Because our days are so busy, there hasn't been much time for cooking since we've come to Stockholm, and without that creative outlet, I could feel myself getting out of balance. John suggested we make breakfast for the elders on Thursday. (There are 4 elders who live above us, but on occasions, when elders from outside Stockholm come into town for meetings, there are can be several more young men upstairs.) This was the case Thursday morning when we served "Breakfast Casserole" and fruit to 12 hungry elders! The morning was beautiful, so we just put the spread on the table on large back porch and ate outside. It's a joy to cook for people who really appreciate it, and boy, these guys loved it!
That same day a gentleman came from Germany (our Church's Area headquarters) to install new computers. Exciting! That meant our computers were not available most of the day. Bad! One thing that I was awaiting was a decision from the church's legal department in Salt Lake City about a visa situation we are having. Friday morning I checked my email and sure enough word had come: The three missionaries whose parents are picking them up (on the 20th--this coming Thursday) had to renew their visas! Yikes! Appointments at migration usually have to be made at least a month in advance, documents of financial support and certifications to be in the country need to be presented. Although I had internet access, I did not have access to any of my files and the computer man was frantically working to get everyone else in the office set up. My anxiety level ramped up to RED, and I knew I needed a miracle, so I prayed for help. Then I went to work, calling the three missionaries who were affected by this directive. To my relief several miracles came: Miracle #1: All three missionaries were all going to a district meeting where they would either be in the town with the government office they needed (none of them lived in such a town) or they would have access to a car from the meeting to get to such an office. Miracle #2 They needed $1000 SEK to apply, so they had to pool resources from other missionaries to get the money--not easy on the small allowance they get. Miracle #3: Documentation certifying that Mission President "vouched" for them was needed. The Mission President had flown to Luleå (our furthest most branch) that morning and the church had a copier that could scan! I typed the documents, he signed it for each of them and we got them back to each (from one end of Sweden to the other) before they had to leave for their appointments. (The only reason they had access to computers was because they were at churches for their district meetings!--I guess that's another miracle, too!) Miracle #4: Two walked into the Migration office without an appointment and the third was able to get an appointment. (He also made a second appointment for another town on Monday, just in case he didn't have time to make the first appointment. This is important later.) Miracle #5: Although they all had to be in Stockholm that night for a special meeting, two of the 3 had time get everything processed and were allowed to email any missing information. Then there were a couple unexpected miracles, too. Miracle #6. When one of the Elders went to his appointment, he found out that once you leave the country you can't return for 90 days, unless you have a current visa. He knew of an elder in Umeå who was returning the week after he got home! Miracle #7 That extra appointment made for Monday was in Umeå! So, that elder is able to use it tomorrow! As it turned out, over the weekend, when the departing missionaries gathered for their meeting, it was discovered that 2 more missionaries are returning in less than 90 days! We've been able to get their materials together and they are going tomorrow! It's been crazy! Without an extended visa, they run the risk of being detained in any country and not being able to get back into Sweden! The church is very careful about being compliant to local laws, but this situation just recently came to our attention. Such is the roller-coaster learning curve I'm on! But more importantly, I am so grateful for the little miracles in life, the tender mercies, that remind me that Heavenly Father is aware of our needs, He answers prayers, and He cares about the details of our lives.
After that hectic day, our P-day was a welcome relief! After cleaning the apartment and the office, we headed northeast along the coast for an outing. Other than the ferry ride, nothing was very unique, but the trip was relaxing and beautiful, nonetheless.
I thought this was a unique flower with both purple and yellow.
Just another wildflower...no weeds here :)
Roslags Kulla Church--just another pretty church
On the ferry from Furusund to Yxlan. We also took a second one to the next island of Blidö. The ferry rides were less than 5 minutes and they were free. Ahead of us is a ferry from Finland, going to Stockholm. (It seems a little too close to me!)
The clogs looked like they may have had flowers growing in them at one time. The sign says "playing children." Perhaps this is a preschool or daycare.
Scene as we crossed on the ferry. All the water and boats made me miss the lake.
Motorcycles own the road...and the ferry. This guy just drove up to the front and was the first vehicle off! Whenever there is stopped traffic on the highway, motorcycles come flying up from behind, through the space between lanes or on the side of the road. It can be a little scary.
Melanie and Kim are at the lake. We faced-timed with them yesterday, and I have to admit it made me a little homesick. I wish I could be there with them, talk with them, cook for them, help them with the grandchildren, swim, kayak, play games, and sit by the fire...maybe next year. So, if you see them, give them hug for me, ok?
