Christmas in Lulea with the Wirtala Family!

Sister Wirtala, from Lulea sent a sweet note thanking Aldste Maxwell for his service in their branch and included some fun photos.

Last Zone Conference!

Last Zone Conference - one of the iPads is Austin and his companion!

The days really have been flying by and we just don't have much time!  It is really crazy, this week really has just flown by! I got to go and visit most of our investigators and say goodbye to them all, as well as just being able to do one last week of good work. As usual, there were ups and downs. We had really hard times with one investigator, and then it turned around and became very good in the end! I hope that all will continue well with the incoming missionary and the future here in Luleå.

Now, a story to scare Mom!   This last Friday was zone conference in Stockholm... we were to fly down Friday morning at about 6.30, and returning late that evening.   When we woke up on Friday, (that was about 4:30 by the way) we look out the window and it was snowing like crazy!   The plows were working hard to clear the roads and major paths, they were doing pretty well, but it just was not possible to keep up with the snow!  (Plus it was really windy, and you know how that is with wind and snow!)  Anyways, we get all ready and go out to our car, dig it out of the snow, and get going! We made it to the airport... all but one of the machines were broken, so we had to wait in line... then we had to wait for security, and by the time I got up to the gates, they were making last calls!   My companion, a bit slower, was still down by security... I think he was trying to put his belt on... so I ran for the plane!   (After yelling at him to hurry of course!)   All in all, we got on the plane no problems. The plane began pulling out after all the passengers were seated, and we pulled out!   We went to a spot on the tarmac, and just waited... I was thinking, yep!   Too bad to take off!   But then I saw a truck drive up with some sort of crane on top of it!   It looked really funny... and then it started spraying the plane! It was like a car wash, but to get off all the snow and ice!   When that was all done, we went back and started waiting for permission to take of... we waited another 45 minutes, and then the pilot comes on... in Swedish she said that the snow and wind was too much for us to take off... in English she told everyone that the brakes were not working well enough (slippery runway) but that they were going to sweep the runway again, do a test, and we should take off soon... to make the story short, after sitting on the plane for two and a half hours, they pull back into the gate and let off anyone who wanted to stop waiting.... half an hour later, they tell everyone to get off and go have some fika at the restaurant... (they gave us about 100 crowns each to buy stuff with...) after getting our fika (about 10:30) the plane still had no estimated take-off time... so we left, and told the APs that we would have to be skyped in for the rest of conference, they had started at 10.00. And so the plane never left from what I know! (at least not within 5 hours of scheduled departure! ) and I gave my departing testimony from Sister Newell's iPad... Zone conference was not what I was hoping... not for me anyways! I was sad we missed it!

Anyways, I am sure you are terrified now that I am not going to be able to make it home! No, we took care of the problems here! ( all other airports and planes are flying fine!) I called the Elder in charge of transportation, and he has since got me on an earlier plane (Sunday night) down to Stockholm, with time and back-up options to get me there if needed. And so, I will arrive home as scheduled. And I can't wait to see you all!

I really have enjoyed my time as a missionary, and the time I have had to focus on the Lord. It really has been the best! I love the closeness to the spirit and the knowledge that as I work in the vineyard, the Master will work by my side. I have truly felt that in my work and in my time! I hope that I can have further opportunity in the future to also be able to focus on the Lord's kingdom like this. I love being a missionary, I love the work and I truly love the Swedish people! Back home, have a great weekend. Keep your prayers for the planes so there is not so much stress! I love you all and will see you soon!

Love,
Äldste Maxwell

Missions and going home...

I really am excited with all that is happening here in the mission and area!  It is so good to see the changes that are happening, and the people that are being blessed.  I hope that as I serve, I will be able to fulfill all that I am supposed to, for the time is truly very short now.  I just hope that I will truly hold on until the end... 

I know that I have changed, and I know that the changes I have made are good, and that I need to keep them with me.  I just have to find the real-life applications for the mission-life growth.  I will do what I can to understand and to apply all that I have learned and  also to keep the strengths and talents I have gained.    In more ways than I thought, I am really just a bit nervous for the future and what is going to happen, because I don't know!  I feel like there is so much I want to do, but am wondering if it is really possible to do it all?  

I am getting excited! And nervous a bit.. it is weird!

I should be writing once more before I die... it might be this Saturday however, as that may be the day I will have to get all my packing done and such... an early p-day, a last Sunday, and I die!  We really only have three more days of work, we will be flying into Stockholm on Friday for zone conference, and then the rest is saying bye to people, packing, and getting back to Stockholm and all the stuff we will do with President Newell and Sister Newell before we leave.  

