School Present

No heiiiii . . . . miten menee?? Ahhh, I love Finnish, it's a wonderful language, despite how hard it is at times.

Kuitenkin . . . .today, this morning actually, we had a presentation at a school! We were invited into a class and were able to show a slide show presentation about the basics of out church. Our BML did most of the talking since it was just a history lesson really, we weren't allowed to do much since it was a school and not an official teach, but as missionaries we were able to teach about our purpose and why we are here trying to learn their language. We taught briefly about the Restoration and the Book of Mormon. Everyone who wanted one, was given a free copy of the Book of Mormon with a pass-a-long-card included. EVERYONE except one accepted it. The teacher was telling us afterward when we were eating lunch in the cafeteria that he was quite impressed, usually that class (of prob 15 year olds) is quite rowdy and hard to control . . . but they all sat quietly and attentively for us. The cafeteria was quite the experience. There was four of us, missionaries, teacher and BML, then just a crater of space all around us as the kids ate their lunch, haha . . . .we felt like the schools abandoned nerds. Eventually though the space filled in. Well, that was my first school present of my mission, and we have another one later next month set up! We can tell ya though, that it was quite awkward and weird to be back inside a school. haha

This week was a week of separating the wheat from the tares. We 'dropped' a few people . . . or they dropped us . . . .and then we made some progress with some 'wheat' we already have. All in all, we are still quite excited to help the work move forward here in Kouvola, we definitely have the resources to do so. One such investigator, E, is still quite new, but we have already had two really good teaches with her. The Spirit was felt, and most importantly, it was working through us because even we were quite impressed with the things that were coming out of our mouths. E had her two daughters and a man there who all stayed and listened except one. We promised blessings by reading the Book of Mormon, if she just ''experiments upon our words'' as the scriptures say and eliminate the doubts. She said immediately that she has no doubts. YESSS . . . golden heart warming words to a missionary. She didn't come to church yesterday, but kuitenkin we are excited about her.

We had a District meeting in Helsinki on Tuesday which went really well. Pres and Sis Brown were there, an event that only happens 4 times a year now with the newer system. That also meant that we got our interviews with President Brown. Love that man. Always a good experience to just sit and talk with him . . . could do it all day. The story we won't forget though about that trip was the fact that we each had to carry a box of Book of Mormons a few k's to the train station . . . .daaaang . . . .it got heavier and heavier with each step. We were pretty sore when we arrived.

For some reason we have been getting a lot more DAs then usual . . . .ug . . . .I hate being full. . . .food Food FOOD. But hey, the members are amazing and we're grateful for them.

Well, time is a wasting . . .gotta go. I feel like my English skillz are quite horrible these days, so if everything is all sekaisin . . .anteeks siitä. The church is true, the book is blue, and Moroni is on the ball. ''Wherefore, can ye doubt?'' No doubts, the church is true. I know it. I love you all more than watching drunk men dance into the sunset, or having two girls walk up to us and giving us balloons. Heippa hei.

Raukkaudella,

Vanhin Watson

Love and Law

No Terrrrrrrrrve!!!! I come before you a healthy . . . . .er man than last time. . . . I hope. It has been another week of adventures and stories to tell to the future generations . . . I'll try to type out what I can . . :

- Our investigator H, who wants to be baptized, is kind of slipping away. Communication has been difficult with him, seeing how he only knows a little Finnish and no English. We thought his native language was Swahili, so we ordered and gave him a Book of Mormon in Swahili. It wasn't until our next teach with him when we found out that it's not his native language, haha . . .but he never told us! He was trying to read it through a Swahili to Burundi dictionary. Burundi being his real native language . . . .which the church has nothing printed in yet. That same teach though, a friend of theirs showed up who DOES speak their language, and better Finnish, so we were able to work through her in communicating to this man and his family. She was truly heaven sent and we were finally able to make some progression with this man and discern where he is at and how interested he really is.

- We got a let in! Her name is E ( :) ). She was in the process of moving in and let us right in. She, and the other man there, listened to what we had to say and accepted a Book of Mormon and want us to come back. It was a big relief to us because this past week has been rough on us with finding. From contacting to tracting, we've been getting shut down all week. Getting that let in combined with a phone number from a mother walking a stroller was a nice refresher and a boost to our spirits.

- We had 4 dinner appointments (DAs) this past week . . . . I'm telling ya, the members here are awesome . . . always taking care of the missionaries. They even arranged for a movie night later next month and told us to invite investigators and who ever.

