ON THE BACK BURNER---TWO YEARS OF THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY---OVER AND OUT

OVER AND OUT

Well nearly 8 months later, I am writing to finish the last week of my time as a missionary. My mom has been pushing me to do it for some time now, but I never got around to it. In the rush of everything: coming home, registering for classes, finding housing, and looking for work, I put this on the back burner. My wonderful mother reminded me again that I never wrote my last entry, so here I am. 

TWO YEARS OF THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY

One of the benefits to waiting this long, is being able to have some time to reflect on the last two years. Different experiences and people pop into my head all the time as I go throughout the day. Even the snow and cold here at college brings back those wonderful memories of the bitter cold. As I have gone back and looked through pictures, read some of my entries, and reflected on it all, I can't believe it is over. It feels like it was an entire life of experience crammed into two years. Two years of the good, the bad, and the ugly. Two of the best years I've experienced, and two years of meeting some wonderful, lifelong friends. I am grateful for the time I had, and I think it's awesome that my two younger brothers are going through a similar experience.

OVER AND OUT

Demetri Sweat, over and out

This was just across the tracks from the train station. I had my bags with me, and I remember being in awe at the stillness of the water. Inside, it was a much more turbulent sea. 

What more can be said?

My last day was spent planting flowers at the temple. It was made even better having two of my previous companions there.

I figured this was nothing a little duct tape can't fix... but I had no duct tape.

Elder Muirhead dropping me off at the train station, and me trying to look tough and pretend like it's no big deal.

*Note from the editor. I stumbled upon this photo in an unread message from an angel mother from Utah who was traveling to Denmark and was taking a train to Sweden and ran into Aldste Sweat.  06/21/2015

A FACE TO A NAME, HE ACCEPTED, RECOGNIZE THE GOOD, PROGRESSING FORWARD

A FACE TO A NAME

It's been interesting the way this last week has come together. We were walking along talking to people on the street, and we noticed someone who seemed to be waiting for us. When we got to him, he introduced himself as a member in our ward. I hadn't met him, so I was going through people in my mind and asked his last name. I found out he was the husband to someone we had been trying to get in contact with for the past three transfers. We had a great conversation and I walked away amazed that after all this time, I now had a face to a name. 

Handen

HE ACCEPTED

As we were out and about, I noticed one of my good friends, Dmitry. I've been able to talk with him a few times and he always asks us how the work is going. He's fairly committed to his own church so he's quick to let us know he's not converting, but he has a lot of questions. As we spoke, we had the opportunity of giving him a Book of Mormon and challenged him to read. He accepted. 

The Mall of Scandinavia, it has been finished in the past few months and is now the biggest mall in Scandinavia. It's pretty impressive inside.

RECOGNIZE THE GOOD

Last week I mentioned that Fredrik watched all four sessions of General Conference, but when we visited him, we found out he finished the fifth as well. It starts at 10 PM here, but he stayed up to watch it. We talked a lot about conference and why he liked it. He didn't really have a specific reason to why he kept coming back, other than he thinks it's something good. We talked about the influence of the Holy Ghost and how that influences us to do those things which will help us. He talked about other times where he has experienced that, and it was awesome  to see that he is able to recognize the good. 

Elder Muirhead, Alex, and me

PROGRESSING FORWARD

On Saturday, Alex, Jodie's husband was baptized. I think Jodie was the most excited of us all. The baptism went smoothly, and I smile to think that both Alex and Jodie have now taken this step. It is a step that will continue to help them throughout their lives, and they recognize that. Alex bore his testimony after his baptism and spoke of the blessings in his life that led to this point. I was happy to have a chance to take part in this decision in his life, and I am excited for their family to continue progressing forward.

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR, CONFLICTED WEATHER, I DIDN'T SEE IT COMING, GENERAL CONFERENCE GOODIES, HE CAME BACK AGAIN AND AGAIN

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

Last week I posted Aldste Sweat's 52nd blog entry.  He didn't start blogging until exactly 1 year into his 2 years of missionary service.  I have thoroughly enjoyed posting his letters and photos this past year.  It is with a joyful heart that we are about to welcome our son home from Sweden on Thursday, April 14, 2016.  He will be participating in our Sunday Services on Sunday, April 17, 2016.  All are warmly invited to join us at 1:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3865 Middlefield Road in Palo Alto, CA  94306 to listen to him speak and celebrate his return!  We hope to see you there!

