Canal trip August 1, 2009

Our canal excursion boat "Sandon" on the trip from Karlsborg to Toreboda August 2, 2009.

Huge water tower in the city of Orebro.

Beautiful home and yard along canal route to Toreboda.

Vicky standing on the lock at Tatorp. It has a hand crank to open and close the lock.

Another lock enroute to Toreboda. The Gota Canal was begun in 1810 and completed in September 1832 with the effort of over 58,000 workers. Parts of the canal are still used to transport cargo, but it is now primarily used as a tourist and recreational attraction. About 2 million people visit the canal each year.

Marina and resort along Vattern Lake

Karlsborg Fortress is situated on the Vannas peninsula in Karlsborg by Lake Vattern. The intent of the central defense idea ( it is located in the center of Sweden), was that the royal house, Swedish government, Riksdag and central command functions would, in the event of an attack against the kingdom, pull back and ensconce themselves in this fortress in the middle of the country. Even the gold reserved of the central bank of Sweden was to be safeguarded in the fortress in times of trouble. The fortress is one of Northern Europe's largest buildings. The fortress construction began in 1819 and was completed in 1909.

Rex and Vicky on the Gota Canal trip.

Huge Lake Vattern in the background, with crystal clear water.

Our group on the mound that surrounds the fortress in Karlsborg: L to R: Bruno Klarin, Anna and Rex Dahl, Dale Ensign, Connie Peterson, Inger Hoglund, Elaine Ensign, Carol and Willard Malmstrom, Rex, David Peterson, Pres. Bengt Hoglund.

Pres. Bengt and Sister Inger Hoglund singing along to some lovely Swedish songs.

Neal Baker, professional musician from Goteborg who plays many instruments well. He writes and composes his own music. We had such fun singing along to his lively tunes.

Oland and Karlskrona Trip

Rex and Vicky on the beach at Sturko where Klaus and Monica Bernpaintner spend the summer.

Monica Bernpaintner and her mother at their summer cabin. It was quite an experience to use the little outhouse. I haven't done that since I was a child and visited my grandparents.

Old wood church in Karlskrona where a statue has his hand out inviting people to deposit money under his hat. We donated to the cause.

Rex trying to eat a two scoop ice cream cone with extra vanilla softie on top. It actually turned out to be about 14 scoops and is the best ice cream we have ever eaten. The little store makes their own waffle cones as we watch. I am ready to go back for more. Quite frequently there is an hour wait to get a cone here.

Photo taken from the military fort called Kungsholmsfort on an island out of Karlskrona. This overlooks the Baltic Sea and was a huge defense for Sweden in years past. There is still a presence of military personnel on the island.

Sarah, Klaus, Monica Bernpaintner and Rex as we sat in the Marine Museum in Karlskrona waiting for our trip to the military island.

One of the cannons that was used for protection at the Kalmar Castle. This castle was a defence against pirates, enemies, and the Danes. At the end of the 13th century it was considered the most modern fortress in Sweden.

Rex in front of the mote that surrounds the Kalmar Castle.

Vicky inside the castle where numerous activities were available for children with samplings of the past.

Beautiful baby in long christening dress that had just taken place at the Kalmar Castle.

Rex standing at the entrance to Kalmar Castle in Kalmar, Sweden.

One of the longest bridges in Europe. It is the bridge from Kalmar into Oland. What a spectacular site!

Baltic Sea from Oland Island. This was taken just below the beautiful Ekerum Golf Resort.

We felt fortunate to have an upgrade on the car rental. It was a little Mercedes.

Signs like this all over Europe directing traffic to the "in" direction. It can't help but put a smile on your face when you see one.

We never expected to see a camel on Oland, but there are several fields with camels grazing.

Borgholm Castle from one of the highest levels, looking into the courtyard where there are currently many events that take place. Borgholm was one of the most important strongholds in the Middle Ages and up to the 17th century. There were many battles and sieges here. Swedes, Danes and Germans have by turn held the castle. Kings and princes held court in its halls.

Looking from inside the Borgholm Castle to the Baltic Sea in the background.

Vicky looking out from one of the dungeon cells inside the Borgholm Castle.

Grave markers at the Borgholm Castle.

Professional golfer, Cecilie Lundgreen giving a few of us from the temple a few hours of golf lessons. She is a strong member of the church and a neat, neat lady from Norway. About 7 years ago she joined the church. She loves coming to the temple.

Vicky, Cecilie Lundgreen and Rex at the golf course. What a privilege to know this wonderful young lady.

New Missionaries this week

Friday missionary lunch group at the Mission Office. (L to R: Nelsons, Johnsons, Wrights, Lewises)

Vicky, Elder Zack Jensen and Rex

Elder Jensen with his parents.

Elder Larson with his parents and younger brother.

Office elders L to R: APs E. Jackson and E. Langston, Secretaries E. Adamson and E. Edmunds

Beautiful cemetery in Sandsborg

Huge cemetery in Sandsborg, Sweden.

Old church in Gamla Stan

Changing of the Guard in Gamla Stan. at the King's Palace

Rex on the street in Gamla Stan

Horse drawn carriage in Gamla Stan

Vicky, Elaine and Dale Ensign in Hotorget

We had new missionaries come this week (15 of them) that we fed after their temple session on Wednesday. Our work at the temple continues to be a strength and blessing in our lives. Friday we had a great lunch at the mission office with two elders going home and their families. We invited Elder Jensen and his parents to dinner Friday evening as they were staying at the temple guest home. He was the elder who picked us up at the Stockholm Airport when we arrived to begin our mission here in Sweden. We have a special place in our heart for him.

Saturday we took Bro. and Sis. Ensign to the Hotorget to shop and look around, then we went to Gamla Stan (old town), saw the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace and walked through an old, huge cemetery that is beautifully kept.

After church today we had dinner at Bro. and Sis. Simonson's home. It was a fantastic Swedish meal. They had 4 US couples come share the delicious meal with them. The bread was called stompa bread and she fixed an "out of this world" rhubarb dessert topped with homemade parfait ice cream.

Wonderful baptism

Top: Friday lunch group
Next: Heidi and Hannah Hutennin & Marie

Sister Nilsson and Sister Cherrington (I just gave them both hair cuts)

Elder Ahola and Elder Tomyn just ate dinner with us. Great elders.

E. Tomyn, Ishmael, E. Ahola

This was a most enjoyable week as we were privileged to have a visit from one of the sister missionaries who served here from Finland come visit us. I gave hair cuts to Sister Cherrington and Sister Nilsson. I thought it was just going to be a trim but they wanted new hair styles. Thank goodness for prayer. They turned out very cute and the sisters were happy.

We attended a concert Wednesday evening for the Norwegian Saints who are here to serve in the temple this week. Several of the missionaries performed and were amazing. Sister Cherrington sang, "This is the Christ" and it brought tears to my ears. There was also a baptism on Saturday that was one of the most spiritual baptisms I have ever attended. As Ishmael came up from being baptized he said a prayer thanking Heavenly Father for forgiveness and allowing him to be baptized. It was so spiritual.