I'm here! I hope you got my last email, because I haven't received any mail yet, but I hope you are all okay! Sorry about my first email...I didn't have much time. Voi että! Well, well. It is everything I imagined and more. There really isn't any open space here...unless for farming, because it is all trees and forest! It is very beautiful! I think I told you, but I am in this little town two hours east of Helsinki called Kouvola (it's closer to Russia) and it is freezing! As a result, the people all look very depressed, stern, unfriendly, but really are good people!
So on the plane over here, I sat next to Zoy from Greece. She talked to me pretty much from Denver to Frankfurt. Thus making not watching the movies a little easier, but sleeping very difficult. She found out I am Mormon and told me how much she respects our family values. She thinks morals in the world are falling apart. I snuck her a pass along card by writing my address on it and telling her to write me.
Oh, before I forget, can you send a record of my driving record? We need it for my license. Elder Nilsson and I actually have a Volkswagon Polo...nicest car in the mission apparently.
My new address: Kauppalankatu 10 A 9
45700 Kouvola
Finland
*we live in the center of town, right next to H &M actually.
Which reminds me...Maelyn, you would not believe how stylish girls are here! Cool boots, cool jackets, scarves, everything.
Anywho, when we arrived in Frankfurt, we made for our gate, and actually met Sister Hellman - a member in Tampere. Older woman who apparently only speaks Finnish. It was funny because we started talking to her, but my companions didn't understand her, so I was the only one actually talking. But I said something in English about 15 minutes into our convo, and she looked really confused. She doesn't speak English. She shared her bread with us, and then introduced me to her friends. They were very excited to meet us and all started chattering at the same time. It was an experience - I had no idea what they were saying. They looked like a row of birds chirping away. Anywho...
Landing in Finland is probably similar to Neil Armstrong's elation when landing on the moon. It was very spiritual, and much more moving than I expected. The sun was setting majestically and all the trees of the land stood as sentinals to this place. Their shadows outstretched acrost the fields and meadows. Vast amounts of lakes, rivers, glass. The colors of fall in a myriad of expressions. Green on the leaves, brown earth, gold in my eyes. For some reason I couldn't get the verse out of my head: All the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Rolling hills as farms and cookie cutted marks adorn the face of the earth.
Entering the airport was overwhelming. All of the signs in Finnish, and everyone chatting away as if it were nothing. We came out into the front entryway....looking for some sign of direction. Out of the deep somber crowd came a glowing orb - Elder Mock (James' friend), Anderson, and President\Sister Brown. I reached out my hand and receive the biggest, most satisfying hug I have ever felt.
Whisked off to the Brown's beautiful bayside home. Upon arrival, we smell the Finnish air for the first time. It feels like I am smelling the home I never knew I had or needed for that matter. A cozy cottage nestled in the forest, naturally. We then wrote down our initial thoughts about Finland. President\Sister Brown then treated us to arguably the tastiest and most filling meal I have ever laid eyes on. It was pasta, thank goodness. But the juice here is celestial. As are the breads, cheeses, desserts, everything.
Then we are shown this picture of a horse plowed into the work. He has his head down, and his legs lifted. Clearly a strong creature, quite handsome. But he is doing his master's will with no complaint nor thought of abandonment. He knows his reward shall come.
We retire for the night.
Next morning we drove to the office in dowtown Helsinki. A lovely little jaunt over bridge upon bridge as we are treated to every view of dowtown. It is magical. I notice many flags adorning the buildings...all at half mast. Very uncommon in Finland. It wasn't until we reached the office that we heard about a shooting which had occured. I am not sure if you have heard about it, but it is a bit uneasy here. There was a school shooting about a year ago, and the Finnish people are a bit hesitant and uneasy. This emotion and feeling of uncertainty is not common amongst these people. More on that later.
After a short wait, the trainers show up. Two of them instantly walk in...and then a third...and then a fourth. We still didn't know who was to train us, so anticipation was building. But Elder Nilsson was the last to walk in, and something clicked for me when he walked in.
Anywho, we found out, talked a bit as a group, then off to the train station, and Kouvola! When we arrived here in Kouvola, Elder Nilsson recognized quite a few people. I was surprised at how many people recognized him and said hello and what not. Next morning.
Exercise, shower, eat. Nilsson makes me breakfast. A companion after my heart! Then we plan. We actually have a baptismal date, so that's pretty nifty! We have a few investigators...but not many.
