The Flight to Stockholm - September 30, 2017

Aldste Francis flew with his district to Stockholm on Monday, August 28th. He called us from the Salt Lake airport at 6:30am and we talked almost until 7:30. It was great to hear his voice! He sang Happy Birthday in Swedish to the twins, Eli and Avi, who turned 8 that day. He recited some Swedish scripture for us. He told us lots more about the MTC and was very, very excited to fly to Sweden.

We watched his flight all day on flight tracker.com. He flew to New York and then took a direct flight to Stockholm. The plane landed in Sweden just as we were going to bed Monday night. It was exciting to think about him landing, meeting his mission president and wife, and seeing Sweden for the first time. What an adventure!

Tuesday afternoon we received several emails from the mission home. It was a comfort to see Aldste Francis with the rest of his group at the Stockholm airport, in front of a beautiful lake, and with President and Sister Youngberg.

He likely left the mission home to his new area on Wednesday, by bus, train, plane, or mission van. We are anxious to hear where he went and who his trainer is! His first email should arrive on P-day next Monday.

Final picture of Sam's MTC district, taken on Sunday by a member of their branch presidency.

Sam is in our hearts and thoughts this week. We miss him and hate to have him so far away, but are happy for the incredible experiences he is having and the gospel of Jesus Christ that he is sharing.

Hejsan! - August 24, 2017

With my 3rd grade friend, Nathan Fales. He is going to Hungary

So much happened this week! As always! The first big event was getting flight plans! We leave the MTC on Monday the 28th at 3:30 AM. Then we drive to the SLC airport, call our families, and fly to JFK! We only have a one hour layover there until flying straight to Stockholm. It is hard to describe the excitement this district has felt over the past week!

Our clean room!

Our second perfect room inspection sheet!

We had two great devotionals over the past few days. On Sunday, we heard from the LDS music artist Kenneth Cope. He shared some interesting thoughts and some great music. He sang his EFY song "More" which was so fun for me because I have many happy memories listening to it at home with my older brother Ben! Brother Cope's message was focused on how much love our Heavenly Father has for us. 

P-day fun

The Tuesday Devotional was one I will never forget, given by Elder Weatherford Clayton of the Seventy! He recently spoke at General Conference and at my Stake Conference! I loved his message and his wife's message. One thing that they shared with us is that we all have something to contribute to the mission where we will be serving.

With good friend Elder Isaac Browning who is headed to London, England.

We just need to share the strengths we have and trust that we have been called there for a reason. I think that this is applicable to everyone, full time missionaries and member missionaries! We just need to give what we can and trust that our efforts will be of some help somehow.

This was the shortest month of my life! - August 17, 2017

What a great week! I will have been in the MTC for 30 days on Saturday! These 30 days have been full! Full of learning and growing, ups and downs. 

Great study area in T4, one of the new buildings

I will start off with Sunday. At the MTC, everyone prepares a sacrament talk in their mission language each week! For our branch, the topic this week was enduring to the end. After the sacrament was administered, one of the counselors in our branch presidency got up and announced that Elder Francis would be speaking! I felt a shock wave go over my body when I heard that but then calmed down. I was able to give the talk I had prepared and I felt calm doing it. It was a great experience for me. I know that when we are prepared, we have no need to fear. 

How is it Preparation Day Again? - August 10, 2017

Hello Again!!

Another great week at the Missionary Training Center! 

Probably the biggest highlight was Fast Sunday. Apparently, It was the first Fast Sunday in a long time that there was choir practice! The director said that he didn't think anyone would end up coming, but the bleachers still filled up! Choir practice is always a blast, but this one was memorable because the Spirit was so strong. Everyone there was fasting yet still willing to sing. We sang Sweet Hour of Prayer and learned of the amazing story behind the song. Basically, the lyrics were written by a man who had been blind for all of his life. Some people claimed that he had the whole Bible memorized and could quote any scripture he wanted to. This faithful man must have gone through a lot of hardship in his life because he was not able to see, but based on the song lyrics he found great solace in praying. I know that praying can truly "call us from a world of cares" and help us "escape the tempter's snare." 

Hallå! - August 3, 2017

Wow! Another week has flown by!

This week was similar to last week... We had language class, teaching investigators, eating, sleeping, studying, exercising, and all the rest! One new activity this week was called TRC. Elder Wayment and I went and taught two 20 minute lessons to people in Swedish. They were both members. We had a great time talking with them about diligence, one of the Christ like attributes from Preach My Gospel. Our message was simple. We shared D&C 58:26-29 with them. 

Another newish thing this week was that we no longer teach our original investigator, Gabriella. She turned into our second teacher Syster Eborn! Now we teach two investigators named Michaela and Nu! Elder Wayment and I are excited to improve our teaching skills as we learn more of the language and become more familiar with Preach My Gospel. We sing a hymn during each lesson and we have found that it really brings the Spirit! Even though the investigators aren't "real" we know that the lessons are good practice.