Hyvää Pääsiästä!!

Well, I don't know about all of you but it is still Easter here in Finland. Yup, it's a 2 day holiday here . . but honestly . .I think it's just an excuse for the Finns to have just one more day off work, haha

Another week is gone, but now there are more stories to tell, no time to write them all, more sunshine to enjoy and a tan to accompany it. :) Yup, the sun has been shining brightly here, getting to nearly 20 degrees Celsius, almost 70 F!! Ahh, we love it. 2 days ago we blew the dust off our short-sleeved dress shirts and we've been wearinf them ever since. Everyone is eating ice cream in the streets. And all this and the trees STILL aren't green yet, haha. We're in for a hot summer. I thought I was called to Finland?

It really was an exciting week. We were able to help a lot of people, physically and spiritually, and as a result, we now have happy branch members, clean yards, and 5 progressing investigators!!

To start out our week we did a bunch of service for some members. Helping them out with the Spring Cleaning and clearing out their yards. One of them lives on a farm, so we had to take a bus out there. Well, the bus never stopped at our specified stop, even though I pressed the STOP button multiple times and the sign on the bus lit up and said STOP. After some confusion, I walked up to the bus driver and explained my confusion. It seemed that I broke a daze of his and he was all surprised and pulled over on the high way and let us off, in the middle of no-where, on the highway, haha. We called up the members and they had to come fetch us. Anyways, the service was fun. It was soo weird being in normal clothes again. They aren't my 'comfies' anymore, haha. A few blisters later, we were able to get back to the real work, the work of angels.

So, we have 5 progressing investigators!! 3 of them are still pretty recent. 2 of them are those that came to church last week. They are both room-mates and both are doing very well. It has been awesome teaching them because they are just soaking it all in and accepting it all! To hear an investigator say that they know that the Book of Mormon is true is music to my ears, especially if we hadn't even asked them yet! I love the gospel!

Another one of our progressors is the Italian! She got back from her vacation and we were finally able to meet up again and invited her to church . . and she came!! Wow, the branch did an awesome job fellowshipping her even though she only spoke english. We hardly had a chance to talk to her ourselves! The branch is on Cloud 9, they are so excited.She was the 3rd new person in 2 weeks that they've seen in church. We are on Cloud 9 as well seeing all these people progress!

Easter Sunday was amazing. We started it all out by opening our little Easter baskets that we received from Elder Balls' mom. That was so nice of her to send me one too! In church, the stake patriarch came and spoke and it felt like he was speaking right to our investigators and their needs. I was all smiles the whole time he was up, just hoping all of them were paying attention as he literally was blowing away all of their concerns and fears.

Ahh, their is soo much to write and so little time, I can't get my thoughts our straight!

-The branch had an Easter Party on Friday, to which a lot of less actives were able to come. We were asked to have a little part in the program so we decided to read to them the Living Christ and bear our testimonies of our Savior.

-A member family invited us to their place for Easter. This is the family that a former Elder I know from Sweden married in to, Elder Kääriä. So he was also there! It was awesome seeing him again. He was a stud missionary and a great example to me at the beginning of my mission.

-Easter, unfortunately is not that much of a sacred holiday anymore, at least here in Finland. It's just another vacation and an excuse to go out an get drunk. We had an experience yesterday when we were stopped for a break at a bench. A few drunks came up to us and started asking us questions. One of them was running her hand through my hair and almost trying to pull my hair out. Then the same one tried to hug my companion. The other 2 weren't as bad and they were trying to leave and get their friend off us. This weird experience actually has a good side because one of them has a sister who is a recent convert here in our branch, and she had questions for us because she's been curious, so she got our number and promised to call us when she is sober. All in all, after they finally left, I just sort of chuckled it off but my companion was pretty upset for a while, but now he too chuckles about it. Better then getting hit in the face, right? haha

Well, I better get going. We have an appointment with our new branch mission leader coming up where we get to fill him in on things and how they work. I hope you all had a good Easter and that things are going well. Happy Birthday to Layne and Dad!!! I sent you both something, so hopefully it gets to you on time!

