10/03/23 Transfer Calls and General Conference

Okay, having both transfer calls and General Conference makes for a very weird week. All and all, the week was pretty good.

For transfer calls, we had splits with the Tampere elders. Between Friday and Saturday, some of the best and worst things have happened so far. Friday afternoon, the elders arrived in Pori and we ate lunch together. Afterwards, Elder Kunz and Elder Torgersen went to plan a lesson they had in an hour. I was with  Elder Jensen and Elder Hall. First, Elder Kunz lost his backpack. After that, we miscommunicated about lesson time. Luckily, we were early and still could do the lesson. We taught 2 friends and a recent convert and all the lessons went well. 

Now, Saturday was the 'moment of truth' day. All of us were anxiously waiting for the call from either the mission president or the AP's. The hour leading up to calls was strange. The anticipation consumed everyone's thoughts and it was hard to do anything. So, after the wait, the other Elders were called first. Elder Hall is going to be a Zone leader and the others will be scattered about Finland. Not too long after, we were called. The results: I'm staying in Pori with Elder Kunz! This means I will probably stay here for the next transfer too but I'm looking forward to what's next.

On that same Saturday, we also had a General Conference party at a members house and they made some good chicken wings to eat. With new members there as well, we were able to help explain more about the conference and help them understand some doctrines taught by the apostles. Overall, that Saturday was long but good.

President Russell M. Nelson's talk was a good one to finish the conference. The mindset of "think Celestial" is crucial in our day. With the goal of living in the Celestial Kingdom with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in mind, the smaller things fall into place. It is like solving a puzzle. We have the picture to reference and have the piece to complete it. If we keep the picture in mind, the puzzle pieces slowly come together. As we have that Celestial mindset, the pieces will come together over time and we can come to understand God's plan for us. Living the Gospel isn't a sprint, it's a marathon.

Anyways, the rest of the week flew before and after those two days. The weather is 95% humid and 50ish degrees now. Change is in the air and these coming months look bright despite the inevitable darkness.

The work awaits,

Vanhin Hsu

Photos:

 

Whiteboard contacting

 

Average kebob and pizza trip

Sorry, didn't take a lot of photos. I'll try to take more for next week