Blåstdogs

WE set up quite a few appointments this week and when those people doesn't should up, it is called a "blåst." Needless to say when had quite a few of them this week. That is totally okay though because we get blåst hot dogs to make up for it. There is this place right by where we do the majority of our planned lessons where hot dogs are only 5 kronor. (62.5 ish cents) It has made me almost want people to not come! I love my hot dogs.

We were going to a member dinner here (since this is basically the "Utah" part of Sweden and we have a dinner every day this week) and this lady walked up to me and said, "for you." and she handed me a back of salad. She then promptly walked away and my companion and the member we were with just were kinda stunned. My companion said it was an answer to his prayers cause he wants vegetables. I am pretty sure that there are drugs or something in the bag but we'll see. Well he will, I don't got time for vegetables.

We have found a 3 new investigators this week, 2 of which still want to meet with us.

Elder Richardson and I taught a lesson this week that was admittedly not very unified but we are definitely doing better. During the lesson though, as I shared the first vision the library we were teaching in got more and more quit until finally it was silent. I thought it was a little tender mercy and another affirmation for me that Joseph Smith really did see God the Father and Christ.

The work here is really progressing. I love to be a missionary. It is hard, stressful, and tiring. Most of all though it is rewarding, fun, and spiritually uplifting. It is what God has for me right now and he knows what I can and can't handle. I am so thankful to be here. 

Thank you all for all!

Taught English to these Guys

I'm escaping Linköping!

Monday September 14,2015

So I got transfer calls this week and I will be leaving my Finnish friend and going to a place called Handen. The weird part is that, in Handen I will be closer to the temple that I am to the Logan temple back home! Instead of a 30 minute drive. It is a 30 minute walk! How crazy is that! I am so excited. I think it will be exciting too, to be part of an actual ward again. I will be serving in a four man apartment and the other two people are zone leaders so there is a lot that I can learn. My new companion's name is Elder Richardson. 

I got to give my leaving and are testimony yesterday and that was great! I am so grateful for how much the Lord helps with the language. I am by no means fluent but I can understand quite a lot and talk to people. It is so weird. 

We went to lunch this week with a Baptist Pastor. His name is Pelle and he is the best. He loves to meet with the missionaries every once in a while and just learn a bit about our church. He really loves Jesus and really follows Christ the best that he can. I know that God has a plan for every singular person to accept the gospel in their own time. 

Hampus is almost ready for baptism! He has been waiting for almost a whole year and now he only has three weeks left. He even is going to get his parents to come. He is very unique. He found the church himself and he held fast once he found out it was true. He lives over 2 hours away and is only 17. He is the great! 

I really really loved serving in Linköping and everything that I got to learn here. I know that God answers prayers and that he can comfort me! He can comfort you. Use the scriptures, pray honestly, and have faith. 

Thank you all for all that you do! 

Elder AJ Frankman

#1 Really wet guy

So this was a week. We went to Zone Conference this week. I currently am living in Linköping and we went to a city named Handen. It took us a few hours to get there and then we had a sleep over at the Handen Elders apartment. It was a good time. Elder Archibald made delicious no bake cookies just in case anyone was wondering. 

At zone conference we learned how Preach My Gospel really is not a book that once you get off your mission, you put it on the shelf. It is something that can really help in everyday life. I think I am starting to understand more and more every day the value that that book really has. Boyd K. Packer once said, "Preach My Gospel was designed beyond the veil and put together here."

On Thursday we had splits and I taught Thomas his last lesson before coming a member. It went well! I also got to give a blessing on Thursday. It is really a miracle that those who I give blessings to understand my Swedish and all of the Swedish that I study is brought to my remembrance. I have enough to say what they need. I am thankful for the opportunity to see miracles through learning a language. 

Saturday at 11 was the day! Thomas was really actually baptized! It was so good. Every time I see that man he has more light about him. He definitely does not have a perfect knowledge, but he is trying and desiring. THAT  is what counts. When he showed up to be confirmed on Sunday he had a really big smile and was just happy. His testimony was very funny but sweet when he said "som din tjänare i hans namn" which translates to, " as your servant in his name" he was very proud to have a six word testimony and sat down. It was kinda funny. Then he got up again in the same sacrament meeting and gave another testimony. He loves the family he finds in the church. Do not take it for granted!

I had a hard week this week sometimes but it helped me renew my testimony that prayer works. It really does. It is not always instant, but if you listen to the whisperings of the spirit that come to your heart or mind during a prayer, it works. I am so thankful for an all powerful father who loves every single one of his children. I am so thankful for all of you that are here to support me on the way. Thanks for everything!

From bottom to top XD Äldste Frankman, Mikael, Thomas, Äldste Kiikko

From bottom to top, Thomas, Äldste Frankman

​Celebratory Baptism food. (This is all pretty much strictly american food)