I don't know everything. We live in an unsure world. But of one thing I am certain, Jesus is the Living Christ, our Savior, our Master, and our Friend. He is the Risen Lord and the Only Begotten of the Father. He stands with arms out stretched to all that are willing to receive His help. I am thankful for the enabling power of His Atonement. I am thankful that I could be here as His representative. I am thankful for my family . . .for YOU. I love you all and I'll sign off till next week and hear from you in 2! Moikka!

Rakkaudella,

Vanhin Watson

MOI

Hei Fäm! Wow, it's P-Day again already?! It was another week full of drama and success. I best get to the details:

We had a lot of cancellations this past week, which is never fun, but we worked with what we had and actually ended up keeping pretty busy. I think the highlight of the week was the fact that we were able to go to the temple on Saturday! The branch put together a Branch Temple Day and took us along. It was a pretty good turn-out and the temple workers were pretty grateful we all came and made the day a success. It was a long drive down, and back, and both ways I had to sit in the middle, so I was squooshed the whole time. The member on my other side was a good buddy to converse with though, and he had me show him my watch and some pictures and stuff . We were able to do 2 sessions, both right in a row . . . and the first ones I've done in Finland . . . . it's been 15 months!!! . . . . and I did both in Finnish, so that was cool. I love that place. :)

Another highlight of the week, haha, we got to scoop some chicken poop. . . .yeeeah. Some members have a farm here and they called us to help out for a bit. We were able to spend time with the ever so lovely smelling chickens. By the time we finished cleaning out the coop, most of them had pooed all over the place already, but the funny kung-fu noises they were making kept us entertained, haha. The same members want us to come back on Wednesday.

We helped another member couple by doing some service for them. We were able to change their winter tires and put the summer tires on their car. This couple also wants us to come back this week. The beautiful weather recently and signs of summer are getting everyone riled up and excited, so here comes the service work! We're excited to help though.

Friday night was some sort of special shopping night here in Kouvola in the center area, because all the stores stayed open way late and there were parties and music blasting everywhere. Well, our window overlooks all of it, so we watched THOUSANDS of people, mostly youngins, swarm the Keskusta, center. It was crazy. I've never seen it so lively before. My companion was waving at people and gettting their attention and taking pictures of them and stuff. I just put on some cun-glasses so no one would recognize me when, in the future, i might stop and talk with these people in the street. It was crazy. We even saw a girl get arrested right by our window for underage drinking and boy did she put up a fight, haha.

On Thursday we had a district meeting in Lappeenranta. There are a few new missionaries in our district, so it was cool meeting them. When we all went out to eat afterwards, in the pizza place was a tv showing the European Womens Weightlifting Championships . . . . scary stuff I'm tellin ya. I had to sit awkwardly just so I wouldn't see it.

Sunday was a day to remember. We had 3 investigators in church, and 2 of them had never been before. The are both roommates and we've already taught them a couple times and it has been going really well. After sacrament meeting one of them had to leave, but the other one stayed and we had a little teach with her and a member. We taught the Plan of Salvation and the Spirit was strong as her eyes were opened to these truths of the Restored Gospel. The branch was really excited that some new people came and they just swarmed and fellowshipped them. :D

Olavi is doing well. We had a teach with him and were able to find out one of his concerns, or barriers from being baptized. It's about time! It was Tithing. We, and the member present, explained it again and I feel like that barrier is crushed. We'll see, we want to teach him again this week and see if we can get him to take the next step. fingers crossed!

There is an Easter dessert here called Mämmi . . . .it basically looks like a plop of poo, haha. My comp tried it for the first time yesterday at a DA and was too embarrassed when the members watched anxiously for the look on his face when he tried it, haha. It's not to bad though, but I sent a picture. Also, mid'DA the Branch Presidents kids stopped and did another Finnish Easter tradition, trick or treating with a twist. It was pretty cool. They sang and stuff by I'm out of time to explain.

Well, I'm out of time. Spencer, I don't know if it was too late but I put your name in the temple!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jacob and Layne!!! I sent you both something. You can tell I only had 5 minutes to get something in the mail, but I send my love and best wishes!!