We go out and begin contacting. He asks me who I want to talk to. No idea. Then I see this woman kind of on the edge of the square, and looks a little lost. I accosted her and began speaking Finnish. But she waved me off. I asked her what was wrong in Finnish, and she said in English - "I don't speak Finnish". Yes! "Nor do I!" I exclaimed. She just came from Russia, and so I got her number and told her I had some Russian contacts who might be eager to speak with her. Her name was Olga.
The first contact was the easiest. After that, It got harder. However, we came away with 9 phone numbers and offers to get to know more! It is interesting how it is the "social outcasts" who so readily accept. We were heading back to our place, when Nilsson introduced me to "Sergio" an Argentine man who owns a restaurant here. He was VERY excited to meet me. He has a few little children, and we are hoping to teach him. There are quite a few South Americans here, and they are the most willing people here to listen to us.
Off to tract. Haha this old woman was sitting outside sorting through berries and mushrooms, while her cat was kneading the berries in this big bucket. I think she trained the cat. Weird. But hilarious! So we are visiting her again. But we came across this really cool family. The man is interested in missionaries and why we are here, and his wife is from Thailand and wants to cook for us! Well, well.
Ok, we are getting near the end of my first day, and we head out to Elimaki - this really podunk little place where the "junntis" of Finland live. (The hicks). Nilsson tells me the entire way out there that he needs to use the lui. And we are on this dirt road, and he tells me this scary story. Picture: pitch black, middle of the night, no houses or people to be seen, dirt road, and he is telling me this story. Ei hyvä. He then informs me he doesn't remember how to get to the members' home that we are going to. Great. But he recognizes this other house, because they said he could come back. He pulls up, and runs up to the front door. Tells me to wait on the front steps and he'll be right back. He needs to go to the bathroom. The house though, is dark as can be. I am scared out of my mind. Then, this high pitched squeel is heard, the opening of this huge barn door - which is behind me. I am about ready to pee my pants, when out of the barn sprint three ginormous dogs. I pretty much accepted death. This voice then starts up, and I see the shadow of this man who appears to be in military uniform sprint at me screaming at the top of his lungs in Finnish with a gun in his hand....a shotgun. I am dead. But somehow I keep my cool with dogs all over me, and the man screaming at me. I tell him in Finnish that my friend is in his house. Mene! Go! Get him I say. He makes for the house. My companion comes sprinting out, and tells me to make for the car. What??? I am so dead and lost. But we make for the car. The huge army man comes out and I get in the car. Quickly lock my door, and he starts up the car. Go! I scream! But he just sits there. The huge man is banging on the window. The window is rolled down. The man says "welcome to finland".
What a prank haha. It was hilarious about five hours later.
Have to go. Love you
Saturday, January 17, 2009
the one where rafe was told to quit writing like a philospher and speak the plain english
To Whom It May Concern:
So a few events have brought to my attention the fact
that my emails sound more like English essays more
than anything else. The first being the driver of one
"Dewey" who accosted me at the temple grounds this
past Sunday. And the second instance being copies of
my emails as found in a package from home. After
reading my own writing, I think the intent is now in
the open - you aren't looking for an English essay.
Apparently after 12 weeks of residency here at the
MTC, I have yet to discourse on the actual happenings
and comings/goings in the MTC. So I will outline a
usual day... starting with the night before a "usual"
day.
The night is dark, stormy. I can see my tree. You
know, the one sitting right outside our classroom
window? He is being tossed to and fro in the tempest.
But this is no time to concern myself with a tree. I
focus back on the board... Finnish grammar.
Impossible. This particular lesson is entitled the
"shark chart". Whether it means we should be willing
to cast ourselves into a pool of sharks after learning
it... or if it is merely a symbol for these particular
cases, I know not. Present Active Case: the eating
man "syova mies". Past Active: the man who has eaten
"syonyt mies”. Present Passive: the edible man
"syotava mies". Past Passive: the man who has been
eaten "syoty mies". On the board is a diagram of a
man in a hot dog bun to help us understand "edibele".
Hmm. This is doing wonders for my appetite around
dinner time.
But alas, we make for the cafeteria after hours of
grueling grammar, only to find actual gruel for
dinner! Just kidding. But it was probably some
inedible casserole. If my cat back home can eat the
same thing every night, so can I!
