This is a Time for Faith not Fear

Dear Family,
First off... Dad, that poem was... AH! Kjanela so wishes she could write as well as you! Ah, that is a definite desire of the heart right there.
Kjanela wants to add her own little poem to the email this week.
Since her last poem was for her Dad, this one is for her Mom.

Since the first you've always been the one that I count on,
Ever since I started you have helped me to be strong.
You picked me up when I fell down, you set me on my feet,
You taught me pain and fear were things I could defeat.
You showed me by example, how to take a stand,
When I got lost you found me and you took me by the hand.
I know I'm far from perfect, I have so much more to grow,
But all that's good about me is because you've loved me so.
I'm grateful for the blessing, that was given by Divine.
Of all the mothers in the world, I was blessed with YOU as mine.

I love you So much Mom. And the rest of the family.


So, Kjanela has had a magnificent week. So did Syster Fawcett for that matter. she's not quite sure where she ought to begin. So, using a dose of common sense she's decided to start at the beginning! Monday, is... a wonderful day. Which is slightly strange because Kjanela can distinctly recall that Monday's use to be killers. First day of school for the week, leaving behind the glorious restful weekend... Ok, so it wasn't always like that, but sometimes it definitely felt that way.
So Monday was excellent...
Tuesday. AH! This might take all of the email time Tuesday was SO hectic. But SO exciting!
So the first interesting thing to come Syster Fawcett's and Syster Richin's way was a lesson with a new Investigator, his name is Muhammed, he owns a Pizzeria, and he is a devout muslim. In the most matter of fact, non-insulting way he informed them that from his point of view since they didn't wear head coverings they were, quite simply put, scum. He wasn't being insulting though... except he was... but he wasn't. Kjanela couldn't help but laugh inside, because she never thought someone would be able to pull off such a non insulting insult. She however was not convinced that she should wear a headdress... Muhammed was disappointed.
After that they had a lesson with a young girl and her friend, Emma and Karin. The two of them were the sweetest things. They talked about how HUGE it was to know that they were daughters of their Heavenly Father. How it changed how they thought about God, that if they could truly believe that than God wouldn't just be some great power out there. He would be someone they would WANT to pray too... Someone they could trust in and depend upon. Isn't it interesting how merely changing our point of view can change everything? Kjanela was singing inside because, that's the truth of the matter. God is more than just something out there. He is a Father. To EVERYONE. Everyone can depend upong him.
Next... Oh is there a story to tell. So last week Syster Fawcett told you about Jakob (who's name is actually spelled the American way Jacob), and how he stopped Syster Fawcett and Syster Richins to thank them for their work as missionaries. Yes? Yes. So they had a meeting with him on Tuesday. And they decided to ask Jacob Larsson (Yes his name is also spelled the American way... talk about confusing, why are Swedes spelling their name the American way... and then Kjanela looks at her own name and how it's spelled and ceases her questions... the answer is just because.) So, it's Jacob, Jacob, Syster Fawcett, and Syster Richins. And something horrible has happened. Syster Fawcett and Syster Richins have given ALL of their Swedish Book of Mormons away. ALL of them. None in the apartment, none to find with the Elders, NONE. And they're SO sad, because they REALLY wanted to to give Jacob a Book of Mormon. So before Jacob investigator shows up they had told Jacob Larsson about this sad truth. As a recently returned missionary he understood that yes, that is pretty horrible and depressing (Missionaries sometimes have an interesting take on what constitutes a terrible scenario. But this is, how is a person supposed to read and pray about the Book of Mormon if they don't have a Book of Mormon to read and pray about? The Book of Mormon IS the Keystone of our Religion...). But there's nothing for it and they go forward with the lesson. And it's a really great lesson, questions are being asked, the spirit is being shared, and then Jacob Larsson has to run for it because he has a YM activity to lead. So he departs and the two Systers continue on with the lesson. And they are JUST starting to talk about the Book of Mormon and what it means, and apologizing that they don't have one to give him. When Jacob Larsson comes RUNNING (alright, so he looked as though he'd been run, he'd JUST slowed to a walk...) and in his hand is... A Swedish Book of Mormon. So he hands it to Syster Richins and quickly says, 'I kept feeling like I needed to just keep this in my car.' and then ran off again. Say what!? Kjanela was doing mental shrieks of joy and surprise inside and Syster Fawcett was definitely say a prayer of gratitude. It was AMAZING! So Jacob got a Book of Mormon. Hopefully he read it.
So back story, which was discovered at a later point. Jacob had the Book of Mormon in his car because one had been given to his Great Aunt but she had forgotten it (that is sad...) and he kept telling himself he should take it in, but then he felt like he shouldn't... and so he didn't. So he's heading to his car to go to YMs when... what do you know, the Book of Mormon is staring at him from the back seat of his car. Hence the grabbing of the book and the running back into the Library to deliver said book. Isn't that awesome!
