30 Below

(Finland – Week 53)

11 Jan 2016

 New level of cold: when all exposed hair freezes (head, face, eyelashes). This picture is from exchanges, in negative 30 Celsius. It was a little chilly, but it was a fantastic day! I love exchanges, just talking with my peers about what really matters in life. I've learned on my mission how to do that, how to talk about what's important, it's awesome. It's wonderful how much we all learn from each other, and how many things happen in our lives so that we are better equipped to help others.

The cold made for an awesome contact the other day! We knocked on a lady's door, introduced ourselves, gave her a Book of Mormon, and set up a return appointment all in about 20 seconds! Keeping the door open is a little harder when they see frosted sisters outside.

We have received transfer calls, and I will be STAYING! I'm so excited!! I love Espoo. The ward, the land, everything. Our transfers are 9 weeks, this being my fourth will put me at nine months in Espoo, and wow, do I feel so blessed! I see the temple everyday. The sight just reminds me of God's love.

Every new transfer we have a new scripture to ponder and study as a mission. The scripture for this transfer is Joshua 1:9, "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." I love how much we are promised in this verse. We can literally do all we are asked, we have hope, we have the Lord of all with us in each step, and this is true no matter our circumstance in life. We talk to lots of people, from lots of different backgrounds. I've shared my testimony with so many, and something that is the same for everyone is the feeling of peace that comes to people when they study the word of God. One of my favorite things is reading the Book of Mormon with people on buses. Their entire countenance changes, it's lighter. I know the Book of Mormon testifies of the Lord, and His is always nearby to tell us of this truth.

I love Finland so much, I can't imagine being happier anywhere else.

Have a wonderful week!

Love Sisar Mendenhall