Change is in the airplane museum???!!

Hej Familj!

Okay, sorry for the confusing subject line but I thought it was rather creative. Now allow me to explain what is going on. Yes, there are going to be some changes. And yes, that means transfers. We received a call on Saturday morning from President Newell informing us that Äldste Maxwell would be leaving Linköping and heading down south to a city called Kristianstad. It is pretty close to my first area of Växjö. Anyway, I will not be moving just yet. I will be getting a new companion. His name is Äldste Rautio. Strange name?? That is because he does not come from America! He comes from Finland! Haha Yeah I know! How exciting right? lol :) He is a pretty fun Elder and full of energy. I am not sure how long we will be together maybe just a month, but it will be a fun time. My mind races as I think about where my last area will be... Only the Lord knows! Maybe it is Linköping? Maybe somewhere else. We will soon find out! I am very sad that I will be losing Äldste Maxwell though... He is truly an amazing person and a great friend. We have had fun together and he truly has helped me through lots. Companions in the mission are like angels by your side. (well, not ALL... hahaha!!) But most! :)

Anyway, I better explain the second half of my subject line. This Wednesday we had the amazing opportunity to visit the Flyggvapenmuseum with Karl-Arne from the branch. Karl is like 90 years old and knows TONS about the Swedish Air Force and airplanes in general. He had jobs when he was younger building planes! Cool! So, he has been wanting to take us to the Air Force Museum for some time now. We had a blast there hearing about all of the stories and histories this amazing man had to tell. The Museum was actually really modern and state of the art! We had fun driving airplanes (not real, but virtual) and climbing in and out of helicopters (real) not to mention viewing the shattered remains of a Swedish surveillance plane that was shot down by a Russian fighter plane. Awesome! There were so many things to look at and we were so very thankful that this man wanted to share with us a part of his life. Karl-Arne is now completely blind and can't hear very well. So, the museum was not something he enjoyed with his eyes, but through us he was able to feel the warmth that he felt when he was younger being enthralled with the machines of the sky! He is an inspiration to me. This man does all that he can to help others and fulfill his duties as a Priesthood holder. He doesn't let his age get in the way.

Okay, well I better get to the e-mails before time is up! First off, Dad! I love you Dad! Okay, I must be honest with you... The pies are NOT gone yet. We are making progress, but we don't want to gain too much weight! Know what I mean?? They are going to be gone soon, but not too soon. I am glad that there is some pie in the fridge at home for you. We can eat our pies together and know that we might be eating pie at the same time! Cool! haha :) So, sounds like the Ward Christmas Party was a hit! You sang "We Three Kings" huh? I wish I could have heard that. So glad to hear that it went well! Where did Matt end up being?? Sad to report that I have not been in contact with the Doctor yet. We just had so much going on this week that I kinda forgot... That is a very good thing though because it means I am doing a better job of just moving forward and doing the Lord's work. Yay! I will investigate it more this week though. I will take care of it! I will be sure to write down the calling card information when you get it to me so we can chat a bit at Christmas time! Wooo! That should be fun! Thank you for your thoughts on gratitude! We all can benefit so much from expressing gratitude for those things that we truly have been blessed with. I know that the Lord blesses all of us in many ways. We just need to prayerfully thank Him for that which we do have and we will see all that He has promised us. It is awesome!!! Okay, I love you Dad! Have a great week and know that my prayers are with you!

Next is Matt! I love you Matt! Ok. So. Why did you get so lucky to get an iPhone??!!? That is really awesome! I bet you love it and have lots of fun with all of the crazy apps and music! Are you using it most to call Mom and Dad?? ?!?!!?! !? haha Or Maddy?!?!! lol I love ya bro! How are things going with Maddy? Is she your girlfriend or just a friend? Let me know! You could probably talk to Mom and Dad a little more about my health issues.. they know lots! Just know that I am happy, full of laughter and enjoying my time here in the beautiful land of Sweden. No worries! As to your question about the Swedish people and if they joke around like Americans do... Yes, and no. haha They are great people, but in public they keep the jokes to a minimum. They like their space and don't want their "image" to be downed at all. So, if you know them and you are at their house for dinner or something, expect some laughter. In a bus or on the street... not so much! ;) haha It is a different culture! Don't worry brother, we will have plenty of laughs all in good time! All in good time... :) I was glad to hear that the lights are looking good! Way to go! Be sure to take a picture when you've put up the finishing touches! When are you all going to get a Christmas tree?? Soon hopefully! I love you Matt!! Hold out in school until Christmas break! Do work!

Okay now we move to Mom! I love you Mom! "It's the most wonderful time of the year!!!" You are right! December is here and I couldn't be happier! The lights are coming out and the air is filled with Christmas smells! Wooo! Now all we need is the snow! We should be getting some (finally!!) this Wednesday. We will see! :) I think it was a great idea to trash that pie Mom. Removing the temptation is always the best bet. Way to go! Maybe we should do that too?? lol Maybe. ;) hahaha I am happy to know that you liked the picture from Zone Conference. I also think the suit is a good one... That's why I bought it! haha :) I am touched to hear you speak of changes in me... I know that the Lord has molded me into something new, something better than before, but I also know that I am still the same old Garrett! That will never change! Speaking of things that will never change, how about your kindness?!?! haha Thank you for sending off those Christmas boxes! I am not sure when I will be getting them, but whenever that is, it will be awesome! :) Thank you! Not to worry, I will get the Khronicle thing to you next week for sure! I promise! :) I know that takes time to put together! :) Okay, well I love you Mom! Have a wonderful week with the family and may health and strength be upon you during this season of joy!

I would like to end with a short Spiritual Thought. We have power on our side. Not just the power of man, but of God. Anything we face, it is NOT ALONE. In 2 Kings we read the story of Elisha, one of the prophets of God. In chapter six verses 15-17 we read, "And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha." I absolutely LOVE this story. It is so powerful! Elisha's servant was struck with fear when he saw the adversary had surrounded them. But Elisha knew better. He knew that the Lord was on his side. Do we KNOW that the Lord is on our side? Do we have faith in him? I know that at times I fear, as the servant of Elisha did, when I see the adversary has surrounded me. But there is no need to fear. We just need to OPEN OUR EYES!! See the countless angels round about you ready to defend and battle at your very word. Call upon them often. Use the power our Father in Heaven has given to each of us! I pray that our "eyes may be opened" and that we will allow ourselves to be lifted by a power far greater than anything Satan, or the world, can throw at us. I know this to be true. I have a testimony of it. And I leave that with you in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and dear friend, Amen.

Have a wonderful week family and friends! I love you all very dearly! My prayers are filled with thoughts of you!

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

Äldste Kundis :) :) :)