Elder Mackay and his companion are already eating.
They make a quick complaint about how they have so
little to study each day.....how pleasant. Instantly
they go back to their conversation considering we have
to "SYL" and they seem to think "kuudos" answers every
question in Finnish. I think they are attempting to
say "kiitos" meaning "thank you"... but that's besides
the point.
After saying no kuudos to seconds, Sisar Jolley,
Vanhin Struthers and myself speed race to the mail
room. POSTI "MAIL"! Ahhh a copious amount of Dear
Elders for me! No time to read though, it's time to
put on the blue suit to a chorus of "For British Eyes
Only"... our song. It is said that James Bond is put
to shame by my sweet threads. In fact, I look so
"elegant" to the security guard that we are able to
bypass the line going to devotional and go through our
secret escape hatch to get some sweet pickins at
seats. And, my seat is next to a former colleague at
the Y. So naturally we strike up a conversation
about the Singing Revolution in Estonia thanks to my
father's latest letter.
Our conversation goes into the prelude singing. But
then, we are interrupted by an abrupt entrance of
Elder Cook of the Twelve into the room. Very well, I
guess he has the right to interrupt our terribly
pertinent discourse. He shares a message about the
importance of "Preach My Gospel", which is important.
And worthy of our District's consideration at our
District Meeting following Elder Cook's remarks.
I'm sure the discussion was insightful and moving, but
the song after our meeting was most moving... Elder
Mackay and I arm-in-arm singing, "Abide With Me 'Tis
Even'tide". This he chose on the eve of his
departure. Upon returning to the dorms, we spend the
evening in deep Gospel and in hopeful wishes for the
future. We then end the evening in a rousing assembly
of "Herra olkoon tiella kanssasi" "God Be With You
Till We meet Again". We sang as sailors in the midst
of a tempest who know their fate. A title like, "A
Walk to Remember" could not make our farewell any more
sappy.
Elder Mackay woke me early the next morning. How? I
really am not sure, it probably included him yoinking
me out from my covers. But I did walk him to the
door. Somehow I found in me that early, to raise my
arms...."Hurrah for Israel" we shouted. And the words
pierced me even as I laid back under the covers... I
think. I was rather tired though.
Later we headed for the temple. Did a session with
Finnish names from Sister Packard. An army of us
gathered for the cause of righteousness.
Splendid.
Vanhin Gandhi
P.S. Oh, so I talked to some man on the phone for
about an hour. Senile. Already a member. I thought
I was going to convert him the whole time until he
confessed he just wanted to talk…
So a few events have brought to my attention the fact
that my emails sound more like English essays more
than anything else. The first being the driver of one
"Dewey" who accosted me at the temple grounds this
past Sunday. And the second instance being copies of
my emails as found in a package from home. After
reading my own writing, I think the intent is now in
the open - you aren't looking for an English essay.
Apparently after 12 weeks of residency here at the
MTC, I have yet to discourse on the actual happenings
and comings/goings in the MTC. So I will outline a
usual day... starting with the night before a "usual"
day.
The night is dark, stormy. I can see my tree. You
know, the one sitting right outside our classroom
window? He is being tossed to and fro in the tempest.
But this is no time to concern myself with a tree. I
focus back on the board... Finnish grammar.
Impossible. This particular lesson is entitled the
"shark chart". Whether it means we should be willing
to cast ourselves into a pool of sharks after learning
it... or if it is merely a symbol for these particular
cases, I know not. Present Active Case: the eating
man "syova mies". Past Active: the man who has eaten
"syonyt mies”. Present Passive: the edible man
"syotava mies". Past Passive: the man who has been
eaten "syoty mies". On the board is a diagram of a
man in a hot dog bun to help us understand "edibele".
Hmm. This is doing wonders for my appetite around
dinner time.
But alas, we make for the cafeteria after hours of
grueling grammar, only to find actual gruel for
dinner! Just kidding. But it was probably some
inedible casserole. If my cat back home can eat the
same thing every night, so can I!
Elder Mackay and his companion are already eating.
They make a quick complaint about how they have so
little to study each day.....how pleasant. Instantly
they go back to their conversation considering we have
to "SYL" and they seem to think "kuudos" answers every
question in Finnish. I think they are attempting to
say "kiitos" meaning "thank you"... but that's besides
the point.
