Missionary Week 73

Missionary Week 73 – February 3, 2020 ~ February 9, 2020

We are so amazed at the weather here in Sweden!  It’s February and there are rain showers, no snow.  The temperature is in the mid 30’s to mid 40’s.  We are not complaining – just amazed.  When we heard from our kids this week, the big news was about hitting 71mph winds -which is hurricane force. 

Stadsarkivet - City Archives, where we work

Monday – We had a great day at work.  I finished a new box in 3hr and 42 minutes.  These boxes are going a little faster.  We left at 4pm today, I noticed the Archive only had 1 patron, so I asked “Ole” to help.  I used the Roteman database on the archives database and find my grandmother living in Stockholm the year she was born – but it says she was “transferred to the annex.”  So, he looked at the records and told me he would look up a few more things for me, so I wrote down all her information and I’ll check back with later.  I have written out a timeline of her life and will be able to give that to him, the next time I see him. 

Got a Marco Polo from Jennifer showing us the 71 mph winds – lots of dust blowing, they had new baby chicks, so she had to go out in it to make sure they were all okay. 

Tuesday – It seems like we have a little more frost on the streets and grass.  We can see our breath – when we left home it was -2*C which is 28F.  We got a Marco Polo from Jaylen getting off of his night-shift.  We had a normal day at work, I finished 2 boxes today.  “Ole” wasn’t at the desk today so maybe tomorrow.

Wednesday – On our way to the train we noticed the little puddles of water are now ice.  It feels colder but it is bearable.  We all are getting through 2 boxes a day and are worried we will run out of boxes if they don’t deliver more!  I spoke to “Ole” today – he said I needed to look in the TAX records!  I tried and didn’t find them, so I’ll have to have him show me.

Elder Richardson took me to church tonight for the Relief Society meeting.  It was fun, we made Valentine cards and talked. In English mostly!  Sister Quist was there but Sister Salls was not feeling well so she stayed home.  I had started dinner, but it wasn’t ready when we left so we came home and had a late dinner. 

Thursday – On the train we sat with our “Friend” that is always on our train.  We get to the train stop where we change trains in 10 minutes.  Then we walk to the next train to catch another train to head for Rådhuset.  Then walk a couple of blocks to work.  

We heard from a Senior couple that are home now, but they reviewed our work in Germany.  He’s trying to put together a presentation of the Camera Capture Mission’s. He said everyone wants to know what they did on their mission so he decided he’ll put some pictures together and so he can show them.  He asked for some pictures from us. So, I’ve sent him what I could, and we asked for a copy when he’s done! 

Friday – It was -4 when we started out this morning.  Things outside are icy and frosty.  The sky was so pretty at the archive with the sun coming up and the blue, pink and purple clouds.  We had lunch at 11am because we will be leaving a little earlier today.  We sent off the shuttles to Germany.  

We have appointments with the Västerås and Örebro Missionaries to check their apartments tomorrow.  We got our laundry started a little early today – so we are good for another week.  We had dinner and then headed to the Mission Office to pick up items that we will take to the Jr. Missionaries that they have requested.  Anything from light bulbs, kitchen towels, bath rug etc. 

 

Saturday – We picked up the Sall’s at 8am.  We had a great day.  We went to Örebro first to the Sisters. They passed the inspection – got their bikes fixed and we were off to the Elders.  They also passed inspection.  

Then we went to Längbro Church and Cemetery so I could leave a couple of candles there for my Great-Great Grandmother and Grandfather.  She is buried there – but I don’t know exactly where so there is a pretty Wrought Iron tree to leave candles on.  We figured this is the last time we’d be in Örebro.

Then we went to Anundshög – the Viking burial ground so the Salls could see it.  We had a very tasty lunch and treats at the little café there and then walked around to see the sights.  It was cold, gloves and scarfs a must. 

Then we were a little early for the Sisters in Västerås.  They were doing fine and one of the girls was from Mesa.  We finished with the apartment check and headed for home and took the Salls home and went to get the car washed and fill up with gas.  We bought the car wash but there was too long of a line to wait for it.  We’ll go back later.

We came home and walked across the street to a new restaurant and it isn’t Pizza!  It is Jamaican!  We talked to Jon and he told us what to order. (Jerk Chicken and Rice & Beans) It was very good.  Elder Richardson asked for Bun and Cheese and the owner’s eyes got big and he said, “You Know?!”  then after he processed that he said, “we don’t but we will be getting it soon” and fist bumped John!  We will go back! 

 

Sunday – We went to Church today.  It was a great meeting.  In Relief Society we (Sister Salls, Quist and I) did not have anyone that was translating for us.  So, we read the lesson and one lady tried to help but she said, “I can’t hear anybody, so I’m not going to be any good for you.” But at least she tried!   We’ve had a great Sunday, hope you have too.

Have a great week, and Happy Valentine’s Day on Friday.  Hope you are all healthy and know that we think of you often and miss you!  Love hearing from you!  Love, John & Linda, Mom & Dad, Gramma & Grampa