The Story Behind The Chosen

The one 8/7/2018

Hey friends,

There's not a whole lot of time this week, so I'm sorry to those of you I did get a chance to respond to, I'll get to it eventually maybe. To those of you who actually get through this whole email, thanks for taking the time haha. Sorry it's so long.

This week was a bit crazy! I was hardly ever here in my area of Stuttgart, but i was blessed to spend some time in other areas of oir zone and mission. We tausched with the Waiblingen Sisters (Sister Dautel and Billings), I was blessed to work with Sister Billings in Waiblingen! She is a killer missionary. She's had a rough go but she is so strong and determined to serve the Lord. She works really hard and tries her best. I really love when young missionaries just open their mouths and try to talk even when it doesn't come out right. She is so much braver than I ever was, and it's inspiring and humbling. I just love Sister Billings! 

We also Tausched with the Tübingen Sisters (Sisters Miller, Spratt, and Fullwood). Sister Spratt and I worked together in Tübingen. Sister Spratt is awesome! We had a good time finding together and learning from each other. She is so bold! She just went up to a lady and asked if she knew what the 10 commandments were! (She didn't. So we had to roll with the punches on that one, it was a great teaching opportunity haha. Gotta love it.) 

We had zone conference in Augsburg this week... our train had some issues and we were approximately an hour late.. and then our train home had some issues and we got home 2 hours later than planned. Lol. We laughed quite a bit. We love DB. 

We have some really wonderful missionaries here in Stuttgart. And by some I mean all of them are seriously awesome and I feel so blessed to serve with them. I just love them all. And my mission. I love being able to serve a mission. It is honestly such a blessing in my life and I am so grateful. I also am so blessed to work with Sister Peterson,  I love her so much and I'm sad that we have so little time together, I'm learning so much from her! She's a little powerhouse. We will be receiving a new companion tomorrow and we will be in a trio for a week. A couple months ago I told President Brown that a trio is my worst nightmare, and in the last two months of my mission he has blessed me with with two, and I've come to realize they aren't actually that bad.

We met with Hannah this week, I had to say goodbye because she's going on a month long trip and so I won't see her again, but we've promised to stay in touch. She's seriously like family.  I love her so much!  We also talked to her about baptism and... she's planning on getting baptized in October! We are so excited and she is so happy! 

“The tree that never had to fight

For sun and sky and air and light,

But stood out in the open plain

And always got its share of rain,

Never became a forest king

But lived and died a scrubby thing.

The man who never had to toil to live,

Who never had to win his share

Of sun and sky and light and air,

Never became a manly man

But lived and died as he began.

Good timber does not grow at ease,

The stronger wind, the stronger trees.

The further sky, the greater length,

The more the storm, the more the strength.

By sun and cold, in rain and snow,

in trees and men good timbers grow.

Where thickest lies the forest growth

We find the patriarchs of both.

And they hold council with the stars

Whose broken branches show the scars

Of many winds and much of strife.

This is the common law of life.”

—Author unknown

I think I may have shared this before, earlier on in my mission, but the longer I am out the more I have come to see the truthfulness behind it. I don't think there is really anyone who wants trials or who wants to be tested, but I also believe that anyone who looks back on their trials and tests will see that they grew from the experience, that is shaped them in one way or another, that they are simply stronger. We can't escape trials and adversity, we can't change them, but we can change is who we become because of them. We can come out stronger, taller, better decision makers. We can learn in these situations to rely and trust in Christ and His Atonement, we can come out of trials and adversity more like our Savior. We choose to let our trials make us great, by choosing the Savior.

My mission hasn't been easy, not at all. There were days where I would have gotten on a plan and not looked back had there been one near by, there were days I didn't want to wake up at 6:30, there were days I struggled with companions, there were days I asked why it was so hard. But on those days I rembered why I am here, and who I came for. I allowed those challenges to help me understand my Savior, to rely on Him, and to truly trust Him. I've learned to trust God even when His will isn't what I would originally think. He knows best, and He knows what I need more than I do. I would not have learned these things though, without the storms, without the hardship, without the trials. But now that I know these things, now that I know my Savior, I don't want to get on a plane. I don't want to come home, I want to keep testifying to His children that He is there. That He knows them and that He loves them, regardless of what they've done. I love this work, and I have been blessed to serve. Don't get me wrong, it's  not over yet, and I don't want it to be... 

