Thomas S. Monson
Week 9 & 10
Well our kids were wondering, and maybe you are too, are we on a vacation or a mission?
In Sweden, most of the people who are employed take all of July and into some of August off. It’s usually around 5 weeks. We arrived here during that vacation time so that allowed us an easy adjustment to mission life. We took the opportunity to see as much of Sweden as possible. The vacation is over, it’s fall here and work on the temple is ramping up.
In case you didn’t know, there are over 100 different types of missions. Until a year ago I had never heard of a temple construction mission. My understanding is that every temple under construction or renovation has a least one missionary couple and the Salt Lake City Temple has three couples! I’m sure all of you are interested to know what do each day. The specifics of things we can’t talk about with anyone. Photos can’t be shared unless they are officially published. So, most of what we post will be the things we do outside or around the temple site.
Some of the things we do are:
On site meetings with the Skanska Team (general contractor) and the local architect (Eric’s school mate).
Write weekly, monthly reports, and special General Conference report editions documenting the construction progress.
Bring the spirit to the workers and the site and help the workers to know of the sacred work they are a part of.
Work with vendors and subcontractors in helping to ensure the best quality of work and materials are used.
We are working on a visitors center which we hope to have ready soon.
We are also able to attend Zone Conferences, have weekly dinners with the missionaries,that live in patron housing near us, as well as weekly game nights.
We will also write a history and make a temple book that will have everything from design elements to the detailed construction of the building.
This gives you an idea of the wonderful opportunities we’ve been able to be a part of since being here.
We participate in the work of creation whenever we cultivate the earth or add our own constructions to this world—as long as we show respect for God’s creations. Our contributions may be expressed through the creation of works of art, architecture, music, literature, and culture, which embellish our planet, quicken our senses, and brighten our lives. Bishop Causse’
left to right: Whiteside’s, Sandberg’s, Boyce’s and Lofgran’s
We love having these people in our lives! There’s so many good people in the world that are striving to make it a better place. Our hearts are full.
Sending love from Sweden,
Elder and Sister Lofgran