The Hales were kind enough to come with us, so we did not have to get a room and spend two days on the move out and cleaning. We made several trips to and from the apartment to the new house. Elder Hales and I carried the bed, desks, boxes of books and other heavy items out of the old apartment, into and out of the van, then up to the entry of the new house. The athletic sisters carried them from the door, up the stairs, and into their rooms.
In the meantime, Olivia and Sister Hales did the deep cleaning, which requires even more effort.
Sister Hales scrubs the kitchen |
Elder Hales taking a break and sampling the Pepperkakka (Christmas cookies we hope they have in America, maybe at IKEA) |
No matter where we are someone manages to text us. |
Leaving the apartment |
Sister Robison is better at getting the selfie shot |
Sisters Otterson and Robison with Olivia cleaning out the cupboards. |
Searching for just the right gift for certain people, we found ourselves in downtown Stockholm, a place we try to avoid because of the impossible driving and parking issues. While we were walking to our destination, we came upon the Hay Market, an outdoor kind of farmers' market. With Christmas so close, it was filled with flowers, evergreen wreaths, cut trees, and some booths that had some handicrafts. It was pretty, but we just looked...this time.
We were enticed back to the city with the opening of the Julmarknad (Christmas Market) in the Royal Stables. The stables are where the horses specially chosen for royal duty are kept, trained and exercised. These horses are those that the soldiers ride when on parade, protecting the royal family when they are on parade, and the horses that pull the royal carriages for certain occasions such as a royal wedding or the visit of a royal from another country.
Olivia was in her element when we discovered that the horses stalls were open to the public.. The horses seemed to know they had a friend in the room. |
Some of the harnesses in the tack room. Click to enlarge, the details are amazing |
One of the many carriages that is used for special occasions |
Some more modern "carriages" in the show room of the motor pool |
Inside were several buildings that had been converted for the season into booths where handicrafts and food was sold. There were also several booths outside. No matter where we went, our coats were welcome. Outside, we also put up our hoods.
Inside the stables area. It was a wet, cold, beautiful night. This is the exercise grounds |
Sister Hales with one of the vendor booths. Julbocken made of evergreen branches, in this case |
Inside one of the buildings Elder Hales and I look at knives only royalty could afford. Handcrafted steel in reindeer antler handles and engraved. |
Olivia found Sami bracelets |
This woman makes her own felt from wool then crafts the little tomte. The tomte live in and under your house and bring gifts or mischief at Christmas, depending on whether you have been good or not. |
We wrote our testimonies in the English copies and one in Swedish, but mostly enjoyed our time together with the missionaries, two investigators and three ward members. Olivia's sweet potato bars were a big hit. The elders, especially Elder Harrell, make wonderful chocolate balls.
Elder Harrell selfies the group. |
Elder Grover and Elder Harrell get dirty with chocolate balls. Sisters Beck and Manning in back |
Sister Beck's turn to selfie. |
Elsa, Julia, Sister Beck, Elder Harrell, Elder Grover, Sister Manning Sebastian (who was interviewed to be baptized next Thursday), Halvard, and Christer |
We took Sisters Manning and Beck home afterward. They were excited about the next day. |
Thousands came to see the event. This Sunday was the day of first Advent. That is when the Julbock is unveiled every year. |
It was cold, of course, so when the festivities were over the crowd quickly dispersed and we were able to get up close. |
This year we combined a visit to Gävle with an apartment inspection of the elders there, assisting them in handing out #Lighttheworld cards, delivering bicycles to them, and taking them and a woman who is investigating the Church to their dinner appointment with a member family out in the countryside.
Elder and Sister Hales came with to see the goat and to help with the bikes and apartment check |
It was a magnificent goat, indeed. |
It is December and the Jul (Yule) season is in full swing. Therefor Christmas goats and pigs are everywhere. Those from America are saying, "Huh?" There are lots and lots of Christmas folktales, here. Many of them include the tomte who ride pigs or goats bringing the gifts of Christmas. See the posts from last year for more details. It is part of the fun of the season. The traditions also preserve some of the history and folktales of the ancient past.
Part of the reason that this post is so tardy is that we were in Gävle until late on Sunday and on Monday we went on a grand adventure to see the Northern Lights! Stay tuned for more about that experience.
So glad you're having fun and Dad, I'm glad to hear you are able to lift heavy objects. Sounds line my prayers that you both remain healthy enough to fulfill your daily duties are being answered.
ReplyDeleteYes, I wad saying "goats?" "pigs?" But then I also find it interesting to learn about other countries traditions for the holidays.
Glad you're both still loving it!
So interesting to hear about the traditions my Grandfather would have joined in. He left Sweden at 21 so I am sure the traditions there were a part of his life. Love the goat. Looks so beautiful. Sounds like more traditions to come and we look forward to hearing more. Love the tomte. Thx
ReplyDeleteSomehow I missed this post. Brad, your selfie is my most favorite part of your mission so far! 😂😂😂💛💛💛
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