Wow no voice.. agh..

Hejsan allihopa :) och hej på riktigt om typ flera timmar. Helt galet!!!

First off.. so I have been sick since literally since I wrote home last week. Not cool and yet still a super good week. Today I woke up and couldn't even speak. I have never lost my voice.. ever. Not until today. I'm hoping that I can have some what of a voice for my last day proselyting in my area. I feel good about going home even if I still want to be a missionary and don't want to leave Sweden. Everyone asks if I will come back.. I know I will I just don't know if I want to live in Sweden.

We have been all over the place today and now I don't have anytime to write. I'm sorry this will be short. Preach my gospel this week was focused this week on why we commit and then why we follow up. It was a nice follow up from last week. 

In the white handbook we read about finances and the money that we receive every month is sacred. In these last couple of months I have had tons of money left over for some reason. Well lets just say it feels good to not have used it all. We did buy cleaning supplies and things to just stock up the apartment for the next missionaries. No one will have to buy Landry soap for like.. 6 months maybe more. A scripture I was given by someone was D&C 62:3 Nevertheless, ye are blessed, for the testimony which ye have borne is recorded in heaven for the angels to look upon; and they rejoice over you, and your sins are forgiven you. Really my feelings have been all over the place this week but this scripture gave me tons of comfort! Wow I have also been sick all week and that makes your feelings go all up and down and where ever else. Still though we have had many great things happening here. One cool thing was a person we have prayed for since I got to this area we ended up teaching him twice this week. He was a member referral but no address and no phone number. So we prayed for 4 months. Then last Sunday he came to the church and the elders met him and set up a time. When they got his address they knew he lived in our area and so we came on the teach too. We came in the apartment complex and there is the same name we have prayed for.. for 4 months! I think sys.strömberg bout died. There were so many times this week that the spirit has hit me hard that this is the Lords work!! I can't even begin to express how blessed I feel to have had the chance to serve a mission!!

I love all of you.. thanks so much for the support and love!!

Love Syster Sprague

Break downs...

Hej mina nära och kära,

Maybe break downs shouldn't be the subject :) we have had a good week! But it was interesting to hear that my mom had a little break down. I totally did too. I have told Syster Strömberg all about the 12 days of Christmas and how I love to do for people. Then last Friday we are planning and she says, "How about the 12 days of Sprague?!" That was also meaning.. it started the next day. Oj oj oj.. not cool. Almost immediately I started to cry. I have counted down the days either mom just weeks. I wouldn't but everyone else does ugh... they also count the days too. The reason really behind the break down was well my time was running out and in the back of my mind I knew it was less than 12 days. Because my count down would be the last minute I am a missionary in Sweden and that is before I get home. Maybe I will make myself some goals of contacting so many people before I get off the last plane or something. Then I won't think this is the end. Well mom I'm super sorry that you worried so much. It was okay that the card was declined.. I was buying stuff for you ha ha. I can probably get it next week anyway. I totally forgive you and please don't be sick over it anymore. I was only confused why it didn't work. You are wonderful!!! Literally I don't know another missionary that has such an awesome mom. Tons of people have heard about you too because of Frida. =) Goodness.. glad you love her. I knew ya would though. Love you Frida!!! Hope you get feeling better soon!! PS Syster Strömberg felt super bad and was very sorry she tried to take back what she said but right now she is actually writing me an on going story. I get a page everyday. It Rocks!

 

     The white handbook this week was interesting. I ended up doing splits twice and so I got to read one thing two times. I was super happy and didn't mind reading it twice though. It is my favorite part. The page it highlighted very pink :) and is about relationships to others. Possibly the hardest part of going home will be that I don't have companion all the time. No more comp inventory or a book of guidelines that says they have to speak openly with me ha ha. I am very good at following that part of the white handbook. And my fear of not getting along with my companions hasn't been an issue. Preach My Gospels focus this week was in Chapter 11. with helping people make and keep commitments. I have been working on the follow-up a lot. Like it says in preach my gospel if we don't follow-up then its like buying a movie ticket and not going to see the movie. Ridiculous really. We will never help people progress if we can't get them to keep commitments. We have to take the time to really commit and then make sure they stuck to it. One of our investigators actually read this week. It was a miracle! He has been taught by missionaries before and just never went forward. My hunch is that no one took the time to make sure he read or did it with him. I'm very thankful for the specialized training we just had this week too. I enjoy the push and drive and feeling like we are all doing it together. It really feels like  the zone is doing well and trying their best. I can just see the vision and goals and they are realistic to reach.

