The job of a Salvation Army officer is best described as a lifestyle. (Sweden)

Dagen Newspaper
By Birgitta Waern

December 30, 2014
Translation; Sven Ljungholm

Gratitude is a word that Fanny Ljungholm often returns to. On the year’s penultimate day she celebrates her 30th birthday.

TODAY NEWSPAPER
FAMILY

We determined that eight o'clock on a Friday morning was the time for the interview. For Fanny Ljungholm it's almost mid-day

- With a two year old in the house, it’s sure to be an early morning, she says.

The Ljungholms live  in Stockholm. They returned here, Fanny, Kalle (Karl) and little Majken, after a working spell in Visby, on the island of Gottland. The couple had done internships in conjunction with their officership training in the Salvation Army.

- During the training one will be assigned to a corps where the practical training takes place,  and for us it became Visby, says Fanny.

Fanny's husband Kalle has completed his officership training and is a Salvation Army officer stationed at Kungsholm Corps in Stockholm.

- We began our studies at the same time but because I, or we, became pregnant, I complete my courses a little later, she says.

Now she continues her studies and does her internship in the Kungsholmen Corps. In the spring of 2016, she’ll complete the training.

The foundation of her faith, was learned in the Salvation Army corps (church) in her home town of Nässjö.

- My parents thought it was fine to let me attend Sunday School at the Salvos. And that’s where I remained.

- As an adult, I’ve discovered just how much the leaders in the Scouting program meant to me. That’s where I was fed spiritually, said Fanny.

At the age of fifteen, she decided on a life with God. And just a year later it was clear to her that she had a special calling. After completing her high school disciplines she studied in universities in Linköping and Stockholm and earned a bachelor degree in sociology, an education for which she is grateful. It has provided an understanding of the people she meets regularly in the social work of the Salvation Army, and it's a good educational foundation for work as a Salvation Army officer.

- It was during my time in Stockholm that I met Kalle. We soon discovered that we coveted the same vocation and that was what served to bond us together, she says.

Kalle was born into a family where both parents were Salvation Army officers. Being an officer means that you are reassigned from time to time and so it was for Kalle and his family.

- Currently we are in an interesting development in the Kungsholmen Corps. It’s a corps with many enthusiasts. It will be exciting to see how we can build relationships within the church and outwardly with the community.

Leisure is something that is hard to define. As an officer in the Salvation Army it’s a six day work week with one day off.

- It is no ordinary job, it's a lifestyle, says Fanny.

She spends a lot of time with her daughter, Majken.

- It is so much fun at this time of year. We bake and go out and look at all the Christmas lights. Stroll and window shop. I find it lifts my spirit.

When possible, she appreciates spending time nurturing friendships, old and new.

-We meet up, see and do different things, hang out, talk and share life with each other.

- I enjoy reading. There is a book next to my bed but usually I fall asleep before I even open it, says Fanny laughingly.

How does it feel to celebrate a birthday a week after Christmas and the day before New Year's Eve?

- I have never felt it as something negative. As a child it was always a party with friends and family on my birthday. I looked forward to the time with the many festivals, Christmas, my birthday and New Year.

- The only thing that was amiss was not having a birthday when I was in school, it was always Christmas break then.

Now she wants to continue the life she started. Getting to see Majken grow up and be a part of witnessing that  people become fulfilled.

- I am grateful to be a part of the process says, Fanny.

FANNY LJUNGHOLM

Fakta:

Aktuell: Fyller 30 år den 30 december.

Actual: Turns 30 years old the 30^th December

Önskar sig: En födelsedag tillsammans med sin man, en bakmaskin av släkten och gärna någon upplevelsepresent.

Wishing for: A birthday spent with her husband, a bread making machine from relatives and happily a surprise gift of some kind.

Fanny & Kalle