the fulness of our time

You'd think that just once I could e-mail you and tell you that it was just another normal week in the work . . . . . .well, if that ever comes, it's not going to be today. :)

So, we were out of our city for the most part of the week. Last minute, we found out that I have a meeting in Helsinki that I need to be at to train the Zone Leaders and District Leaders. Well, it kind of screwed up our plans so we had to squoosh everything together . . . meaning . . . . .we already had Splitz planned in Kokkola and a District Meeting the next day, so we had to mesh all that into one day. I had very little preparation time for this District Meeting, but I have to say that it was one of the best. Just goes to show how the Lord knows each and every one of us and He will always provide the way. I titled it, ''The Fulness of Our Time.'' I chose to teach about the subject of 'Time' due to the talk given in General Conference by Elder Ardern of the Seventy . . . I loved it. There's a scripture in Ecclessiastes chapter 3. I took that scripture and, well, added to it by listing stuff we do in missionary work and in life that effect our time, whether for good or for evil. All in all, I really enjoyed teaching it and it seemed like the rest of the District enjoyed it as well.

That same day, we stayed in Kokkola and did a little splitz with the elders there, Elder Clegg and Elder Ingersoll. Both are such hard working, skilled missionaries.

The next morning we drove back to Vaasa (a 1h 30 min journey), then hopped on a train to Turku to spend the night there ( a 4h 30 min trek). Then the next morning, Elder Christianson (an MTC friend) and I got on a train to Helsinki (a 2 h journey) for our meeting while our companions stayed together in Turku for the day. Turku, by the way, is a city I've wanted to see my whole mission, I was glad to finally see it. It's big, it's old, and it's beautiful.

The leadership council we attended was held in President and Sister Rawlings' home. There, as the leadership of the mission, we counseled and learned together so see how we could further the work. A miracle occured: As a council, we decided to set some new Standards of Excellence for the mission . . .  . now, the Mission Pres only has the final say, but he opened it up to us for suggestions. After a while we finally agreed on some new goals, and, low and behold, it turns out that they were the SAME GOALS Pres. Rawlings and the AP's set together in their own council meeting earlier!!!!! Just goes to show how the Spirit guides the work. It was truly inspired. 

At the end of the meeting, Pres. Rawlings showed us a video, I think off of Mormon Messages . . .I love those . . . .by Elder Holland about 'sanctifying yourselves.' Also inspiring.   The mission is changing so rapidly that sometimes it's hard to keep up! The younger missionaries are coming into the field more prepared than ever before, and already speaking Finnish quite well too . . . . putting us Veterans running for our graves, haha. I'm so proud to be a witness of this change . . . in fact, to be a pioneer OF THE CHANGE. I have great faith and hope that it will continue.

Back in Vaasa, we got back at noon on Saturday . . . the Lord also provided for us, despite the fact that we were gone most the week. We got let in by a family!!! A really, really nice family!! Young parents, 2 kids (3 and 8) and a good discussion with them in their home. We answered a few of their questions and we are going back this week. To top things off, we had a great member missionary bring his friend to church on Sunday! This same member has had around 5 of his friends be baptized within the past year and he's telling us that he knows more that could be interested! Member missionary work, we ALL have a part. All means ALL.

In Fast and Testimony Meeting I realized that this was my last one in Finland, as a missionary. I couldn't pass up the chance and got up to bear my testimony. Everyone says that the last few weeks are the slowest . . . .but to me they are going by faster and faster. I am so grateful to be here. I wish I could relate it all to you better, but know that I love you.

Rakkaudella,

Vanhin Watson