 

     This week we gave a spiritual thought and used one of my favorite scriptures 2 Nephi 32:9 "But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul." I have focused a lot since last December, when Sister Newell spoke at the Christmas conference, on consecrating and sanctifying my days. I do that by making 2 goals everyday and then consecrating my time like it says in this scripture and when I have my nightly prayers I can then sanctify my day and receive forgiveness for those things I didn't do or did wrong. I have found sooo much joy in my prayers and repenting everyday!

 

      Wednesday I was able to do work overs with Syster Hill, who I haven't been with since the MTC just that in and of its self was awesome, we went to Katrineholm that day to work. It was amazing! I thought of how as missionaries we should always be on the look out to speak to someone and to share. Then again I know how easy it can be to know you have an hour train ride and you want to catch up with someone you haven't spent time with in many many months. Well what happened was as we go to sit we realize our seats aren't next to each other anyway. Little disappointed I look over at what could be my seat and see a man in the seat next to it. I felt myself jump a bit. I was excited to sit and talk with him. The moment I sat down we started to talk. He has met missionaries before and we spoke for about 30 minutes when I ask who he knows that's a member. He hesitated thinking I wouldn't know.. but I had a name in my mind and sure enough he said Sammy and I ended with the last name Sam. We both just stared at each other. Ha ha then we laughed and he calls Sammy up. He was one the YSA in Göteborg. I was able to speak with Sammy and invite him to give his friend a Book of Mormon because I myself didn't have one in English that day. Good thing for member friends. I love the gospel and I love love love that this is the Lords work because I couldn't have ever set that up so perfect. I even mentioned to him that the Lord had led us to meet and he agreed. We exchanged numbers and then I left. Hope to get him taught soon!

Thanks for all you do... all of you! Have a wonderful week!

 

Love Syster Sprague

There is no running from it..

Dressed up as each other

We got cookie dough brownies mom!! They were good and reminded me of home!

Hej hej 

        This is from my visiting teacher, "It is almost Halloween! Do they celebrate the holiday in Sweden? I hope the only spirit you encounter is the Holy Ghost. I am sure he has been with you throughout your mission. Isn't it wonderful to have that spirit!!" I just really enjoyed what she had to say. They didn't used to celebrate it but America kinda takes over and people wanna be like us so yes you do see a little bit of trick or treating. Really though its still like," what we do that here??" A lot of people aren't even sure what to say either. "what is it? Trick or what?" I actually got to carve 2 pumpkins this year because they everyone says ugh not sure what I'm doing. Hey you're American.. you do it. Sad thing is I am not at all good at stuff like that so I always had someone else do it at home. Guess I had to come to Sweden to finally carve a pumpkin haha. 

 

Carved pumpkins

 

 

    According to the 12 week program this week were on week 7. They seriously fly by! The focus in PMG this week was the Book of Mormon. We ended up having really good teaches after studying this chapter. Sys. Strömberg has been doing a wonderful job at applying what we learn that morning into what we do that day. She is wonderful and I love love love being with her. I am so thankful I got the chance to train too. Our little white handbook this week it reminded me about garments and how grateful I am for them. They talk about them being a daily reminder of the covenants I have made. I know I don't think of that every day I get dressed but I should. I have actually grown a huge love and respect for them now having a companion who does not have them. I appreciate them a lot more and not just because they keep me warmer than what she has haha.