Thank you for those of you who have supported me, written me, prayed for me, I love you all and I am so grateful for you. Have a fantastic week 

Liebe Grüße, 

Sister Lundskog 

The one where we are basically in America 7/24/2018

Hi all! 

I don't have too much time this week, but I just wanted to share a few things. 

I am now serving with Sister Peterson, she is awesome. She is just a ray of sunlight and a bundle of energy. She is exactly who and what I needed at this point and we are so excited to work hard and do some crazy harvesting these next few weeks. I don't think I have ever met such a happy person in my life. I just adore her! 

In the last week we have been blessed with so many opportunities to talk to people on the streets. We have met so many amazing and prepared people! We are just incredibly blessed to be serving here in Stuttgart where there are so many people and so many opportunities to do missionary work. 

Sister Peterson happens to be gluten and lactose intolerant, which is great because it means I am getting forced into a diet and may end up somewhat presentable by the time I get out of this one. It is also great, because now I am learning how to not eat lactose- because I too am intolerant. Its been bad, because we were not prepared food wise for that, and we have been living off of quinoa, fish, popcorn, and vegetables for the last week, and it has been such a treat, except we are starving and I bought 6 kilos of chocolate today. (Whooooops) 

Some members asked me what I missed from America.. I told them I love all things American but especially...mexican, brownies, taco bell... and on Sunday they showed up with a giant bag of food, and told me that I don't need to go back now.  I love it. 

We got to meet with Hannah again this week, and again she is just wonderful. Still progressing like crazy!! We love her! 

Thank you for all the love and emails and support! Gotta run!

"God sees you not only as a mortal being on a small planet who lives for a brief season—He sees you as His child. He sees you as the being you are capable and designed to become. He wants you to know that you matter to Him." President Dieter F Uchtdorf  

Liebe Grüße, 

Sister Lundskog 

The one where we are just happy 😊☺😊☺😊 7/31/2018

Hey y'all, 

It's been a crazy week, as usual. We have been trying to stay super busy, but luckily we don't even have to try. It just happens. Stuttgart is popping with activity. 

Last Tuesday after Pday time we went finding and we met some of the coolest people. There were so many Asians out, and because I love Asians- we talked to as many as we could and we will be meeting with some of them! What a treat! We also had a lesson with Willheim, someone Sister Udy and I found a couple weeks back and it was so good! He had so many questions and was really open with us. Teaching with Sister Peterson is like a walk in the park. It's awesome. She is such a great companion and we were able to just jump right into teaching together and be on the same page. We'll be meeting more with Willheim. 

Wednesday we went by on a referral, Coco. She lived in Wyoming for a year as a exchange student with a Mormon family. (Seriosuly the best way to do member missionary work.) Anyway- Coco is awesome. She is just the sweetest girl! We then traveled with the Zone Leaders to Munich for MLC for Wednesday and Thursday. It was absolutely amazing, the Spirit was sooo strong because the Church is soo true. I just cried though, because I'm a baby like that and the Spirt does that to me sometimes. It just made me so aware of the fact that I never want to go home, and when that time comes, if it comes, that President Brown makes me get on the plane, then I will never stop the missionary work. (I mean, I did take the name of Christ upon myself when I was 8 years old, I have the responsibility to represent Him forever. And it is an HONOR.) Also I got to see Sisrer Cook!  It was so hard to say goodbye for real this time because now we really won't see each other for a year, but I love that sweet oompa loompa Sister. (Sorry for calling out your fake tan Sis Cook, love ya).

We had exchanges this week and I was able to work with Sister Grundvig! She just started her 3rd transfer and she is awesome. It was such a blast to work with her and see the young excitement again. - also to think back to when I was in her shoes exactly a year ago. (We came out exactly a year apart. Crazy.) She is awesome, and we were able to meet some really wonderful people, who we will hopefully be meeting with soon.:)

Saturday night we had an eating appointment with a sweet member and the Zone Leaders. She made SO much food,  I don't know how she expected us to eat it all but we couldn't. Sister Peterson and I were both allergic to half of the food, but ate as much as we could anyway because she sacrificed a lot.. And the elders ate as much as they could... Sister Peterson and I were both sick for the rest of the night and on Sunday. Hahahahaha, the things we do for people we love. 

Today we had "district pday" and we invited Hannah to come with. We went to a dinosaur museum, and I think it was the first air conditioned building I have been in, in 17 months. And it had dinosaurs. What could be better? 

