The End of My Trip

It's hard to believe that my trip to Sweden has about come to a close. It will be hard to go home - I love this country and I love these people!

I had such a wonderful visit in Jönköping! I was able to learn so much - and I had such a great time getting to know the folks there!

On Friday, I was able to meet my friend Jennifer in the city of Borås, Sweden - about an hour from Jönköping. My friend Lotta drove me to see her - it was great to be able to meet and visit with her :) We had a great time!

On Saturday we visited Jönköping's weekly outdoor market - lots of people were out! Typically, the Neelys and other church folk stand outside the church (which is downtown - a few blocks from the market) and hand out tracts/visit with the people who pass by. They have several people who regularly stop to talk - it is a great outreach opportunity!

Several young people from the church (my age group) got together at Lotta's place on Saturday night - we had a great time hanging out :) We were talking some about the spiritual condition of Sweden and the desperate need for the Gospel. It was so encouraging to hear the thoughts and burdens of these individuals! There is really a great deal of ministry potential in this city!

Sunday was church - and fika (probably the most important thing to Swedes! basically, it is a coffee break/fellowship time!) The service was great and very encouraging as I listened to the testimonies and the heart of the people here (through some translation).

Later on Sunday afternoon, Lotta, her boys, and I drove up to the adorable town of Gränna and took a ferry across Lake Vättern to visit Visingsö (large Island in the lake). It was a beautiful day to be out on the water - and a nice day for walking around the Island! We had fun!

I spent Monday wandering around Jönköping - watching people, listening to people talk, trying to learn my way around, etc. After a long time of that, I caught a bus (no, I didn't get lost!) to the centrum where Lotta works. I had fika there before meeting up with Lotta at 5pm (it was a good chance to get some notes written up, get some work done, etc).

Yesterday, I took the train back to Stockholm. It was hard to say goodbye to Jönköping! I already miss my friends there!

I am currently staying with friends here in Stockholm - tomorrow morning I'll be flying back to Chicago, Lord willing.

This trip has certainly re-energized me - I can't wait until the day I can be back in Sweden to stay! Please pray that the Lord would provide for me to get to Sweden soon - that the support would come in quickly!

Thanks again for your prayers!