"The time is far spent!"
We leave from Finland the day after tomorrow and as I have contemplated this last entry in our blog written in Finland it has been good to review what being here on our mission has meant to us. We have been blessed beyond words in spiritual things. We have felt the personal influence of the holy spirit guiding us and helping us to learn what we needed to learn. When in need we had those needs met sometimes by miracles.
We have loved the Finnish people and this beautiful country! The Latter Day Saints here are amazing. In all the world more lessons are taught to investigators with a member present than anywhere else. The Saints are devoted to God, country, and each other. These last days have been filled with gratitude for the experiences we have enjoyed and those people who have contributed so much to our well being, happiness, and joy.
I would like to share some of those last experiences that we have had.
We had a fun evening together...dinner and a puzzle with a Sister missionary who had to come to Helsinki because she needed some medical attention. While here she became our dear senior sister's companion.
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We had a wonderful, fun time working on the puzzle.
Due to the sister missionary's influence, our new Chinese friend is now
saving to go on her own mission. Our new Chinese friend stayed with us
for a few days while waiting for her school apartment in Helsinki to open. She is a sweetheart! |
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| While we had fun Grandpa Finland did the dishes! Silly face... |
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Another day some of the temple senior missionaries came
and shared a meal and friendship together. |
We took a trip to see the Castle in Turku. The ride to Turku was such a great ride. We saw tunnels, granite walls, and walls made of small granite pieces held together with strong wire (looked like our chicken wire, but was much stronger). We saw seven tunnels. It was amazing!
What a beautiful country! When we arrived in Turku we saw many fun things! This duck was one...
This beautiful building another...
Here is the castle in all it's glory. It is preserved very well. It is a REAL medieval castle. We had audio headphones and toured from top to bottom and even saw a REAL dungeon. In the courtyard I could almost hear the clip clop of the horses hooves on the cobblestone and the clinking of their armor.
Inside the courtyard. The model below helps you to see the way the castle was laid out.
Do you recognize this dragon slayer?
How about this beautiful princess?
Can you pick which one doesn't belong?
We had fun with the section built for younger visitors.
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| LEGO model built by students. |
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| A couple of medieval married folk! |
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| Oh..Oh...he is stealing the king's gold! Get him! |
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An awesome doll house showing all the rooms in the castle and set up like they were many years ago!
So beautiful!!! |
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This room is where one king was held captive
because he did not do what he was supposed to.
The window Grandpa is looking out of is where his food was delivered.
He spent many years here....until his death. |
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| Amazing construction! |
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| The dungeon door... |
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| Another time period and another part of the castle. |
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It took us all day to drive to Turku and tour the castle.
This photo was taken as we left in the evening light... |
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| Wow! That is one big daisy! |
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| Beautiful sailing ship in the harbor...Turku is known for the beautiful cruise ships they build there. |
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| Cathedral of the Lutheran Church in Turku. We only took photos outside...too late to go inside. |
OUR FIRST DAY OF SNOW!
And it hasn't stopped since!
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More temple senior missionaries came for dinner and fun together.
Those on the right are taking our place in the office.
We did receive word that there will be no move to a new
office location because of the changes announced in the
ages of missionaries. The influx of willing missionaries
will create no budget for such changes. |
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HEY! Angry birds is everywhere!
This banner is announcing the new
Star Wars angry birds.
Have you tried it? |
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More Finnish guests for dinner. Lasagna and garlic bread is good in every country!
These are dear Finnish friends who had us over to their homes for meals and fellowship.
The very best of Finland! |
It is custom to bring flowers when asked to dinner and these were what they brought to us...so beautiful!
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This is how we spent our Thanksgiving...with pumpkin pie and all. Turkey is expensive, but it was worth it.
The stuffing turned out marvelous, gravy, stuffing, cranberries, etc. It was a great meal!
Oh yeah, rutabaga is a commonly used vegetable here...wonder if I have Finnish ancestors. |
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| Dear sisters! |
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| Christmas lights were up before our American Thanksgiving! |
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Wonderful artisans at Parliment Square at the Tori...selling their handmade items.
Such wonderful craftsman, friendly and filled with the joy of the season.
We had so much fun shopping and buying Christmas presents! |
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| Metal craftsman at work! |
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Traditional Finnish foods are everywhere.
This is rye bread with herring and pork stuffing.
We bought some just to try it because it was recommended
to us by our Finnish sister friend and guess what?
It was delicious!! |
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Makkra and little fishes or moiku...yummy!
VERY FINNISH! |
A senior couple comes to begin their mission and a senior couple leaves to head home!
WE ARE NEXT....I will post again in January with all the photos from our trip home...
our reunion with our wonderful family...a baptism...and our Christmas celebrations.
Do you all know how grateful we are that we have the knowledge
of the gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ
and our Heavenly Father's plan of happiness?
We are truly blessed...
We love you and wish you a very
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
