2025 has been a whirlwind so far. We returned from the states in early January and immediately began our first class at SFI = Swedish for Immigrants. We aren’t considered immigrants, but the class is pretty much open to anyone who wants to learn Swedish. It’s free which isn’t the case for any of the other European countries. You can even be paid to take the classes if you’re an immigrant.
We thought that even though on the construction site the workers are asked to speak English, there are still many opportunities to at least understand conversations a bit more as well as navigating Sweden when we’re out and about. We’ve also found that at church some visitors and members only speak Swedish.
Our class is mainly people in their 20s and 30s from many different countries around the world. We are the only students from the USA (pronounced Oo S Ahh). Our teacher, Lotta speaks 3 languages, English being one of them. She rarely uses English in class though, even on the first day! I use google translate a lot, but I’m trying to wean myself off.
It’s been a great experience so far even though we’re gone two nights a week for 3+ hours. After a long day on the site I sometimes want to just relax at home, but every time I go I really enjoy the experience. It is very exciting to actually start understanding a little bit.
Our little branch in Eskilstuna is so amazing! We’ve been going there most Sundays since October. The branch consists of 8-10 solid members who give their all. The branch president does so much to keep things going smoothly. We learned when we returned in January that 4 of these members had been ill for weeks. The young missionaries had to step in. Eric was recently called to be the Elders Quorum President so he can help out when needed. What is so wonderful to see is a young sister who has only been a member for a short time get up and give a lesson to the branch with a message so powerful! I’ve come to love these people. Their conviction is an example for me and I’m inspired by it. We pray often that more people will join the church there. We have 5–6 visitors that consistently come. We hope they will take that leap of faith.
January Zone Conference
Due to meeting conflicts with the temple construction site we were only able to attend the second half of Zone Conference. We felt strength from these young missionaries as they so humbly taught. There’s nothing better than a spiritual recharge.
Happenings In Vasterhaninge…
As of today we have two baptisms on date for the Vasterhaninge Ward. It’s been wonderful to see the work progressing here. Sarah is getting baptized this week so I will send photos in my next post. Wamea is 17 and is from Nynashamn. We’ve been able to have her at the house and also be apart of some of the lessons. I remember the first time we met Wamea. It was snowing like crazy outside one night after Eric and I had returned from working out at the local gym. As we neared our house we saw someone just looking around and pacing in front of the church. I thought it was our friend Anita so we went over to chat. When we realized it wasn’t Anita and that this person was waiting to have her first lesson we introduced ourselves and invited her to the house for hot cocoa until the missionaries arrived. Since then we have so enjoyed having Wamea in our home. She ALWAYS has a smile and has humbly received the good word of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Having her accept baptism is pure joy for us. We are anticipating the joy she will experience as she continues to grow.
Here’s some photos of our comings and goings…
Jenny is 3rd from left.
Hiking near Handen’s Lake
Pingstkyrkan pronounced Pinktshearcan is a prominent evangelical church here in Sweden. They call it the Pinkt Church.
Back to Gotland!
We have found an assortment of blessings come into our lives since being on a mission. Our family back in the states has been met with some life changing challenges. When we first learned of it, Eric and I were so sad. We wondered how we could be so far away when family members were struggling. Upon hearing the news it was late at night and we had a early day the next day. How could we sleep? How could our family find comfort and peace? Eric and I knelt in prayer asking for God’s help. The thought came to me that my mom and dad, who have already passed, could be with our family. We prayed and asked for their presence to be with and comfort our family. We immediately felt peace. My parents were their angels and I still feel their help and support.
President Joseph F. Smith spoke in 1916 of the nearness of the world of spirits and of their interest and concern for us, stating, “they are as deeply interested in our welfare today, if not with greater capacity, with far more interest, behind the veil, than they were in the flesh.” President John Taylor similarly reassured , “God lives, and his eyes are over us, and his angels are round and about us, and they are more interested in us than we are in ourselves, ten thousand times, but we do not know it.”
We slept well. Our family is rallying around. I felt that we have been encircled in the arms of His love. What a blessing and we are so grateful.
Sending love from Sweden 🇸🇪
Elder and Sister Lofgran
