Hyvää Itsenäisyyspäivää!

Perhe! 

Hyvää Itsenäisyyspäivää! On December 6 the Finns celebrated declaring independence from Russia in 1917. Independence day used to be a somewhat solemn occasion and people would put two candles in the window at night because in earlier times, this invited friendly troups into the home for food and shelter. Some still do that today but in the last 15-20 years the day has become more festive with public flag displays and other patriotic items. The Finns are very proud of their culture and their freedom. As they should be, they have a lot of sisu! Gotta love the Finns :) 

The posti strike is over BUT though I have received a few letters since then, I have yet to receive the second package... I will call the office and see if they have it locked up somewhere. I got a small package from the young women’s so thank them for that! I also am sending a family package this week which will include stuff for everyone on this email chain :) and Riley is having another baby???? Oh my gosh the twins are SO BIG. That makes me feel like I have been out for a long time. I guess it has almost been a year.... And my official, unchangeable, release date is July 21st. And then I will have all rights to holding Riley’s baby :) so far and yet so close! And Dad, I am proud of you for buying yourself a sweet car. Is Mr. McMannis still in use? Doesn’t matter, your new car is awesome haha. My companion says you should drive it on the salt flats.

It was a good week! Nothing much to complain about. Our investigator from the Congo is still doing great, she is so funny! We taught her the word of wisdom and the next day we went over and in her broken Finnish she said "sister, I cant follow you, I am drinking tea right now". We were so sad! All we wanted to do was help her but then she showed us her cup and it was just water... She started cracking up! Haha probably more of a had-to-be-there story but it was pretty hilarious. It is still great being with Sister Jones. I think I have concluded that we are VERY different people (like, we were quite opposites as far as who we were before our missions) but it is really cool to see that because we have the same purpose here, we totally get along! I feel lucky to be her trainer. It was super wet and windy and dark this week. But occasionally we get to see the sun and wow, do we cherish those moments! The Finns do too, you can just tell that the dark effects everyone pretty negatively. 

The work still goes on and I love the Christmas season! It is so cool to be in the Christmas country during this time of year! And there is always something special about sharing a message about Christ when everyone is a little bit more focused on His significance. Everything we are is because of Him. I am so grateful for my Savior! Well, I love being a missionary and I love you all as well :) NEXT WEEK, due to the greenie training program, i will be emailing on MONDAY. So keep that in mind :) you all are great!! thanks for the emails and the love and the motivation! I couldn’t do it without you. I love y’all!!!! :)