A Year.   

(Finland – Week 43)   

03 Nov 2015

ONE YEAR AGO... I was in the MTC, probably studying Finnish, or dreaming about Finnish, or eating my way through a bowl of tomato slices (wow, I love tomatoes). I can't believe it's been a year! I never could have dreamed up all the amazing experiences I've had, how I would change for the better, and the fantastic people I would meet. I'm so, so grateful for my mission, and I still have so much more to live and love! Wow, that sounds cheesy, but truly I'm so grateful.

I get asked a lot why, why do you learn Finnish? Why do you leave your family? Why are you talking to me? Why do you care? I get so happy when I hear these questions, because the why is amazing. Why? Because, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, came. He came for every single one of us. Through Him, we need not be sad forever, literally miracles are possible. Christ is literally the way for each of us. I have felt His influence so much over the past year, for which I will be eternally grateful. But, we don't have to be missionaries to feel and experience the love of Christ. This past week we had a family home evening with recently baptized members and we watched Meet the Mormons! That movie is a fantastic example of missionary work, those people are such great examples and sharing the video is wonderful too. (It's on Netflix, you all should watch and share it!) I really loved how a few of the people on this movie said that they aren't perfect in anything, except that they are perfect in trying. I love this, because it shows optimism. They aren't perfect, but that never gets them down. Continually progressing to become more like the Savior brings them joy. Sharing the gospel brings joy, that's promised in the scriptures, and becoming more like Christ brings joy, that's also promised in the Scriptures. I'm so grateful for the chance that I have to be here on earth, so that I can experience these two amazing things.

And to end, one of my favorites, 2 Nephi 22:

" 1 And in that day thou shalt say: O Lord, I will praise thee; though thou wast angry with me thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.

 2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also has become my salvation.

 3 Therefore, with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

 4 And in that day shall ye say: Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.

 5 Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things; this is known in all the earth.

 6 Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion; for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee."

Much love to you all! Have a great week and enjoy the Finnish sunset!

Love Sisar Mendenhall