Mosiah 2:9 . . .awesome scripture for those of you seeking personal revelation . . aka . . ALL of us! I love you all. I love my Savior and hope we all remember Him this week as we commemorate His life and resurrection. He lives! I know it and I say it with all confidence.

Rakkaudella,

Vanhin Watson

Onward and Upward

Wow, this past week has been full of blessings and many teaching opportunities. We got a lot accomplished and I feel like the work here is just antsy to explode. I'll go into the details in a second, but first I wanted to thank all of you for your e-mails today!! Eden and Layne get brownie points because they sent pictures. :) I can't believe all of you are commenting on the weather already . . . . it's just BARELY starting to look like Spring will make an entrance here soon. The above zero factor is quite nice. :)

Well, I best get to business . . never have enough time to get everything out in these things . . . .

-Well, EVERY day of last week we got let-in, and received the opportunity to share our unique message with others. This has hardly ever happened on my mission, and I think we were on Cloud 9 all week long. Sure, not all of those people turned into investigators, but we at least left every house\appartment leaving them with a positive experience and a new respect for our church. How did this all happen you ask . . . .? Well, at the beginning of the week I went through all our potential sheets and tracting book looking for people who said we could stop by some other time or something and were eventually forgot about. I made a big list, sorted it out by areas, then throughout the week we have been trying all these people and have met with some big success. I can tell you quickly what I remember about each one:

-A man we talked to in a stairwell let us in and he and his wife listened . . or tried. Turns out, they too have been on missions in their church and were quite satisfied with where they were at. In the end, the man got our phone number because he wanted to call us up one day, when his wife makes Pulla, a delicious Finnish desert, so they can give some to us. He also commented on our clean, neat appearances, saying how in his church, and all around in general, youth are getting way too shabby looking, haha. Score.

-A lady I think I've mentioned before was finally home and let us in, and became a new investigator. This is the one who recently separated from her church and was now 'looking for the truth.' We hope she feels like she has found it! Her little boy was interrupting the whole lesson though . . . he kept wanting me to look at all his toys and would place them on my lap. He even brought over a bunch of Disney movies and would point on the covers and show me who was good and who was bad, haha . . kids.

-Some people I had tracted into before Christmas let us in. This older couple was very nice and listened to what we had to say. Man, did they love to talk though. We were glad to finally get out. haha

-An older lady let us in, probably thinking we were from the Lutheran Church. She kept telling us that she hasn't been coming to church because the benches there are too hard for her legs and she gets uncomfortable, but, rest assured, she is sure to watch a church service on t.v. right there at home. When she found out who we were she was kind of taken back, said she is staying where she's at, told us we were interrupting her time where she has to take her meds, and told us to leave, haha . . . old people.

-A single father let us in. He listened to our message, asked questions and really got into it. In the end though, he couldn't accept it, his beliefs were pretty strange and kept coming up with excuses to not belief in what we do. It was at this point that I felt like Alma and Amulek in the Book of Mormon in their cross with Zeezrom. In that story Zeezrom was shocked because he knew they knew the thoughts and intents of his heart. Well, in those few moments, I felt impressed to do the same and told him how I know he knows there is a God, that this is true, and that although this is a hard road to take, it is the way, and a few other things. The Spirit was strong and it was helping us help this man see the light. In the end he respectfully let us go, but I have a feeling he'll be back soon. The Spirit touched him that day. I hope he never forgets it.

-We got let in by 3 college students! 2 of them became new investigators and the third was already a former investigator from a few years ago apparently. They let us in, gave us soup, croissants, juice and cookies, then listened to our message, haha, a big surprise for us. We're excited, teaching the younger people has always been fun.

-Lastly, a man with a really really nice house let us in. He never really let us get into teaching because he would always interrupt and try to prove us wrong. I finally asked him if he even believed in Moses . . . .he said, No. He didn't even believe in Christ, even though he was in a Christian church. This man is pretty confused if you ask me, we left feeling sorry that he took pride over truth, but, it was a good experience for us all.

