Valborg!!! (Monday, May 3)

Dear Family and Friends,

Everything in Sweden has been great this last week. The sun has been out...for the most part and the work is continuing to move forward. We have had a few less teaches this last week because a couple of our investigators have gone MIA...but we continue to work hard and the Lord continues to bless us in our efforts.

There is not a whole lot to report from last week, but that we had a couple of cool experiences. One, was a swedish tradition which was Friday evening. We were able to go out and celebrate what is called Valborg. It's the last day of April every year. It's a celebration of the change between winter and spring. In all the different communities they gather huge piles of wood that need to be burned. Then, they invite everybody to come and it is kind of a ceremony where the "scouts" here come with their torches lit and get the fire going. It was a pretty awesome sight when it really started to burn. It was maybe a 25-30 ft. flame. We went down and were with our Zone Leaders and a couple of other missionaries in Handen...a community close to the temple. It is neat to be able to be a part of the traditions of the country.

We were also able to meet again with Zebedee and George from the Congo. They are still really positive and had many questions about the Plan of Salvation. One of Zebedee's sons joined us when we taught him and we continue to invite the rest of the family to come and also learn the gospel. We have also continued to meet with Yvonne, and Lawal is still doing well. We talked to him about the temple last week and he is excited to get to go there.

We are looking forward to this week. We will be having a Mission Tour with Elder Texeira from the Europe Area Presidency. He actually gave a talk in General Conference in April of 2009 and related the Spirit to a GPS system...if any of you remember that. We are all looking forward to the conference! Sis. Maxwell and I have been asked to do a musical number...which will be really fun to do. :)

Other than that, everything is going well here. I'm enjoying the work, I enjoy having so many opportunities to work with the members here and strengthen them. I'm continually grateful for our wonderful ward here in Jakobsberg. I can't believe we only have 3 weeks left in the transfer. Time continues to fly. I love the gospel so much. I continue to have the confirmation that this is Christ's church. I know that Pres. Monson leads the church through revelation and I am continually grateful that I know that God still reveals truth to each one of us. Continue strong in the gospel. The blessings Heavenly Father has for each one of us is worth the effort to live in accordance with the commandments. I love the work. I love each of you. Have a great week!

Love,

Sister Suzanne Wood