Please, no more pie...

That is President Caussé in the middle... Can you see me?!? haha :)


Hej Familj!!!

Yes, it is true... I actually said that! NO MORE PIE!! haha As you may have guessed this past week Äldste Maxwell and I have eaten a lot of pie. Right now in our fridge we have three!! A chocolate one, an apple one, and also a pecan one! Yum! The reason for the pie invasion is a certain holiday we all know as Thanksgiving. I am certainly giving thanks for all of the food I received, but I mean come on, it needs to stop!! :)

We had a wonderful Zone Conference which was actually a mission tour with President Caussé. For lunch we had yet another Thanksgiving feast. This one was catered from a nearby restaurant. Mmm! Turkey and mashed potatoes, and the Senior Couples all brought pumpkin bars that had everyone searching for more! They were delicious! We hopefully will have the recipe soon! So, the food was incredible, but the real treat was President Caussé. He brought with him an intense Spirit which flooded the room as soon as he walked in! We were all able to go up and shake his hand and get to know him a little. His main message was on how we can be better missionaries and improve as to better reach our brothers and sisters here in Sweden. I once again am at a loss for words. The meeting was so... special to me. I learned a lot that I will be working on applying for the future and the present. I love having the opportunity to come out of the world and to be able to take part in this glorious work! It is so important!

Anyway, I will move on so I can get all of these things typed! (I would give so much to be able to type faster!!) On Saturday we headed over to the Siikavaara's house. They are the American family I was telling you about. The father is actually from Finland, and one of the daughters was actually born in Ireland! They travel around a lot! haha Sounds fun!?? :) When we arrived the Thanksgiving feast was all ready to go! The table was set beautifully and the food smelled delicious. We all ate and had a fun time together. We were able to go around the table and each name five things that we are thankful for! It felt like home! After the amazing dinner of turkey, potatoes, gravy, stuffing (imported), sweet potatoes, a berry jello thingy, and fresh home-baked bread it was time for dessert! There were at least five different kinds of pie and in total about nine or ten pies! Wow! We were soooo full! I am going to need to exercise even harder to get rid of all of the weight! :) So, as you have probably guessed, they sent us home with pies! Three of them and told us to come by and pick another one up sometime! hahaha! The kids don't really like pie so that is why we were given them... Anyway, so now we have lots of sweets around the apartment! Every missionary's dream I guess!

Okay, before I get to the family e-mail I would like to say a little something. Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU!! I was told that there was a family/friends fast for me this past Sunday. I can't explain how much the knowledge of this has strengthened me. As I read of the fast, tears filled my eyes. The love you all have for me is something I am VERY thankful for. God answers prayers. Often times through other people. I know that this love and support is a direct answer to my prayers. We have the Lord on our side. He is with us... He is with me. I feel his presence everyday. Blessings follow after an act of faith, and you all, myself included, have put your faith in God. Now, we must be still and KNOW that HE IS GOD. He will help me. Through my trials he already has! This will pass and I will be a better person because of it. I love you very much. Each and every one of you. I hope one day to repay you all for the miracles you are bringing into my life.

Okay, now I will get to the e-mail! We will start things out with our celebrity, Mr. Kundis! I love you Matt! That was a pretty awesome article and picture of you in the Great Falls Tribune! Hey, even Molly was mentioned! That's my dog! She is so awesome! So, I must get a picture of all of your lights when they are done! And since you made the paper you will have to be the best house in Great Falls!!! :) Go get 'em tiger! haha How did the paper find you? Did they just see you outside and come up and say, "hey, want to be in the paper??" Just wondering on that one! Yes, they have lights here in Sweden. But they are very European in that sense. Very plain, but in the plainness there is beauty. Almost every window in the entire city has a little candle looking thing in it. Basically it has seven lights that look like candles and they are arranged like stairs that go up and then down. Like a roof from the side view?? haha _-^-_ <===Kinda like that! :) Anyway, they are really into lights here in Linköping. All of the streets are covered in lights and they even have a festival going on with a trail by the river with different light displays! Cool huh?! I liked how you mentioned the Christmas call! It will be fun! I bet you are still the same, and I would not want it any other way. You are awesome! I love you! I have not changed.. much... haha I am still the same Garrett, but I have received a few "upgrades" if it is okay to call them that.. :) Still the same though! No worries there! I too hope that the upcoming season has people more interested in the Gospel and gets them asking more questions. That would be great! You finished your BYU application? That is awesome! I wish you luck! I am sure your essays were great.. I remember those being very stressful! It is at times like that I ponder on the whole "don't judge others" thing. hehe ;) There are amazing friends waiting for you at college. Whichever it is. I know that for a fact! It is part of your personality to make friends. No problems there! Well, I love you Matt! You are awesome and good luck with the rest of the lights!