Becca Sweat  

CONFLICTED WEATHER

The view from our window in the apartment. The weather was conflicted that day.

I DIDN'T SEE IT COMING
This Friday, I had the chance to go on splits with Elder Bradshaw. It was quite momentous, because nearly 18 months ago, I took him on his first splits. And now, he has taken me on my last. We were in Jordbro and had a good day. Doors were knocked, people were stopped, and we did a lot. I think the best was when we stopped a lady and started by saying we were missionaries from our church, and she smiled and pulled out some pamphlets saying she was also a missionary. I didn't see it coming. But we had a nice discussion and went our separate ways. 

GENERAL CONFERENCE GOODIES

Some conference goodies

HE CAME BACK AGAIN AND AGAIN

We had a nice surprise with General Conference as well (which was great if you haven't seen it yet). Fredrik is someone we have been working with, but he has not had too much of a desire to come to church. He told us he would come to the Saturday Morning session, which started Saturday night for us. After the meeting, we invited him to the following morning. He was a little uncertain, but said he would try. 11 AM, he was there again. He liked it, and we invited him to the next one. Again, he said maybe. 2 PM he was back. Then again at 6 PM. There was something that kept bringing him back. He loved being at conference, and I think it's because he felt the worth of the words which were spoken. It was cool seeing him come back again and again, and it also helped me remember how cool it is that we have modern-day revelation. Prophets and apostles warning us and giving us counsel. 

STOCKHOLM * CHRIST---THE FRIEND OF FRIENDS * PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION * IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCCEED, THEN TRY, TRY AGAIN * MY LAST CHANCE TO GRAB A PIECE OF HEAVEN * ELDER ROWLEY, THE PIANO AND THE VIOLIN

STOCKHOLM

A beautiful P-day in Stockholm

CHRIST---THE FRIEND OF FRIENDS

This week we had Zone Conference. It was my last one, and it was a great conference. The entire focus of the conference was on Christ. Who He is for us, and how we can gain a personal relationship with Him. It gave me a great opportunity to reflect on how I see Him and how He sees me. Christ is the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and the Friend of Friends. One who has the majesty of these titles is also the one that will stand by us no matter what. 

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Public transportation in Stockholm is taking a step up.
It's only a temporary setup, so we won't get this treatment for long.

IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCCEED, THEN TRY, TRY AGAIN

This week I also had the opportunity to go on splits with Elder Banks in Västerhaninge. We were down in Nynäshamn walking along a road, when I saw a guy coming down the other side of the street. This was a side road with no sidewalks and not much traffic, but it was still an awkward distance between us. I closed the gap and started to talk to him. He told me that he got stopped by us (I was in Handen) yesterday. I remember thinking that was too bad, but then he continued. He said yesterday he had no time to stop, but then it led into a great discussion on Easter. We gave him The Book of Mormon and talked about it's purpose, and he turned out to be very positive towards it all. If at first you don't succeed, then try, try again. 

MY LAST CHANCE TO GRAB A PIECE OF HEAVEN

                              I am holding in my hand, a cheese bread.

                       It doesn't look like much, but it brings joy to my soul. 

                  It's only sold in Lidl, so when I was on splits in Västerhaninge, 

                        I took my last chance to grab a piece of heaven. 

ELDER ROWLEY, THE PIANO  AND THE VIOLIN

The highlight of the week was Saturday. Elder Rowley is in the area just north of us, and a member asked if he would play at a retirement home. I got to come along, and he played piano and I played the violin. Some of the residents were very lively, and one even got up to do a jig. They asked us where we were from, and we got to talk a little about what we do here. Several family members were visiting their relatives in the home, and everyone seemed to enjoy it. But I think we enjoyed it the most. 