I have to say, I am getting excited!   And nervous a bit.. it is weird!

 

This week here we have gotten a ton of snow... well, here in Luleå we started getting snow two days ago... but it was really cold before that (up to -23.5 Celsius)  that is cold!  Now we just have a ton of snow, and about -5 weather... Saturday was really nice, we were going to play some basketball with some friends (People we want to start teaching) and we went out in shorts and hoodies... at -5!  Some kids told us we can't be out like that... we were just feeling really warm, and going to be inside soon... so it didn't matter!  

Oh, last week I also got rear-ended by someone... Luleå is just not the place to drive!  No, it is really safe, just that corner was a terrible place to put a crosswalk.  No-one is hurt, all is well, and I was not to blame... plus, we got a name, number and address out of it!

 

Yesterday I got to give a talk in sacrament meeting... I gave it right after two other senior missionaries gave their testimonies.. they both got to have translation for their talks into Swedish... so when I got up, I asked for it too!  Everyone just laughed.   I thought it was funny... , I talked about some of my experiences as a missionary and the talk that Elder Nelson gave in general conference.. ask the missionaries, they can help you!  It was a really good conference talk, and I felt as though my talk was alright... it was basically my goodbye to Sweden talk... it was kind of sad... I am not sure I want to leave! But, I know that as we do what we can, that the Lord will take all of our efforts and make them into miracles.  We will not always be perfect, but we will feel good with the work we have done, and proud of all we have accomplished with His help!  I love being a missionary.  It is truly the best time ever!  I know that this church is true, and that I have become the person I am today because of this church.  I love it! 

I love you all, and hope that you have a great week! Be safe, and I will see you soon! 

Love, 

Äldste Maxwell

I am hoping to see reindeer!

We are trying to hurry today, we want to visit the arctic circle...  I'll get pics!    I am also hoping to see reindeer and to visit some Sami people... it should be fun!

 It is always fun serving, right?  Think if we were friends with everyone, the world would truly be great! For instance, today we were going to a less active, to go have lunch with him. As we pulled into his parking lot, there was an old Swedish man who waved us over. He needed help getting his car started. We pulled over, and tried to jump the car, no luck... it was completely dead! So, we push started him! (We had the less active help us!) After the car was started, he asked us what we wanted for the service... what, do we have to be payed!? No, we told him is cost nothing. he was very grateful.... and it just feels really good! 

Recently I read section 18 of the D&C for a spiritual thought, and I remember really being impressed by the promises and blessings that are in those chapters! It was amazing! I know that there is a lot of power that we have access to through our faith. As we focus on doing the will of the Lord, He will help us achieve the impossible, and confound the wise. We will work by the will and laws of God, not by the laws or time of Man. God knows, He loves, and He wants to help us. Pray to Him, He will let you know. I love being a missionary, I love serving others.

 

Have a great week everyone! You are all awesome!   (See you in 15!)

 

Love ya!

Äldste Maxwell

It is quite the experience!

We have been having warm weather so far this November... way too warm! I have heard though that this December is going to compensate for it!   It just barely started snowing a little again this morning. Last week we had a wedding on Thursday... it was really nice, and fun.  We did get some pie on Saturday as a late Thanksgiving... it was good, and our members here take care of us! 

Yes, our days here are very short... basically over before we really get started! Especially with clouds... it is just dark all day! It is really interesting... and it can play some mean tricks with your mind! Just imagine sitting and eating a nice warm dinner, anticipating going to bed, and then you realize it is just lunch, you still have to go out and work!   It is quite the experience!

This week has been really good. We have a good pool of investigators, and we have had a lot of good work done! I got my new companion, he is really fun, and really cool. Plus, his Swedish is very good... he is able to help in the teaching and I do not have to translate to English! I am excited. These next couple weeks are going to be amazing!

 

The thought for this week is that when you work hard,  when you do your best,  when you have faith that there will be progress, it will happen! It will come from seemingly nowhere sometimes, there will be blessings falling from... well, who knows? God does. Not me! It is incredible to see and to experience. I love being a missionary and getting to learn the lesson that: we do not know! God does not work as we work, His ways are not our ways, they may very well not make any sense to us as people, but it does to Him, and they are as they should be! We just get to take part! I am always amazed by the knowledge, foresight, and pure love of our Heavenly Father. I know He loves me, and I know that He loves these people. I also know that it is not something only missionaries can learn! Go, do what you can! Every person has different talents and abilities! Use them! And you will see many people blessed, many will come unto Christ, and we will find true Joy! Missionary work is the best work around, I love being a missionary! I know the church is true, and I know that it is the only way we will find happiness in this life!

