Sisar Indiana Jones 

Finland – week 4  

01/27/15

Moi! Hei! Terve!

This week has been very slippery. As in literally the roads and walks have been slippery. Here they put down gravel on top of the ice rather than trying to melt it, I think that's because whatever they did the roads and sidewalks would still have ice. The other day we realized we were about 30 seconds late for the train (as often happens) and my companion decided that we were not going to miss it! She dashes up the stairs in a way only someone accustomed to 10 lbs. of winter gear can, rounds the corner onto the track and splat! She epic-ly lays out on the station floor. I, in a great impression of Indiana Jones (at least that's what I looked like in my head), leap over my fallen companion in an effort to just punch the open door button. I didn't notice that my companion was getting up and my purse (containing an English Book of Mormon, Russian Book of Mormon, Finnish triple combination, and English quadruple among other things) smacked her in the head forcing her back to the pavement. I figured I'd apologize later, ran to the train and punched the button just in time to have it pull away. About then is when I realized how ridiculous we must have looked, and we've laughed about it for the whole week. It turned out much better that we missed our train. I think we probably made the days of a few people at the station too.

This week I've been thinking a lot about how the gospel really is for everyone. No matter who or where we are in life, we can be helped. It's wonderful because there are so many different kinds of people, and we usually think peace between these peoples is just the wishful thinking of beauty pageant queens, but peace really is possible when we bond over the gospel. Ether 12:9 says, "Wherefore, ye may have hope, and be partakers of the gift, if ye will but have faith." Anyone can partake! We pass out cards with our number and the invitation to come to church because everyone is welcome. One of the students from our school presentation last Monday came to church Sunday and it was awesome! Church is really a great way to rejuvenate for the week. I appreciate church so much more now that I'm here. I'm telling you all this so that you don't have to come all the way to Finland and knock your friend in the head to learn this. Church is very meaningful, go with a question you've prayed over and you will receive answers.

Word of the week: tulentekotaito = the ability to make fire! Obviously that's a word I use every day. 

This is me revolutionizing the work atop my noble pig steed. There are lots of random animal statues here. I'm not sure why.

I love you all! Keep warm! Or cool! Whatever your climate demands.

Much love and prayers,

Sisar Mendenhall