FIND NEW LIFE IN JESUS CHRIST, MY FAITH IN CHRIST BRINGS GREAT JOY AND PEACE, THE OUTDOOR PING-PONG TABLE

FIND NEW LIFE IN JESUS CHRIST




MY FAITH IN CHRIST BRINGS GREAT JOY AND PEACE
This week has brought the much anticipated release of the newest Easter video from the church. It is more simple than the other videos they have done, but it has a powerful message. Different prophets from the Bible and the Book of Mormon are quoted, personal testimonies are given, and Handel's Messiah is the closing statement. The challenge is simple: find new life in Jesus Christ. This is something I've considered a lot for myself. I have grown up with the teachings of Christ. But I think one of the big differences between having the knowledge and finding new life is in application. I find that I continue to discover new strength and possibility from my faith in Christ. And I find joy in knowing that I am not alone in this faith. Because it brings great joy and peace, and that is something that everyone needs.

*Note from the editor. Here is the link for the new video.
https://www.mormon.org/easter#share

THE OUTDOOR PING-PONG TABLE

This is part of the playground to an elementary school.
The outdoor ping pong table is usually untouched.

ENJOYING OUR SUNDAY, THE GOSPEL---IT BRINGS ME JOY IN WAYS THAT NOTHING ELSE CAN, THE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE, THAT'S WHY WE NEED TO SPEAK UP

ENJOYING OUR SUNDAY

                                                  Church on Sunday.

             Elder Banks and Elder Smith who are serving in Västerhaninge. 

                Then one of the members (Alex), myself, and Elder Muirhead. 

                                                Enjoying our Sunday. 

 THE GOSPEL---IT BRINGS ME JOY IN WAYS THAT NOTHING ELSE CAN

Last Monday, we were teaching Jodie, Alex, and Camila. It was a wonderful lesson. We began talking about the blessings that baptism and the gospel has brought to Jodie and the others. They started listing off all the different things that have changed for the better. Alex talked about how his children have begun praying for him, because he has pain in his knees that makes it hard for him at work. Camila talked about how she has been improving in school. Jodie talked about how her whole outlook on life has changed, and she has become so much more positive. I was beaming the whole time. Everything they talked about, all the positivity, has come because of the changes the gospel can make in peoples' lives. And I have taken the time to reflect for myself. How is the gospel working for me? It brings joy in ways that nothing else can.

THE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE

                                         We have been having a lot of fog this past week, 

                                     and it seems to envelope us with a chill that bites to the bones.

                                       However, it also gives us a little variety in the weather.

                                It also makes it harder for the people to make out who we are.

               So next thing they know, the two shadows moving towards them start talking about God. 

                       To be honest, I don't think we need the fog to have the element of surprise. 

                    People don't seem to notice us until we open our mouths, and that's what we do.

THAT'S WHY WE NEED TO SPEAK UP

An inspirational sign that we saw last P-day.
That's why we need to speak up.
Because otherwise the world won't be changed.

THE HIGHLIGHT OF OUR WEEK, WE GOT TO GO TO THE TEMPLE, IMPRESSED WITH MOM, WALK TO THE BUS, A GAGGLE OF MISSIONARIES, DELAYED BECAUSE OF DELAYS, THE FORGOTTEN DOLL

THE HIGHLIGHT OF OUR WEEK

This was the highlight of our week. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see it. :) 

WE GOT TO GO TO THE TEMPLE
Elder Richardson came in from Gubbängen, and we got to go to the temple with Jodie, Elizabeth, and her son, Victor. It's cool to see the progress people make. 

IMPRESSED WITH MOM
After we went to the temple, we made lunch for them in the church. We had three other people join us, so we were making food for 9. By the time we had lunch ready, I was beat. I've got to say, I'm impressed with Mom. All those meals. Countless breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for thankless children. I take this time to salute you. When Jodie and Elizabeth came into the kitchen and saw the mess we made, they began to laugh. Apparently we had pulled out every dish possible to make our food. I think they appreciated the effort. 

WALK TO THE BUS

The walk from our apartment to the bus stop. 

A GAGGLE OF MISSIONARIES

A gaggle of missionaries.

DELAYED BECAUSE OF DELAYS

Our bus was delayed because of delays...very informational.

THE FORGOTTEN DOLL

It's like in every sad scene from a movie.
 The forgotten doll on the side of the road.