After saying no kuudos to seconds, Sisar Jolley,
Vanhin Struthers and myself speed race to the mail
room. POSTI "MAIL"! Ahhh a copious amount of Dear
Elders for me! No time to read though, it's time to
put on the blue suit to a chorus of "For British Eyes
Only"... our song. It is said that James Bond is put
to shame by my sweet threads. In fact, I look so
"elegant" to the security guard that we are able to
bypass the line going to devotional and go through our
secret escape hatch to get some sweet pickins at
seats. And, my seat is next to a former colleague at
the Y. So naturally we strike up a conversation
about the Singing Revolution in Estonia thanks to my
father's latest letter.
Our conversation goes into the prelude singing. But
then, we are interrupted by an abrupt entrance of
Elder Cook of the Twelve into the room. Very well, I
guess he has the right to interrupt our terribly
pertinent discourse. He shares a message about the
importance of "Preach My Gospel", which is important.
And worthy of our District's consideration at our
District Meeting following Elder Cook's remarks.
I'm sure the discussion was insightful and moving, but
the song after our meeting was most moving... Elder
Mackay and I arm-in-arm singing, "Abide With Me 'Tis
Even'tide". This he chose on the eve of his
departure. Upon returning to the dorms, we spend the
evening in deep Gospel and in hopeful wishes for the
future. We then end the evening in a rousing assembly
of "Herra olkoon tiella kanssasi" "God Be With You
Till We meet Again". We sang as sailors in the midst
of a tempest who know their fate. A title like, "A
Walk to Remember" could not make our farewell any more
sappy.
Elder Mackay woke me early the next morning. How? I
really am not sure, it probably included him yoinking
me out from my covers. But I did walk him to the
door. Somehow I found in me that early, to raise my
arms...."Hurrah for Israel" we shouted. And the words
pierced me even as I laid back under the covers... I
think. I was rather tired though.
Later we headed for the temple. Did a session with
Finnish names from Sister Packard. An army of us
gathered for the cause of righteousness.
Splendid.
Vanhin Gandhi
P.S. Oh, so I talked to some man on the phone for
about an hour. Senile. Already a member. I thought
I was going to convert him the whole time until he
confessed he just wanted to talk…
Vanhin Gandolf
Hello! Hello! Mita kuuluu?
The countdown has indeed begun! We have daily discourse on Finland and what to expect upon our arrival, and so like dogs who smell their bone we dig down deep. Hoping to ultimately find some gratification from our perseverance here. If there is any indication of our stamina, it would be our soccer team. We are now 7-0 having the past 5 of our games as shutouts. A few assists and goals from yours truly :) Anywho, your letters make life sound marvelous! Uncle Steve, your quote is engravened in our hearts. My companions loved it! And your kids sound great! I am a little jealous of Shawn. Anywho, parents - have you thought of any thoughts you had from my setting apart? Because I would love to have those. And I hope you got my message, mom, but any camera is good. As for supplies, I think I should be okay. You are excellent though :)
Last night, President Uchtdorf came and spoke to us about obtaining eloquence of heart whilst on our missions. He discussed the difficulties of learning a language, and how we may not obtain that flowery diction we so desire, but we should have an eloquence in our countenance to speak with those the Lord knows are ready. This word "eloquence" really struck me for some reason. Therefore, I did some research on the root of the word and stumbled upon the Hebrew root of "El" in the Bible dictionary. Many of our words in english seem to apply this "el" in their denotation as a type of action word. And indeed, the denotation proved to second my opinion. The meaning is - might/strength. We might then assume that eloquence invokes a strenght of action. Both in the word and the heart eloquence will indicate power, and perhaps a certain degree of discernment made possible through the Spirit's eloquence. Eloquence then in its elementary form has similar assonance to elegance and symbolically can elongate our eligibility to receive the Lord's direction. We ourselves must elect to obtain this eloquence, but it is not until we eliminate man's philosophies that we can elevate our abilities. There is a certain element of elopement betwixt metaphysical action and the ever elusive elation of spirit which comes through the Spirit in electric form. The strength then at which the Spirit works within and through us , might qualify us for the Lord's might.