Love you all! Have a great week!

Äldste Maxwell

I am thankful for...

 We are having transfers this week!  I will be staying here in Luleå!  I get to ''freeze to death'' in the North! (A note of clarification: when a missionary finishes their mission, it is affectionately refered to as dying) I am super excited!  I will be getting a Britt as my companion now.  Elder Tomlinson!  This is going to be fun!

This week,  in our ward, we had the primary program.  It was really incredible!  There are about 15 children in the primary here... (a lot for the 55 member ward! ) They did incredibly well, and I really felt the spirit! Plus, there were the really young children giving talks, bearing testimony, and singing!  I loved it! 

I really don't know what language I am dreaming in anymore... I think it is  a blending of all the languages that I use... oh! I started learning Persian too!  =P  I found that with the Book of Mormon, I can use the names and teach myself the alphabet... and from there I just have to have one of my investigators help me with the other letters, and then some of the basic root words and conjugations... then I can get the rest!  =P  But, that comes on the side, for fun... before bed and such, the rest of the time I read in Swedish or French!

The week of Thanksgiving!  It is going to be a good week!  I am thankful for the opportunity that I have to be here as a missionary and serve others around me here in the beautiful land of Sweden.  I speak of Sweden for I am here, and I know personally that the Lord has great hopes for this people. I know as well that other countries are also important... but I am a little biased... =P.  I love Sweden and its people.  They are kind, and generous. They like to help others when they can.  They are an incredibly honest people.  I am truly grateful to be here and to learn from them.  I hope that the blessings of heaven may fall upon this people as they open their hearts and embrace the gospel of Christ.  I am grateful for my Savior and the sacrifice He offered that I may be free from my sins, that I can be forgiven!  I am thankful for my parents and the examples they have been for me.  I am thankful for my siblings, they are my best friends.  I am thankful for all of my friends, for their good influences on me, and their examples.  I really needed them, and I am here because a lot of them believed in me.  I am thankful for my Father in Heaven, that He has given me so very much.  I am thankful for this world and the miraculous opportunities it gives each and everyone of us!  There are so many things to be grateful for!  Find them, name them, and thank God for them in prayer.  As we do so, we will find greater joy in life, and a greater willingness to share.  I know the gospel is true, I love being a missionary.  

Have a great week!

Love you all!

Äldste Maxwell

We have had a good week!

We have had a good week, it has been challenging, but exciting and super awesome! I hope to have more weeks like this that follow! I am super excited! First, early in the week we got some snow again! Then, on a clear night we got to see the dancing lights of the North! I will try to attach some of the pictures I got... not to many of the pictures were super good... and it was hard, the lights really move/dance and change quickly! (Plus, each good picture took 4 minutes to take!    Anyways, I hope you enjoy! They were incredible! I hope to see them again before I go! Like I said, the pictures were not the best... I will try to get more!


The Northern Lights - you can see a little bit of the green light at the bottom.

French is coming along! Two days ago we were at a wedding, there were a lot of people there we are teaching, and a lot of them speak French as well! There was one man in particular that I got to talk to who was really interested, and surprised that I could speak French! (When we came in to the reception, we were shown to a table, and the guy leading us we had taught before (in French) so he was talking in French, and one of the others we walked past was really surprised! He came and talked with me later, hopefully we get to teach him too!) So, all in all my French is far from perfect, but I can teach and be understood! It is a miracle and amazing! I love it!

Investigators are making progress, we have some baptismal dates, but need more of our investigators coming to church! I hope that we can continue to find more and teach! As well as that they come to church, because that is really important!

Weather is less desirable, though warmer! I would much rather have snow right now than a lot of rain and soggy and wet... cold is easy to fix, wet is easy too, but takes more time, and just gets annoying! (I still love the rain, just not for missionary work! ) There is no snow now... hoping for more, but we will see! Here the sun sets at like 3.30, dark dark by four... I remember yesterday my companion was antsy to get out of the church, he was thinking it was like five or six! (it was 2.00! ) When it is cloudy here it is just dark the whole time! 
We were teaching an investigator last night, and we got to the topic of how to find true happiness, which lead to giving to others. The investigator brought up a really good point, when you feel like you are in need of something, or want to get something, you must first give it away! If you want to have money, give to someone else. If you want more food, give to others! If you want to be loved, you must first love! If you want to be happy, make someone else happy. Everything that is lasting and truly important will come from inside... and giving is how we know that we really already have! If we want to feel loved, we must love others. As we do so, we realize, and feel the love from within, from our Father above. I really like this thought and it rang true to me. As we give of ourselves, it is not that we are dividing what we have, but multiplying it for others! We do not need to fear poverty, hunger, hatred, or anything! We have the promise of God, that we will be given all that we need as we do all that has been asked of us. I know that I will never be lacking when I turn myself to the Lord. I know that He loves me and knows my needs, and I know that everything will be well when I focus on Him!