Ok this is long enough, if you got this far, thank you for reading. I love you all and wish you a fantastic week. Stay hydrated. 

"Here lies a miser who lived for himself,

And cared for nothing but gathering pelf,

Now, where he is, or how he fares,

Nobody knows and nobody cares.

We are happiest when our lives are connected to others through unselfish love and service. President J. Reuben Clark taught that “there is no greater blessing, no greater joy and happiness than comes to us from relieving the distress of others.”" "The Abundant Life", Joseph B Wirthlin

Liebe Grüße, 

Sister Lundskog 

The one where now theres only gonna be one 7/17/2018

Hi it's me again, 

Starting tomorrow I will only have one companion (Sister Peterson is coming to me tomorrow), one area (Stuttgart), and one ward (Stuttgart German). Sister Udy will be going to Wien (ahh what a dream, my baby area ) and Sister Smith will be going back to the American ward and getting a new companion. They will both be becoming senior companions and it will be fun to see them grow as they take this new challenge on. I am excited to work with Sister Peterson! Our President must trust us a lot because we have a lot of work to do in the next few weeks... but it'll be a blast. 

This last week was crazy but so good! We went on exchanges with the sisters from Tübingen and the sisters from Waiblingen. I was able to serve with Sister Miller from my MTC group, it was so fun to serve with her and see how much we've grown. We were able to meet with Hannah again, and she has progressed so much! She's started praying and also reads in the book of Mormon everyday. She messages us almost everyday just telling us how much hope she's receiving and gaining the more she learns. It makes my heart so happy every time.  

We also got to Tausch with Sister Dautel and we helped clean up the Cieslaks home before they moved. It was a lot of work, but oh so fun. That family has helped and blessed us so much it was nice to be able to help in return. 

We read a very powerful talk as a district this week, I recommend it 10/10. "The Purifying Power of Gethsemane" by Bruce R. McConkie. It was given in April 1985. The Atonement of Jesus Christ  is such a basic principle of the gospel, and yet it is very misunderstood or not fully understood. Elder McConkie lays it out clearly, simplifying the beautiful and powerful truths. It's a beautiful talk and it definitely will bring you closer to your Savior and make His Atonement personal if you read it. 

Anywho, I'm out of time.. so. Have a great week and enjoy the pictures

Liebe Grüße, 

Sister Lundskog 

The one where we met Hannah 7/10/2018

Hi everyone! 

It's been a hot minute...The last few weeks have been crazy good! Sister Udy is back and we are loving life as a dritt. Sister Smith and Sister Udy are the best companions a dritt could ask for. I have two wards, two apartments, two companions, and too much happiness. I love this work and I'm happy to be here! 

Let me tell you about Hannah. Because I just absolutely LOVE this story. Hannah is a referral we received from someone in Colorado. They said that they had talked to her online, she's lost her faith and she's interested in learning more about what we believe. We called her and she didn't answer. So then we messaged her and started talking. We set up an appointment and met with her on Tausch. She's 18, and has never had a good experience with religion or churches- but she wanted to give it one more chance because someone she met on some app told her about the plan of Salvation and talked about how it's helped her. As we talked about God and His love and plan for us she was touched. We gave her a Book of Mormon and she promised to read. The next day she messaged us with questions about what she had read. Mondaynight she messaged us and asked us how to pray, she hasnt prayed in a long time and she forgot how, but she wanted to try. !!! She has been so prepared. We are so excited to keep meeting with her and to watch her progress! I love this because it shows how simple missionary work really is, it's so easy to share, and members can do it anywhere and anytime. Someone in Colorado touched a heart in Stuttgart just by talking about the hope the plan of salvation has given them. The gospel is simple. Missionary work is simple. It starts and it ends with love.

Another story... So we were split contacting and I was trying to talk to everyone I could. There were a few good conversations but nobody was really interested. I got to the point where I just needed a small break, I took a minute and just looked around at everyone, then this older guy came up go me and said that he waved me off earlier, and felt really bad about it, but since I was still there an hour later, he would give me his time. Then he noticed my nametag and was just started telling me everything he knew about missionaries and our church (All positive things) and then continued on to tell me that he has had a Book of Mormon on his shelf at home for 20 or so years and he hasn't read it. He has been very interested in Mormons and what we believe. We talked a lot about the Book of Mormon and the importance of it, what it can do for us, and why he should go home and read it. He asked for the address of our church and said he would go home and read. He's from northern Germany but he said he would be looking up the church when he gets back. 