Okay, now it is time for the other Mr. Kundis! I love you Dad! :) Thank you for letting me know about the fast. I really appreciate it. :) Warmed my heart! Haha, I laughed at Nana's comment about the crawling through the phone and strangling a doctor. Haha I understand her completely! I have had those same feelings myself! ;) hahaha No news yet, but I will be calling the clinic this week to see whats up. I have no idea what the waiting list is like for MRI's but if you ask me, it is too long! I hope as always to have more information for you next week. It sounds like your Thanksgiving with the family was really fun! Yay for memories! :) That will be really exciting on Christmas! Josh, Hillary, Landon, Kevin and Annie all there! How lucky! :) I look forward to the phone call so I can hear you all! It will be great! Thank you for your e-mail Dad. I will keep up the positive attitude and continue to give my all in the service of the Lord. You are in my prayers! I love you!

Okay, now what would the e-mail be without Mrs. Kundis! hahaha I love you Mom! As you already saw, Zone Conference was awesome! So much fun, and very Spiritual! Our week was really slow, but on Sunday something happened and we were blessed by the Lord! People were very open to talking with us. We had an amazing number of teaches and new investigators to work with! A real miracle! It was a great way to end the week. Yes, I do remember the Great Falls wind! I have actually been reminded of it lately! It has been very warm here the past few days, but the wind has been "howling" almost 24/7!! It is crazy! I think today it has mellowed out quite a bit though. Everyone is stunned that we have not seen snow yet. I feel personally that the weather Gods are holding it all back and one day they are going to let it all go and we are going to have a real blizzard on our hands! :) It is great that the Primary kids had such a wonderful Primary Program! You truly do love those little ones! They are very lucky to have you helping them! :) ;) I will start working on something for the Khronicle! Crazy that it is time for that already! Where does the time go.. I mean really... where has it gone!? Thank you for sending off the envelope and for putting a Christmas box together for me! I love you very much! Have an awesome week!

Okay everyone, I want to end this "book" right. So, here is a Spiritual Thought. I have been reading a lot lately in the Doctrine and Covenants. It is amazing to me to see all of the promises made to the saints. Since I am a missionary, those promised to the Saints serving missions are especially interesting. I think that the promises contained in the scriptures should be taken to heart and studied often. We know that we can be blessed. But I think if we knew really what the scriptures were promising us, we would be seeking after them a lot more. Life often times gets in the way, and we may not even notice the blessings! What a tragedy! We should never allow a blessing to come without recognizing it, giving thanks and seeking for more! haha I don't mean to sound greedy or anything, but there is SO MUCH promised to us. It is all just right there waiting for us! It is ours.. yours, mine, everyone's! Do we want a happy life? Then search the scriptures! Learn of the promises and about how easy it is to take part in them! I would dare to say that many of us already are taking part in MANY blessing and promises fulfilled, but we just don't realize it! Wouldn't realizing how much we have been blessed and how much we are going to be blessed afford us with a much more enjoyable, and much happier life?! I think so! I KNOW so! :) haha I love you all very much! You mean everything to me! Have a wonderful week and enjoy the blessing we have all received! Until next week...

Trogen och Stadig, Är Jag Redo!!!!!
Faithful and Steady, I AM Ready!!!!!

Äldste Kundis :) :) :)

HEJ!!! Giving thanks for Thanksgiving!

Hej Familj!

I have like two minutes to just say that I love you all and that I will hopefully have some time a little later to write to you all... But if not, there is always next week!! :)

We have had a pretty good week, not as good as last week, but still moving forward! Once again, I love you all very much! I loved the e-mail from all of you! It is awesome and warms my heart to hear from you! I need to go because we are going to Stockholm for a Thanksgiving P-Day with President and the other Elders and Sisters!! Wooo! I love, love, love you all! :)

Trogen och Stadig, Är Jag Redo!!!!!
Faithful and Steady, I AM Ready!!!!!

Äldste Kundis :) :) :)

-------------------------- PART 2 -------------------------------------------

Hej Familj!!!