President Uchtdorf also admonished us to submit our work daily to the Lord and seek His approval for our efforts. Therein lies an eternal eloquence which gives us the elegance of His power. I have begun to do this in my prayers already, since being chastised already by Elder Oaks to have purpose in prayer. And all at the same time, accept the Lord's will. We really shouldn't desire to have every prayer just immediately answered; Oscar Wilde informs us that "if God wanted to punish us, He would just have to answer all of our prayers". No, it is the work and struggle to obtain what the Lord has in store that brings the ultimate happiness. And I am especially glad to be forced into the Finnish language. Of course I always pray for Him to bless me with "kielten lahjella" (the gift of tongues...tongue's gift) but as for the result, "katso taan" (we shall see). D&C 90:11 Qualifies our work and efforts, since every person must hear the message in his tongue. And in that form will I go. "A kite flies highest againt the wind", eh?
In other news, I have been reading a lot about temple work and the sacred nature. Focusing on those ordinances along with the Lord's Atonement keeps me fresh in my revelation. Just like pasta, study never gets old. The taste, I know all too well. Yet I crave it constantly.
I think you hvae probably tired of my poems, but on I write!
It we don't pay heed, chalk may merely be scratched on a board / Or the keys hit in procession are made into some monotonous chord / While the teacher of "this principle or that" provides a taste of but a goard / Yet the holder of the chalk, this player, and tutor appear in likeness of the Lord / What strikes this miracle more refined to my eyes / Is the forsaken one's forceful despise / When an undaunted testimony will seal / He who desires to await the ample peel / For to see, to taste only a scent / Sharpens my sense and no steel heart ever will rent / To be plucked and refined in nature's forlorned element / The Lord's glory ne'er err in becoming supplement/
It is a type of response to Henry V....his prayer to the Lord - who he desires will "steel" His soldiers' hearts from the innumerable odds. Anywho, when I look at the talents of my companions, it reminds me of his cry. We go forth to struglle, not really knowing what to expect, for we are in the Lord's hands.
Now for some finnish - one of the reasons it is so difficult, is because the cases reform every, I mean EVERY word in a sentence. So you can tell the object, subjuct, verb, and what its specific purpose is by the stem on the end. This means that the order of words in a sentence doesn't matter, because one should know by the ending of a word what it implies. It is then impossible to understand what the exact translation is.
Anywho, I love you and my prayers go out to everyone and all those in your letters
The countdown has indeed begun! We have daily discourse on Finland and what to expect upon our arrival, and so like dogs who smell their bone we dig down deep. Hoping to ultimately find some gratification from our perseverance here. If there is any indication of our stamina, it would be our soccer team. We are now 7-0 having the past 5 of our games as shutouts. A few assists and goals from yours truly :) Anywho, your letters make life sound marvelous! Uncle Steve, your quote is engravened in our hearts. My companions loved it! And your kids sound great! I am a little jealous of Shawn. Anywho, parents - have you thought of any thoughts you had from my setting apart? Because I would love to have those. And I hope you got my message, mom, but any camera is good. As for supplies, I think I should be okay. You are excellent though :)
Last night, President Uchtdorf came and spoke to us about obtaining eloquence of heart whilst on our missions. He discussed the difficulties of learning a language, and how we may not obtain that flowery diction we so desire, but we should have an eloquence in our countenance to speak with those the Lord knows are ready. This word "eloquence" really struck me for some reason. Therefore, I did some research on the root of the word and stumbled upon the Hebrew root of "El" in the Bible dictionary. Many of our words in english seem to apply this "el" in their denotation as a type of action word. And indeed, the denotation proved to second my opinion. The meaning is - might/strength. We might then assume that eloquence invokes a strenght of action. Both in the word and the heart eloquence will indicate power, and perhaps a certain degree of discernment made possible through the Spirit's eloquence. Eloquence then in its elementary form has similar assonance to elegance and symbolically can elongate our eligibility to receive the Lord's direction. We ourselves must elect to obtain this eloquence, but it is not until we eliminate man's philosophies that we can elevate our abilities. There is a certain element of elopement betwixt metaphysical action and the ever elusive elation of spirit which comes through the Spirit in electric form. The strength then at which the Spirit works within and through us , might qualify us for the Lord's might.