One of the wards we are over is the American military ward, it is such a great ward. I absolutely love it and I have realized how much I truly love Americans. The members here are so funny and we have had so may fun appointments. We had a youth speaker on Sunday and he gave one of the best talks I have heard in the longest time. He talked about finding joy in life and not just "enduring", for a 13 year old it was so insightful and I learned so much from him. When facing hard decisions or situations- think what is the best case scenario, what is the worst case scenario, and what is most likely to happen? 

I just love being a missionary. Everyday I come to realize it more and more how richly blessed we are to have the gospel. And even more to be here in other countries sharing our blessing. Coming on a mission was the best decision I've ever made, second to following Moroni's counsel to pray about the Book of Mormon. Because of these two big decisions I have come to understand and really know my Savior Jesus Christ, and my Father in Heaven. I will be forever grateful to Them, and indebted. I have never felt so much joy as I have here on the mission, even with all the heart aches and stuff going on back home, I am truly happy and I have joy in life. This gospel is powerful, and it's true. 

"I believe that no matter how diligently you try, you cannot with your human mind fully comprehend the eternal significance of the Atonement nor fully understand how it was accomplished. We can only appreciate in the smallest measure what it cost the Savior in pain, anguish, and suffering or how difficult it was for our Father in Heaven to see His Son experience the incomparable challenge of His Atonement. Even so, you should conscientiously study the Atonement to understand it as well as you can. You can learn what is needful to live His commandments, to enjoy peace and happiness in mortal life. You can qualify, with obedient family members, to live with Him and your Father in Heaven forever." -Richard G Scott.

Thank you for all of the love, prayers, and support! I love you all! Have a great week! 

Liebe Grüße, 

Sister Lundskog 

The One where Carley had a headache and didn't send a group email, but did send some photos 7/3/2018

So Carley didn't have much to say on account of a pounding headache. But for your information, she only has 43 days left. (Who's counting?) So she did mention that we only have 5 or 6 email opportunities left!

Anyhow, I'm pretty dang excited to see this girl again!

~Debbie

The one where we took over Stuttgart 6/26/2108

Hey framily,

It's been a crazy couple of weeks! My companion went home for a couple weeks for a surgery and another sister went home for medics reasons in the neighboring ward and so Sister Smith and I have been put together to take over all of the Stuttgart area- now we get to teach both the English (she was in the international/American military ward) and German speakers (I was in the German ward.) Which is great, we are having a lot of fun. Sunday's are awesome and spiritual and uplifting but also feel slightly long because we are usually at the church from 8 or 9 to 5 so that we can attend both meetings and take care of the members and friends. It's been crazy but we love it! We've also been living between two apartments on opposite sides of everything and we just never know where we'll end up, but it keeps us on our toes. 

We've spent a ton of time finding (Sister Smith has been a champ and we did 14 hours of street contacting this last week and she has a sprained ankle. She's an inspiration.) We also have bee able to visit a lot of members and do soke service projects. We helped at a primary activity on Saturday...and turns out they had us over the tattoo station. Not sure if missionaries are allowed to have fake rattles but Eliana wanted to try it and there was a dinosaur, so I let my inner kid come out.

Sunday we had dinner with an American family and I don't think I've ever laughed more at dumb puns or silly jokes- Americans are just too good. We did an activity and had everyone draw the plan of salvation to the best of their knowledge. It was really interesting to see what everyone knew or what they thought, and then we talked about it. We are so so blessed to have the knowledge of God's plan. To know why we are here, where we came from, and where we are going. We don't have to question it. We have the opportunity and privilege to know who we are and who we can become. The knowledge is such a blessing and it has blessed my life so much just to know the plan, but I've also been able to share it and see the blessing that it is to other people. The knowledge has the power to literally change lives and save them. It's some powerful stuff. 

In the meantime we've just been working hard, doing what we can, and loving ever second that we have the privilege to be missionaries. Definitely don't want it to ever stop. 

"Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ prepares you for whatever life brings. This kind of faith prepares you to deal with life’s opportunities—to take advantage of those that are received and to persist through the disappointments of those that are lost” Elder Dallin H Oaks

I love you all, have a great week! Sorry for those I don't email back, we don't have much time!

Liebe Grüße, 

Sister Lundskog