Don’t flatter yourself.

The title of this post is dedicated to my dearly beloved companion, Syster Hosenfeld. I will be leaving her this week! We have had a good four months together. The blog title comes from our first week together in Halmstad. I was standing in the kitchen and I turned around and she was just standing there staring at me. And this was not the first time I caught her staring at me which was kind of creepy... so I said "why are you always staring at me?" and she replied "Oh don't flatter yourself." HAHAHAHAHA 

the darling Hosie

It wasn't very funny then because we both didn't understand each other’s humor so I was like, "Its not flattering, its creepy!" Hahaha. We say that phrase almost on a daily basis now and have a good laugh about it. (she approved of this story so you can post it on the blog) :)

It snowed!!

SO HERE IS THE NEWS: I am not going to Luleå, dad, but I am slowly moving up on the map so I think I might one day make it there! I am going to KATRINEHOLM. It is just below Stockholm and it is the smallest area, or so I have heard, and we also have the smallest apartment in the whole mission! I haven't seen it yet, obviously, but I am excited! It is also a branch with about 15-20 active members- so kind of like how it is here except for Halmstad is a ward. I ready to get going on another adventure.

family history expertz

 But... I am also so so sad to be leaving Halmstad. It has been an amazing area with many miracles, blessings and friendships and it is sad to say good bye. I will miss dinner at Senja's, games at the Källbergs, fika with our investigator David, teaching Maria in her kitchen while she sits on the floor and plays with crumbs, singing with Syster Hosenfeld, seeing the same people everyday while contacting because we have already contacted EVERYONE! hahaha. 

maria on the floor jjajhahah

I will also miss the artwork, the ocean, getting sushi once a week, seeing Morgan progress as a member, teaching Relief Society and Sunday School, teaching yoga to the moms, helping the Young Women with personal progress, eating fruit and singing at Ingvor’s, playing with Matilda, getting hot chocolate at Robert's Coffee, and going to the library. It has been wonderful. I love Halmstad.

the Källbergs

 Senja bore the sweetest testimony yesterday about how she was sad when she got the text that I would be transfered because we have become so close. She talked about how much she looked up to Sister Hosenfeld and I for coming here and starting out with nothing and how we kept going and worked hard. She was crying. I was bawling. And then she looked at me and we both started crying even more. :) 

Goodbye to Morgan

It was tender for me because I feel SO close to the people here and I will forever be grateful for the love and support they gave to me while I have been here. We were welcomed with open arms and have been well taken care of by the members... we have been blessed. I remember the first day we got to Halmstad and I was a little stressed with what was ahead of us (work wise) and Senja came and picked us up and took us grocery shopping, and after that I knew that I would love it here. :) 

Halmstad covered with snow

This week we had a random snow storm and of course it was the day I forgot gloves :/. We had nothing to do so we decided to go tracting. No one was answering so we began shoveling everyone's walk ways. My bare hands were beginning to not move in the cold air so I put them in my coat pockets for a couple minutes and said a prayer and they immediately warmed up and stayed unusually warm for the rest of the time that we shoveled.

I am grateful that God blesses me everyday with just a little more strength or a little more comfort so that I can press forward and serve. 

THE HALMSTAD MISSIONARIES

This week I was thinking a lot about the hymns and how mom wanted us so badly to sing them in Sacrament Meeting and not play games with each other or just sit there. It was so important to her that we sing the hymns. I never knew why but I would do it anyways, and this week as I was reading the words to some hymns, I became overcome with the Spirit. It was so strong. I realized how much I love the hymns and have gained a testimony of them on my mission. They are so beautiful. Each morning with my companions, we sing a hymn and I believe there is no better way to bring in the Spirit. I am humbled by the words that are written and the stories behind why they were written. This week as we sang "More Holiness Give Me," tears streamed down my cheeks as I thought of these words.

1. More holiness give me,
More strivings within,
More patience in suff'ring,
More sorrow for sin,
More faith in my Savior,
More sense of his care,
More joy in his service,
More purpose in prayer.

2. More gratitude give me,
More trust in the Lord,
More pride in his glory,
More hope in his word,
More tears for his sorrows,
More pain at his grief,
More meekness in trial,
More praise for relief.

3. More purity give me,
More strength to o'ercome,
More freedom from earth-stains,
More longing for home.
More fit for the kingdom,
More used would I be,
More blessed and holy--
More, Savior, like thee.

last visit with Aina

 
We all need more. More purpose, more strength, more patience, more joy. I am grateful for a loving and patient Heavenly Father who has helped me to realize how much I am in need of being better. 

SNOW STORM!

AND last but not least, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY GAMMAL PAPPA! I hope it was wonderful. I love you and your example and strength. I want to be more like you. I love you so much. 

Göran...

Carry on dear family. I love you all. "Be like a tree... planted"- psalms 1:3 

last night we made dinner for this awesome group of people! it was so fun

love adelideliouoljoulkkllia

p.s. I GOT THE CUTEST PACKAGE FROM JENI G. She is so cute! I have been wearing the gloves everyday and I loved the letters and candy! THANK YOU!!!!!!