Our Italian investigator apparently left to Italy for 10 days without telling us . .sooo . . yeah. And our other investigator, Olavi, got in a skiing accident and busted his knee, so he missed conference by being in the hospital for 7 hours. But, he told us yesterday he has started watching it and has the intent of watching it all the way through. Also, our new investigator from last week is doing well, even accepted baptism if he came to know it is true. He's a big fella, but is truly interested and a good guy. Also, yesterday was Branch Conference here in Kouvola, so the Stake Presidency was there and a few other people. It went very well. There are some amazing members here in Finland.

Well, I'm out of time. I'll leave you with D&C 52:33, which speaks about building on your own foundation and being the best YOU you know how to be. It's something we must all realize, even me. I know I was called of a prophet of God to be with the people in Finland because of something in ME, that someone needs to feel and know as well. I love you all and wish you a happy fresh new week!

Rakkaudella,

Vanhin Watson

Conference

Well, the busiest week of my mission is now over. We had quite the schedule. P-Day, District Meeting, Weekly Planning Meeting, Over-nighter in Espoo then off to Helsinki so Elder Balls could have Language School the next day, School Presentation, Service in Kotka, teaches, and a grand finale in Lahti to watch General Conference to finish it all off. WOW. Despite how busy we were, we were still able to get a few teaches in, and even found a new investigator! I guess I can go into a little bit more detail on these things:

-First, CHANGE CALLS . . . . . . . nope, I will stay in Kouvola for a 4th change, and with Vanhin Balls for a 3rd. We were honestly expecting a change call because there were soo much changes going on this time. As my mission is winding down, the want to get out and see more and experience more of Finland and the work all around it is growing . . . seeing how I have only served in 2 cities . . .but Thy Will Be Done, I must be needed here and must accept it and move forward.

-We had a good District Meeting on Tuesday. The Zone Leaders were able to come this time and even delivered some new bedding supplies for us . . .yessssss . . . . .if any of you have been to an old missionary apartment, you'd feel my joy when I say that we got NEW BEDDING!! haha

-So, we were in Helsinki for a little bit so that Elder Balls could have his Language School, in the meantime, I was with Elder Burt in Espoo doing some work there. Elder Burt was in the group ahead of me in the MTC, so he is an old friend and it was cool being with him again. The rest of the companions whose 'other halves' were in Language School ended up going to the temple. Looks like I was a special pick to stay out this time because the work is picking up here and they need the extra help . . .so every once in a while they'll take a missionary or two out and put them to work instead of having a 'day off' at the temple. Would have been nice, not gonna lie, but it was a good experience for me to see how the work is done in a big city . . . it was a whole new ride . . . awesome.

-We had another School Presentation. it was at the same school as before, same teacher, just different class. This time, everything seemed to go by a ton faster as we were pressed for time, but it went well, and around 10 kids accepted a Book of Mormon to take home with them.

-We went to Kotka, a visiting city we have, to help a member family with some service. They are going to be putting up new wallpaper, so that means the old stuff had to come down. It took around 3 hours, but we got it done and they were very appreciative. They fed us steak afterward and even drove us home to Kouvola since we missed our train. Nice of them. Cool family.

-We got a few teaches in. Our Italian is still doing well. She is a cool investigator and is really trying to do what we say . . . she just needs to see how THIS IS the ONLY way. She was asking some indirect questions that were pretty much about her problems . . . so we had to answer them in an indirect way, even when we knew they were about her. It worked really well and we're hoping she was able to check out general conference like she said she would. We'll find out soon . . .but we don't have her phone number, it doesn't work. Also, we got a new investigator, a young man here studying, who got interested when the subject of a living prophet was brought up. . . .PERFECT TIMING dude . . . .General Conference!!! haha Man, I love the church. We teach him again today.

-We ended up watching General Conference in Lahti, with Elders Christianson and Higginson, my baby Finns, in the group after me in the MTC. They are both doing really well and it was great being with them for the weekend. I learned a lot from their examples and with General Conference as a big booster, I'm determined to get out on the front lines and move this work forward.

