Day 174

Hello everybody!

Hope you are all doing well and have had a good week!

This has probably seemed like the longest week of my mission. Not even a week ago I was in Malmö, and now I'm sitting in a library in Katrineholm. This week has been full of new faces and some amazing experiences. If you didn't know, I was transferred to Katrineholm this week. It is a lot different from Malmö. Malmö will always have a special place in my heart. All those reading this from Malmö, I want to say thank you so much for everything you all have done for me and all you taught me. Didn't think I would be able to learn Swedish is Skåne but thanks to you all I did! I love you all with all my heart. I will come back soon!

I am looking forward to serving in Katrineholm. When I got here, I got off the train and was greeted by my new companion, Elder Faulkner. He is from London England. He is super funny and a good missionary. I look forward to working with him. After I got settled in, we went to meet a new convert named Pia. She was baptized a couple months ago by my good friend Elder Higgins. We taught her a lesson and I could really feel the spirit just radiating off of her. She has such a strong testimony for being a member for just a few months! She is an amazing member and I look forward to working with and getting to know her. After meeting with Pia, we met with an investigator named Kenneth. When I first saw and met Kenneth, I thought he was the branch president or something. Turns out he has been meeting with the missionaries for years but just cannot quit smoking. He has tried for years but his body has developed such a strong need and addiction that it is extremely hard for him. He has such a strong testimony and he probably knows more about the gospel than me haha.We had a really great disscussion with him. After the disscussion, he came to the realization that it is time to get baptized. He really wants to do it. I told him I came to Katrineholm to make sure he stops smoking and gets baptized haha. So his date is for July 4. We are working with him right now to make sure he is ready to make the commitment. 

My second day in Katrineholm, we went to district meeting which was good, we also ate at an American Pizza place! It didnt taste 100% American though ;) But on our way home, our train ended up being 15 min late. So about 5-10 min after the train was supposed to leave, a man came up and asked me where the train was that was supposed to be going to Katrineholm. I helped him out and then we started waiting together. Then I realized that this was a perfect opportunity to share the gospel with him. I started up a casual conversation and then carefully led it into a disscussion about religion (I have become very good at that by the way ;) ) I taught him the Restoration right there in the train station. It was such an amazing and spiritual experience. I cant explain it. But there is a real joy that comes with sharing the gospel to others and bearing witness that you know the Book of Mormon is true with all your heart. I felt the spirit as we finished telling the story of Joseph Smith and bore record that it was true. He said he was interested and would like to meet again sometime. I know that everything happens in God's time and way. If that train was on time, I would have never had the opportunity to talk to that man. I am thankful for the opportunity my Heavenly Father gave me to share the gospel with Emanuel and I am even more thankful that I toook the opportunity. It strengthened my testimony and faith as I saw that God cares about each and every one of His children and will prepare a way for them to hear the Restored Gospel.

So this week we received a refferal from the Elders up North. They told us they contacted this Swedish man who explained to them that he was searching for God and would love to meet but he is moving to Katrineholm. Perfect. So we met up with him this week. Pia came along and I swear to you it was exactly like the District. (They missionary documentary thing the church puts out). I have never had such a perfect lesson and an investigator who asked such perfect questions. One of the other cool things was that this man was Swedish. So this perfect lesson was delivered in swedish. I felt the Spirit so strong and the words that came out of my mouth were the words I have been studying the last 6 months to learn. I got to teach this man the simple truths and principles of the gospel in the language he knew best and the language I was called here to speak. His name is Jonas. He asked us so many questions like, "how do you guys pray?" and "how can I hear from God?" and "How can I know he is really there?". It was perfect. It was such an amazing experience that I will never forget. He is really interested. Also something else cool happened. As we were teaching him, I thought to myself, "this guy is perfect and getting baptized for sure". And then he got up and went to the kitchen and came back out with a cup of coffee. haha great. But then he started to tell us his story of how he used to be into drugs and how he was a heavy drinker and was able to quit. Then he explained to us that "this cup of coffee I am drinking is an addiction. And I want to quit because I dont want to be controlled by anything." That was also a testimony builder to me, to see how God has been preparing this man since he quit drinking and drugs to receive the restored gospel. I am excited to work with Jonas. We are meeting him again this week. 

On saturday, we had a branch temple trip. Those who ended up going were, Presdient Palamino, Elder Faulkner and I. Haha not so many people but an amazing experience. I am so grateful for the temple and the chance I had to go. I also got to see one of my best friends from the MTC, Äldste Burton, after 5 months of not seeing him. That was great! I love the temple and I love that no matter what language you speak, the gospel is the same and you can still feel the spirit just as strong.

