A week in Stockholm, August 6, 2016

August 2, 2016

Dear Family and Friends;

We had quite a trip this last couple of weeks to Stockholm Sweden.  On the way we stopped and spent the night with our dear friends, The Evangers, that are investigating the church.  We so enjoy spending time with them. We drove about 14 hours each way to attend a regional young adult conference called Festinord (Festival in the North).  We went with two other couples from Norway.  We drove with the Torgesen's and car pooled with the Lemon's.  There were also senior couples from Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Germany.  There were over 800 young adults from 31 countries.  They are so spread out in Europe that it is exciting to see them get together.  There were many activities and classes.  Some of the classes were: Accept and handle life's challenges, God-The Universe and You, Create Church History through Personal Histories, Faith under Fire, Dance for your life, If not flee Babylon, then how to attack.  They were really informative and faith building.  We met many great youth from all over the world.  We spent a lot of time in the kitchen, serving and doing dishes.  We really enjoyed serving together with the other couples.  On the way home we stopped at Kristiansand for the night.  It was the first area that I served in on my mission.  The young men and women when I was on my mission were now in their 50's.    It reminded me of when Alma met the sons of  Mosiah. "therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord.  What a blessing to see how many were still strong in the church.  It was there in that little branch that I found my testimony and my direction.  I bore my testimony.  That was not easy, but a special experience.  It is great to be back in Stavanger, our home away from home.  Love you all and have a great week.

Elder and Sister Gormley

Evanger's parents home in Farsund.  Home built in 1770's.  Has 38 rooms.  They were very kind to us and had us spend the night.  Philip gave us a tour of Farsund on his boat.  

Much of the furniture was from the 16 and 1700's.  

Fountain in Old Town Stockholm.  I thought Erik and others would find it interesting that they decorated with Foxtail??

Part of the Old Town of Stockholm.  Founded in the 13th century, most of the buildings from the 1700's and 1800's.

Medieval Church in Stockholm built in Late 1200's

Swedish Royal Palace with it's 600 rooms.

Stockholm Temple.  We have really missed the temple.  It was great to be there.

Tammy from the a YSA from the Isle of Jersey.  We met here in Old Town.  

Germany/Finland won the boys soccer, Sweden won girls soccer and Norway won co-ed basketball.

John Wennerlund from Stockholm.  Great guy and a super hard worker at the conference.

Sweet young lady we met.  She was from Mozambique but has recently moved to Vienna, Austria.  

Nick Blosil from Orem and F. Lomel from Seattle

Couples from Norway.  Front to back: 

Torgesen's from Old Town,Idaho serving in Kristiansand, Norway

Lemon's from Logan, Utah serving in Oslo, Norway

Gormley's from Burlington, Wyoming serving in Stavanger, Norway

Pedersen's from Drammen, Norway (Stake President)