I love being a missionary. I love this work and the time I have here to give to others, the opportunity to share what I have, and to learn more about myself, my faith, and my strength. I love the gospel, it is so pure, and true! It brings joy to every person who will give it a chance. I know my Savior lives, and I know that He is pleased with the work I am doing. Go and do. Others will see and follow. Learn, love, live, and invite! Have a great week, and do a little more! I will be doing the same.

Love you all!
Äldste Maxwell

The work is moving forward!

Well, it has warmed up a lot since last time... we have no snow, it has been raining... and still in the positives. Hopefully we get more snow soon, but most people think it will be a while yet before we get some real snow... we will see!

 As for teaching we are able to do a good amount of it... the majority of people we have to teach right now live ½-1 hour away from here... which is really a problem because there is no way to get them all to church! So, we are doing a lot of door knocking here to try and find more people who would be interested and want to learn! So, we are currently doing doors... though it is not as easy here... doors are port-coded, people are more Swedish, and less ''believeing'' (according to them!) But we are having our miracles, and staring to get some really good support from the branch! The work is moving forward!

It is a hard time in the world and we are always surrounded by people and forces that want to make bad seem good and the good seem bad... usually making it look like a restriction of freedom! (Which is completely WRONG!) Rules (commandments specifically) are designed to bring us more freedom! Our challenge as members, is to avoid that deception, hold on to the true and eternal perspective through the eyes of the spirit, and help others to open their eyes and learn to see things as they truly are! We have to be 100% on our game, on the team, no holding back! It would otherwise be like trying to jump off a diving board without wanting to leave it completely! (You can imagine the resulting pain, loss, failure, and hopefully lesson learned!) Trust in God! He really does know what he is talking about! And, the only way to truly know is to Do It! That simple. I love the simplicity of the gospel!

No, we did nothing for Halloween... there was a ''Luleå in lights'' thing in the city... they had a ''speak box'' that did a light show and told a story... it was awesome! (3-d show depicting the story!) then they just had a lot of lights around the city... not too many Halloween parties. All saints day is a bigger celebration, they put lights on all of the graves in the cemeteries and remember those who have passed on before them... the graveyards were very beautiful with all of the lights! 

Have a great week everyone! Enjoy life, help others and let your light shine for the world!

Love y'all!
Äldste Maxwell

In my corner of the world....

In my corner of the world things are starting to get a bit chilly!  This morning when we woke up it was -10 Celsius... cold, but not too bad from what I have heard it will be in a couple months!  There is not much snow right now... just cold and everything is frozen.

.. as for the work things are warming up!  We are making progress with the investigators that we have now.  We were able to have some incredible lessons which opened the eyes of those we taught, and they want to know more!  I am super excited.  I hope that they accept the rest, and make an effort to come to church! 

I love the work, and I have noticed that the more we put in to the work, meaning time, thoughts, everything!  The more we receive back.  There is no better work in the world than being a missionary.  You see miracles daily, you have the spirit with you as a companion to teach and to testify, and you are privileged with a closer relationship  with our Father in Heaven!  I love being a missionary, and for all of you who read this, I challenge you to think about it!  Pray, seek your own answer and confirmation.  First, you need to know that all we teach in the Church is true!  Then, Seek God's will for you.  I promise that you will receive the answer you need.  I know this because I have tried myself, and I have received my own personal answer.  The gospel is true, God loves his children.  I love being a missionary.

Have a great week!  I love you all!
Äldste Maxwell

I think I got the first snow!

First, I think I got the first snow of the year.. we got some good snow this past Tuesday!  And, since then the temperatures have been decently low... this morning when I got up, I checked the thermometer... -5 degrees!  (This is in Celsius, of course!) Everything is starting to get really cold and freeze together!  I also heard that any time from now to February is the time at which the northern lights can be seen!  I am hoping to see those soon!   So, that was the most excitement of the week...