Sunday was church. I want to quickly explain the picture. Right now, we meet in a classroom in a schoolhouse. All 15 of us. But luckily we had 19 this week! Given that 7 of them were one family and 2 were from the high council and 2 were missionaries. It is such a cool experience to meet in that classroom. I was so amazed by the faith of the members there. I felt the spirit just as strong there than if I wouldve been in the conference center. I also held a short talk. I am thankful that I was able to bear my testimony to these members that I know this gospel and church are true and that if we worked together, we could bring many into this branch. I love being a missionary. 

Well, I am about out of time. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers and letters! I love you all so much! I just quickly want to tell you all that I know this Church is true with my whole heart and without any doubt. I know Heavenly Father is there and cares about each and every one of us. I know that my Redeemer lives and that he stands by every one of us and helps us and strengthens us and wants to carry our burdens for us. All we have to do is ask. I know with church is true. My faith is in my Lord and Savior Jesus Chirst. I love this gospel and this church and I am thankful for the opportunity I have each day to share it with all those I come in contact with 24/7. 

I love you all so much!

Jag älskar er så mycket!

MVH

Äldste Bailey

Day 167 - Glad Midsommar

Hey everyone! 

I hope you all had a good week. This week went by fast and was full of great experiences. I have some exciting but sad news.. I will be transferring from my birthplace  of Malmö this week (mom's note: this what they call their first city that they are assigned to on their mission). I will be transferring to a small town called Katrineholm. It is about an hour west of Stockholm. It is a really small city with a small branch. There is about 15 active members in the branch. So that is going to be a little weird coming from a larger ward and city like Malmö. I am pretty sad to leave this city and the members and people I was working with. But I know it is necessary for me to grow as a missionary and it's time for me to meet new people and share the gospel to new faces. I also need to see some more of Sweden besides this southern part. I am going to miss the members and people I worked with so much. But there is other work that needs to be done. And I know I will love Katrineholm almost as much as Malmö ;) Yesterday, I gave my last testimony in sacrament meeting. It was bittersweet. I get really nervous when I talk in front of people. But, I already have a talk assigned for this Sunday in my new branch so I think I am going to get used to speaking in church haha. I had to say a lot of my goodbyes yesterday, but I think the most of them will come within the next two days before I leave. I hate goodbyes, so I just call them "see ya later"s. I hope I can come back to this city one day to visit these amazing members and friends I have made. 

Okay, now a few experiences from the week. I had a really awesome experience this week while visiting Elisabeth. She called all four of us missionaries over to her house because she needed a blessing. She had fallen out of her wheelchair that morning and hit her head. When we got there, Elder Downing asked me if I wanted to give the blessing. I was not prepared at all, but I agreed anyways. As I walked over to Elisabeths bed, I said a little prayer in my heart that I would be able to give a good blessing and that the spirit would guide my words. It was also my first blessing I gave in Swedish, so I was pretty nervous. As I laid my hands on her head, I felt a calm feeling but nothing really was coming to my mind. Then a few simple sentences came. I said a few things like, "we bless you with strength and peace" and "the Lord loves you and wants you to know everything is going to be okay" and a few other things that I cant remember. It was a really really simple blessing. After the few short phrases I said, nothing was coming to my mind at all. So I closed the blessing. Elisabeth thanked us and we left. I left feeling really frustrated. I knew I could speak much better swedish than what I said in that blessing. And I was really wondering why the Lord didn't give me more to say to her. I was also worried that she would think that it wasn't that good of a blessing. I was talking to Elder Beck about it afterwords. I told him that nothing was coming to my mind after the few phrases I said. I told him I knew I could speak 100x better swedish than what I said. And he said something that really hit me hard. He said, "you know, we have given Elisabeth about 3 blessings in the last two weeks. I think you said exactly what the Lord wanted her to hear. That everything is going to be okay. Plain and simple." Then the Spirit hit me really hard. I knew that I had said everything that the Lord needed to say to her. It then reminded me of a scripture I had read that same morning. Jacob 4:10. "Wherefore, brethren, seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. For behold, ye yourselves know that he counseleth in wisdom, and in justice, and in great mercy, over all his works." This scripture taught me to not rely on my own counsel and what I wanted to say, but to really rely on the Lord and his counsel. And to trust him. To not question the thoughts and promptings that come to my heart and mind from the spirit. I am thankful for that experience and for what I learned from it. The next morning, Elisabeth called me and told me that she felt much better and that she was really thankful for the blessing. That made me really happy. I am going to miss her. 

