KRISTIANSTAD!

{their last visit to their favorite ice cream place}

Well, I'm here in my new home!!! 

OH!  Life is good! Kind of hard at times--but that's the point of it all, right?

{With her dearly loved Pontus and Susanne her last day in Taby}

I absolutely LOVED my home in Täby--and it always will be home--but the great thing about missions is that I get to make many places be my home!  

{sweet parting gifts from Pontus and Susanne}

So, that's what I'm doing here in Kristianstad! 

So...K-stad is way down in the southern part of Sweden--and it is beautiful and cold and gloomy!  Okay...it sounds kind of funny and creepy, but Kristianstad just feels like a place that would be used in an Alfred Hitchcock movie!

It is always dark and gloomy, and the sky is just filled with hundreds of ravens!  It is FREAKY!!!  They just swarm and gather near our apartment because guess what...there is a big cemetery like 5 minutes away!!!  Hahaha!   What is President trying to say to me!?! 

But, it's all good!  Oh, and guess what our Branch President's wife does?  Her job is to pick up dead people!  What?!  What kind of a job is that?  It's so scary!!!  Haha, oh I just love Kristianstad...such a fun place already! 

Anyways--I can catch up on the last few days in Täby before going on too far!  So, last Monday was quite possibly the funnest P-day ever...

It started off as just going on a hike, because I had been wanting to for so long, and then I feel like they all finally just agreed because I was leaving!  So, we go and it was SO fun!  

We went to this beautiful forest and just started wandering and exploring everywhere.  It was so green, while still having a pretty layer of snow on top--and it just looked like a fairy/troll forest...it was so cool! 

As we were exploring, we came across this HUGE frozen-over lake/swamp thing.  One of the Elders went to go test it out and see if it really was solid, and it completely was--and because we are really smart and think eveything through, we all started walking on it....but no worries, it really was completely frozen!

What started out as just walking and sliding and slipping somehow turned into the most epic game of Mushroom Hockey!!!  Hahaha!  Oh, my goodness!  So we find this mushroom head that is completely frozen and then we start finding sticks that look just like hockey sticks--

--so, naturally we split up into teams and start an epic battle of "Mush Puck"!! It was honestly one of the funnest things I think I have ever done!

Needless to say, I woke up the next morning feeling like I had been hit by a train!  This kind of hockey works muscles you never even thought you had! 

But now to move on...Tuesday we got to take around all of the new missionaries straight from the MTC out for their first contacting session out in the center of Stockholm! 

{the beautiful, new "greenie" fresh from the MTC that Annie took out contacting her first day there--she must have been exhausted!}

 It was so fun, and it was really nice to see that I actually have improved in Swedish!  The gift of tongues is real! 

Oh, and then we had our last little Täby dinner with one of my favorite families, the Aspelins!  We also made homemade semmlors, and they were to die for! 

{Last dinner in Taby at the Aspelin Family home}

Oh, but then while I just felt kind of happier than ever--being surrounded by some of my favorite people--I realized that my very first day in Täby was at their house baking pepperkakor--and then my last day was also at their house baking semmlor!  Oh, it was just so fun! 

{Sister Campbell and Azam}

{with "my sweet Catarina"}

{a lovely lunch at Emilio's with Pontus and Susanne--they took such good care of the girls!}

Then transfers!  After 3 days of packing like crazy, I finally made it to K-stad!  There have already been lots of fun and strange things here--but to keep it short, I will just share

something I have learned this week...

S0, it is pretty secluded out here, and pretty far from anything--so, it can be hard at times, because it feels like were are just kind of far from anything and everything, but I think it is really teaching me how to find joy...true joy, in the little things. 

{Sister Campbell and her beautiful new companion, Sister Stetler}

Yesterday, Sys. Stetler and I were just talking about being cold, and how I had just found out my boots had a hole in them so my feet were soaking wet and freezing--we were quiet for a moment...and then a minute later, I just felt like skipping--and at the same time, Sys. Stet said, "I just feel happy!  Isn't it weird how in the times you feel happiest you are usually uncomfortable in some way?"  And I just started laughing because it was so true!  My feet soaking wet and our backs hurting, but for some reason just feeling so happy, and feeling true joy!

