Well, this past week was honestly one of the coolest weeks of my mission . . . how many times have I said that before?! The title of my e-mail says it all, ''Spiritual Overdose.'' On Wednesday we were in Helsinki at a leadership meeting that lasted most the day. Elder Texiera of the 70 and the Area Presidency was present and was able to train us and teach us. As much as I'd like to transfer my 12 pages of notes over to all of you . . . I can't, so you'll have to take my word for it when I said that it was great!! To make things even better, that same night, we were placed on a night train (yup, a train with beds and all) and sent up to Oulu where our Zone Conference was going to be held the next day. Elder Texiera was also present there, so for 2 full days we were richly instructed, trained, and edified by a general authority and our leaders, namely Pres. Rawlings . . .who never ceases to amaze me as he leads us here in Finland. As the meeting was coming to a close, Pres. Rawlings pretty summed it up quite nicely when he said, ''It is a rare opportunity to sit at the feet of prophecy (as you have today . . . embrace it!)'' Throughout both of the meetings, a lot of blessings, promises, and challenges were made, a few even stated by the power of the priesthood. It was such a great experience family, I'm telling you. Even all the Elders from my MTC group were there!! (see pic)
Even at the start of the meetings, when Pres and Sis Rawlings and Elder and Sis Texiera walked around and shook our hands, Sis Rawlings stopped at me and gave me some really nice, sincere compliments which I really treasure now. That was nice of her.
Just when I thought it was all over . . . .it wasn't. I was able to get an interview in with Pres. Rawlings so that I could renew my temple reccomend. Afterwards, we got to talk and I got some good advice and updates and time to talk with President. Then from there, he walked me down the hallway and told me that I'm next in line, pointing to the closed door, and he left. When the door opened, there was Elder Texiera inviting me in for an interview!!!! Turns out he was able to interview a few of us, but not all. I never thought I'd get an interview with a general authority!! It went quite nicely. I was able to ask him questions and he answered, and he gave me some counsel and advice. At the end, he told me to tell the family back home hi for him, so, ''Hello, from Elder Texiera to you all!''
It's not over yet. That same day, instead of heading home, we went to Kokkola so that I could hold Splitz there with the Elders the next day. So I was able to learn from that experience too.
So, back in Vaasa, finally, we were still able to get a couple teaches to end the week and then get a new investigator to church on Saturday! That's always a good feelign to see someone NEW in church! :) There was a baby blessing so a lot of non-member visitors were present for the Fast and Testimony Mtg. I have to translate the meetings into English for the English speakers . . (not many of them) . . but regardless of that I went up and too kmy chance to testify, especially to all those non-members. It was a gooood day. :)
Random: Last P-Day we were walking by a shop when I took a double take and saw a Christus Statue in the window . . . . . I bought it!! haha . . awesome!
Well, time is short, again. Another week ahead . . .and I'm kinda getting sick, ug. But, we have a District meeting this coming Friday here in Vaasa, so I've also got to prepare for that. But, anyways, thank you all for everything! I'll leave you with a short phrase from Jeremiah 20:9 . . . . fire in your bones . . . yup, that's what I feel like right now . . . excited to build the Lord's Kingdom here on Earth . . with fire in my bones! May we all feel likewise!!
Rakkaudella,
Vanhin Watson
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