 

      The scriptures have been a source a strength for me this week. I can't be in denial anymore that I am going home and the time just goes faster and faster. Before I know it Christmas well be here and I will have been home a month. That's intense. I also have moments of freak outs. Just in my mind really and sometimes expressed a little to Sys.Strömberg. So far it has only helped us both to really use all the time we have as best we can. I was reading in Mosiah 26:20-21 Thou art my servant; and I covenant with thee that thou shalt have eternal life; and thou shalt serve me and go forth in my name, and shalt gather together my sheep. And he that will hear my voice shall be my sheep; and him shall ye receive into the church, and him will I also receive.

 

It struck me hard that I am the Lords servant and people will hear the voice of the voice of the Lord as we go out everyday. I have a hard time not feeling like I don't want to go home and give that up. To take the name tag off as if I would be literally taking the Lords name off. I'm not! I realize that I have taken the Lords name upon me and that people will see it through my example and not by looking at my shoulder. That could be nice actually. At least for the ones that run from it haha.

 

       We went to a huge cemetery on Saturday night to celebrate All Saints Day. While we were there an investigator who was with us took all the pictures for us. She is a sweet girl from Germany. As we were there I was praying that I could somehow talk about what we believe in and have it be natural. She then turns to me and asks what I believe as far as what happens after we die. I was like," Whaaat?" That was amazing! The whole night actually felt really good. The atmosphere was perfect to teach her that. There were 4 elders there and us and we thought it would be nice if we sang. So we did. It was even all 4 parts. We sang Nearer My God to Thee and a huge crowd of people gathered to listen. After the song we didn't really plan more but tons of people all stood there. So we sang two more songs.. Wow that spirit was strong!!!

 

      Our investigators right now are doing alright. I feel like they just want to move like turtles. One of them actually just dropped us and did it through her member friend which is sad because she was super super positive. We were hoping to set an actual date the next time we met. Right now we have tons of less actives and new members who want to meet and things but not investigators. Sunny that got baptized got the priesthood yesterday! He also introduced us to two of his friends and they asked tons of questions. They aren't really interested in doing anything but just wanted to know about it. We were really proud of him. He was able to bare testimony to his friends why he was baptized. UGH I am hoping to see some baptisms obviously before I go and if not at least feel and know that I was successful.

Love Syster Sprague! 

 

Can I just say I'm happy to go home and continue being sister Sprague. As an elder you don't get that luxury. Their name is just taken from them. Tons of people will still call me that.. well at church anyway. Have I told you that people here call me Spragoo.. haha how is it that people called me that at home and here too??

Snow.. snow.. snow.. snowwww!!!

"I want to wash my hands and (face)? hair with SNOW!" (correct this please haha I can't remember all the white Christmas songs anymore :( good thing "I'll be home for Christmas!"  

Hello haha (Syster Strömberg said hello just randomly to no one and this man walking past waved at my very confused like and I waved back thinking she knew him. Of course I'm confused like should I be waving. She probably knows him!.. Nope she wasn't even looking! She had no idea he even waved. Crazy!)

 

      Last Friday was an amazing day! We were invited to a lunch from the zone leaders and were able to get 2 new investigators and 2 potential investigators. All because of Mary, who was baptized in Handen 2 ward, she is amazing at inviting her friends to learn more! I was so proud of her. Her friends were super excited to hear about what Mary now believes in. We gave out the Book of Mormons we have and taught like crazy. Syster Strömberg and I were teaching in the kitchen and the elders were teaching in the living room. We even had two members there. Felt really good. It wasn't just random people but they were friends that Mary loves and she wants them to have a chance to learn what she loves and cherishes. 

 

Have a wonderful week!Preach my Gospel has helped both Sys.Strömberg and I stay focused on our purpose as missionaries. We have had a good week focused on the gospel of Jesus Christ. We also learned about helping our investigators pray and why it is important to pray. We just got a new investigator who has tons of questions. The lesson become mostly questioning and answering. She is very positive and knows she can pray about these things too. We briefly taught about receiving revelation. I am hoping we teach her this week and get to tell her more about prayer. (Dont love question answer teaches)

 

     The white handbook is amazing. We have started over this past week and I remember reading that people should see that we are Christs representatives. Somewhere else it says that people do recognize us and we shouldn't do anything to make people think otherwise. I guess I had no step back and think can people always recognize that I represent Christ?