President Uchtdorf also admonished us to submit our work daily to the Lord and seek His approval for our efforts. Therein lies an eternal eloquence which gives us the elegance of His power. I have begun to do this in my prayers already, since being chastised already by Elder Oaks to have purpose in prayer. And all at the same time, accept the Lord's will. We really shouldn't desire to have every prayer just immediately answered; Oscar Wilde informs us that "if God wanted to punish us, He would just have to answer all of our prayers". No, it is the work and struggle to obtain what the Lord has in store that brings the ultimate happiness. And I am especially glad to be forced into the Finnish language. Of course I always pray for Him to bless me with "kielten lahjella" (the gift of tongues...tongue's gift) but as for the result, "katso taan" (we shall see). D&C 90:11 Qualifies our work and efforts, since every person must hear the message in his tongue. And in that form will I go. "A kite flies highest againt the wind", eh?
In other news, I have been reading a lot about temple work and the sacred nature. Focusing on those ordinances along with the Lord's Atonement keeps me fresh in my revelation. Just like pasta, study never gets old. The taste, I know all too well. Yet I crave it constantly.
I think you hvae probably tired of my poems, but on I write!
It we don't pay heed, chalk may merely be scratched on a board / Or the keys hit in procession are made into some monotonous chord / While the teacher of "this principle or that" provides a taste of but a goard / Yet the holder of the chalk, this player, and tutor appear in likeness of the Lord / What strikes this miracle more refined to my eyes / Is the forsaken one's forceful despise / When an undaunted testimony will seal / He who desires to await the ample peel / For to see, to taste only a scent / Sharpens my sense and no steel heart ever will rent / To be plucked and refined in nature's forlorned element / The Lord's glory ne'er err in becoming supplement/
It is a type of response to Henry V....his prayer to the Lord - who he desires will "steel" His soldiers' hearts from the innumerable odds. Anywho, when I look at the talents of my companions, it reminds me of his cry. We go forth to struglle, not really knowing what to expect, for we are in the Lord's hands.
Now for some finnish - one of the reasons it is so difficult, is because the cases reform every, I mean EVERY word in a sentence. So you can tell the object, subjuct, verb, and what its specific purpose is by the stem on the end. This means that the order of words in a sentence doesn't matter, because one should know by the ending of a word what it implies. It is then impossible to understand what the exact translation is.
Anywho, I love you and my prayers go out to everyone and all those in your letters
Strep Throat, Muskrat Hats, and Bombs oh my!
I hope with the headline I have peaked everyones interest. Muskrat hats are indeed a subject of great interest. Haha well, to put mom out of her instant worry, it is not I with strep throat, but my companion. We spent yesterday in a Finnish hospital - just imagine an american hospital but with less coaches...and more finnish. Actually, the healthcare system isn't too shabby here. There are many critics of the public healthcare system, but I was impressed by the timeliness, and the fact that the hospital fee was marked down from €300 to a mere 17.50 based on the fact that my companion spoke finnish with the front desk. A small discount. Also, the testing was kind of a blessing, since we taught the nurse about the church! Cool, cool.
The sister missionaries stay in our apartment for zone conference this thursday and friday, so we shall be giving the place a complete makeover. Flowers, fixtures, and feelings...i just hope they don't get comfortable enough to use our beday (sp?)
Ok, the second part probably isn't as intense as the happenstance of Gaza currently, but was still shocking to us. I was on companionship exchanges with Elder Heelis (one of my good friends from the MTC). We were walking down a street in Pori (which is apparently the ”Compton” of Finland) when this small bomb went off. Some school mates had made out of a firework, bottle, and who knows what else a small bomb, and set it off. Heelis almost hit the snow, and I was a little more than frightened. The kids themselves were in a sort of shock, but it was about 300 metres from us, so it wasn't like we were even close to being hurt (so don't worry mom).
Speaking of Pori and such things, I haven't really mentioned this before, but a lot of elders are planning a trip to san diego for a week or two next summer, so just a heads up haha. Elders Caffaro (you spoke with him on the phone? Quarterback at BYU?), Elder Heelis, Elder Young, Elder Bryant, hopefully Elder Robinson, and a slew of others all want to come :)
So for companionship exchang on tuesday and wednesday, we took the bus from Turku to Rauma first. Rauma was just recently opened for missionaries, and that is where Caffaro and another friend of mine – Kelley are. They have had about three baptisms in the past eight weeks, so things are looking up. We had a DA the instant we arrived in Rauma...fun, fun!
Oh, another tangent. We taught an entire family the other night!!!!! Unheard of in Finland. The mother – Riika, her husband and two sons (ages 17 and 13) sat down to hear our message! We taught about families, and asked the children how much their parents mean to them.The sons instantly responded about how much their parents mean to them....I could relate :) So following a Spirit driven lesson, they fed us this amazing soup with shrimp, scallops, crab, salmon, and many other yummy things. It was rather gourmet.