Are you super excited that I was able to write a little more of an e-mail?!? I know that I am! We just returned from our trip to Stockholm. It was sooooo much fun! We had a big "Turkey Bowl" meaning we played lots of American Football, and might I just say that we all got pretty muddy! The field was very wet and everyone was sliding around! Lots of fun! President Newell even came and joined in on the fun! I think he rushed the Quarterback every single play! Way to put on the pressure President! :)

After the many games of Football we headed into the chapel making sure to leave our shoes at the door and took our seats for the Thanksgiving feast! It truly was a feast! There were about 50 missionaries there plus the Senior Couples and President Newell. Sadly Sister Newell was not able to join us because she was making preparations for President Caussé from the area presidency who will be here this week for our zone conferences! It will be awesome! We had lots of food there because every area was assigned something to bring. Äldste Maxwell and I brought sweet potatoes! Mmmm... lol There sadly was no turkey, but that is okay because turkey here is extremely expensive. We had tons of ham instead! Woo! Mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, apple pie, rolls, stuffing (handmade because they don't sell it in Sweden!), and lots more! The desserts were incredible! Soooo many cakes and brownies and pies and ice cream! Yeah!! haha I am very full, and the fun thing is that we are going to be having ANOTHER Thanksgiving feast with some members here! They have a turkey which is currently in our freezer because they didn't have room! The member family is awesome and they are also American so they will do it right! Woo! They have already made us a pumpkin pie and it was incredible! My favorite! :)

Anyway, I really should get going now! I am so glad that Mom and Dad had a great time with Heidi, Dennis and Nana in Mexico! Sounds like it was a very fun trip! I will have to follow along next time.... Did we all get that??? Ok. Good. :) I love you!

I also wanted to wish Kevin a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I sounds like all of you had a fun time together with the cake and all. It is guaranteed that when Mom makes a cake, the party is on!

Thanks to Landon for his e-mail! His words were so sweet and he is just full of compliments! He loves all of us very much! I can't wait to hug that little man!!!! haha :)

Well, I am going to wrap this up with some words of advice... Come what may, and love it! Someone talked about that a while back I think it came from a talk by Elder Wirthlin?! haha I love you all very much! Have an awesome week! :)

Trogen och Stadig, Är Jag Redo!!!!!
Faithful and Steady, I AM Ready!!!!!

Äldste Kundis :) :) :)

Incredible Week!

Hej Familj!!!

This week has been, as the title says, INCREDIBLE! Lets just say this, we pretty much doubled our numbers! We are not sure what it was exactly, but people were willing to listen and wanted to know more! It does a missionary's heart good have a week like the one we have just had. We are now hoping to carry that momentum into this week! Speaking of that, we have a teach that we need to get to, so this e-mail is going to be short and sweet.

I will just fill you all in on some fun things that have been happening! Today Äldste Maxwell and I found an incredible sale on some weights. We bought some and will be using them tomorrow morning! Wooo! Lets see, Äldste Maxwell stole a bike today! Haha more like he stole his bike back.. Confused? Don't be. It is all really simple! He parked his bike at resecentrum and when we came back to get the bikes his was gone. No where to be found. After looking for quite some time we decided to go check one last place. Guess what?! We found it! But there was a catch, some one had locked his bike to another bike! The lock used was pretty wimpy though so we made plans to come back and steal it back from the thieves. Before leaving we used the lock that Äldste Maxwell had on his bike (it was still on his bike but had been moved??? lol) to lock the bike to the railing in front of the bikes... Anyway, we were able to go there this morning and get his bike back. (with a little help from some pliers and a hammer! :) ;) Both bikes are safely in the apartment now. No worries!

Okay, other fun things... The sisters up in Norrköping are having a baptism! His name is Florin and I will be interviewing him this Thursday for his baptism on Saturday! Things truly are happening over here in Sweden! 35 baptismal dates and counting in the mission! Wooo! We are continuing to meet with Majid and preparing him for his baptism on December 17th. He needs help following the Word of Wisdom. Your prayers are very welcome and needed! :) He is awesome! I know he can do it!

Hmm, what else.. Christmas is coming! We have stocked up on pepparkakor, julmust, and glögg (complete with raisins and almonds! mmmm!) It is amazing how much some of these simple things have become so necessary for a good Christmas! They are a tradition! I only hope and pray that I can get my hands on it in the States! OH!! Yesterday it was the Primary Program!! It was awesome to see all of the kids up there doing their thing! Good times.. Good times..