 

      My scripture this week rocked my socks! Mosiah 24:14 "And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions." I realized that the Lord is willing to help us in our time of need but that he does expect us to do something too. We can't get something for nothing. I realize Gods love is given whether or not we deserve it but that we can actually receive help in times of need but then that is when we have to stand and be a witness of Him. Let people know that it was the Lords help that got you through! :) Maybe more people would turn to him if we acknowledge him more.

 

OH yeah so it totally snowed. It was pretty excited actually. Right as we are talking about it on a train I'm like thinkin.. we gotta talk to this man here. We go over and talk to him. Ha he totally just watched me on TV (not in very much) and he totally recognized me. I was shocked and this is like a big military guy who totally was interested in our message. Too bad he only got our number and we didn't have time to get his. Now we will never hear from him. I so hope he will call though. You gotta have hope!! 

 

Love Syster Sprague     (Check out the post below for a link if you would like to see the TV show Erica was in.)

Swedish Mormon Documentary...

She is not the star of the show, it isn't very kind to the Mormon faith, and it's mostly in Swedish....  BUT it does have our own beloved Syster Sprague in it!  Apparently they followed the Systers around all day and only showed a very little of what they did.  They are toward the end so make sure you have 28 minutes to watch before you begin!

http://www.svtplay.se/kobra

Enjoy!!

..Adversary...grrr...!

HEJ!!!

       We had a good week with a few really hard slow days. Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday were all pretty slow days. Its hard to have that many slow days but yet it helped us push a little harder. I have never had so many new investigators like we had this week. It was amazing to see the miracles happen. The Lord has shown me a number of times that it his Him who leads and guides me and that I need him. I really appreciated stake conference this weekend. The talks were really good and just felt needed. I hope my mission presidents wife, Syster Newell, understands how amazing she is! Syster Strömberg and I were really touched by her talk on Saturday evening. She spoke of having a hard day even though she does what she is supposed to. She was speaking Pres Newell and he paused and said, "Just imagine if we didn't have days like this." Man.. on those days I would have had a hard time agreeing but now looking back on the week I would have to say I am grateful for those hard times. Especially that it wasn't even just a hard day but days. But yet you can look back and see where you were lead and where you received help and strength. Then those good days feel like fantastic days. It was hard with stake conference being in Stockholm so far away because no one could come but one person. Then again you see who is really committed and who will make an effort. Easy to see who you should spend your time with that's for sure. 

 

        This week we studied how to use time wisely. I was very thankful for it actually. Sys.Strömberg has done an amazing job taking charge and leading us. Not just in contacting and teaching but when we sit down to plan too. Our weekly planning was a little split up but I feel like she still handled it very well and we were able to plan in a good week and some good lessons. Can't wait to teach all of our new investigators too!!

 

         3 of the new investigators are a family. A father, mother, and son who is 12. Not married.. yet. They speak Spanish together. Adriano speaks Swedish with us and Rosa speaks English. We had our new ward missionary was on the teach.  He is from Honduras and speaks Spanish so it was perfect. We had one investigator drop us this week ugh hard. The spirit was so strong in our teaches with her and she says she is even going to keep reading in the book of mormon. Man that kills. I think she knows its true and so she backed off. I'll make sure to go by before I leave Sweden and give her a goodbye hug and last testimony :) Haha stake conference this weekend was great. I met a returned missionary that wasn't even released yet and he bore his testimony at conference. He really struggled with is Swedish! It was crazy. I am afraid to go home and forget words because I can't just say it in Swedish. People won't understand there. Here if you throw in a English word some people don't even think twice. They already know what you mean. Haha anyway it was fun to see.

 

         The white handbook is such a blessing. We enjoy reading in it actually. Sys.Strömberg is so cute! I love to see her understand more why we do the things we do. Or even feel the way we feel. I received a blessing after General Conference because of the pain I was having in my feet and it was just cool this week to then read about blessings. We both felt so blessed that we are able to have access to priesthood blessings. The zone leaders are amazing elders and I am very grateful for their worthiness to be able to carry that authority.  