On Friday, there was a holiday in Sweden called Midsommar. Midsummer is an occasion of large gatherings. It is a swedish holiday to welcome summer. It is a huge holiday in sweden. So basically they raise this giant pole called the maypole. It is an ancient symbol representing fertility.  
Then the maypole is raised in an open spot and traditional ring-dances ensue. It's really strange haha but fun I guess. We got the day off as missionaries. We were able to go to the chapel and take part in the midsummer activities. According to other swedes and missionaries, our midsommar was no where near as fun and big as they usually are. usually they are outside. But ours was inside because it was raining. 

Yesterday, Reza got the priesthood! (Majeed was out of town.) But I am grateful I got to see him get the priesthood before I left. He was really excited and happy. I am happy to see both of them continuing strong in the gospel. I love them and I am really going to miss them. 

Before I end, I want to quickly give a shout out to my dad. HAPPY FATHERS DAY DAD!!! He is the best dad in the world. I am so lucky to have a Father who raised me in the gospel with the spirit present in our home. He is such an amazing example to me. He taught me to work hard and to serve those around me. My dad is the hardest worker I know. He works hard everyday to provide for me and my family because he loves us. And whenever he has free time it seems like he is helping out someone in the neighborhood. I look up to him tremendously. I want to be exactly like my dad when I grow up. I am thankful to call him dad and my best friend. I love you and miss you so much dad!!

I hope you all have an amazing week, and when I hear from you again, I will be in Katrineholm! Weird! Anyways, I am doing well and I love you all! Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers! See you soon!

MVH
Äldste Bailey

Day 160

Tjena tjena mina vänner!

I hope you all had a great week! This week flew by super quick. It feels like I was just barely sitting at the computer typing last week's email. I had a pretty good week! I would say a little better than last! We still didn't do too well with lessons. All the lessons we had set up just kept falling through. We did have a lot of lessons with members which was good for us to practice teaching and practice the language. I am getting more confident with the language than before. It is just hard to learn because anyone you talk to usually switches to english the second they hear you're American. I usually just keep talking to them in Swedish anyway haha. The members are usually really good about talking to us in swedish. I love the members in this ward! I think there might be a possibility of me leaving Malmö next week which is sad, but at the same time I think it will be good for me. 

Tuesday, we went with the sisters to teach one of their new investigators, Muhammad. It was a really cool experience. It wasn't the most spiritual lesson, but it was interesting. He was really interested in our church and our beliefs and he just wanted to hear our view on things like God and Jesus and Muslims and stuff. He started asking questions like "how big is God? where does he live?" When we told him about how he has a body of flesh and bone, it was hard for him to accept. He believed that God was within all of us. We told him that that is the job of the Holy Ghost. Then he thought that the Holy Ghost had more power than God. It just got pretty confusing. We also taught him about the Book of Mormon. That was the cool part. Even though the calm feeling of the spirit wasn't totally there, as we started teaching and testifying about the Book of Mormon, you could feel that peace in the room. And I think that is the power of the Book of Mormon. It can bring a spiritual environment no matter what the situation. Muhammad is willing to read the Book of Mormon and come to church. We are going to meet him this week and we will see how it goes with him. 

On Wednesday, we had district meeting. It was a great meeting and Elder Beck shared a short story that really hit me hard and that I would like to share with all of you. It's called "The Room". Sorry it's a little long but I promise it's worth it. 

"In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features save for the one wall covered with small index-card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endlessly in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I Have Liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one.

And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match.

A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I Have Betrayed."

The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I Have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed At." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've Yelled at My Brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger," "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped.

I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my 20 years to write each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.

When I pulled out the file marked "Songs I Have Listened To," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of music, but more by the vast amount of time I knew that file represented.

When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded.

An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: "No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In an insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it

Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.

And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key.

But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus.

I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one?

Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.

Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card.

"No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood.

He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished."

I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written."

I dont know if you have heard this story before, but it really hit me hard when he read it to the district. I don't know if I have ever pictured the Atonement and Christ paying the price for our sins in that way. I think it is a really good metaphor to show how the Savior willingly and lovingly paid the price for each one of our sins, no matter who we are. It made me look back to the things I have done and the things I have thought. It made me wonder what the Savior would think of them if he were to read them like cards. I don't want to cause the Savior anymore suffering than He already went through. But most importantly, I am eternally grateful that he did perform the Atonement for me. That no matter what I have done in my life, I can be made clean again through my Redeemer Jesus Christ. I love Him with all my heart for what He did for me. I try to be more like him each day. I hope this little story helped you better understand what the Savior did for each one of us. 