Well, we better get going so we don't miss our opportunity to teach our investigator! His name it Samuel! haha I love you all very, VERY MUCH! You are forever in my heart and in my prayers! Until next week!

Trogen och Stadig, Är Jag Redo!!!!!
Faithful and Steady, I AM Ready!!!!!

Äldste Kundis :) :) :)

Serving a mission and I love it!

Hej Familj!!!


This week has been awesome!! I know, I know, I say that about every week... But it is all so true! We have had some great teaches and found some new great investigators! Today, we are resting from our labors though. No basketball or football or traveling to Stockholm! We woke up this morning, exercised, got ready for the day, had our personal and companion studies and headed into town!

We were able to finally go in all of the shops we pass everyday during our contacting hours. Not too much exciting to say about the stores... They are all pretty much the same wherever you go here in Sweden. We did however find an item that Äldste Maxwell and I had to pry ourselves away from. Can you guess what it was?? If you guessed what I am about to tell you I will be absolutely shocked because before coming to Sweden I never even knew that these things existed. Okay, enough suspense... It was a soft "jumper-like" sweatsuit. I hope you can get the picture in your mind... It is basically like footie pajamas for adults except it has a zipper that goes all the way above your head and it is meant to be worn out the door for everyday activities. Crazy!! Haha, the first time I saw one was when we were contacting... I was shocked. At first the thought was, "that is crazy.. why one earth would you dress like that." But the more and more I saw them, the more and more the idea seemed appealing. haha Seriously though, these things are crazy soft. They have pockets and a hood (that zips up). I decided that I wanted to get one for fun, and possibly for lounging around the college apartment at BYU. Anyway, when we were out looking at the shops we came across the most beautiful one we had ever seen. It was blue and white (BYU colors!!!) and was the softest material I had ever felt. I was instantly in love with the idea of purchasing it. Then I looked at the price tag... 1500 Kr!!! That is basically 250 US Dollars... Yeah... I really wanted it, and the temptation of a credit card was almost more than I could handle!!! Luckily, I got out of the store and cleared my head with some fresh air. Haha, but I would be a liar if I said I don't want to go back and get it. Hopefully it goes on sale after Christmas! :) Anyway, I guess you could count that as a culture e-mail story from me. We are seeing more and more of those things out on the streets. Do they have those in the states?? Just wondering!

Lets see, other things that happened this week... Oh! My doctor appointment.. Okay, so when I got there the Doctor was pretty shocked because he had not received my papers from the hospital in Örnsköldsvik. (I called them a while ago and they told me they were sent.. grrrr... anyway, its all good..) So, after expressing his disappointment he examined me. My reflexes were all good and my strength and balance were fine. He felt that it was nothing seriously wrong, and that it was most likely stress. He did say however that due to my symptoms we needed to be sure and not risk anything. He scheduled an MRI for my brain and spinal column. He called Örnsköldsvik the next day and got my paperwork. He then gave me a call and told me that they had not checked me for a tick bite. He told me that in a few days I should get a letter informing me when my MRI will be and he also said that I needed to go to the clinic and have them draw some blood to test for a tick bite. We went today to the clinic, and he will be calling me with the results when he gets them. So, after talking with Sister Newell she felt that I had a good doctor who was checking out all of the possibilities. I am in good hands! Hopefully the blood tests and/or the MRI will show something and I can get some help! I am very calm about it all though. Sure, at times it does get to me, but I know that God is there. I know he is watching over me. I will get through this! No doubt! :) :) So, I hope to have even more news for you all next week! Thank you for your prayers!

So, I should probably get to the e-mails now! First off is Dad! I love you Dad! Okay Innebandy is basically like floor-ball. Every player has a stick and there are two goals on opposite ends of the room. (they are pretty small goals) The main goal is to make as many goals as possible before the time is out. Haha, pretty normal. They are incredible here though.. They can throw the ball up and spin around, catch it with the innebandy stick and fling it at the goal with laser-like accuracy! Pretty cool! Swedish food is very, VERY healthy! haha So, I am in good hands when I head over to member dinners. The deserts are sometimes a little unhealthy though... haha :) So, that TV in the kitchen sounds like a really awesome tool for being uplifted and inspired. We truly do have some very inspired leaders in the church. I am working at the moment to memorize a part of Elder Holland's Safety for the Soul talk. So awesome!! Wow Dad, thank you for your story about your conversion. You know what, I really need to sit down and talk with you.. and with Mom.. I have so many questions for you two! I feel like since I have been out on my mission that there are so many things I want to ask. We will have to have some Dad/Son activities when I return! :) Sounds VERY good to me! :) I love you! Thank you for your e-mail Dad! You are right, FUN IS COMING! In fact, it is already here! Okay, have a fantastic week Dad! I love you!