It has been interesting lately  because transfers just kind of throw you off a little--and then Sys. Stetler was sick Saturday...so we have just been trying to catch up on things and get ourselves better, and I feel like that was just draining me! 

Who would have thought that taking it easy at home because she was sick would make me EXHAUSTED!  Yesterday, I just had a sudden urge to go contacting, and funny enough that was EXACTLY what I needed!  We got Syster Stetler all better, and finally went out again--and I have come to find that taking it easy does not bring energy in this work. 

I have felt "energy" so much differently since being here, and it is so true that the work does bring new energy.  That it is only when you are 100% in the work that you can be so exhausted and yet so ready to take on anything in this life!

We had been trying to contact--but hardly anybody was out because it was night time and raining--so we didn't really have ideal circumstances on our side.  But then, we just felt like we should turn into this one alley-----

--and there we found a lady who was super interested, listened to a whole lesson, and gladly took the Book of Mormon...it is kind of hard to be sad when God is so good and blesses us with times like this. 

When we saw and taught the lady in the alley, I felt my testimony grow more than ever.  At times, I feel like I am not progressing as much spiritually as a did a few weeks ago, or whenever...and I just compare it to the past--but, then I always realize that is just because I need to re-dig my self into the scriptures, and just turn there for new light and help and motivation. 

And then, while we were talking to this lady, I realized that I have been studying more deeply the past few days, which had prepared me for that moment. 

I told her about how the Book of Mormon truly has helped me through so many things. How I have come to a point that whenever I used to turn to other things for help, I now turn to God and Mormons Bok for answers to my questions, and whenever I just need to find peace or happiness. 

She just had this look on her face that just cut into my soul, and as I was bearing testimony, I just found myself talking it through to myself, and feeling my own testimony
strengthen right there in that dark, rainy, cool alley.  It really was a special experience for me.  And it all came from hardly seeing anyone on the streets--and then I saw this quaint alleyway, and felt that we should go there.  The Lord is so aware!

So, so far in my time here in Kristianstad, I have learned that Joy--true joy--comes when you are out of your comfort zone.  When you take a step in the dark, and are willing to do that which you normally never would do, but you do it because of your testimony and your love of the Lord! 

This morning, I was reading in "Our Search for Happiness", by M. Russell Ballard, and came across a couple of parts that just totally made me think back to that experience from yesterday: 

"Our Search For Happiness"

"As I strolled along the Trent, weary and yet happy and satisfied in the work, an overwhelming feeling of peace and understanding came over me.  It was at that precise moment in time that I came to know that Jesus Christ knew me, that He loved me and that He directed our missionary efforts." 

This couldn't be more true.  This just reminded me of last night--how we just were saying that there always seems to be something seemingly bad when something amazing then suddenly happens.  That success comes at the end of the day, or the golden investigator is on the top floor of the last apartment building that you are going to contact...as long as we push forward we will find new life and energy in the work.   

Another part I absolutely loved from this was just a little further down on the same page. Elder Ballard starts to talk about how he finally got to a point where every big decision he made was based off of his knowledge of the Savior.  He goes on to say:

"That's the way it is when Jesus Christ beomes a reality in your life.  It isn't that He somehow makes you do things that you wouldn't do otherwise.  Rather, you find yourself wanting to do what He would do, and respond as He would respond in an effort to bring your life into harmony with His. 

"And an interesting thing happens whenever you attempt to place you feet in Christ's footsteps.  If you really concentrate on trying to walk the way He walked-- loving, caring, serving, and obeying each step of the way-- one day you'll look up and discover that His path has led you directly to the throne of God--for that is, and ever has been, His great purpose and mission: to lead us to our Heavenly Father so we can dwell with Him in His heavenly home." 

I just absolutely LOVE this!  As we follow in His footsteps we will be led back to Him. 

I love this gospel with all of my heart.  It has changed my life and has given my a new hope and a new purpose in life...and I know that it can do it for you, too. 