-WASN'T GENERAL CONFERENCE AMAZING!!??? Ahh, I love it . . . .it all went by wayyyy too fast though, I'm sad it's over. I love how Pres. Monson started it all out my saying, 'Missionary work is the life-blood of the kingdom.' YEAH! Everything was inspiring. I noticed a few themes, and a few unique topics as well. Covenant keeping was one, Charity slash Welfare was another, Power in our callings, Power in the Priesthood, Desire, Service, being in the world not of the world, etc etc etc . . .I could go on but I don't have time. Since most of the members live far away from the actual broadcast places in Finland, most of them just watched it at home on the internet, but we did have a few members from Kouvola show up for a little bit and they brought one of our investigators along, which was good. Oh, a Finn was called as an Area Authority, Matti Joutenus! Boo-yah! Finland represent!!

Ahh, not time anymore. I love you all more than General Conference and Posti (hint hint). :P I hope and pray that now, after just receiving wonderful divine guidance and instruction, we can all begin to apply it into our lives. It is our duty, it is our privilege. It is the ONLY way. I know it. Kiitos kaikille. Moikka!

Raukkaudella,

Vanhin Watson

Awesome Emails

Well, I'm starting a bit late today due to the AWESOME e-mails I got from you all, THANK YOU!!!! Wow, you all did a really good job of filling me in and comforting me while being out here in the work. I can tell you that I think of you all all the time and I am in constant awe by the blessing I have to have you in my life. LOVE YA!

Well, well, well, best get to the details:

-On Tuesday we had a Speacialized Training Meeting as a Zone. Pres. Brown was able to instruct us on the 'doctrine of the kingdom' and, of course, it was amazing. He taught about being a more consecrated missionary. The theme was 'Consecration Determines Elevation.' The question was presented, 'What things are within our power to change?' Very, powerful question that we can all ask ourselves everyday, anytime, in any situation. He then presented our Mission Effectiveness Report, eli, how well we've been doing in the past year. We found out that last May, it took, on average, 91 investigators to be found, before our mission could pump out ONE baptism . . . ouch. It was way worse than that the further back you go. But, NOWADAYS, it is only taking us around 19 new investigators to be found to pump out ONE baptism. That is incredible improvement. ''A new awakening is coming to Europe.'' (Elder Rasband) I know that statement is true. I am a WITNESS to it.

-We are still finding and finding more and more new potential investigators and trying to contact them. We've been getting phone numbers and comebacks, and, haha, we even said a prayer with a lady in the middle of the street. . . . yeeah . . .she might have been a little whoozy or high or something, but, she asked us to pray for her right then and there, so, I said one, haha. At least people know where the help lies!

-We had an interesting conversation with a man the other day. He basically threw out the usual excuses why we aren't true and stuff, but after we had a chance to talk with him, I felt impressed to ask him, ''So, have we said anything wrong in these past few minutes?'' He said no. Then a good spirit came in and we testified and invited him to learn more and pray about it. He let his pride get in the way, and he got away, but he felt something, and at least now, he has a different view of us.

-We were in a stairwell the other day, and a man came into the building and walked past us to get to his apartment door, when he asked if we were the Mormons, we replied yes, then he said, I'm Pentacostal, but you are free to stop by and we can chat sometime, but not right now, I'm busy.

-Another story, we miraculously tracted into a chinese girl who we had helped on a bus a few days earlier. She let us in because of our kindness, but immediately her other chinese friends kicked us out saying they don't believe in God.

-You can see in all these stories, that we were being guided and helped along either when we found, or talked to these people . . .and there is still more.

-We tracted into a young college girl who told us that she and her friends were thinking about visiting another church, and we got a phone number from another the next day.

I'm telling ya, the Lord KNOWS and GUIDES those who will but consecrate themselves to His will.

-Daylight Savings finally struck Finland . . . it feels like I lost an hour of sleep.

-We had a scheduled trip to Kotka to help out some members with some service, but they canceled last minute, leaving us with 2 tickets to Kotka. We ended up going anyway, and were able to visit 2 less\in-active members who really enjoyed our visit.

-Our Italian investigator is doing quite well. After some shoots and misses in trying to contact her, we finally got her last night. She's a perfect investigator and we're excited. It's cool to see what kind of people my sistas were teaching. :) Katsotaan . . .