Back to Rauma. We were walking through the town at 10.15 and it was empty. We anticipated our bus leaving at 10.20 (oh, I was with Elder Wright at this point). The walk from the other elders apartment was about 15 minutes, and I think it was -15 outside. So just as we are a mere hundred metres from the bus station, trying to catch the last bus to Turku, we see a bus round the corner heading for us. In sudden apprehension we look at the headline to see its direction. ”Rauma-Turku” in bold....black....brilliant lettering. Our jaws drop. We stand frozen in time. Elder Wright gently places two fingers over his mouth and I hear a small grunt. He also happens to be about 4 centimetres shorter than me, so I can't imagine how ridiculous two american missionaries looked to this bus driver while clad in bags, and with huge buck skin hats (our hats our both huge and look like those rabbit flaps). Without waving him over or anything, the driver without warning pulls over. No bus stop, nothing. Just pulls over, and opens the door. A miracle!!!!! We get on, and he says - ”Ummmm, a little late?”
Yes, late indeed. The power of two missionaries :)
Mosiah 4:9 Believe in God, believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth, believe that he has all wisdom, and all power...believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.
Rakkaudella,
Vanhin Gandola
The sister missionaries stay in our apartment for zone conference this thursday and friday, so we shall be giving the place a complete makeover. Flowers, fixtures, and feelings...i just hope they don't get comfortable enough to use our beday (sp?)
Ok, the second part probably isn't as intense as the happenstance of Gaza currently, but was still shocking to us. I was on companionship exchanges with Elder Heelis (one of my good friends from the MTC). We were walking down a street in Pori (which is apparently the ”Compton” of Finland) when this small bomb went off. Some school mates had made out of a firework, bottle, and who knows what else a small bomb, and set it off. Heelis almost hit the snow, and I was a little more than frightened. The kids themselves were in a sort of shock, but it was about 300 metres from us, so it wasn't like we were even close to being hurt (so don't worry mom).
Speaking of Pori and such things, I haven't really mentioned this before, but a lot of elders are planning a trip to san diego for a week or two next summer, so just a heads up haha. Elders Caffaro (you spoke with him on the phone? Quarterback at BYU?), Elder Heelis, Elder Young, Elder Bryant, hopefully Elder Robinson, and a slew of others all want to come :)
So for companionship exchang on tuesday and wednesday, we took the bus from Turku to Rauma first. Rauma was just recently opened for missionaries, and that is where Caffaro and another friend of mine – Kelley are. They have had about three baptisms in the past eight weeks, so things are looking up. We had a DA the instant we arrived in Rauma...fun, fun!
Oh, another tangent. We taught an entire family the other night!!!!! Unheard of in Finland. The mother – Riika, her husband and two sons (ages 17 and 13) sat down to hear our message! We taught about families, and asked the children how much their parents mean to them.The sons instantly responded about how much their parents mean to them....I could relate :) So following a Spirit driven lesson, they fed us this amazing soup with shrimp, scallops, crab, salmon, and many other yummy things. It was rather gourmet.
Back to Rauma. We were walking through the town at 10.15 and it was empty. We anticipated our bus leaving at 10.20 (oh, I was with Elder Wright at this point). The walk from the other elders apartment was about 15 minutes, and I think it was -15 outside. So just as we are a mere hundred metres from the bus station, trying to catch the last bus to Turku, we see a bus round the corner heading for us. In sudden apprehension we look at the headline to see its direction. ”Rauma-Turku” in bold....black....brilliant lettering. Our jaws drop. We stand frozen in time. Elder Wright gently places two fingers over his mouth and I hear a small grunt. He also happens to be about 4 centimetres shorter than me, so I can't imagine how ridiculous two american missionaries looked to this bus driver while clad in bags, and with huge buck skin hats (our hats our both huge and look like those rabbit flaps). Without waving him over or anything, the driver without warning pulls over. No bus stop, nothing. Just pulls over, and opens the door. A miracle!!!!! We get on, and he says - ”Ummmm, a little late?”
Yes, late indeed. The power of two missionaries :)
Mosiah 4:9 Believe in God, believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth, believe that he has all wisdom, and all power...believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.
Rakkaudella,
Vanhin Gandola
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)