{"this cool guy in our branch makes everything in their house out of wood... like this awesome clock!"}

If you are in a phase where you feel like you are not progressing, or don't know where to turn--turn to the Lord.  Ask in sincere prayer, and then turn to the scriptures knowing that you can and will find your answer. 

We talk to the Lord through prayer, and He speaks to us through scripture.  As we ponder, we will be given thoughts and revelations to help us and those around us.  Study everyday, as far as practical, and believe that the Lord is there and will answer every prayer. 

He is there through every tear--whether it is from sorrow or joy.  He is there, and He will guide you through.  All we have to do is reach up, because His hand already is--and has always been--extended out towards us. 

{Sister Stetler and Sister Campbell in Kristianstad}

I love you all with all my heart!

With love, 

Syster Campbell

TRANSFER BLESSINGS

Oh, my family! 

This has quite possibly been the craziest, best, most heart-wrenching week of my life! 

So, we were having kind of a different week this week, because it was Syster Bateman's last week here in Täby!  So, when it's your last week in an area, we call it "Bye Week"...where you try and fit in seeing all of your favoritest people from that area!  So, it was a super busy, crazy, fun week! 

{on their P-day trip into Stockholm...gazing into all the wonders displayed in the "American Food & Gift Store!}

But, first to start off the week...P-Day!  This week, we went into Stockholm with the Elders because one of them wanted to get a jacket from this really big outdoors store here--Natur Kompaniet.--I am in love with that place!  It is like the Cabelas of Sweden!  Oh, and it is the same place where we get the awesome Fjällraven backpacks! 

So, we go inside the first one we see and...nothing...he doesn't want any of them.  So, onto the next Natur Kompaniet store we can find!  Same thing....nothing....and the process happens TWO more times!  So, finally after the third one, he was like, "Well maybe back in the second one we went to!"  So, we go back and BOOM!  We got it!  He found a few that he liked, but one was the perfect color but just too long, and another one was the right length but just not the right color... 

And then, I walk to the other side of the store and I grabbed a jacket and said, "Elder.... this is a woman's jacket.  It is the right color and the right length  and it does not look like a woman's jacket.  Try it on!"  Hahaha, and he did!  And it was perfect!!!!  So basically, one of our Elders just bought an awesome $300 woman's jacket with no regrets! 

Then, later that night, one of our FAVORITE families--the Pence Family--invited us to go bowling with them and all the missionaries in their Ward!  I, sadly, was very far from winning, however...apparently it has been too long! 

Then, for the rest of the week, we just saw all of our people and told everyone how Syster Bateman was leaving, and that I would just be getting a new companion here...then Saturday came along!

Saturday!!!  One of the craziest days of my life!  So, we start out going to the Clouse's, our Office couple's home, for breakfast!  We got there at the same time that transfer calls were happening, so we just went in the living room and waited for all of our Zone to get in on the call!  Our hearts were racing!  I was so scared!!!  I wasn't even able to sleep more than 4 hours because I was just thinking about it way too much! 

So, in the call they just went through all of the areas and explained the changes and then they said, "...and now Täby 1.... Syster Bateman, you are transferring to Göteborg.....and Syster Campbell...you are also transferring to Kristianstad!" OH, my goodness!!!!  My little heart just dropped!  I was so shocked!  Completely NOT expecting that, and I just got so scared! 

{Annie said Sys. Bateman took this of her right after she heard the news...she was SO sad!}

Oh!  This whole transfer thing is way freakier than I ever thought before coming out here!  I think it is just super hard to leave in general, but we are "doubling out", which means that both of us are leaving and two new sisters will be coming in.  And that is just kind of scary, because you want them to take care of your people...and for the most part, once the greenies finish their training, they typically stay in their area for another transfer.  But NO!  I know it probably doesn't sound like that big of a deal....but it is freaky! 

But anyways, we have our lovely breakfast, and then head over to the Church to start filling the font!  While we were there, we just kept getting phone call after phone call...everyone asking how we felt because this usually never happens! 