- One of our 'eternal' investigators O was taught this past week as well. We brought a member couple along who have become good friends with him and his wife. With a new companion and all, we had a good lesson plan all set up where it would allow him to ask some good questions since he doesn't know him as well yet. BUT, the member couple kind of DOMINATED our lesson plan by teaching their own thing, a series of lessons they have been teaching O and his wife separately. . . . .yeah . . . . member missionary work is good . . . but that is kind of too far. O is still doing good, but he needs to make a decision. He needs the Spirit, not a series of lectures about the gospel.

- We made a trip to Kotka which went a lot better than we thought. I have only been there twice before and don't know the area, or the bus schedule too well. We ended up walking a bunch and visiting some grateful less active members before heading off to a DA. BUT, we got off our bus way too late and ended up having to walk a half hour to the members place, hurry and eat, then hurry and catch our train a 20 minute walk away. We felt pretty bad. But, in the midst of being lost we did find a sweet little Pizza place in the middle of nowhere, where the customers were wearing overalls and the walls had hallowgraphic pictures, haha. We wanted to join in.

- On Saturday we made the long trek down to Loviisa, where our investigator lives. We had to take a trip to Porvoo first, then another bus to Loviisa, then afterwards, another bus to Kotka, then a train to Kouvola. . . . all for a one hour teach with an investigator, haha. LOOONG unproductive day. Kuitenkin, the investigator N is doing well. It was our first time meeting him since I'm still kind of new, and so is my comp. N is in the Army so he is always busy, but when we gets out this summer, he wants to be baptized!! However, he hasn't been reading or praying, so, of course, we taught the importance of Reading, Praying, and Church Attendance. Oh, and did I mention that all of this was done at a hotel restaurant in a nice little booth?!! haha, the things you do as a missionary.

- Recently, my companion and I found Elder Oaks' Oct 2009 conference talk titled 'Love and Law.' We have been using it a lot, at least the things it talks about, and telling others about the same things it teaches. Lately , we've met a lot of people who have said that they have their own faith or own, different God. We know that we all have the same God, who loves us all, but doesn't necessarily love all the things we do, just like our parents here on earth. People these days have created their 'own God' and 'own faith' that will accept them and all they do no matter what it is. God created man, not man created God. and Gods love does not and CANNOT overpower His laws. Remember it Earth, haha.

Well, that is all I have time for today, this computer is acting up. But I love you all. Kiitos kaikesta.

Rakkaudella,

Vanhin Watson

toinen Joulu!!

Well, I was finally able to celebrate Christmas in it's fulness this morning . . . .yep . . .Dad will be relieved to hear that I FINALLY got my Christmas package, haha. . just this morning. WOW . . . .I can't believe you guys sent me a remote control helicopter, hahaha. It will make for fun future p-days . . . because as for this one I don't feel all that great, at least physically . . . my stomach is churning and I get looks everytime a sound like water going through pipes comes from my direction, haha. My head is trying to decide if it wants to be heavy or light . . . .so that with a dominated toilet or two . . . . . . . .and a lunch appointment in an hour . . . . . . . I'm in for quite the fun day. ''Hey, PEPTO BISMAL!''

It was quite the week. I have a new companion and a new start in this city . . .especially as we both are trying to get accustomed to it still. My companion is awesome though, Vanhin Balls. He is from the Salt Lake Valley area . . .not sure exactly where. He has been in Finland for around 4 months and so far we are getting along pretty well. He went to BYU for a year before coming out, and wants to play tennis for them when he gets back. He took state in Utah for the tennis title his Junior year, then 2nd place his senior year . . . .so he's gooooood. I've really enjoyed working with him so far and look forward to spending more time with him.

As far as the investigator from goes, Lake SuoMigone ia getting full of foreigners . . .which is ok I guess, haha. We are teaching a few people with few Finnish skills and no English skills . . . .from Africa and Burma. All that makes the teaching process a ton slower, but they are very nice people. Our Finnish investigators are as busy as ever, but are all doing well.

I have a new planner now, so reflecting on my previous week in this e-mail is kinda hard, but I can tell you that we did a lot of finding and a bit more teaching.

Oh! Ok, I have something fun to share . . . when my other companion had to catch his train to his new city, turns out he had to catch an earlier one so that his bike would be able to come with him. So, that left me all alone in Kouvola for about 40 minutes. It was so weird being all alone. I just kinda wondered around the train station and took pictures of myself being alone. My new companion came in all right and we're off to try and get this city running.

I received news that Niina, from Joensuu, now has a calling and even gave a talk yesterday in church!! . . .They grow up so fast. :)

Well, I better go. There are helicopters to fly, toilets to visit, and, most importantly, people to be taught. Thanks to all for the prayers, the e-mails, the package(s), and the love. I wish I could return it all as graciously as it was received, but I'll do my best. Kiitoksia!

Rakkaudella,

Vanhin Watson

Change taas....

