As I looked at the machine and the complexity of it, I realized I am thankful there are people who have brains that are mechanically minded to make life easier. Because if it had been up to me, we probably would just wear the largest leaves we could find.
I KNOW MY SAVIOR LOVES ME
On Sunday, we had one of my favorite meetings of the year -- the primary program. I found myself humming along to the songs that I learned in my childhood. It was fun to hear the way the text had been translated over to Swedish. The songs may have been slightly modified, but the message was the same. The theme of the program was, "I Know My Savior Loves Me." I thought it was wonderful and a great introduction to the Christmas season. The theme contains all the simplicity of the Gospel, and contains the strength and power we can find therein. I know that my Savior loves me, because I have felt it in my heart. 

SWEDISH KIDS RIDE TO SCHOOL IN STYLE
Swedish kids ride to school in style. They might not be able to drive at as young of an age as we do. But a segway will do just fine. 
AWESOME TO BE IN SWEDEN
Wednesday, we had the opportunity to visit some of the members who live out in the countryside. We were blessed to have one of the other members in the ward follow along with us and describe the history of the area as we drove. The countryside was breathtaking, but simple. As we drove along, I couldn't take my eyes off the beautiful fields of green. I wanted to explore the forests of pine where the thickness of the boughs blocked the light of day. We covered a lot of ground, and I just kept thinking how awesome it was to be in Sweden. Each area is unique, and who knows when we'll ever see it again? It's a wonderful opportunity to be here in Sweden.

A LITTLE RED HOUSE SET IN THE WOODS
This is more what I had in mind when I thought of Sweden. A little red house set in the woods.
I AM THANKFUL THAT I HAVE A WONDERFUL FAMILY AT HOME
It was nice to spend Thanksgiving with some of the other missionaries in our zone. The senior couple in our area was nice enough to prepare Thanksgiving for us. We all brought ingredients, and they went to work. As we had our district meeting, the familiar smells of Thanksgiving began filling the room. It made me grateful for all those great memories I have from home. But I have also had time to realize how grateful I am for this time I have been here in Sweden. There are so many people that I would have never crossed paths with, but now I have those connections. I am thankful that I have a wonderful family at home. Parents who have given me great opportunity. Siblings who are some of my best friends. A life of joy and sorrow. I am thankful that I have a Father in Heaven, and I am thankful for His love I have felt. 

BLUE OPEL CORSA
This what we found the other day when we went out to our car. We drive the blue Opel Corsa. 
ELDER AND SISTER HAWLEY
Thanksgiving lunch with the other district in our area. It wouldn't have been possible without Elder and Sister Hawley. And we were all very grateful for their help so we could have a wonderful time together.






No comments:

Post a Comment