MY LAST TRANSFER, CANADIAN WAY TO SING "HAPPY BIRTHDAY," A VOID IN THEIR LIVES,THIS IS ALL I'VE GOT

MY LAST TRANSFER
We received transfer information last Saturday, and I was relieved to find out that I will be staying in Handen for my last transfer. Elder Muirhead and I are staying together, wreaking havoc on the city. In a good way of course. 

CANADIAN WAY TO SING "HAPPY BIRTHDAY"

Celebrating Mama B's birthday. She's a Canadian, so Elder Muirhead taught us the Canadian way to sing Happy Birthday. It goes like this, "Happy birthday eh, Happy birthday eh. Happy birthday eh, happy birthday eh..." and on. and on. and on. It's quite a catchy tune, though.

A VOID IN THEIR LIVES

When I think back on the week, one experience sticks out the most to me. Over the past three months, I have reviewed the ward list over and over again. As I've done it, there has been one name that stuck out to me. Earlier in the week, we received a call from the bishop who asked us to visit that family. I felt really good about it, because this was a confirmation for me that this was a family we should visit. When we arrived at their home, we had a great discussion with them. We found out that there was a void in their lives, and this was the time that they wanted to make a change with that. It was cool to see the way the timing worked out with everything.

THIS IS ALL I'VE GOT

Innebandy last Monday with some missionaries from the zone. I wish that there were more action shots of me making some buzzer-beater shots, but this is all I've got.

WHAT I DO EACH DAY, "IS THE GOSPEL WORKING FOR YOU?" UNITED IN OUR DESIRE, OUR BOAT, CASTLE WALLS,

WHAT I DO EACH DAY

It's often hard to decide what I should highlight from the week. For me, I feel like the days are very similar. There are new developments and new people, but it is simply what I do each day. Then I hear families talk about how their son or daughter never tells them about what it's like to be a missionary wherever they serve, and I try my best to bring out what I felt was interesting with the week. Overall the week was normal. We walked the streets of Handen, taught some people, and tried to help as many people as we could.  

"IS THE GOSPEL WORKING FOR YOU?"

On Friday, we had a Specialized Zone training. This is a time where we receive extra instruction from President and Sister Beckstrand, and the assistants as  to how we can improve our work. Our training was focused towards what it means to be converted. It's a word I hadn't considered all that much. But it carries a lot of meaning. One can be converted to the church, a missionary, or a principal, but our goal is to be converted to the Lord.  They talked about the importance of each member in the work we do. It's interesting really. I have almost always seen missionaries and members as separate in their work, conduct, and everything really. However, we (missionaries) are meant to go in to strengthen a ward and build it up. The base is the ward, and we as missionaries, are a type of catalyst. It's the work of God, the work that we strive to accomplish as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And we do it because we believe it will help people. A question I like to ask myself is one I heard in General Conference. "Is the Gospel working for you?" I think it's an important question, because when it is, why wouldn't we share it? And if it doesn't work for us, is there a reason? It's not always easy to answer the question, but it's quite simple.

UNITED IN OUR DESIRE

After the Zone training, we headed to the ferry to travel to Gotland. We had the opportunity to work with some other missionaries in the district. The island is historic and beautiful, but it was a crazy weekend. Most of what we saw was through the car window, as we went to our different appointments. Most of my time was spent inside the 5th floor where the branch meets on Sundays, and we got the opportunity to speak for them as well. The branch is made up of 12 active members, but there is a lot of growth going on right now. People from Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Africa, Sweden, and the USA, made up the congregation on Sunday.  There were more people, who were not members vs. members of the church in the meeting.  It's interesting to see this kind of growth. A small group of people trying to improve their relationship with God and follow the example of Jesus Christ. Each of us there with different seeds of faith, but we were united in our desire. It was a new experience for me. 

OUR BOAT

CASTLE WALLS

Downtown Visby (on Gotland) is surrounded by castle walls.

ABBA, A SMILE AND A HELLO, I WANT ONE, INDIFFERENT TO MY ADORATION, FLASHY CAR, SECOND STORY WINDOW

ABBA

The museum for ABBA.