My week has been good... slower, interesting, and full of trying to find more people here in Luleå to teach.. So we have been doing some tracting! We were finally able to get a hold of an investigator last week (last Monday) and we got to teach him! It went really well, he was super kind, still very positive, and had questions about baptism and what will happen before that... he is ready, and we just need to help him get to church and just do it! We also got a referral to another city, and got in contact with the person... he was super nice, positive, full of questions, and wants to read in the Book of Mormon! We are hoping to actually go up there to visit him and some members that live there... but it has to be planned out well.... otherwise it could just be a huge waste of time! I am hoping that everything works out... it would be really cool to be able to see Kiruna before going home! Anyways, the work is moving, people are kind, and I am loving being here!

One very important principle in the gospel is to never give up! I know it is hard... I find myself time and time again making the same mistakes... but every time I get back up, and try again! Do better, work harder, change your perspective, your desires. As we align our lives with the life and teachings of Christ we will no longer have desires to do wrong, and we will become strong! I know that the atonement is there for us, that it is a path by which we return to our Father. I know the Church is true. I love the gospel and my Savior. I love being a missionary.

Have a great week and do one more thing to be a better missionary!

Love you all!

Äldste Maxwell

That is missionary work!

Still no flight plans!? I was talking to another Elder in my group and he already knows his! He has known for almost a month now! He says they were the ''projected'' plans, and not yet official, but I am pretty sure that they will be finalized soon if not already done! He knew where his stops were, times, everything! I should have been better friends with the Couple Missionaries in the office, and called them every now and then to chat! And now there is a new couple in the office I have not even met! I can't get anything from them! Well, I have some other friends... maybe they know something!

The press-conference, about the change in mission age, was really good! I saw that Saturday, it was after the morning session and after the ''world report''! we were just there still, and had to listen! I was super excited!  There truly is an up-swing in the work right now. There are more people prepared to hear, and more of the members are taking an active role in the missionary work! I am so glad that I get to be here to help out in the harvest and the distribution of the greatest fruit and ever!

A lot of what I had been studying recently was the idea and whole concept of conversion. I got a lot of the studies from the autobiography of Parley P. Pratt.  I was impressed by his complete devotion and focus on the work that he had. There was not ever anything that stopped him from the work. When he was needed, he went! When he was called, the Lord provided! I want to be like that. The most important work that we can be doing in this life is the work of the Lord. It is rewarding, and whether or not it makes sense, you will never truly be lacking in this life! All that is most desirable will be given, all that is vital, will be yours! That does not mean that all times are easy, it doesn't mean that there is no suffering, no hunger. But with faith, nothing but the will of God will be done, and when you die, you know that your work has been completed, and move on to the next step with confidence and Joy!

This past Sunday was a District Conference (Norrland is a district, not a stake). Elder Adler of the third quorum of the seventy and his wife were there. On Sunday, he said one thing that I thought was very interesting. He said that there is nowhere in the scriptures that the word fun comes up. We are not looking for fun in this life, fun will destroy you! I was startled by this, I like to have fun! But he clarified, we are to have Joy! Fun itself is destructive because it distracts us from all that is most important. The world teaches us to have fun. We are told that we are to have Joy. Joy is a true, virtuous, pure, and lasting happiness! Joy is being able to partake of the fruits of the tree of life, of being worthy to enter the presence of god! That is why we are here, and that is what we seek after! That is missionary work! I love this work! I love being here! I love serving others! I hope that you all have a great week, can find true joy, and become converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ. In this lies true joy.

Love you all!
Äldste Maxwell

Happy Birthday from Sweden

The swedish birthday song is as follows:

Ja må hon lever, (x3)
ut i hundrade år!
Javisst, ska hon leva, (x3)
ut i hundrade år!

Och när hon har levat, (x3)
ut i hundrade år!
Ja, då ska hon skjutsas, (x3)
i en skottkärra fram!

''Ett fyrfäldigt leve för födelsedags barnet!'' (one person yells this line)
Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!! (every one yells! (make sure it is four!))

You will have to look up the tune... I can't write it out.. and simple pronunciation help is as follows:
J=y (Ja = ya)
Å=oe (må=moe)
U=oo (ut=oot (like it toot))
A=a as in austin
I=ee (as in meet)
skottkärra= 'skote-sherra'
skjutsas= 'shute-sas' (These two, ignore above pronunciation, read 'x' as if reading english!)
last tip, say every single letter! Don't skip anything! (hundrade=hoon-dra-dé)

Maybe not really simple, but very simple! As simple as I can make it! And, an afternote... this is singing to a girl... you change the subject if it were to be a boy or to be plural! =P (Hon=she han=he de=they (de is said 'dome'))

Here is a link to the tune:  The Swedish Happy Birthday Song

The "Companion Quiz"!

