Sweden!

Elder Arko is now in Sweden!!! It took him a total of 24 hours to get there so I bet he's glad he doesn't have to make that journey again for a little while. His companion is Elder Stocks and he seems to be getting into the swing of things. He really likes Alingsås which is where he's living (see below)

He now has a Swedish personummer (or something like that) which is kind of like a social security number, but its not as secret. It's used for things like library cards and other things. Another interesting fact about Sweden...dryers do not exist and if they do, they aren't used very often because they suck! (that came right from Elder Arko).

As of right now Elder Arko and Elder Stocks really don't have any good investigators, but about 3 "eternal investigators". That's what missionaries refer to as investigators that really don't seem like they will or want to get baptized soon.

They really enjoy the ward members there and they always have them over for dinner. He's been trying a lot of different food there and not all of it has agreed with his stomach, but he's getting used to it. They have this thing called knakabread or knakavbröd which is about the size of a graham cracker, but it isn't sweet, is very dry, and is usually served with butter or some sort of jelly or jam. The good news is it's supposed to be a great source of fiber!! Stay regular Elder Arko!!! They also have big wheels of cheese that are about the size of a football. He also eats A LOT of potatoes! Almost every member dinner has potatoes and gravy included, but it fills them up.

For preparation days they go into Göteberg pronounced (ye te bory). He rides the train and the bus all the time now. Mass transit is how they do it over there. He has a missionary fireside coming up around June 7th and they're doing a missionary choir. Elder Arko learned that he is a bass :)

A street in Sweden

Here is Elder Arko in front of a sign that he now understands
This is all the people that came in his group to Sweden

And here they are at the Sweden Temple that they were able to attend their 3rd day in the area

and this pile of rocks is a real Viking grave that they found while building the temple

He seems to be doing well, but could use some love from his family and friends back home. It takes 98 cents to mail him a letter which is a small price to pay for the happiness it will bring him!

Uncle Elder Arko (part 2)

My name is Paizlee! Paizlee Ann Chaston to be exact and I'm so relived that's behind us, I was really starting to get worried. Well, I'm sure you will see plenty of pictures throughout the next 2 years and I hope to hear your voice so send me some tapes please! I LOVE YOU!

Uncle Elder Arko

Here I am!

Hi Uncle Jeff! I mean, Uncle Elder Arko. I'm here! I don't really know what to think of this new world yet, but my short little life has been very eventful. I know I wasn't supposed to be here for a few more weeks, but I decided Mom's tummy just wasn't doing it for me anymore. I came into the world at 10:21 am today and didn't even wait for Mom to have an epidural! I weigh 6 lbs and am 19 inches long. I over heard Mom talking and she doesn't even have clothes washed and ready for me to spit up on! Can you believe that? She was planning on getting all of that stuff ready today, but my plans were different. I spent all day being held and photographed, what hard work!

I met Mom & Dad (of course) first. Then, Aunt Cindi and my sister Britlee came. Later, Grandpa & Grandma Arko, Great Grandpa & Grandma Arko, and Ann came to meet me. I also got to speak...well listen to...Aunt Jen on the phone. My Dad was talking to her and then Mom started talking to her so I began to cry. Then, Mom held the phone up to me and I liked hearing Aunt Jen talk to me so much that I stopped crying. She called me Baby the whole time since, get this, I don't have a name yet! Can you believe that? I've been here for a whole day and it still says "Baby Girl Chaston" on my bed. Those parents of mine better get with it!

Mom, Dad, and Me

My big sister Britlee, Dad, and Me

My Papa Arko loves me!

Well, I just wanted to let you know that I'm here and I can't wait to meet you! I'm told that I have to wait until March of 2011! Man, I'll be walking by that time! You better send me some pictures and tapes so I know who you are when you come back. I love you and can't wait until you can give me hugs and kisses like everyone else does!