A SMILE AND A HELLO
As I sit here and think about the week, I realized something. The week blew by, but I feel like it took my memories with it. This week, almost everything we had planned fell through. People got sick, other plans came up, work got in the way. Whatever the case, the week turned out different than planned. But it was good. We spent a lot of the week out on the streets talking to people. The funny thing is that I'm getting to the point where I recognize people and they recognize me. Just last night we were walking home and someone yelled out to us, and said, "Hello." It threw me off, because I think that's just about the first Swede to ever do it. But it's getting fun to see the same people, and they still may not be interested. But they do greet us with a smile and say hello, and that's a good first step in my eyes.

I WANT ONE

           I don't know if you call it an ABBA-kopter or what, but I want one.

INDIFFERENT TO MY ADORATION

They seemed indifferent to my adoration.
I guess when you become successful rock stars,
 the cheer of one fan gets drowned out by the masses.

FLASHY CAR

Just a flashy car.

SECOND STORY WINDOW

Check out the mirror on the second story window closest the right. Haha, that way when someone calls at the door, they can also see who it is. I guess we're not going to be able to pretend we're the pizza guys.

WE LOOK NEAT AND WELL KEPT, WE DIDN'T SAY NO, I AM CONVINCED GOD IS THERE,THE ENTIRE FLOCK EXPLODED AND TURNED TAIL, PRAYER---A SIMPLE, YET BEAUTIFUL PRIVILEGE, SPLITS WITH ELDER COX

WE LOOK NEAT AND WELL KEPT
This last Tuesday, Elder Muirhead and I were walking along the streets talking to people, when we ran into a gymnasiet student (high schooler). We were surprised when he asked US if we could meet. He needed to interview a representative from the Church of Jesus Christ, and we happened to talk to him that day. The interest level didn't go much further than his grade, but him and his friends brought up some interesting questions. One of my favorite things that they highlighted was the fact that we look neat. Just in general, as a church, we look neat and well kept. I think it's a wonderful compliment to each of the members. We explained, of course, that it is because we believe that we should respect our bodies and dressing in a modest way is part of that.


WE DIDN'T SAY NO

This Tuesday, we will be officially celebrating what is called Fat Tuesday.
 It is accompanied with these delicious rolls shown above. They are called semlor.
Inside is an almond paste topped with some homemade whipped cream.
It wasn't quite Fat Tuesday when we were presented with these delicacies, but we didn't say no. 

I AM CONVINCED GOD IS THERE

On Wednesday, we met with a guy named Fredrick for our first time. As soon as I stepped into his apartment, I almost died. It was like stepping into a small recording studio. I took a minute to admire his equipment, and he played us a few things. Then we moved on to a lesson and discussion on faith. He described the way he found God in a simple way. He did not always have the belief, but there came a time in his life where he had no one else to turn to. The interesting thing was that he when he described his experience, he explained that because of it, he is convinced that there is a God. We then talked about how we can have these experiences over and over again. It's not meant to be just a one time experience, and he agreed. When we left, I felt uplifted as I realized the experiences I have had in my life. And I can say, I am convinced God is there. It's definitely a comfort for me.

THE ENTIRE FLOCK EXPLODED AND TURNED TAIL

This is a screenshot from a short video we had taken.
 We came across a flock of ducks, and Elder Cox lifted up The Book of Mormon.
In that moment, the entire flock exploded in front of him and turned tail.
We are still not quite sure what that means.

PRAYER---A SIMPLE, YET BEAUTIFUL PRIVILEGE

On Saturday, we had our appointment with Martina, the lady who asked us to come back next week. Her friend, Kristina was there, and we had a wonderful discussion together. She described herself as the typical Swede. Not really a belief in God -- goes to church for marriages, funerals, etc. But to end our meeting, she offered a prayer. Her first prayer. One part stuck out to me, as she said I'm praying for my first time, and maybe I should have done this a long time ago. But it's never too later to start. Prayer is something that is meant to help us. A comfort that our Father is there for us. And it's something that is for everyone. Sometimes a prayer is sent from a pleading heart in a dark time, and other times a prayer is a song of joy as we thank God for the life we have. But a prayer is a time to speak with our Father who loves us. What a simple, yet beautiful privilege. 