Well, Change Calls came again, but don't worry, I'm not involved this time, just my companion, Vanhin Cassity. He is going to Jyväskylä after being here in Kouvola for about 7 months. I will receive Vanhin Balls tomorrow as my new companion. He is fairly new to the country still, having been here for about 4-5 months I think. The funny part is though, is that he is in my district already, so I was on splits with him all day Saturday before they caught their train back to Mikkeli . . .then that night change calls came . . .so he's coming back. haha He's a good Elder, I'm excited.

-I was able to finally have a mini Christmas on Friday, when Eden's small Christmas package arrived for me!! Kiitos Eden!!! Still waiting for the Alaska Christmas Package, haha. Maybe you chould send me the tracting number or something, anything that could identify it, then I'll give it to the mission office and they can call Customs and see if it is stuck there or something. Who knows though . . .could come today! :)

-This past Tuesday we were able to do some service for an older couple in the branch here. We built a cabinet for them, then we got up on their roof and shoveled it off . . . .which was quite fun. We were able to jump off the roof onto the HUGE mountain of snow on the ground that we created . . . .don't worry . . . it was hardly a far jump at all.

-Like I mentioned earlier, we had splits this past week. At the same time, a District Meeting was held here in Kouvola, which are always good. For splits we were all over the place, finding and teaching . . but the highlight is about a young man who I'll call Nic. He was an investigator a few months ago, with a baptismal date and everything, but he disappeared for a while and we lost contact, but he resurfaced and we went and taught him and he's back on the map, even talked about baptism sometime this June, when he gets out of the army, which is required for all young men here.

-While tracting this week we got let in by two African families. The dad of one of them came to church on Sunday and told us as he was walking out that he wants to be baptized!!! Well that was fast, haha . . . .the Spirit converts, I'm telling ya. It is going to be hard and a long process, because he speaks very little Finnish and no English. The foreigners here are always so nice and humble.

Well, I know that this isn't much of an e-mail this week, but it's all I got! We are about to head off to a teach with an investigator who is doing very well, then my companion has to pack!

I love you all more than your e-mails, and comments I've been hearing from you telling me to smile in my pictures, haha. . . .IT'S FINNISH!!! haha . .I'll work on it.

Rakkaudella,

Vanhin Watson

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

heeiiiiii . . .

Well, I'm sitting at a computer with only a 15 minute limit, because all the others are taken . . .katsotaan . . . hopefully no one comes and kicks me off . . . .

WOW . . .it was soo good to talk to all of you a couple days ago. We went WAY over the limit missionaries have to talk to their families, haha. . . . . time flies when your having fun. It really did just fly by though. I had to put more money on my phone card in order to make that call even possible . . .but without the new VISA . . (yet) . . .I had to use my card that the church gives us for groceries and stuff . . .so I'll have to make that up to the church here in the next few weeks. . . if you notice any action on the card and it's all in finnish and its a grocery store. . . now you know why. :)

Umm . . . .I really don't know what else to say . . .we kinda talked about everything over the phone. We didn't talk too much about Christmas though . . .so I'll give you a short run through of what I did. .

Christmas Eve was spent with a family, the Suurinkeroiset. We helped them decorate their house and clean and get ready, then we were able to make pastries and cookies and have fun. Then we ate the first course, Riisipuro, like rice pudding with cinnamon and raisons and stuff. Then we set up for dinner and were stuffed with a Christmas Ham and cassoroles etc etc etc. All quite good. After that Santa showed up . . .a member . . .and he was wearing a head light because he had some car light troubles and he couldn't see anything . . . or I guess Rudalphs nose was out of gas or something . . .anyways, it was all pretty funny and we all sang some Christmas songs to him and he left us with a HUGE bag of presents that we passed out. They ended up giving us a few funny things in the process, like shower gel and chocolate and a BIG box of crackers from the local bread factory.

On the ride home they took us by the local cemetery where, as tradition goes, every tombstone had some candles set up. It was way pretty.

Christmas Day, we went and sang to a member who is pretty old and thankful, then we spent the rest of the day with an older couple and an extra older lady who all just love missionaries. We feasted till we were nauseous then struggled to the couch where we talked and even sang a couple songs. They then drove us home in time to talk to YOU!

Yesterday was Boxing Day, TapaninPäivä. Church was only an hour long, and an 8 year old who was just baptized gave a talk and sang in sacrament meeting . . . the youngest speaker I've ever heard. Very cool though. After church we went to Kotka where a member family let us come and spend the day with them. Since we can't watch movies or play games, we ended up spending 7 hours of eating candy, delicious cheeses, and doing a 13,200 piece puzzle of the Last Supper . . .no joke. It was HARD. We must've connected only 50 pieces in all that time, hahaha.

