Well anyway I feel like I have not written home forever so I have a lot to say haha. First I'll just say I was kinda disappointed that It has not snowed at all in Malmö this year. I was hoping to have a white Christmas but it didn't look like it was going to happen. When we woke up on Christmas, it was snowing!! What a miracle! :)
We also had the opportunity to go to Denmark this week and visit the Temple! When we got there we asked for Swedish or English translation but I think the people forgot so it was all in Danish hahaha but the dialect of Swedish that I know is pretty close to Danish so I was able to under stand a good amount of it. We also went to a statue of Christ at church in Copenhagen. While we were in Denmark, we ran into 6 missionaries and two of them were in the MTC with me! How crazy is that! Oh and then we also got a parking ticket.... :(
Christmas in Sweden is quite a bit different then from the states haha. At 3 pm they have a tradition to watch Kalle Anka (Donald Duck) because back in the day there was only cartoons for 30 minutes every year on Christmas Eve. Then for dinner we had tons and tons of different flavored raw fish.. I actually really enjoyed it! They had Sill (pickled herring) and salmon. You would take a piece of bread, but some butter on it, then some cheese, then some fish, and then some sauce. It was really good actually! I think I'll have to bring the tradition to the Hemmingsen family now ;) #Katewillloveitsomuch
Then on Christmas we went to the Bishop's house and had the same kind of food for dinner (super good once again). And we also got to watch Elf, and Miracle! But the highlight of my week was getting to see family! I didn't realize how much I missed y'all until your faces popped up on the screen. Even though you guys made fun of the way I talk, it was still so great to see you. Elizabeth and I were able to also skype. She is my hero. Here desire to serve with all of her heart in incredible. She bore here testimony at the end of the conversation and I can feel her love even being on the other side of the world. Texas is too lucky!
At Zone Conference, the focus was on being bold and Christmas. There is nothing more powerful than sharing your personal witness of the Savior. No one can take away the experiences I have had in coming to find my Savior. No matter how crafty someones words can be, a testimony of truth will always be more effective.
Over these few short months I have become so grateful for the Atoning sacrifice of Christ. There is no other way for us to our Heavenly Father then through his Son. He gave us all. Take time everyday to discover and embrace what he means to you.
I love you all and I hope you have a had a God Jul!!! It is hard to be away from family through the Holidays but I feel so much closer to you all then I ever have!
Gott nytt År kompisar!!
Med Kärlck
Äldste Hemmingsen