November 23rd letter

Okay, so this week was transfer week which means it was a CRAZY one for Elder Arko. He left his area by bus late on Tuesday night and slept in Umeå with his Zone Leaders. Then, all the Elders who were leaving (Elder Loomis included) left early Wednesday morning and the Elders who were coming (Elder Dees, the new companion) arrived late Wednesday night. Because it was pretty late, the Elders slept in Umeå again and returned to their area around noon on Thursday. Quite the traveling week for them. Because of this, a good potion of Elder Arko's birthday (2½ hours) was spent on a bus! However, He did have some goodies to eat from some packages so that was nice for Him.

And now for a little introduction for Elder Dees. He is from Texas and is just hitting his year and a half mark this next week. Elder Arko is excited that He might get to burn an article of clothing with Him. Elder Dees is a pretty funny guy and likes to have fun so Elder Arko isn't really worried about having fun this transfer :)

So, there is this part on the Simpson's where Mr. Burns asks if anyone in Springfield has ever seen the sun set at 3 pm (because it is three and he is planning to block out the sun soon) and the sea captain says "AY, once when I was sailing around the Artic" and Mr. Burns cuts him off and says "Shut Up!" Well, obviously no one from Skellefteå was in Springfield at that time because yes, the sun does set at 3 pm. It is such a crazy phenomenon to Elder Arko and He doesn't think He's getting used to it. It's just crazy for him to be up before the sun comes up. As most of us back home know, Elder Arko's usual sleeping habits back home didn't allow Him to see the rising of the sun. Well, those days have past for Elder Arko!

As a ritual for transfers, missionaries swap photos of the transfer so Elder Arko has a few fun ones for us!

Elder Arko with a berry picker, that's right He went berry picking for lingonberries. The Elders gave them to a member in the ward so it was service.This is Elder Arko eating a grilled cheese sandwich and yeah...cheese is apparently really stretchy in Sweden :)And last the best of all...Elder Arko cleaned a toilet! He thought we would all enjoy that :)

Since they are so far North and it would cost way too much for an apartment couple to go up and inspect their apartment, the Elders just had to take pictures and send them to the inspectors. Elder Arko thinks they really liked that one :)

Anyways, Elder Arko hopes everyone is doing well. He is super excited to talk to His family this Christmas and will try to have an American Thanksgiving! He sends his love to all!