Emma (Austin's sister) makes up great quizes to see how well her brothers know their companions. Here is Austin's quiz about his current companion:

1. What is your companion's full name?
2. Where was your companion born?
3. What career do they want to persue?
4. What color is their toothbrush?.... and please tell me they do brush their teeth ;)
5. Did they play any sports in high school? and what sports would that be?
6. How many, if any, siblings do they have?
7. Are they cute? if so, feel free to mention me. haha, just kidding! They are kind of old and that would be awkward :P
8. Is your companion allergic to anything?
9. Do they have any habits that are annoying? ... or maybe you just prefer not to dwell on thoughts like that :)
10. When is their birthday?
11. What is their favorite color?

Austin's Response:

Man... I don't know about this quizz stuff.... not sure how well I know Elder Day yet... here goes!

1. Derek Ryan Day

2. Born in Utah! (lived in same house his whole life)

3. Wants to be a insurance company consultant... an Actuary is what it is called!

4. Blue and white I think... yes, he does!

5. He was a runner. Cross country. Really good at it too!!! (Went to nationals a couple times!)

6. He has nine siblings. He is #8 of the 10 kids!

7. Cute.... well.... I don't know! (he says a three letter word works... ''duh!'', but that was what he said!)

8. No... he is not allergic to anything!

9. One habit I find a little annoying is driving close to the right side of the road... I am always on edge! =S =P

10. February 17th i think... no, it was the 15th... =*( close though =)

11. Red! ... dang, he said ''Orange by far.'' So... maybe I never really found that out before... *Shrug* =P

Let all of your friends know how awesome the missionaries are!

I have loved conference so-far!  It is incredible! It started with a bang, and the ending (Sunday morning session thus far) was no disappointment! I really loved the conference, it really brought the spirit, confirmed my findings and personal resolves that I have made recently in my study of the prophets and the scriptures. I really love the scriptures, and the blessing the truth is in my life!  Yes, conference is like Christmas for us missionaries... it is one of the most anticipated happenings! That and transfers... one spiritual, the other more worldly/timely.

I have seen that the saying is true, wherever there is the most good you will also find the most bad or wrong. I don't think that any family is safe, I doubt that there is anyone not affected by it! The world is a challenging and turbulent place! I expect that it will continue to become darkened and unclear. However, with the spirit there is no darkness that will not be penetrated, there is nothing that will be hidden from us. I know that we will not go lost, as long as we have the spirit with us. Sure, there are commandments in the gospel! They are blessings! They are the steps we take, the foundation upon which we are lifted above the mists of darkness and are allowed to see around in light, peace, and wonderful clarity! 

Take what was impressive in conference, and make it lasting... DO IT!  It is in the doing that we receive the fruits of our labors. And, let all of your friends know how awesome the missionaries are, you got a great list of things in conference that we can help with! I am also quite positive that there are even more! So, help the missionaries, by letting them help you and those who are near and dear to all of you! Seek the guidance of the spirit, and fear not! The Lord is hurrying the work. Lets do it!

 

 I love you all, I love being a missionary, and I love the gospel!

Love you all!

Äldste Maxwell

Prepare to listen to the words of love and guidance!

I have not seen any snow here yet... though it should be coming soon!!!! I think it would be great to have some for conference!

My new area feels mostly like country... though all the work we do is in the cities... right now a lot of the work we are doing is in neighboring smaller cities... Boden and Älvsbyn especially... it would be pretty hard tracting out in the woods... though a lot of our members live there! This week for example we got to do some service for a member harvesting potatoes! It was fun, a lot of work... cold, and a great experience! It made me miss home a bit though... Oregon actually. I just like the farm/ country feel! French is getting better and better... found some more people who speak french, and the ones who we are in contact with are already speaking mostly french with me! It is awesome! I have preach my gospel, the book of Mormon, pamphlets, and a French/Swedish dictionary! I am set! I sometimes wish I had some type of grammar book... but this is working great!   Yes, the people who are the most positive are usually immigrants... though there are some Swedish people also getting baptized! There are a lot of French speaking Africans from the Congo up here! It is really fun. One this week said that he was my ''Grand Frére!'' (because he was a year older than me!) ha ha, it was sweet!

