Jay's most recent letter- we are now up to date!
"I sit here at 8AM after a wonderful week, drinking my Norrland exclusive Trocadero soda (I know it's 8AM, forgive me) and I only have one question for you. Are you keeping it funky? Just kidding, ask Jordon on that. But the real Q.
Is...Well, what do slaughtering cows, pretending it's Christmas (meaning talking to family and drinking julmust-a Swedish Christmas drink), forcing Fika's (snack) on people, removing dish satellites, and delivering baked goods have in common? Other than the fact I did all of them this week, I am not entirely sure. But in all of this pandemonium, I probably had one of the most fun weeks I've had in a while, but it was SO effective too. (even if numbers were a bit low due to a lot of time out of Övik.)"
The slaughter.
"Well, we got up at 5 45 and were in the car by 6:30 to go the farm. That, was an experience for the books. Kind of sad, but it gives you a whole new perspective about ''Fulfilling the measure of their creation.'' It was slaughtering day. I was going to take pictures, but immediately felt that was inappropriate for this kind of work. We got there, and immediately went to the back, where cows were hanging, and the two hired butchers were going to work. Then we were called over, and basically went through the whole process of the slaughtering with them. (we didn't actually slaughter, they have two skilled butchers who know what they're doing) but I witnessed enough. We (with 4 grown men, counting me and Elder Tangren) pushed and pulled each bull calf out, which is not an easy task. Once they're in the right spot. They are stunned. They have this crazy needle gun that just drops them. Quick and easy. Then they cut the nerve, spill the blood, skin them, gut them, and saw the carcass in half that is full of just meat and bones. (I hope I'm not being too graphic) Our job, was to lower our shoulder, and lift these meat and bone carcasses high enough so Hans Karlsson could tie them to the wood poles up top. A messy job, but not too bad. We had to do it without gloves because it's clean meat.. so that felt kind of weird.
The whole time my mind was singing, ''The Circle of Life.'' Ha ha.
"I sit here at 8AM after a wonderful week, drinking my Norrland exclusive Trocadero soda (I know it's 8AM, forgive me) and I only have one question for you. Are you keeping it funky? Just kidding, ask Jordon on that. But the real Q.
Is...Well, what do slaughtering cows, pretending it's Christmas (meaning talking to family and drinking julmust-a Swedish Christmas drink), forcing Fika's (snack) on people, removing dish satellites, and delivering baked goods have in common? Other than the fact I did all of them this week, I am not entirely sure. But in all of this pandemonium, I probably had one of the most fun weeks I've had in a while, but it was SO effective too. (even if numbers were a bit low due to a lot of time out of Övik.)"
The slaughter.
"Well, we got up at 5 45 and were in the car by 6:30 to go the farm. That, was an experience for the books. Kind of sad, but it gives you a whole new perspective about ''Fulfilling the measure of their creation.'' It was slaughtering day. I was going to take pictures, but immediately felt that was inappropriate for this kind of work. We got there, and immediately went to the back, where cows were hanging, and the two hired butchers were going to work. Then we were called over, and basically went through the whole process of the slaughtering with them. (we didn't actually slaughter, they have two skilled butchers who know what they're doing) but I witnessed enough. We (with 4 grown men, counting me and Elder Tangren) pushed and pulled each bull calf out, which is not an easy task. Once they're in the right spot. They are stunned. They have this crazy needle gun that just drops them. Quick and easy. Then they cut the nerve, spill the blood, skin them, gut them, and saw the carcass in half that is full of just meat and bones. (I hope I'm not being too graphic) Our job, was to lower our shoulder, and lift these meat and bone carcasses high enough so Hans Karlsson could tie them to the wood poles up top. A messy job, but not too bad. We had to do it without gloves because it's clean meat.. so that felt kind of weird.
The whole time my mind was singing, ''The Circle of Life.'' Ha ha.
"Saturday: We got up, and had weekly planning. Which I love. We had decided that we were going to do all we could to have 3+ investigators in church tomorrow. So we baked a batch of cookies, while we weekly planned and delivered them to 7-8 people throughout the day. We went to Husum that night (scariest city ever) and taught the guy we found last week. The language barrier was strong, so he called his friend in Luleå, and we taught him through his friend (while teaching his friend) over skype. Ha. The guy on Skype wanted to know more, so we got his information and gave that to the Luleå elders. Yeeeeeeeeah buddy. A solid day. Wonders of technology."
I have loved this week, and I couldn't have asked for anything better. Always areas to improve, but man it was awesome. I can honestly say I have felt your prayers. I have felt an ability to do things that normally I couldn't, I have far to go, but I am på väg. I love all of you. I am so excited to talk to you in a month here, and I am so grateful for that you guys have done for me.
Oh yeah. I hit my 6 month mark this week. Crazy eh? Love you again.
All is well in the city with the ski jump. Turns out that isn't approved.
I have loved this week, and I couldn't have asked for anything better. Always areas to improve, but man it was awesome. I can honestly say I have felt your prayers. I have felt an ability to do things that normally I couldn't, I have far to go, but I am på väg. I love all of you. I am so excited to talk to you in a month here, and I am so grateful for that you guys have done for me.
Oh yeah. I hit my 6 month mark this week. Crazy eh? Love you again.
All is well in the city with the ski jump. Turns out that isn't approved.