And then... Kjanela and Syster Richins went to Bonnie's house to say goodbye. And that's all she's going to say about that, because, from her point of view that is truly sad news, and Kjanela will miss her. Except that Bonnie is amazing and has such a wonderful spirit about her, and Kjanela hopes she has the MOST fun in the world in America with her sons.
Wedenesday was a WONDERFUL day. So just imagine a wonderful day taking place in the life of a missionary. Except... there was one thing. Syster Fawcett and Syster Richins were supposed to teach Maria... except they received a call that... the night before Maria's husband had come home and decided that they were leaving for Ecuador the next morning... So Maria is on her way to Ecuador. Kjanela is going to miss her.
Thursday was also amazing. But that too shall be skipped over. Just know that it was amazing. Kjanela apologizes that there is no more detail to give on that. But she's super excited to get to Friday and Saturday!
So... Friday. Wonderful day Friday. But the most exciting thing happened that night. Friday night was 'Chill Night' and Kjanela had never been to Chill night. And Syster Fawcett was a little confused as to what it was and what her role in it would be as a Missionary. But she and Syster Richins dutifully invited their investigators. So Friday night, Chill night commences and... Guess what, 7 investigators had shown up! How exciting! Right! And there are some games played and then some food eating. And Kjanela thinks this is hilarious because, really... Mormons are strange. And Syster Fawcett is Super excited that the investigators that came seem to think that this is so much fun, and they also seem to be a little confused, a bunch of young adults are playing strange games without any alcohol in sight. So after the food the younglings run off to watch a movie and Syster Richins starts a game of signs. (After all there is no talking in Signs so any possible language barriers are taken care of.) And that's super fun and then... the game changes to 'Do you love your neighbor' And the group is playing in English because half of the investigators that are there speak NO Swedish. (Syster Fawcett promises that they DO teach people in Swedish, in fact her Swedish is actually improving some. As one might hope...) And if you recall how one plays 'Do you love your neighbor' there is a lot of seat changing required. And Kjanela is really bad at describing how one plays games through email... so... There is one person in the middle who goes to a person in the circle and asks them if they love their neighbor, if they don't their two neighbors tries to switch seats while the person In the middle tries to sit in one of the seats. The person left standing goes and asks someone else if they love their neighbors. If the person does love their neighbor they'll continue with a 'But I don't love people who...' List a characteristic and anyone with that characteristic has to change seats... So Emma, a friend of Jacob's that had come has been asked if she loves her neighbors. It turns out that yes, she does, but she doesn't love mormons. (She's not Mormon) Of course mass chaos ensues because this is a mormon activity and so everyone has to change seats... Except for the investigators that came and Emma... Except... Two of our investigators, Emy and Uche... They felt that they ought to change seats as well (And this is after we've been going for a while, so yes, they do understand the rules...) It was HILARIOUS and Syster Richins and Syster Fawcett did mental inside cheers! From their point of view that in and of itself is a pretty nice success, even if it is a small one. Emma then assured everyone that she actually DID like Mormons. It was great.
And then Saturday night was the talent show. Of which apparently you have already had a taste. Just let it be known that Kjanela is NOT a huge fan of performing and found it VERY nerve wracking. VERY nerve wracking. But she did enjoy it, after she had sat back down. She hopes you enjoyed what you watched of it. And... some investigators came to that, and LOADS of referrals. Syster Fawcett was a little overwhelmed, because how are they supposed to get to know ALL of them! There are too many! It was... very interesting.
There were also some pretty funny talents done. Hehehe... There was one 'Evolution of Dance' So it started with oldies music and they were dancing along and it kept changing songs, but each song was a little newer, and the different dances that went along with it. Hilarious. Society has created some very interesting dances... Very interesting dances. If you're looking for an example recall the song that goes something like 'I don't want to be a chicken I don't want to be a duck...'
And then church was amazing yesterday, and all of the missionaries were invited to the Strandberg's for dinner where they were fed delicious food and then taught a little about Christmas traditions in Sweden... this should be an interesting December.
Also.... All of the missionaries have also been invited to the Larssons for dinner!!! Oh wait, you might want something a little more specific than that... they were invited over for THANKSGIVING DINNER! EEEK! Isn't that wonderful! Kjanela thinks so. She's looking forward to Thursday.
But Yesterday Syster Larsson gave the lesson in Relief Society. It was so so wonderful. She took her lesson from the July Ensign, 'A Time for Faith, Not Fear'. It was, perfect. It was just what Kjanela needed to hear, sometimes it's difficult, trying to be the perfect missionary, trying to help otheres, when sometimes a person is still struggling to help themself. Sometimes a person can look at everything that's happening and just say. 'I can't, I don't have the energy, I don't have the courage, I don't have what it takes any more.' or 'Look at the world out there, look at the darkness, the corruption, the terrible calamitites, there is no way to withstand the storm of chaos that the world has become.' But when one says that they are forgetting the words of our Savior, 'Be not afraid, only believe.' The Lord is there for each and every person to turn to. The Lord is their to calm the storm, and if not to calm the storm, than to remain with us when the storms are necessary. Kjanela encourages you to read that talk, it's beautiful and a wonderful reminder. She was SO grateful for it this Sunday, it was a reminder of what point of view she needed to have when she looks at everything that happens to her, to her investigators, to all those who hit the storms of life.
