June 9, 2014

Hello From the Other side of the Pond!

We are sure enjoying the bountiful amounts of Sun shine that comes our way. The humidity can be a bit much at times, but that just comes with the beauty

. The sun is up when we go to bed and when we get up in the morning. Probably be like this for a couple weeks. Until next change. That reminds me. Changes,  Juhannus. Our changes are the week after Juhannus. So I will be speaking in our ward next week since most everyone thinks that I will be leaving. I have only been here 8 months. Not too long.

Update on our Investigators, Pekka and Elina. They have both been out of town the past little bit so we haven't been able to meet with them, and our Less active member was unable to make it to church, but he is still holding strong. He would be more active if his health allowed. His sights are set on going back to the temple here soon. It has been about 8 months since he has last been so he is working hard to get back.

This last week was a little slow with appointments falling through and Pekka and Elina being out of town, but we were still able to find ourselves adventures.

One thing that Elder Stanley and I love is the fact that you can be in the city, but take a 10 to 15 minute walk and you feel as if you are in the middle of the forest. As we were walking we came across some mushrooms, ( Picture 1) Don't worry, I really din't eat it. but I did't come to think about what I nearly did next to the river.(Picture 2)

This was just our first adventure when we were down in Koivukylä.

I was recently reading in Gospels and thinking about why missionaries and Members are working so hard at this time. All the work we do for just one person. Rescue. I was reading about the Prodigal son and the deep meaning it has in there along with the parables before it as well. I realized the the entire chapter was trying to explain the Worth of just one soul.

Example of the Lost sheep. the Shepherd placed the lost lamb on his shoulders. We never hear of him complain about the journey to find the lamb or the weigh of carrying the sheep after, but the rejoices.

The same as with the Prodigal son, When the FAther saw his son a far off he ran to him.His pain and anguish was swallowed up by the return of his repentant son. How much must we mean to our Father in Heaven? these two parables have always stood out to me. The worth of every soul truely is great in the sight of Father.

I love you all and hope that you have fun with school being out. It felt like yesterday when school was just going back into session. Have a wonderful week. Love,

Vanhin Sandberg