On Friday I had an experience where I experienced the gift of tongues, haha. We were visiting Elisabeth, one of the hardest members to understand, and she wanted help programming her new house phone she bought. I had no idea how to do that but for some reason she thought that I would know how to do it. So I looked at the phone and then at the instructions, I didn't really understand them that well. But as I started talking to her, I found that I was saying everything I needed to clearly, and I could understand her clearly. I also found that I could understand the instructions! I was able to communicate clearly with Elisabeth for like the first time ever! hahaha it was the best! I was able to fix her phone for her and I knew that I had the Spirit's help. She was very appreciative of the help we were able to give her. We also gave her a blessing. Elder Sahlin was there on splits with the other Elders. He is one of the AP's and he is one of the missionaries I look up to most in this whole mission. I want to be just like him one day. He gave the blessing and it was a beautiful blessing and the spirit was so strong. I am thankful for the priesthood I bear and that I can use it to bless the lives of those around me. 

Saturday night, we got to play a little basketball before we taught Su. Su brought a few of his friends which was awesome! They were pretty good! It was probably the hardest ball I have played on my mission! (hence the picture) The guy on the very left was a quick little guy. But nothin I couldnt handle ;) It was really fun! One of Su's friends, Jaden, the one next to Su, is currently looking for a church to go to. He seems really interested in ours! He lives in a different city, so we will have to get his info to the missionaries there, but he comes with Su to sports night and will be there next week as well! 

Oh, and we also got locked out of our apartment and we had to break in, haha.

Well I am out of time. I hope you all have another amazing week! Thank you again for all your thoughts and prayers! I love you all and pray for you all every day! I absolutely love being a missionary and for the experiences I get to have every day. I love this gospel and I am learning and understanding it more than ever before. Serving a mission is the best decision I have ever made in my life. Jag älskar er! Kämpa på!

MVH
Äldste Bailey

Day 153

Hej Hej allihopa! 

As far as lessons and numbers go, this was probably the worst week of my mission. Almost all of our lessons fell through. Plus, It rained the whole week and there weren't even anyone out on the streets to talk to. But despite all that, it was still a really good week. 

On Tuesday we were able to teach Majeed. We taught him the Plan of Salvation. Reza wasn't there so it was a little hard to teach. He doesn't understand that much English. But we drew out the plan on a piece of paper and explained each step to him and he understood as we drew it out. He has a strong testimony and I love the smile on his face every time he comes to the church to be taught. I feel the spirit radiate off of him so much. After Majeed, we taught Alex. He has committed to stop smoking (again). We had a really good lesson about faith and about commandments. We have been calling him periodically throughout the week and reading scriptures with him over the phone and checking up on how he did with smoking that day. We are going to meet with him tomorrow and hopefully make some more progress. 

Wednesday was a really bad day haha. EVERYTHING we had planned fell through. It was planned to be the most busy day of the week but it just ended up not working out. We were able to talk to a lot of people on the streets which was good and always fun. We also made a lot of appointments with less active members in the ward for this week. Hopefully they can all meet this week. 

Thursday was a bit better. We met Fardin at the church in the morning. He has started to learn Swedish the past couple months. It is really amazing because he is learning as fast as a missionary. He has been living here in sweden for a couple years so he can understand most Swedish, but he wasn't able to speak. But now, he can already hold conversations with us. So we met him at the church and taught him some swedish. Then we taught him the Restoration in Swedish. It was one of the times I felt the spirit the strongest while teaching the restoration in swedish. Im not sure why. I think I was just really comfortable around Fardin so I was not worried about messing up or saying anything wrong. When I felt that calm, I was able to convey the feelings I had in my heart and say what the spirit influenced me to say. The lesson flowed so much better and the spirit was definitely there. It helped me realize how I need to feel with everyone else I teach. How I just need to feel calm and confident and let the spirit guide. A lot of the time when I am teaching swedes, I get self conscious and worry about the language. Teaching Fardin helped me to see how it should feel every time I teach in Swedish. After Fardin, we were able to teach Reza. He came to the church and we taught him the Plan of Salvation as well. It started really well and as we started to explain to him what we were going to teach, he said, "that's easy!! I will teach you!". hahaha. He got up and went to the front of the classroom we were in and started drawing the Plan of Salvation on the board. He had it down almost 100%. We had to explain to him the Saviors role and how the whole plan is possible because of him. We went into a lot more depth on the Atonement. The Atonement is something I have gained so much more appreciation for since I have been on my mission. I love my Savior and what he has done for me. After Reza, we were able to go teach an American man and his daughter. It was the first time we met with them, (we contacted them on the street a couple months ago) and the lesson went really well. His daughter kept asking a lot of questions, and we were able to answer and bear our testimonies on the truthfulness of our message. I am not sure how interested they were in the first place, but it still felt so amazing to tell the story of the Restoration to someone who has never heard it. And to have the opportunity to testify of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon is the most amazing feeling ever. Now we just have to wait for the spirit to work inside of them. 