Well, this next week is very busy for us. We have a District Meeting tomorrow, Language School for Elder Balls in Helsinki (while usually I'd be going to the temple while he is there, turns out the mission is getting a ton of investigators and success and they need our help, so I'll be doing work in Helsinki then), then we have another School Presentation on Friday, another trip to Kotka same day, then a trip to Lahti, the closest place where General Conference is being broadcasted. ALSO, Change Calls are this Saturday . . . .don't know what to say . . . Thy will be done . . . katsotaan.

I best be off. I love you all so much and appreciate your prayers and upliftment. As His representative I tell you that Jesus is the Christ. He is real. He is there. He is our Savior. His servants will be speaking to us this weekend. May He bless you in this week ahead is my prayer.

Love ya more than the SNOW that has been falling all week. Spring? uhhh . . nope. General Conference will be AWESOME. I can't wait!

Rakkaudella,

Vanhin Watson

Devils

I just got out of probably one of the most emotional teaches of my life. I can't believe it. We had an appointment with a lady we met on the street. We went there and it turns out she has a VERY nice house. Also, it turns out that her daughter is a Mormon as of 15 years ago and, at least then, she was quite against it. Now, 15 years later, we meet her on the street and she agrees to meet with us. This had the makings of quite the story with a happy ending . . . . NOT. We get there, we start, and then her husband shows up. To make the story short, he did all the talking, and basically wouldn't let us teach, but would teach us instead, trying to pin us on how young we are, how organized religion isn't needed, and how we're brainwashed because we grew up in this so of course we think it's right. It finally got to the point where I just told him that I didn't want to offend anyone, but that WE came to THEM to teach THEM about OUR special message to the world . . .if HE wants to teach US, we'll arrange another time. I then proceeded to testify about our message and what we do and it got quiet and the spirit of the room changed. I was pretty overwhelmed and couldn't really talk for a while before gaining my strength to speak and finished. It went a lot quieter and a strong Spirit was present, I know they felt it. But, pride is a deadly thing and he still wouldn't budge or accept it. It was disappointing, but I felt like I did everything I could do in the situation. We all have our agency . . . . . dang it, haha. I almost wanted to be like the prophets of old and shake the dust from off my feet as we were leaving.

Well, here I am again, another week gone. I have new toothpaste that turns my mouth blue while brushing, always an interesting experience. I cut my hair. A man standing next to me in the store dropped a milk carton, which exploded and sent cow extract all over my dress pants. I pinched my companion on St. Patty's because he wasn't wearing a green tie . . . yet. :P A bunch of 14 year old girls, wearing cheap perfume, are surrounding me right now, looking at my tag, because their school just got out on some break and they are taking all the computers around me to do who knows what . . . .girl stuff. And, I found out Daylight Savings has NOT happened in Finland yet . . .thanks for the confusion everyone, haha.

Well, I better get to telling you about my week:

-We had Splitz!! Vanhin Ranzenberger, my companion of 7 months in Joensuu, is now my District Leader. It was good being back with him, he's a good elder. With 2 extra elders in Kouvola for a little bit, we were able to get some good work done here. It was a good upliftment for us as things are starting to pick up here.

-Vanhin Larson and I, on splits talked with a guy at a door who was from New Zealand. His name is Robin White, look him up, because he is a toy maker and world traveler and everything. A member of the Quorum of the 70 gave him a Book of Mormon a long time ago. We talked with him and his Finnish wife at the door for quite a while. Cool guy, very appreciative of our work, just not interested.

-Our Italian investigator is doing well. She's kind of one of those people who doesn't really believe in organized religion, just trying to do her best. But she is a good investigator and listens and asks questions. She goes back to Italy in May, but she definitely has potential of being baptized by then.

-Olavi, our other investigator is doing well. He is still ever so close to setting a date, but won't budge yet. We taught him on splits and VR and I got really close, but right at the climax of the teach, we ran out of time and he had to go. AH!

-The members here continue to take good care of us. We have a lunch appointment in an hour. We'll probably have 2-3 more this week, and we get food from them almost every Sunday because of a basket they put out near the foyer that says Missionaries on it.

-There really isn't much else to say other than we keep getting more and more potential investigators. On Wednesday we have a teach with a lady who told us at the door that she just separated from the Lutheran church, just because it felt like it was the right thing to do, and is now searching for something new.

