6/26/24 Hyvää Juhannusta!

Another week flew by with Juhannus (midsummer) here in Finland.

So, we went over to a members place in Espoo during Juhannus and it was pretty epic having the whole district there. While we were there, we threw darts, threw a boot, kicked a football (soccer ball) towards a target, gathered flowers, and ran through an obstacle course with lots of sprinklers running. Its safe to say I got a little wet. Ended the night with eating some makkara (sausage) and sitting by the campfire.

The following day, we couldn't do any proselyting work either, so we just chilled at the church. Watched an episode of The Chosen and played a few board games. Then, we went to another members place and it was a lot more relaxed. The spiritual thought shared by the sisters included sharing a favorite scripture. The one I chose was D&C 6:36, which says "Look unto me in every though; doubt not, fear not." This scripture for me has helped me just simplify and focus. As long as we keep Christ in our thoughts, we will have no reason to doubt of fear, even when things are hard.

Besides that, the week was pretty normal. Here's the rest:

- Organized travel for MyPlan and it required a lot of clever changes, or finagles one could say.

- Zone conference weekend looking forward to the summer conference

Well, hyvää juhannusta teille! Hope you all have good summers and continue to find joy in the small things.

The work awaits,

Vanhin Hsu

Photos:

6/11/24 Becoming THE Organizers

The most busy week by far and it's about to get even more hectic.

We talked to a lot of people throughout the week. After going hard at missionary work, we received the transfer calls. First off, we were called last but that wasn't too bad. I'm staying in the office with Elder Weaver and Elder O'Bryan is joining us. Not quite sure how that worked out but the three nerdy tech dudes are now in the office. 

Following that, the office work grind began. We are in charge of the whole mission's travel on transfer day. Mapping it out, planning who goes where and how, and troubleshooting any errors was quite the endeavor. Correction, still quite the endeavor.

On the subject of travel, I've noticed how everyone has talents. This feels much like the parable of the talents Jesus Christ gave as he was teaching. One is given five, another two, and the last one. Both the servant with five and the servant with two doubled their talents and the "lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord" (Matthew 25:23). Being in the office has given me a chance to use talents I never thought were usable on a mission. Everybody had different talents but what matters is that those talents are used for good. I guess the challenge from me this week is to find a way to use your talent(s) to help someone out this week.

Here's the rest:

- Ate some Sri Lankan food and it was pretty good. Not as spicy as I expected.

- Went to Nuuksio, a national park here in Finland on P-day. It felt like I was walking through Snoqualmie pass with all the trees and moss.

- The 20% rain yesterday was very rainy. Elder Weaver forgot a coat and it's safe to say he got a little wet.

Anyhow, the school year is finishing up for some of you and I wish you all the best. For the rest, enjoy the summer and the light that comes with it. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

The work awaits,

Vanhin Hsu

Pictures:

 

Getting lost

 

Nuuksio

 

Hiking at Nuuksio with everyone

 Teaching Finnish

6/4/24 The Heat Wave

Weather is a little boring unless you live in it and 80 degrees in 90% humidity makes life interesting.

Anyhow, the rest of Finland is stunning. All the trees are green and the flowers are blooming along the pathways. Especially in Espoo. Every time we go contacting, we walk along those paths. There is some major Washington State vibes from all the nature and its awesome.

On the subject of weather, this sudden change reminded me of the winter and the stark difference between now and then. In a way, that can reflect the way our lives play through. Some days will have barely 3 hours of sun while others have 20. But, as Elder Dale G Renlund said in his talk titled Lifelong Conversion, "As we engage with the doctrine of Christ, we develop spiritual sisu, the spiritual resilience that is essential to lifelong conversion." So, the closest word I can describe sisu as is grit but not quite.  No matter the amount of light we feel or see, low or high, we can always engage in the doctrine of Christ and continue to grow closer to Him. 

Here's the rest:

- Officially a one year old missionary!

- Walked 8 kilometers in 80 degree weather. Would not recommend. 

- Made dumplings again for the district and it was good.

Hope summer is treating you all well and hope you all enjoy the extra light!

The work awaits,

Vanhin Hsu

Pictures:

 

Football (soccer) crew after playing hard

 

Beginning the walk

 

Picturesque Finland

 

Picturesque Finland pt 2