Hi Everyone,
We are glad you all (in NY and the eastern seaboard) survived that monumental storm! We have to admit that we were a little jealous. Since we moved to Chestertown we have been out of town for EVERY major snowstorm! Granted, snow removal isn't high on our list but we love the beautify of the snow, the excitement of watching the piles grow higher and even getting snowed-in, especially when we don't have to go anywhere. Hopefully for you, the spring weather will march in and dissolve that snow as quickly as it came.
As most of you already noticed, I posted pictures on my Facebook page last night. I just had too many to share and can only get about 4 on this email, so I thought that would be a good alternative. John always posts there, too, so if you want to see more, check out his FB page, too.
We have been taking advantage of being here and have taken short drives when we have some spare time.
The Höga Kusten (High Coast) is beautiful in its own right, with long Baltic bays (viks), rocky coast lines, windswept spruces, and emerging (this time of year) (nearly) arctic plants--tiny green and hearty. When the summer comes, people will be free to roam the forests for mushrooms and berries, but they are months away. We love getting into the fresh air, chilly and blustery as it may be, to tromp through the snow to a shoreline, watching the water lap over the rocks, and stand with the tenacious spruces. John noticed that there are no indications of a tide coming in or out of the bays; they seem more like a lake that open up to the sea. We even discovered some moose prints during a walk on a snowmobile trail not far from our home! And, oh, are we glad we brought our microspikes! We don't use them in town, but when we walk on the icy side streets in the neighborhood, they keep us secure! The Swedes all have short, heavy leather boots--and they walk everywhere. We've heard that some people have little spikes they fit on the heel of their boots, but we haven't really seen them. We have much more to learn and experience, but we are enjoying every minute of the adventure.
The Höga Kusten (High Coast) is beautiful in its own right, with long Baltic bays (viks), rocky coast lines, windswept spruces, and emerging (this time of year) (nearly) arctic plants--tiny green and hearty. When the summer comes, people will be free to roam the forests for mushrooms and berries, but they are months away. We love getting into the fresh air, chilly and blustery as it may be, to tromp through the snow to a shoreline, watching the water lap over the rocks, and stand with the tenacious spruces. John noticed that there are no indications of a tide coming in or out of the bays; they seem more like a lake that open up to the sea. We even discovered some moose prints during a walk on a snowmobile trail not far from our home! And, oh, are we glad we brought our microspikes! We don't use them in town, but when we walk on the icy side streets in the neighborhood, they keep us secure! The Swedes all have short, heavy leather boots--and they walk everywhere. We've heard that some people have little spikes they fit on the heel of their boots, but we haven't really seen them. We have much more to learn and experience, but we are enjoying every minute of the adventure.
Monday night a missionary who had served in this area about 10 years ago returned for a visit. He served in this area twice--for a total of a year! His influence is still felt because he still loves the people and they love him. We were so impressed. These young missionaries have no idea of the lasting impact they may have on people's lives.
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| This is our branch the on that Monday night. It includes the missionary, his wife, baby and in-laws as well as the Branch Presidents son and three of his children, from Umeå. |
Not everything is positive here, though. We had our first big downer this week when we went our to our car and found a parking ticket! After struggling to find out what the ticket said and how to take care of it, we learned that our car was extended about 10 inches past the visitor parking sign in the lot where we live. (It costs to rent a space to park your car in the resident parking.) Paid parking is the norm EVERYWHERE, often even in restaurant lots!
Speaking of parking lots, as we were leaving one (at the far northern edge of town) on Tuesday at about 3:00 pm, we were stopped by a police barricade. John received his first (and presumably last) breathalyzer test in this random stop!
Commentary on the other pictures: 1) I love the unique, colorful apartment! As we drive into Örnsköldsvik, it stands proudly and brightly! I can't help but smile at it.
2) My first Swedish pizza...square, no tomato sauce, cheese, chicken & mushrooms with a creamy garlic dill topping. Delicious! Along with pizza a salad was served. It was a like a vinegar and oil based coleslaw with corn and black olives on the side. Definitely different.
2) My first Swedish pizza...square, no tomato sauce, cheese, chicken & mushrooms with a creamy garlic dill topping. Delicious! Along with pizza a salad was served. It was a like a vinegar and oil based coleslaw with corn and black olives on the side. Definitely different.
Today in church one of our speakers was from Umeå, the next church unit about an hour north of us. She is the District Young Women's President. As she spoke, she mentioned that (and this is how our translator said it) "We do dumb things but we come together to help each other." That resonated with me. How I wish I wouldn't do so many "dumb things" but I keep doing them; however, it is friends like you that "come together" to help me, despite all my frailties. So many times I've needed to fall back on my friends, both in and out of the church. Thank you. She also mentioned some of the statistics of the church to remind the members, who may feel so isolated here, that it is a "fantastic church we are part of." Yes, the size and strength of the church is amazing and growing everyday, but it is because of the truths that are taught that make it fantastic. Knowing that we are God's children and He has a plan that can bring everlasting happiness to everyone is indeed a fantastic message and a fantastic reality. We are grateful to be part of this great work, even though our efforts are but a minute portion of the greater whole, it is blessing our lives.
Best wishes for the coming week to all of you,
Mom/Dad, Grandma/Grandpa, John and Linda
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