Next we have Matt! I love you Matt! That new Young Men's Presidency sounds great! Make sure to get to know them and be friends with them. You will love mutual activities even more! How is the weather here in Sweden compared to the weather in Montana?? Well, we have not had snow yet! In fact, it has been extremely warm lately! I guess it is just waiting a bit before everything turns white and fluffy! I will let you know when we get some snow... Haha yeah, I remember going into Mom's room and asking her for money to go to Dairy Queen. I understand now why she always gave us the money to go. She wanted us to spend more time together!! Isn't that awesome! I really appreciate her for that. She knew that our time together was precious and she wanted it to be fun for us! We have a great Mom and Dad! So your BYU applications are coming along?? Fun! You are going to thrive in the college life! I know it! There are sooooo many friends just waiting for YOU. Speaking of waiting for you, how did you get sooo many tardies in seminary?? I don't remember having that many.. Maybe my teacher understood that I gave you rides and was waiting for you to get you instant carnation breakfast drink.. hahaha ;) I love you Matt! Have a great week and I can't wait to hear more exciting news next week!

Okay, now it is time for Mom! I love you Mom! You had SO MANY trick-or-treaters!! 300+?!?! Wow! I guess the new house location is more popular for that. The Swedes don't really do that.. Some do, but not many. Well, I hope that your Mexico trip goes better this time! Have fun and get that relaxation in! :) 11/11/11?!?? Wow, that happens once a century! I will have to do something special to celebrate! :) Speaking of dates... Christmas IS coming up, like you said! I am not sure I really need much.. but I will put my thinking cap on and let you know! Thanks! Just for the record, I really don't know how Matt got that many tardies in seminary!!! I think brother Sheldon might be mistaken! ;) Haha, anyway, thank you for your shout-outs to our members and to Äldste Maxwell. They are ALL great and I love them very much! Friends for life! :) I guess they are just SOME of the blessings of missionary service! Well, I love you Mom! Once again, have fun in Mexico and tell Landon hello and that I LOVE HIM!!! :) I love you Mom!

Now, time for a Spiritual Thought! I was impressed this week by Joseph Smith's prayer to the Father when he was suffering in Liberty Jail. In D&C section 121 we read, "O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place? How long shall thy hand be stayed, and thine eye, yea thy pure eye, behold from the eternal heavens the wrongs of thy people and of thy servants, and thine ear be penetrated with their cries? Yea, O Lord, how long shall they suffer these wrongs and unlawful oppressions, before thine heart shall be softened toward them, and thy bowels be moved with compassion toward them? O Lord God Almighty, maker of heaven, earth, and seas, and of all things that in them are, and who controllest and subjectest the devil, and the dark and benighted dominion of Sheol—stretch forth thy hand; let thine eye pierce; let thy pavilion be taken up; let thy hiding place no longer be covered; let thine ear be inclined; let thine heart be softened, and thy bowels moved with compassion toward us. Let thine anger be kindled against our enemies; and, in the fury of thine heart, with thy sword avenge us of our wrongs. Remember thy suffering saints, O our God; and thy servants will rejoice in thy name forever." (D&C 121:1-6) Joseph, and the many faithful Saints at the time went through many trials and tribulations. Today, we continue to press forward and fight the battle. Perhaps not in the same way as the early Saints, but in ways that are challenging for us in our days. Job loss, economic problems, emotional trials, health issues to name a few. We sometimes wonder why, and for how long we must fight and battle. I know, as part of my testimony, that when we get to the point when we allow our trials to be a turning point, meaning we turn ourselves to God the answer is always the same. "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high..." (D&C 121:7-8) Those words, spoken by the Father of us all to his son Joseph Smith are words that are continually being spoken by that same father to us today as we pray and seek help. Are we listening? Do we believe Him? I know that my Father in Heaven loves me. He has helped, and IS helping me through my trials. We are NEVER alone in this life or in the life to come... Our Father would not do that to us. I love you all very much! You mean so much to me! Thank you for your support and love. I hope you all have a fantastic week and find many opportunities to do good! Until next week!!


Trogen och Stadig, Är Jag Redo!!!!!
Faithful and Steady, I AM Ready!!!!!

Äldste Kundis :) :) :)