FINLAND!!!

Wow, I cannot even begin to tell you all how great of a week it has been! The journey was long but I made it here alive! We spent the first night at the Mission Presidents house after we visited the temple and the next day we got some paper filled out, had a long meeting, and then got assigned our place and companions!

If you want to look it up on the map, I am serving in Vaasa right now! A little about the area: it is BEAUTIFUL! We live in the town but if you go more to the suburban area it is pretty amazing. Also, there are a lot of Swedish speakers here, and a mix of all random cultures, it is pretty awesome. The ward is small but it is a great and filled with a lot of awesome people which is good because we have a plan to work with the members a ton and having them help us find and teach people!

Also, I have 2 companions again! And to credit the Lord, my companions are amazing. One of them has only been out for 2 months and the other (the trainer) is going home after this transfer! And they are such hard workers and super fun.

My first day was mostly contacting which was hard because obviously I don't understand Finnish and Finns are very reserved people. They walk with head phones in ALL THE TIME. It makes things difficult.  Throughout this week I have learned more what missionary work is all about. We found a lot of people to teach this week and ran into a lot of interesting people as well. We were talking to this one guy this week and he looked at us like we were crazy when we told him that the true church has been restored. He was like "you actually believe this stuff??" haha Yes we do and in fact, it is the truth! I am glad I have a strong knowledge of the truth because you can so easily doubt what you know out here. 

Most people here say they are Lutheran but that doesn't mean much. We also run into a lot of Pentecostals!  I am trying to learn from my companions and understand more. Surprisingly enough I understand about 50% of what people talked about at church. So that was cool! It is simply amazing what God has helped me to accomplish and how much patience He has given me! I just have an increasing desire to share the gospel and I am trying to gain a greater charity for everyone. I am so grateful to be

able to be in Finland!! I will hopefully be able to send a few pictures. 

The first ward I've been assigned to is the same ward as Jonathan Moes companion! haha He is our ward mission leader and was texting Marilee just yesterday!  We snapped a picture. Funny funny! 

Love you family, have a great week!!