First full week in Finland and it has been quite the journey. During last P-day, the Branch President took us out to the coast and it was amazing to see the waves and the powerful wind. We walked through a World War II outpost that had a lookout, ammo rooms, and other war areas too. The coolest part was that it was surrounded by nature. Trees were all around and the area felt a little sacred.
We also had the best smoked salmon I've ever tasted here too. Also tried salmiakki (black licorice) icecream. That kind of taste is going to take some getting used too. After the food, we visited Yyteri, which is the largest beach in Scandinavia. It was impressive and the sand was pristine for a beach.
I've started street contacting in Finnish but so far, I have not gotten farther than "do you have a moment" since everyone said they're busy. My Finnish is still very elementary and I can barely understand simple conversations but I know as long as I have faith and put in the work, I will come to understand more with Christs help. "And ye may know that he is, by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore I would exhort you that ye deny not the power of God; for he worketh by power, according to the faith of the children of men, the same today and tomorrow, and forever." (Moroni 10:7). God never changes and as we believe in him and as we trust in his power, our actions along with our faith will bring miracles.
We also had our first Finnish lesson over the phone and I was able to bear my testimony about the Book of Mormon and it was an incredible witness to the gift of tongues as I had no idea what to say when Elder Kunz passed it to me. Another thing I noticed in role plays was the power of a testifying. Even if the language used is simple, testifying brings power because it's about what you believe and know. As I continue to learn Finnish and teach with Elder Kunz, I'll continue to testify of Christ and of the Book of Mormon.
Also, I did have district council twice in one week. So, we first had one this last Thursday and that was the intro to district council for me. Very different than MTC district council but felt a lot more productive. The district leader then decided to move district councils to Mondays, which meant that would be the second time we meet within a week. We took the hour and a half train ride to Tampere each time and I may have napped a bit. After the second district council, I tried Kebob for the first time and I'm still not sure what to think about it.
Anyways, this next week we're meeting a lot of the members and it's going to be busy.
The work awaits,
Vanhin Hsu
Photos:
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| Elder Kunz and Me by the shore |
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| Walking through the WWII outpost |
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| The shore |
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| The crown in the park |
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| Yyteri beach |
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