Friday we had zone conference. It was in Gothenburg. We were combined with the Gothenburg zone. It was so nice to see all the missionaries that I havent seen in 3 months. The conference was really uplifting and motivating as well. We first listened to the assistants talk about the power and authority of our calls to be missionaries. The spirit really hit me hard as I was reminded that I am a literal representative of Jesus Christ. I am inviting everyone around me to accept the message of the restored gospel in Jesus Christ's place, as if it was him walking the streets of Sweden. It helped me realize that I need to do everything in my power to do what Christ would do. It helped me realize the importance of having the spirit with me always. After the assistants, we were able to here from President and Sister Beckstrand. They talked about "Being Disciples in the Digital Age". Apparantly, we are going to be receiving iPads. I am super excited! It is going to be a great tool in sharing the gospel throughout the country of Sweden. They talked about how the General Authorities trust us in using the technology and they taught us how to be responsible and wise with the devices. It was a great conference. Afterwords, we missed our train to Malmö. So we got to stay in Gothenburg for an extra 2.5 hours. It is such a pretty city!

Saturday was also a good day. We got to meet a new man whose number was in our phone from a while ago, named Afrim. He was interested in reading the Book of Mormon, but he needed it in Albanian. He was never able to find one. But we gave him one on Saturday and taught him the Restoration. He was a super nice guy. He was really excited that we brought him a Book of Mormon. He really wanted to read it. He told us not to tell him anything about the contents of the book because he didn't want us to spoil it. Afrim asked many questions as we taught him. He was really happy to hear that we believe we have a Heavenly Father who loves us and listens to our prayers. I felt the spirit so much as we sat outside on a park bench and talked about the Book of Mormon and how it came to be. He also shared a really spiritual experience of how God took care of him when he prayed to him for the first time. He was an atheist before. He said when he prayed he literally felt like he was in God's hands. It was amazing to listen to and I was really touched. We read Moroni's promise together and he promised to read and maybe pray about it. He was very accepting of everything we taught. But there was something I really liked. The whole time we were teaching him, he had a pack of cigarettes in his hand, and the Albanian Book of Mormon in the other. And sometimes both of them in the same hand. I dont know why I liked it so much, it was just the coolest sight to see how the Book of Mormon is really flooding the earth to every person in every language. I really felt the spirit as I watched him accept the Book of Mormon and walk away with his cigerettes and the scriptures. I love this gospel and I love the Book of Mormon and the message it contains. It can help anyone improve their live and come closer to God. I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to be a missionary and share the Gospel. 

On Sunday, we were able to go to a special stake conference that was being broadcasted from Scotland to the Northern Europe area. It was President Holland. And his talk was by far the most spiritual and absolutely powerful talk I have ever heard in my life. If you think he gets fired up in General Conference, you should have seen this. It was that, x20. He talked about the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. After just listening to that, I will never be able to deny the Book of Mormon, even if I wanted to. I absolutely know that Joseph Smith is a true prophet of God. Gosh, I wish you could all hear the talk. He said stuff like "There are things I am not even permitted to tell you!!" and "If you ever have the privilege to be at my funeral and look over my casket, with my last breath, I would utter the words that this IS the truth." And he also just gave a million facts why this book could only be written of God. He gave the quote again that "No wicked man could write this book, and no good man would, unless it was by the authority and through the power of God." or something like that. It was really really good. Then that night we were able to visit a less active member named Margarita who hasnt been to church in 5 years. She was happy to let us in and we talked about Jesus Christ and we left her a chapter to read before we come back and she said she would do it!

Today we went to an old viking village! It was soooo awesome! I absolutely loved it - that's why there are so many pictures. There were so many cool old viking things to look at. I really like that kind of stuff! It was a really fun day!

Anyways, I am about out of time. Thank you for all the letters. I love you all and pray for you every day! Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers! I really can feel them and they give me strength every day. I love being a missionary and having the experiences that come with it. I love this gospel and I love my Savior. I know that this Church is true. I promise you it is. And It can bring peace, comfort, guidance, direction, strength, and whatever else we may need. I know this gospel is true. 

I hope you all have an amazing week! 

MVH

Äldste Bailey