Week 10 :)

Hej hej :) 

This week we had so many little appointments fall through, and everytime I was sad, but EVERYTIME something better came our way! 

We had a fika setup with a sweet girl in our ward, and we were on the train there when she messaged saying she couldn't make it. We were sad, but figured we could find something productive to do in Stockholm.

We got off at the next stop to go to the Red Cross to finish setting up our volunteer schedule, so we crossed the road and saw this guy with this wheelbarrow full of vegan chipotle mayo (it was a real company I swear)! This girl next to us said "That was so nice", and we were like "uh yeah so nice!" AND THEN SHE SAW OUR TAGS AND GOT SO EXCITED (which doesn't happen??????). She said she's a member, but she's been inactive for 10 years, and then she was like "I live right here, wanna come in?" 

And we had the most beautiful time with her. We talked about our dreams, challenges, and everything else. I felt so lucky that I was able to witness God move us to where we needed to be. His kids, His plan. (Thanks uncle Tony).

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There's a sweet sister in our ward who left the church, then wanted to come back, then got diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Her sister dropped everything to come here with her husband and take care of her. We had amazing opportunities to go and serve them this last week. 

This whole time, they had no cell service in the apartment, so they had to go to coffee shops everyday to call their families and such. We said "please buy a router", so they did. We went over to help help set it up. I was totally talking myself up like "I've seen some wires and some coding thanks to my dad, it's gonna take some time, but we're gonna get this." 

We just plugged it into the wall. 

Thats it. But they were so thankful. They could not express it enough. 

That's when I realized... here these two were : thousands of miles away from home, no children, no service, it's dark and cold, their beloved family member is slowly passing away in their apartment... the list goes on. But they never said any of that, they just said how thankful they were and fed us hot chocolate and oreos. 

I very humbly learned that somethings seem small for us to do, but we need to do them anyway. Our brothers and sisters have more complex lives than we know, but there's someone who knows, and He will help us know what to do. 

I also learned to focus on what I'm thankful for when times get tough. That apartment was such a spiritual space despite everything going on. I know that's because of their faith and their gratitude to Heavenly Father. 

She passed away a few hours after we went and visited her. One of the last things she said was "jag vet att Himmelske Fader älskar mig." 

There are not better words. It's true, and knowing this has shaped the way that she saw the world. She wasn't afraid. She knew that she would see her parents and that her Heavenly Father loved her.

Thankful isn't strong enough. 

GOD LOVES YOU! more than anything! When you realize that, it will change your life. Go and sincerely ask him how he feels :) 

Med kärlek, 

Syster Helquist 

Photos: 

1. Alla Helgons Dag!! (Such a beautiful holiday where the Swedes take candles to their families graves to honor them)

2. Harry Potter party time! 

3. More candles 

4. The classic "it's freezing" photo:)

5. The view from our new friend's apartment:) 

6. The baby shower with traditional Ethiopian dresses, it was SO fun!!