 

SPLITS WITH ELDER COX 

A little playground that Elder Cox and I came across when we were on splits this last Wednesday.
 1 Nephi 13:10-13

FEBRUARY 1, 2016, RANDOM ART, FAMILIES CAN BE TOGETHER FOREVER, Västerhaninge Chapel, MESSAGE OF JOY, PERFECT EMBODIMENT OF SPRING, AS LONG AS THE STREAM CONTINUES TO FLOW...

 FEBRUARY 1, 2016

RANDOM ART

You can always count on Sweden to have random art wherever you go. I don't know that the significance of this sculpture is or why it is here, but at the very least, it breaks up the succession of apartment buildings.

FAMILIES CAN BE TOGETHER FOREVER
This week, we taught Jodie and her family. It was fun to see them all there, as a family. As we discussed how we received The Book of Mormon, I remember thinking how awesome it was that we were all talking about this together. The family is central to everything we do. The intent of the teachings of Christ is to lift each person. However, it is in a family that we can obtain the greatest joy and receive support that can always be there with you. I don't know what this family's future is, but as I meet with them, I hope more and more that they can share in the joy of knowing that families can be together forever. Each member of the family has been taking their own steps forward, and it is a delight to see the progress.

Västerhaninge Chapel

Västerhaninge Chapel. We actually meet in three different buildings, because there is not enough capacity in the building for the three wards that meet on Sundays.

MESSAGE OF JOY

One of the members we visited gave us the name to one of their friends they thought could benefit from the message we have. It's hard to talk about religion in Sweden, and it is almost taboo. So I think that the family was holding their breath as they waited to hear back from us. When we visited their friend, it was a smile that greeted us at the door. When we explained that this family thought we had something that could help her, she agreed to visit. Not that day, as we had come at a bad time, but we will be visiting them later on this week. When we let the other family know how it went, they got super excited. They are excited to share this message of joy, and we are too.

PERFECT EMBODIMENT OF SPRING

With the blue skies we have been having, and the birds singing in the air, I feel like this picture is the perfect embodiment of Spring. Of course, I realize Spring isn't here quite yet, but sometimes it sure feels like it.

 AS LONG AS THE STREAM CONTINUES TO FLOW...

With this week, we received an unexpected warm front. All the snow melted away, and at times I almost felt like the winter could be over. Unfortunately, it's unheard of for the winter to be finished in January, so I look forward to the month of February with great anticipation. However, when I woke up this morning, I found new snow covering the city. So perhaps my hopes are in vain. But as long as the stream continues to flow, I think it will be a manageable chill. 

Hej då (BYE), ELDER MUIRHEAD, NEITHER OF US ARE FROM UTAH OR LUCKY NUMBER 13, 4-DIGIT CODE, WE WOULDN'T WANT THE COPS CALLED ON US---WOULD WE? IT GREW FEATHERS, IT'S COLD,THE NEW CHAPEL

 Hej då (BYE)

Saying hej då to Elder Richardson

ELDER MUIRHEAD

My new companion, Elder Muirhead.

NEITHER OF US ARE FROM UTAH OR LUCKY NUMBER 13
He hails from Calgary, Canada. The tallest of my companions, and the first to not come from the US of A. It really gives people a shock when neither of us are from Utah, and one is even not from the US. It gives us credibility. At least for some people. I thought Canada and the US were almost synonymous, but I've found several differences in culture and language as we speak. He just got here from Uppsala and is excited to be in a ward as big as Handen's. He's lucky number 13 of my companions, but that shouldn't be a problem, eh?


4 DIGIT CODE

You need a 4-digit code to get into the building.

WE WOULDN'T WANT THE COPS CALLED ON US, WOULD WE?  
Almost every apartment door in Handen has a port code. Which means you need a 4-digit code to get into the building. We had someone we were trying to reach who lived in this building. My companion suggested that we guess the code. I wasn't too sure, but when I saw this paper, I decided it was probably better we didn't. Apparently other people have tried breaking in, and we wouldn't want the cops called on us, would we?


IT GREW FEATHERS

IT'S COLD
I like to think that even the snow is getting cold, so it grew feathers to try and gain some warmth. Either that or the humidity in the area has condensed and frozen on the blankets of snow. Personally I think there's only one explanation. It's cold. 


THE NEW CHAPEL

The new chapel being built here in Handen.