Another week is ahead. Tomorrow we'll be in Helsinki for a Zone Meeting. General Conference is coming up. The elect are out there, and we are poised to find 'em. Thank you everyone for your prayers and e-mails. I still don't know what happened to Dr. Mills . . .everyone said something happened to him and that Dad will tell me more . . . . . ummmm nope. Layne, THANK YOU for the pictures. Lindsey, awesome work. Eden & Co, have fun in the sun . . . it's still snowing here. :( Alaska & Co, LOVE YA, as I love you all!! I really gotta go nyt. Kiitos ja heip-pa!

Rakkaudella,

Vanhin Watson

lettuja

Moi moikka moi!

I can't believe another week has gone by already! I swear life didn't go by this fast back home, haha. Well, I better get typing while I still have time. . .

Things were going slow there for the last few weeks, but we were able to get things going again this past week. We were able to get a few teaches in and even find a new investigator and a few new potentials. My Italian Sistas will be proud to know that our new investigator here is an Italian. She is here studying at the local university and is due to go back to Italy after this Spring . . . . so that should be enough time to find the restored gospel and get baptized, right? . .hope so. She is really nice and is now, hopefully, reading the Book of Mormon. Maybe Layne could look her up this summer. :P

There's a lesson I want to teach you all right now, at least to those of you who give the missionaries food . .aka DA's . . . . . KEEP IT TO AN HOUR!!!!!!!!!! We had 4 DA's this week and that did quite the domination to our schedule: traveling, eating, spiritual message, traveling again, etc. We are supposed to be only one hour! So have the food prepared before they get there!! haha . . . .AND . . .don't look at them with your puppy-dog eyes telling them to eat more . . . . we can only take so much, plus, we don't have the luxury of taking naps, haha, life continues for us after those things. If you have any questions, contact your local missionaries. :)

We had an unfortunate experience when one of our pretty promising investigators decided to drop us the other day. We were there standing at her door, ready to teach her, and she just flat out told us that she doesn't jaksaa 'feel like it' anymore, that she's too tired because of he busy work schedule and doesn't have time. She left it open for us to drop by in the future, but still, we were kind of bummed. But, when the Lord closes a door, He opens a window, and we were blessed with a new investigator the next day.

We had another teach with Olavi, our prime, main investigator at the moment. He's been investigating for about a year now and he still isn't ready to get baptized, at least in his opinion. We gave him Elder Anderson's 2007 Conf talk 'It's true Isn't It? What Else Matters?' . . . and even after all that, although he confesses that he knows God wants him to be baptized, he still won't set a date. Some progress WAS made though, when he told us he plans to be baptized within the year. Ok, well, better than nothing I guess! :) The man is ready, the water is warm, the angels are calling, but he just won't jump in yet!

In one of our DA's this week, we gave a spiritual message based of the scripture found in 1 Cor. 4:20 . . it goes something along the lines of, The kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. I'd say, although the distractions and confusions of all the conversations and chaos all around us, it was probably one of the most spiritual messages I've ever given, at least to me personally. They were taking the subject we chose too hard and decided to talk about it in so many different directions, that it kind of lost it's touch, but in closing, I just bore my testimony of the power found in this the true church of God. I was overwhelmed with the warmth and feelings of the Spirit, and it was a powerful witness to me of the work I am about doing in this country. I was probably the only one who noticed it or felt it, but it meant a lot to me and I'll never forget it. The power of testimony is so strong. It can resolve anything and really bring the Spirit into most any situation. I've been trying to take that to heart and do it more often.

People were randomly giving away free pancakes (more like crepes) here the other day in the center! I think it was a political thing, but hey, free food and we're there! haha Hot Dogs were the next booth over, but we didn't have time. :(

Well, I better get going. But in closing, lately I've been reading in the Book of Mormon in 3rd Nephi . . . .wow. I like how when it talks about prayer, or fasting, or good works, the scriptures say to do it 'secretly. For the Lord God knoweth all our secrets, and will reward us openly.' Amazing advice and truth, found right in the scriptures. I love you all. I love the gospel. I love my mission. till next week,

Rakkaudella,

Vanhin Watson