Training is complete. I honestly didn't think we would be able to finish when we started. I also honestly believe that another miracle has taken place--we have completed 6 weeks of work in less than two weeks. Sister Bailey had very little computer experience when she arrived 13 days ago. Jet-lagged, but determined, she wanted to set right to work and we did with full 8+hour days we worked nearly 6 days a week--I instructed, she performed the tasks, and took copious, detailed notes on procedures I take for granted-- "Right click, copy, left click in "To" box on email--right click paste." I thought about how the young missionaries come here with only 6 weeks of language training and they can hold a simple conversation, by six months they are fluent and even translate! It is amazing. It is the gift of tongues and they all seem to receive it. I think Sister Bailey experienced a corollary to the gift of tongues with "computer language/skills." She has learned so much! I'm sure when she is on her own she will struggle but she will have notes to rely on, tech help from others, and the Holy Ghost to guide her and bring things to her remembrance. She will be ok, in fact, in less than 6 months she will be just as "fluent" as the young missionaries!
Our bags are (nearly) packed. We are taking off for Norway tomorrow. Our visas end tomorrow, so this is our attempt to leave the country and come back as "tourists." (US citizens can visit Sweden for 90 days without a visa.) If all goes as planned, we'll do a last minute load of laundry Thursday afternoon when we return to Sweden and complete our packing. We're traveling light for Norway--backpacks..and one of them is pretty full of camera equipment!
Good-byes have been said. This week has been filled with several "lasts" and fond farewells.
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| Syster Smiley and Syster Robison "heart attacked" and brought homemade bread! |
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| Thursday morning was our last trip to bid farewell to a young missionary, Elder Olson. |
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| Thursday afternoon was our last ride on the bus and train and last trip to Gamla Stan. After a little shopping, we had a nice Italian dinner and headed home. |
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| last bus ride "home." |
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| Dinner with Elder and Sister Whitehead at our favorite Greek Restaurant . |
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| Our last Swedish baptism...Eddie, with Jonathan, Elder Waters, Elder Olaveson, Elder Buchanan, Elder Olson, Sister Curtis and Sister Woodman. |
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| Our last taste of Falukorv, made the Swedish way--baked with cheese, Elder Derr's specialty. |
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| A very thoughtful and tasty dinner by the Assistants, Elders Beverage and Derr, in our honor...roasted root vegetables, Falukorv, broccoli and breaded chicken. Quite a spread! We were really touched by their efforts! (Elder Derr, Elder and Syster Bailey, us, Elder Waters, Elder Olson and Elder Beverage--our office elders...we will miss them.) |
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| Sunday dinner with the Schiazzano family--Claudia's fabulous paella! |
Friday we fly home. We have been blessed with a nonstop flight to Newark! If all goes well we will be home before bedtime, with a quick stop on the way to see the Stake President to be released.
Sunday we speak. We will see many of you at church Sunday and invite any of you who would like to join us at 10 a.m. Our church is at the intersection of Rockwell and Haviland Roads in Queensbury.
It all feels a little surreal. One sister last transfer described the feelings of going home as the mixture of knowing you are going to Disneyland and finding out your dog died.
I wouldn't say it is that extreme. As we think about coming home, though, we are grateful for the marvelous experiences we have had with wonderful people in this beautiful land. It's hard to say good-bye without choking up and weeping a little. I am so thankful for this opportunity. I am thankful for our good health and the means to serve. I am thankful for the examples of the stalwart members in Sweden, who love the Lord and are true to His gospel. I am thankful for the new converts who recognize the truth and the joy that it brings. I am thankful for the missionaries who work so diligently to find, invite and teach people how to find true happiness through the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am thankful for their testimonies, their humility, their energy, their obedience and desire to serve. I am thankful for their hugs, sweet notes, warm handshakes, thoughtful texts, laughter and faith. I am thankful for the friendship of all the other senior couples. I am thankful for the leadership, love and camaraderie we shared with President and Sister Youngberg. I am thankful for the supportive emails and cards from all of you. I am thankful for the love and support of our children and grandchildren. And most of all, I am thankful for Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who is the reason we came here.
Hej då, Sverige!