One more experience this week that is notable, I tried surströmming for my first time. It was terrible, smelling! Taste-wise it was actually quite good! Though at the same time it was quite a bit of work to clean the little fish and get out the meat... awesome experience, and surprisingly good taste. Though not sure it was so good I will ever go and buy it on my own! 

Yesterday we were able to go and teach one of our Swedish investigators. He was a really cool guy, younger (mid-thirties) and a really deep thinker. I was impressed with his insight into human nature, the importance of Christ, and the example that Christ was to all mankind. I was really impressed in the lesson, when we were reading in the scriptures out of the teachings of Christ,  he took the time to listen, and ponder the words of Christ, and to then to apply it to himself! I was personally also impressed when I felt the spirit enter, as the section was read. There is so much power in the teachings of Christ!  He really teaches that all may understand, and that those who are ready will always be able to receive more! I know that the church is true. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and the truth. He is the path back to our Father. I love being a missionary. It truly gives me joy. I love my Savior, and I want to only do what is right in his eyes.

 

 Have a great week, and prepare to listen to the words of love and guidance for us from our Father this weekend!

Love you all, have a great week!

Äldste Maxwell

Wish me luck, and we'll see what happens!

I love my new area! As well as my new companion! He is really awesome! When I got here he was super sick though... so we were not able to do too much! He had the hand-foot-mouth disease... in his mouth! It was gross... looked like a zombie.. white stuff, blisters... blood oozing, it was great! He could hardly eat... he is doing better now.. managing Pringles, so that is a lot better!   Soon, he will be eating like a runner again!

 

It is not too cold here yet... It is still light jackets and possibly a sweater! I should be doing great all my time here... I don't think the worst of winter comes until after December... I will tell everyone Hi for ''Elder Carmack'', and I really am looking forward to my time here! Like you said, I have always wanted to come here!!!

Surströmmings

This upcoming Friday, in the ward, we are having a Surströmmings Fest, so I will be able to finally try the legendary fish!    It was really funny. Some of the people in the ward were telling us how good it was, and others when they heard we were going said, ''Good luck!'' and started laughing! I am exited... another member said it tastes really good, just smells horrible! I was personally surprised they are going to have the party inside the church! I have heard you can smell it for weeks after! So, wish me luck, and we'll see what happens!
 

I love the work as a missionary. It is just so much fun, and so rewarding! Just this week we were going by some of our possible investigators... and no one was home.. so, we knocked some doors! And, found someone to teach! It was quite incredible really! So, we were knocking,... and it was not raining, it was sunny, but cold! We got to one door in the apartment complex... knocked, and waited. Soon, a woman answered. My companion began speaking, introducing us as missionaries... she stopped us in halting Swedish... ''I .. little ...Swedish speak'' (you get the picture). ''I speak French.'' Uh-oh...    That means I get to talk!    So, I introduced us, and she says come in! We went in, talked a bit, and she was super nice, patient with my French, and wants to learn more! We will be going back later this week to teach her more of the gospel. I will be studying much more about how to speak, and the lesson outlines... but it went really well the first time, and I know what I need to work on!

The Lord really does qualify those He calls, and He calls on all who are willing! So, be willing, and, when you are willing, ask for a chance, pray! And I will promise you that you will be given chances, so make sure you are ready when you ask! Prayers to serve, to be a missionary are often the quickest answered! Try it! Have a great week everyone, love you all and looking forward to hearing from you all!

Love you!

Äldste Maxwell

I will be able to use my French very soon!

I got called by president this week! I will be able to use my French very soon! I am getting transferred to Luleå this Wednesday! Up in Luleå is the investigator I got to teach with president, and a bunch of other french speaking people! I get to go north!!! Last three months, and I finally make the trip up there! I am moving this Wednesday on a plane from Arlanda kl 12.20... kinda problematic... I have to loose some weight! (Baggage, not me!)  Elder Day is going to be my companion!   Anyways, I am super excited! 

I really like the lesson that you taught to the Young Women and the power that the mind really has, and how hard it is to control thoughts instead of controlling actions. Thoughts also have so much more influence on who we are and what we do than we ever can imagine! And the effect that the "Motherlode" (to die for chocolate cake from the Claim Jumper restaurant) has even across the whole United States! I am personally impressed just that you remembered it and used that as your ''distraction''!