What about all of your Christmas Days???? I didn't hear about what you all got or what you did?! haha, Next Week. :)

Package Requests:

-Deoderant (ask Dad, he knows the kind I like :)

-Toothpaste . . . the Finnish stuff ain't cuttin it

-Stain-Remover for laundry

-I'm sorry I said no Food to all of you over the phone! Really, I like all of it and I appreciate all of it, so don't stop completely, seriously. Kiitos!!

HYVÄÄ VUOSIMERKKI Spencer and Eden!!!!! (Happy Anniversary!!)

That's all I got, enjoy the pictures: from frosty eyelashes to graveyard candles, to my mountain of candy and chocolate.

Love you all so much and I thank my Father in Heaven for giving me such a wonderful family. Best Wishes and a Happy New Year. Moi.

Rakkaudella,

Vanhin Watson

Hyvää Joulua!!!

No Niin!!!! Hyvää Joulua kaikille (Merry Christmas)!! Christmas is definitely in the air here in Finland . . .the reason why I know is because you'd think that in the holiday season, there would be a lot of traffic and people out . . . . . . .nope. Everything is deserted. There is a thing here called 'Koti Rauha' or 'Home Peace' basically. It basically makes it impossible for us to tract and contact, because everyone is gone, or everyone doesn't want to talk until after New Years because they have guests. haha . . . so missionary work has really slowed down. We ended up taking buses and visiting members and less actives this past week, and that's probably how it will run this week too. We just want to spread the Christmas cheer! So far, all have been grateful for our visits and for our message on the true meaning of Christmas.

We ended up traveling to Kotka and Loviisa, two beautiful cities in our area. The members and less actives we visited have all been awesome . . .they just have transportation problems or health issues and they live so far away. We were fed Glögi, an awesome holiday drink here that they heat up and put almonds and raisins in. I think people have given it to us at least 6 times this week. They serve it usually with these little gingerbread cookies . . . yumm . ..

. . . . .I probably won't say much this time since I will TALK to all of you here in a few days!!!!!!!! My companion and I have been thinking about it and we might make a confirmation call sometime tonight or tomorrow to make sure everything works and set up the time. I remember a few of my sistas doing that back in the day. :) The call should last only a few seconds because it's VERY expensive. I have to go renew my phone card today and put more money on it . . . it had over 80 euros on it last time and the Mother's Day call drained all of it . . . .daaaaaang. . . . . .hopefully I get that new VISA card soon, or I'll have to use the church's card they give us, which is no prob, I'll just have to pay it back somehow.

SHANNON and LAYNE: we just this week taught a guy from Italy!!! I told him all about you two, haha. He lives here now with a family and everything . . .vespa included of course. He's not too interested, but he will accept a copy of the book of mormon. He speaks finnish, english, and italian . . .but he agreed to get a copy in Italian. So, what I was thinking, while the mission office gets that to us, can you two write in your e-mails next week a little entry\testimony I can print and cut out and put in the cover and give to this man? . . . .in Italian of course!!!! . . . only if you want. Kiiiiiiitosssssss! . . . I mean . . .Grazie!

We had splits with the District Leader this week. Elder Karlsson, from Sweden, is my District Leader, and Elder Balls, from Utah, is his companion. We had a fun time serving together for a day. All four of us at the end of the day were invited to a little Christmas social slash Glögi party, which we attended . . .good missionary work opportunity. The italian guy ended up being there too, haha. It was put on by a former investigator who just loves the missionaries. Around 15 people were there. I can tell you about it later.

Earlier that day, Elder Karlsson and I contacted into Santa Claus!! He was just walking down the main street where we contact and we decided to stop him . . .he told us to talk to someone who has time, haha. Santa Suit and all, haha.

In church yesterday 3 couples that serve as missionaries in the temple came to visit. Good ol Americans. In Sacrament Mtg. Veli Mikkola in the stake presidency spoke. He gave an awesome talk about Christmas of course, but instead of talking about the birth of Christ and everything, his talk was focused on everything that happened BEFORE that all happened, it was way cool. He talked about Mary and Elizabeth, and how they were the only 2 people on the planet for a time that knew who and where the Son of Man was to be born.

This Christmas we will be spending it with an older AWESOME couple, the Hyväriset. But here in Europe, like some of you know, Christmas Eve is bigger, so we will be spending it with the Suurinkeroiset family, another AWESOME family here.

On that note, I better go, but I leave you all with my testimony, especially at this time of year, that Jesus is the Living Christ, the Master, the Savior, the Only Begotten, and my perfect older brother. He is my light. He is my joy. He is the One who I call others to go to in this magnificent work, where His hands are stretch out still. Rakastan teitä. Kiitos kaikesta ja kuulemiin joskus pian!!!!!!!!

Rakkaudella,

Vanhin Watson