 

         The Scripture that really touched me this week is in Alma 34:32 For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors. We taught the plan of salvation at a family home evening last Monday and a boy that has been in-active actually talked about his purpose here on earth. It really touched me. I felt he really understood and felt he had a testimony of that part. He is actually getting married soon and now understands why it is so important to go to that temple and get married and not just anywhere. We saw him on Saturday going to meet with the stake president. Then on Sunday they announced in stake conference that he has received the priesthood. I am so happy for him and that his goal is to make it to the Temple. I am also so happy that he now understands how important it is. I love the gospel and I really love SHARING the gospel! 

 

Have a wonderful week! I love you all!!

Love Syster Sprague

Only 2 words.... Vilket Mirakel!!!

Hejsan allihopa!

      Oj what a beautiful thing the gospel is! I have to say I have a deep love for the gospel and for sharing it. Most the time I walk away more uplifted probably. But I guess that comes down to the fact that I'm living it. People can feel the love and joy that comes from the gospel but it goes away fast until you are living it personally. Its probably the peace I receive that I'm most thankful for. There is no other place on earth a person can find such peace. Its only when living in such a way that the blessings of heaven can't be withheld. The Lord has promised them for those that are obedient. Even to those small small small things that you think..,"eh why is that a rule anyway?" I would even say especially in those times are we even more blessed once we decide to follow. I have also seen the difference it makes when I obey with a willing heart. Its like all the difference haha.

     So yesterday.. it was a normal Sunday except for the fact that it was fast Sunday. The spirit was very strong in sacrament meeting that morning. The normal investigators came to church. One in particular though was going to meet us after all the meetings, his name is Sunny. He has been going to church every Sunday for 6 months and loves it. He knows, lives, and loves the gospel. He even gets up for early morning seminary. Just because he can and wants to. As a 16 year old he was just waiting for his parents approval. Earlier that week he had told us he could be baptized. While meeting with him he asks to speak with the Elders too. He tells all of us that he has permission and that he doesn't want to wait any longer. He got baptized that day!! Almost all the young men and women came to support him. A newly baptized member says to him, "Welcome to the gang!" He can't wait to pass the sacrament, go to the temple, and serve a full-time mission. AGH I am so so so excited for him.

      Its funny our mission leader served a short time misssion that was only 3 weeks and he said he experienced all the ups and downs and feelings that he felt on a full time mission. I think that is going to be what happens to Sys.Strömberg :) its good though. If Heavenly Father doesn't have it set in stone that she is supposed to serve full-time I can say with out a doubt that she will go home experiencing it all. Except for maybe trakting haha. Though I can't say I'm going to make it a priority. She has actually already done it with different sister missionaries at home. She is awesome :) I love everyday I have with her. We learn a lot together and I know I will be sad when the day comes to go home and leave her. Makes me happy to think I will always have a strong tie to Sweden though. Even if every other person forgets me she won't haha! 

The zone leaders had 2 baptisms the night before and Sys.Strömberg and I were asked to sing. Wow was I nervous. Which is not good because my pulse is SO strong in my throat it like punches me and makes it hard to speak let alone sing. Went well though... unless people just lie to you... haha which I think they do but its whatever really. We sang again the next day in sacrament. Surprisingly I was less nervous in sacrament with like quadruple the amount of people. The Västerhaninge ward is not small. I think maybe 130 come every Sunday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD  I love you so so much. Love hearing from you too 

Also a big happy birthday to LINDA its been so long.. sorry I'm such a bad writer. Hope you know I love you though!!!

Dear President Newell,

What a good week.. and what a good day we had yesterday!! Sunny got baptized and the whole thing went so smoothly. I was shocked at how many people came. He told us at about 1:15 ish and the baptism started at 6:30 with a program and everything. The young women even did a musical number. They had refreshments and all the only thing was a gift for him. I think it will be perfect though.. when he receives the gift of the holy ghost so can he also receive all the gifts from all the members. 

Thanks for all the love and support.. it is felt and needed :)

Love Syster Sprague