There really is so much that Satan uses against us... Everyday there are hundreds if not thousands of different temptations. Many are not going to effect us, but others are centered on our weakness, targeting anything that might give Satan a greater chance. Cool thing though, he can never get to us if we don't put down our armor! We went to teach a less-active member, and he talked about how he is reading in Job, and that Job was strong, and lasted through all of those challenges. He had his armor and he never let it down!!!! So, while running through the gauntlet of life, don't take off your armor! We will always make it then! And so, do the simple things, pick up your shield, read your scriptures, say your prayers, put on your breastplate, etc! You become an unstoppable follower of Christ! I love being a missionary, love you all and hope you have a great week!

Love,
Äldste Maxwell

I know God loves me.

Today I tried a recipe that I found in a newspaper recently. It was a Carrot Cyan Orange soup, and it was actually really good! I was quite impressed! Plus, it used up all of the carrots we had leftover... perfect!

Our week here was really good, we were kept very busy with other events... Namely a baptism for one of our investigators! It was awesome! This investigator has been an investigator for a very long time... 3 years actually! We, for a time, had a hard time getting a hold of him because of problems with family, death threats, and such... but everything calmed down, he came to church, we got a hold of him and set up a time to meet, and then when we met, set a time for the baptism... 3 days later! It was incredible... though didn't work out as well as it could have. There was very poor communication so just very poor attendance to the baptism. He is an incredible man from Mongolia, and very prepared, very humble. I am excited to continue to teach him, and help him progress to being sealed in the temple as a family a year from now! That is going to be incredible!

Love is truly the key to success in life, and a success in becoming like our Savior. the only way that we are going to forget ourselves and serve others is if we love them! Plus, investigators, or just people in general, really can tell the difference when you care about them or when you are just going through the motions. It really makes the difference! I am glad that you were able to be there for the family you were helping Mother! As you said, even knowing there is the quiet place we can go to take a break, to relax, and just calm down from the hectic chaos of the world - just knowing there is a calm place we can turn will help us through the challenges. I enjoy the quiet corners, the closets, or just still places that I can go to and just think, pray, and release the pressures of daily life. I know that God is there, that He is already waiting for me to come, and He is just happy to see me! I can't wait to go and give Him a big hug, that will be the day! But, until then, He is there, and He really does love us. I know that is true! I know God loves me.

 I am glad that I get to tell others that too! I love being a missionary!

Love you all!
Äldste Maxwell

People are ready. Are you?

I am doing great, really!  This week has been interesting, it rained a bit in the beginning of the week, so people started hiding.... we still got to talk to some, just not as many as usual! 

Thursday we had our Zone Conference, and Elder Kearon was there, he was incredible! He was funny, very nice, and he listened to us while still teaching and helping us grow!  It just made me want to get out and to do more!  I love that man!  I mean, last year was good with Elder Caussé, but this year was super awesome!!!! He focused on our need to always have a prayer in our heart, to always have an open communication with our Father in Heaven.  And, he also made it personal, he told us we would have things pop into our minds, that we needed to write down something that we were going to do to be better, and DO IT!  It was really really good.  Then, this Sunday while at church we had a new investigator show up!  We taught him, he was super positive, and we have a baptismal date with him for a week from this Saturday!  So, Hålla tummarna! Fast Sundays are always the best!  It is just incredible! 

The languages are coming along good... Struggling a little in Persian and Arabic right now, but that is not too bad... ha ha... Lets see... Добро утро! (Dobro utro, right Christian? =S )  Really though, Swedish is doing great, and I keep running into French people now!  There have been two French girls that I have gotten talk to this week, I don't know how or why!  But, it seems that I am to speak more French!  Fun, fun, fun! 

Christian, keep it up and have fun!  Do everything you are asked to do!  And, when your trainer gives you chances to get better, to learn, take them!  Don't be afraid of anything! Those were some of the things I have learned!  And, have fun at the game!  Talk to everyone you can while you are there!  You never know who the next person will be!  (You can read Christian's mission blog at: servinginbulgaria.blogspot.com)


The Lord is preparing people all around us every day, people are ready.  Are you?  That is a question I ask myself quite a bit, because it helps me to find where I can be better, and how I can improve.  I know that as I try to help others, forget myself and get to work that I will be shaped to be who the Lord needs.  I know that the point is to forget myself.  And then, I know I will find myself and I will find Joy.  Sometimes it seems backwards, follow commandments to be free?  Forget myself?  Plus, it is hard!  But I know that it is true.  I know that it works.  Sometimes I have learned the hard way, making a mistake, and paying for it.  I know the Lord strengthens and is waiting to lift us up.  The Lord will always qualify him whom He has called.  I hope that I am open and ready to be.  I love being a missionary.  I love the Lord and I know that this is His church. 

Love you all, have a great week!
Äldste Maxwell