A Scottish Barbecue

Spring is a wee bit late in coming this year, but the YSAs are doing all they can to encourage it. A few weeks back, they decided it was time for the first BBQ of the season. When it was planned the weather forecast was encouraging, but by the time the day actually came, the weather was not so good:  cold and rainy. They are hardy folk, and they had a great time.

Our Council President and Head Cook

In Memorial of Jeffrey Guerra -- a wonderful young man, brother, son, friend, full-time missionary

We met Jeffrey shortly after arriving in Sweden in the fall of 2010, to serve our mission in the Center for Young Adults in downtown Stockholm.  Jeffrey attended almost every activity, and was friendly to all who came.  His kind, gentle ways endeared him to everyone.  He was always nice and polite to us, and we enjoyed getting to know him and had many pleasant visits.  He was always smiling, it seemed; he loved dancing, playing games and hanging out with the YSAs, as well as being an attentive, participating Institute student.  Plus, he was very missionary-minded and was very dependable to help the full-time missionaries in their teaching.  On the YSA sign-up list of helping on "teaches" with investigators, Jeffrey's name was always there, at least once.  We shared in his excitement as he awaited his own mission call and joyed with him as he received his call to serve in the Utah Provo Spanish-speaking Mission.   He had been out only about a year, when he died.  Many tears have been shed at his passing.  Many hearts are aching.  He will be greatly missed.  The comfort we receive is the knowledge that he returned home, as a dedicated full time missionary and will continue to live there and bless others. In fact, in his optimistic way, he is probably excited about his new "transfer."  Jeffrey, your life has been an inspiration to us   It will be great to see you again, someday, Elder Guerra.

Jeffrey Guerra

 from the Deseret News (May 13, 2013)
Elder Jeffrey Rogil Guerra Alfaro, 22, from Lidingo, Sweden, a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in the Utah Provo Mission, died after suffering an aneurysm while exercising. LDS Church spokeswoman Ruth Todd said Elder Guerra "was jogging with his companion Thursday morning when he collapsed after suffering a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. "He was treated at the scene and then transferred to the hospital where he was placed on life support," Todd continued. "He later passed away with family members present."On behalf of the LDS Church, Todd said, "our thoughts and prayers are with Elder Guerra’s family during this difficult time.”