Sveska??

Dear Family:

Well, all I know about what you all got for christmas is that Jacob got a buzz lightyear bike . . . . .I know there's more, haha. Wow, I am still very grateful for the phone call we all had together Christmas Day. To hear all of your voices and feel of your optimism and love was truly uplifting, kiitos.

This past week was like a bear coming out of hibernation looking for food . . . but instead, it was like missionaries looking to get out of the holiday hole. Things are finally starting to get back up to speed, which may be a bummer for all of you back home, going back to school and work and all, but as missionaries we can't wait, haha. Here's a lil' list of the highlights from Lake SuoMigone: :)

-We went to Helsinki this week . . .my comp had Kieli Koulu, so I got to go to the temple with Vanhin Behnke, Vanhin Marlor, and Vanhin Groberg, all Elders I knew from the MTC. Unfortunately because of bus problems we MISSED the session by 15 minutes . . .yeah. We had to do initiatories instead, which was still good. Also the lil Distribution Center nearby was also closed, so we ended up shoveling off the temple grounds for a lil bit until we ran and caught our bus back. We ate at Pizza Hut . . . probably the only one in Finland . . . good ol American Pizza. :)

-For New Years Eve and Day we had to come in at around 6, but we were still able to watch the fun from our window. The fireworks started booming around the city at around 6, then they didn't stop until around 1 in the morning. That was probably the worst night of sleep of my mission. WWII was going on out there, haha. We finally just got out of bed and watched the clock tick midnight and see the city explode.

-When I first got into Finland there was an Elder here by the name of Samuel Kääriä, from Sweden. He went home a couple months after I got here, but I was able to go on splits with him once and also learn from him in District Meetings and Zone Conferences. Needless to say, he was an Elder everyone looked up to and admired, especially me. I talk about him now, because he just got married to a member here in the Kouvola Branch!! (he never served here, don't worry, haha) The wedding reception was on New Years Day and the whole branch was practically there, including us, haha . . . they love us here. We had official seats with our names on our plates and everything. it was good seeing Veli Kääriä again, I attached a picture. His family actually kind of knows me . . . .through the blog Shannon makes out of my e-mails and pictures home!! haha. . . I'm Internationally known!! Anyways, it was a great experience and so nice of all of them to let us be their guests on that special event. If you are all reading this Veli Kääriä and family . . . . HEY!!! THANK YOU!! (don't know what it is in Swedish) :)

-After Church we were invited to eat at a member couples house. The only thing is, is that they live an hour away! This couple is amazing, and one can pretty much say that they are some of the first pioneers that helped start the church in Russia . . . long story, but awesome. They, like all the wonderful members here, treated us well and showed us a good time. I learned a lot. When we left, she gave us a gift. She owns a small business that sells doll houses and all the little furniture and parts that go in them. Our gift was a bite-size, complete, readable copy of the New Testament!! hahaha . . .see picture. SWEET.

-As the work starts its awakening here, things are going well, a bit slow still, but we have 3 amazing investigators that all should be baptized but aren't, and a handful of potentials. All this . . . and can you believe that Change Calls are already this coming Saturday?! Time flies.

Well, yes, time does fly because I got to go. But in parting I wish you all a Happy New Year and, as Elder Holland stated in conference, I pledge anew to do better and be better in this new year. I love you. I pray for you. I know this the Church of Jesus Christ is true.

Rakkaudella,

Vanhin Watson