Stopping a train, with my face.‏  

(Finland – Week 34)  

31 Aug 2015

Ok, so I guess I stopped the train with my whole body, not just my face. I was hopping off a train the other day and a man that was just about to hop on said, "Hei Sisaret!" He quickly got on so I whipped around and punched the button to open the doors. I asked the man if he knew anything about us, I don't remember what he said, the doors started to shut again and because the train was ready to go I couldn't push the open door button again, but I couldn't let him just go. In a moment of slightly-less-than-clear clarity, I stuck half my body in so the doors shut on me. Thank goodness for safety features that prevented half of my body from traveling back to Kerava, the doors popped back open again, and I was able to hold the train and give this man a Book of Mormon. He was really grateful, as was I for my intact torso. The conductor was less grateful, I hope the rest of his day went well.

I came across this scripture recently and I was really touched as I focused on the first 12 words. This is Alma 7:13, "Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me." The Spirit knows everything, Christ could have been taught everything he needed to know by the Spirit, He did not need to suffer for us so that he could know how to succor us perfectly, to love us perfectly, or to have any personal gain. Our Savoir suffered purely for us. Everything He did was for us, everything He still does is for us. As I've come closer to Him on my mission I have felt more joy than ever before in my life. I know He lives. I know He loves each of us. This motivates me so much that I feel like Lehi who said, after having a dream in which he tasted from the Tree of Life (representing eternal life), "And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit." That's why I'm here, that's why I find joy in being shut in train doors, Christ truly can give us all the peace and happiness possible, which is much more than we can imagine.

Oh, also we got change calls! I'll be staying in Espoo and so is my companion! It's so nice to not have to pack. This picture is courtesy of my companion, she enjoys dramatic settings.

Have a fantastic viikko!

Love Sisar Mendenhall