There is no running from it..

Dressed up as each other

We got cookie dough brownies mom!! They were good and reminded me of home!

Hej hej 

        This is from my visiting teacher, "It is almost Halloween! Do they celebrate the holiday in Sweden? I hope the only spirit you encounter is the Holy Ghost. I am sure he has been with you throughout your mission. Isn't it wonderful to have that spirit!!" I just really enjoyed what she had to say. They didn't used to celebrate it but America kinda takes over and people wanna be like us so yes you do see a little bit of trick or treating. Really though its still like," what we do that here??" A lot of people aren't even sure what to say either. "what is it? Trick or what?" I actually got to carve 2 pumpkins this year because they everyone says ugh not sure what I'm doing. Hey you're American.. you do it. Sad thing is I am not at all good at stuff like that so I always had someone else do it at home. Guess I had to come to Sweden to finally carve a pumpkin haha. 

 

Carved pumpkins

 

 

    According to the 12 week program this week were on week 7. They seriously fly by! The focus in PMG this week was the Book of Mormon. We ended up having really good teaches after studying this chapter. Sys. Strömberg has been doing a wonderful job at applying what we learn that morning into what we do that day. She is wonderful and I love love love being with her. I am so thankful I got the chance to train too. Our little white handbook this week it reminded me about garments and how grateful I am for them. They talk about them being a daily reminder of the covenants I have made. I know I don't think of that every day I get dressed but I should. I have actually grown a huge love and respect for them now having a companion who does not have them. I appreciate them a lot more and not just because they keep me warmer than what she has haha.

 

      The scriptures have been a source a strength for me this week. I can't be in denial anymore that I am going home and the time just goes faster and faster. Before I know it Christmas well be here and I will have been home a month. That's intense. I also have moments of freak outs. Just in my mind really and sometimes expressed a little to Sys.Strömberg. So far it has only helped us both to really use all the time we have as best we can. I was reading in Mosiah 26:20-21 Thou art my servant; and I covenant with thee that thou shalt have eternal life; and thou shalt serve me and go forth in my name, and shalt gather together my sheep. And he that will hear my voice shall be my sheep; and him shall ye receive into the church, and him will I also receive.

 

It struck me hard that I am the Lords servant and people will hear the voice of the voice of the Lord as we go out everyday. I have a hard time not feeling like I don't want to go home and give that up. To take the name tag off as if I would be literally taking the Lords name off. I'm not! I realize that I have taken the Lords name upon me and that people will see it through my example and not by looking at my shoulder. That could be nice actually. At least for the ones that run from it haha.

 

       We went to a huge cemetery on Saturday night to celebrate All Saints Day. While we were there an investigator who was with us took all the pictures for us. She is a sweet girl from Germany. As we were there I was praying that I could somehow talk about what we believe in and have it be natural. She then turns to me and asks what I believe as far as what happens after we die. I was like," Whaaat?" That was amazing! The whole night actually felt really good. The atmosphere was perfect to teach her that. There were 4 elders there and us and we thought it would be nice if we sang. So we did. It was even all 4 parts. We sang Nearer My God to Thee and a huge crowd of people gathered to listen. After the song we didn't really plan more but tons of people all stood there. So we sang two more songs.. Wow that spirit was strong!!!

 

      Our investigators right now are doing alright. I feel like they just want to move like turtles. One of them actually just dropped us and did it through her member friend which is sad because she was super super positive. We were hoping to set an actual date the next time we met. Right now we have tons of less actives and new members who want to meet and things but not investigators. Sunny that got baptized got the priesthood yesterday! He also introduced us to two of his friends and they asked tons of questions. They aren't really interested in doing anything but just wanted to know about it. We were really proud of him. He was able to bare testimony to his friends why he was baptized. UGH I am hoping to see some baptisms obviously before I go and if not at least feel and know that I was successful.

Love Syster Sprague! 

 

Can I just say I'm happy to go home and continue being sister Sprague. As an elder you don't get that luxury. Their name is just taken from them. Tons of people will still call me that.. well at church anyway. Have I told you that people here call me Spragoo.. haha how is it that people called me that at home and here too??