Our Elders, who are the AP's and POE's, (so they had already known what was going to happen), called and I couldn't even talk!  I'm sad to admit it, but I was just crying and didn't want to tell them how I felt about it yet until I was truly happy and excited for it!  

So they say, "Syster Campbell......how are you....?" (in a kind of timid voice, knowing how I would feel), and I just couldn't say anything, so I just walked off a little, and Sys. Bateman just says,"well... she just walked away..." and the Elders just burst out and say, "NOOOOOOOOOOO, Syster Campbell!!!!!!!  We are SO sorry!!!!  We promise we didn't choose it!  It was all President!!!"  Haha!  I just said "I'm fine", as I was still sobbing and they just kept saying "We are SO sorry!", over and over!!! 

{the Systers are so happy, they're blurry!}

But...I didn't have time to be sad because.....our dear Pontus was getting BAPTIZED!!! 

I can't even explain the Spirit that was there that night.  It was unlike any other.  There were so many missionaries that came and brought their own investigators, and even our Mission President and his wife came!  It was so special. 

It's truly unlike anything else to help someone you love come to the knowledge of their Savior, and accept the invitation to come unto Him and be baptized.  

Oh, I just love being a missionary and having the opportunity to see just how much the Lord loves His children, and how no matter what, He always will provide the way. 

{I LOVE the joy in these faces--what a roller-coaster day it had been for them--and still, what JOY!!!}

Then Sunday comes around, and let the good-byes begin!  Oh, I was just a mess!  We had just told all of our people that Sys. Bateman was leaving, and then we had to tell them that I was, too--and oh, it just killed me! 

This ward is just the best, and they loved the Systers SO much!  They had us bear our testimonies, and oh!  It just killed me!  I guess it is true that once you start to feel comfortable and at home, it's time to move on!  So, that was super hard, but I guess that's just how it is, and I will be just as sad every other time I leave a new home!

One of my favorite quotes that Sys. Bateman showed me says, "You will never be completely at home again.  Because part of your heart will always be elsewhere.  That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place."  Oh, it just kills me how true that is.

 I absolutely LOVE my home here in Täby.  It is my first home here in Sweden, and it will always have a special place in my heart!  I am excited, though, to just keep adding onto that. To just love these people just as much as I do here, and see just a glimpse of the amount of love that the Lord has for these people! 

So, here I come, Kristianstad!  It is way down south at the very bottom of Sweden in a region called Skåne!  It is well known here for its crazy, hard to understand accent...everyone says it is basically the "hillbilly" accent of Sweden!  Haha, oh I am so excited! 

Oh, and apparently it is just the dream to go to Skåne in the Spring!!!!  Wildflowers EVERYWHERE!!!  So, I guess I will be sending pictures of those soon! 

Well, my dear family--and everyone that is basically family--if I have learned anything from this week, it is that the Lord has a plan......and usually, that plan is quite different than the plan we had.  But, that is the good part!  Because we don't know what we're doing!  We don't know what's best for us!  But, there is One who does know--so we should be grateful every day for that... 

...that there is a God up there that knows us and loves us and calls us by name everyday, asking us to follow in His ways and in the ways of His Son, because that is what will bring us more happiness than anything in this life.  Change is scary, but change is good.  The Lord will provide, and He will always be there for you. 

There were so many reasons for Christ to perform the Atonement.  It was so that whenever you and I are scared, uncertain, or confused about the future, we didn't have to fear it.  It was so that when we take that first step onto the water, or that first step in the dark, we wouldn't have to do it alone.  That there will always be that light guiding us through.  His hand will forever be extended out to catch ours through whatever it is that we are going through. 

Pray to feel that saving power every day.  Pray for comfort in times of need...but, in return, send a little prayer of thanks.  Thank the Lord with all your heart and feel the peace in return!

I love you all dearly, and I hope you are all safe, happy and well!... Last letter until I'm in Kristianstad! (oh and p.s., it sounds like Crow-han-stad--yup--that's what Swedish does! It makes you say things COMPLETELY differently...but it is so beautiful!!!)

Med Kärlek,

Syster Campbell