This is the week of Thanksgiving, and Kjanela has a few things she wants to say she's thankful for. She's thankful for a mother, who has ALWAYS loved her, who supports her, and strengthens her, and always has her back. She's thankful for a father, who has taught her dilligently, who has encouraged her to learn and grow, who has helped cultivate in her a desire to become more. (Note these things she is grateful for are NOT exclusive to one parent, after all you are one.) She's thankful for sibligns who love and support her, she's thankful for the times of laughter and the times of companionship and comfort. Kjanela is SO thankful for this gospel. That has changed her life and made her stronger. She is thankful for the opportunity to be out here on a mission, making a difference in her own small way. She is thankful that there are no rules of architecture for a castle in the clouds, and that she can be HER... and not a robot. (She's also grateful for all those who put up with her being her...) She'll share more of what she is thankful for again next week... And maybe every week because there is SO much to be grateful for.
But for now, Kjanela wants to let you know that she loves you all SO SO SO much.
And that she is never again writing an email in third person because that is so much harder than it sounds.
And because she's had enough of it she's going to finish in normal speak.
I love you all SO SO SO much. And I hope you hear from Dallin soon! Ah, it's so exciting that he's off in Samoa! I definitely hope he's enjoying the wonderful sunshine!
Two more really quick things, we talked about Peter and his venture out onto the water a lot this week. I have adopted Dad's admiration for Peter throughout my life and so I really love this story. And I just wanted to share one of my thoughts on it. We all recall that Peter walked on water, was distracted from the storm and lost his focus on the Savior. And then he fell, cried out to the Lord, and was saved. I think of it often, and find solace in the fact that the Lord was so quick to catch Peter. I take joy that Peter had the courage to GET OUT of the boat and WALK. I take comfort that even the greatest of men sometimes fall, that they too were afraid.
But I had never really thought about what happened after The Lord saved Peter, after the admonition of 'Oh thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?'
You see, Peter had walked away from the boat TO Christ. There was still a storm going on, the disciples in the boat still didn't have complete control of the boat. Christ and Peter were, in my mind, a fair distance from the boat. And so Peter walked on water again. This time, Peter walked on water WITH Christ, back to the boat.
We all fall sometimes, we get distracted by the storms of life, we get afraid, we sink and have to cry to the Lord to save us... And save us he does. And then, then he walks back with us. I don't know how long it might take for us to cry to the Savior, I don't know how long it will be as though we are sinking and waiting for his hand to catch ours. But I do know that that moment of fear and helplessness is, in the grand scheme of things, and from an eternal point of view, but a moment, eventually the Lord's hand does pull us out of the water. And then we too will be able to walk back with the Lord to the boat.
So that's my little thought on Peter, walking on water, and the hard times in life.
I had a wonderful week this week, and I am so excited to begin yet another. Although sometimes I think that weeks are a strange invention. And tells a lot about humans that we created a system in which every seven days we repeat a pattern. We humans sure enjoy a sure and steady pattern. (Not that I'm saying it's a bad thing, think of the chaos that would ensue if we didn't have a set pattern for telling apart each day...) (But sometimes I think Pocahontas style, 'What's around the riverbend!!!) (I don't know if that makes sense, it does in my mind, I just wonder what life would be like if we had developed differently, but then if we didn't have weeks I might wonder what life would be like if humans had developed such a thing... just the way of things)
But now, I shall come to an end.
Just a comment, I hope the third person didn't drive you insane, but I wanted to see how that affected MY point of view as I wrote about my week. I discovered I prefer using normal first person, it feels more connected. Although I would be interested to hear how it affected your point of view as well... I think taht sometimes we underestimate how important such simple things can be.
Reitieration of something... DAD I LOVED YOUR POEM!!! It... was so beautiful, someday I want to be able to write something that beautiful!
I hope everyone is doing wonderfully! I hope that school is enjoyable, that life is full of adventure, and that you are happy!
Well,
I love you,
Jag Älskar Er,
Love,
Kjanela
'When what's ahead scares you, and what's behind hurts you, Look up, He'll never fail you.' (Shared with me by Morgan, and I just loved that quote!)
'Defeat is temporary, giving up is what makes it permanent.'
'Flying is simple, just throw yourself at the ground and miss.'
(I know that some of these quotes are constantly making it in to the end of my emails... but that's just because those are the ones that constantly uplift me...)