Oh my gosh, funny week haha.
We had the most amazing week here in good old Suomi!! First amazing story. A few weeks ago we met this really nice girl who has the most amazing testimony of Jesus Christ! We talked to her, and stuff, but when I asked for her number, she said, "Well, if God wants me to meet you again, then he'll set it up." We smiled and said okay.. see you soon haha. We were sitting in a teach with another girl, and my eye literally started killing. It got unbelievably red, and swollen, I was dying. But we got through the lesson, and I felt like I should go to the optic store down town on the way home. I bought some eye gel (14 Euro's by the way) and we headed for home. On the way she was walking dead towards us. I saw her first and said,"No way!!!!" We literally talked for an hour. I was still dying haha but you know what they say.... take one for the team. However we got her phone number, and she actually gave us a referral haha. Cool beans...
Elder Nielsen and I went up to Oulu to meet the new president. These two girls came up to us on the train and started talking to us.. but then we just contacted them, and they had to leave haha.
Anyways.... He is exactly what we need right now! He gave us some amazing advice. Everytime you meet someone, pray that Heavenly Father will show His love for them through you. It has been amazing! Elder Larsen and I went on splits up in Oulu. He was in my district in the MTC. We set our goals, and prayed that Heavenly Father would help us accomplish our goals, and we did amazing. Neither of us speak very good Finnish, but we just went for it! It is so legit. I am so grateful for the love God shows to His children.
I used to be so intimidated to speak Finnish by myself. But I just decided to go for it. One of my favorite things is finding my biggest fear, and getting over it. So talking with Finns was my biggest fear, so I got over it. Yesterday I went up to everyone that I could before the meeting started and talked with them. It has been so much fun. The language is starting to click, but I still butcher about every sentence haha! I can understand a lot though.
So yesterday while we were teaching our golden contact and her friend we were teaching this guy from the United States (haha). At the end of the lesson we asked her to pray, and she said an amazing heartfelt prayer. (Haha) But after that, her friend held out both his hands to shake Elder Nielsen and my hand. We of course shook, but he grabbed our hands and started praying (haha) we were like standing up. We looked at each other and almost busted out laughing, but we sat down and had another prayer (haha). They are both really religious, and I hope they see us as God's reprasentatives.
I can't emphasize enough to you how much my life has changed just this past week by following my mission presidents advice. Never leave someone you meet without them knowing that you love them!!! I have been so much happier, and things have been so much easier to deal with. That is my suggestion to you both. Try it. The scriptures say,"Pray that God will fill you with this love." There is great power that comes from just letting someone know that you care. The prophets tell us that,"True love, beareth all things, beliveth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things." If people lived their life based on that concept, relationships would not fail. Because that is how Christ loves us. His way will never fail.
I'm glad that you both got my pictures. I wish I could send you more, but it is so expensive to print pictures here. It is Elder Nielsens birthday tomorrow, and I am trying to figure out what I should get him. Is it selfish that I want to get him something that he'll have to give me when he goes home in a month?? hmm... I don't think so.. However I have to hand over my queen size bed, and take the twin! lame.. but it's all good.. I'm pretty sure i'm going to be in Joensuu for awhile, so I'll just take it back next change.
I miss you both so much. I have really been trying to make you proud by my actions. Although I make mistakes everyday obviously, I have been trying to live my mission without regrets. So far, I feel like I have been trying to do everything I can to be obediant. I wish I could tell you both more. Happy 4th of July!! Thank you dad for everything you have done to serve our country.
Mom I am making your potato soup this sunday, and I am really excited. We have been traveling so much and it has been so busy, that It has been hard to cook it. But I miss you a lot, and I will try to send more chocolate and stuff.
I really want you both to try the challenge, and advice my mission president gave. Especially for you Dad on I-15!! haha jk
Thank you so much for everything, love you
Vanhin Peru (that's how you pronounce Perry in Finnish)
Raakaudella!!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Sunday, July 3, 2011
June 27, more pictures from Helsinki and Joensuu
The Train Station in Helsinki
Elder Nielsen and Perry on the way to Joensuu, he wrote, "I was freaking out!"
Lutheran Cathedral in Joensuussa
The LDS Church Building in Joensuu
"Neitsytpolku" Helsinki
Castle in Savonlina "District Meeting"
Service Project in Joensuu for William's Bishop. He's planting potatoes
Elder's Nielsen and Perry
Elder William Perry
Tuomio Kirkko - the Lutheran Church in Helsinki
Power Planning! The most sacred ordinance known to man.
Elder Jones (district leader) and William on his first Splits in JoensuuJune 27 Pictures
William in front of the Helsinki temple.
Helsinki
Williams MTC Group in front of the Helsinki Temple
Helsinki TempleSaturday, July 2, 2011
June 27, 2011
Hello there!
First of all shout out to my dad! You didn't write me!! Looks like the chocolate goes to mom this month...... haha jk
This week has been very awesome!! I feel like I have learned a lot about the importance of humility. From day one we have been having a lot of success with finding people. We really have been blessed so much by the Lord. But, I think I started to inhale it. "Look at how much success we have had... which was accomplished by us... as a result of OUR dedication, and our efforts... haha what a punk!!
I have really learned that success comes from the Lord! And when we recognized His infinite power, He really does guide our lives (Proverbs 3: 3-5). We had an awesome experience yesterday with our goals. Our district Leader talked to us about the importance of finding families (Last wednesday), and helping them specifically. So in our plans we started to set goals throughout the week. I however, for whatever reason didn't feel like we could do it. In my mind I saw myself going up to a family and saying,"Moi! Here is a pamphlet from God, read it, and call us so we can come teach you!" What the weird!!! That makes me feel awkward just picturing that. No way.... but then I realized who I work for. I humbled myself, and really tried to gain a better testimony of it.
Yesterday, we had our goal, and we said a prayer for the Lord to help us find a family. We went down by the river, on the river trail to go contacting. Elder Nielsen and I both recieved a distinct impression to go talk to a mom and her daughter. We approached them, as they were approaching us, and it didn't feel awkward at all. We talked about how much families mean to us, and about eternal families, and we gave her a proclamation to the family. We recieved her phone number, and are going to call her today to set up an appointment.
The Lord has taught me great lessons about our desires. He has also taught me about the truth about eternal priciples. The things that we focus on, will be our reward. I have learned that over and over again. If we seek to bring people to Christ... We will... If we seek to be selfish, and play the why-me?? card... we will get the reward that comes from that... pain, and misery. Everything makes sense in this gospel. It is so simple. Miracles, or growth depends on the correct application of eternal principles. It is amazing to come home everyday saying, "Wow, I saw the Lords hand today." It is so humbling to know how much he does for us in our lives. Whether it's taking away pain, or magnifying happiness. There are somedays when it's like oh my gosh it can't get better than this... and somedays when your kicking the dirt saying why-me?? why-me?? haha It starts to sound like a pathetic symphany haha. He is right there.
Funny story, let me think. So Elder Nielsen and I made a Grudge movie during juhannus (we had to go inside because it is a drinking holiday in Finland.... yeah....) and I was the Grudge. I was a really good grudge too.. basically on a scale of 1 to The best grudge in the world... I was a 73.32. Great now you think I'm some slacker missionary!! Don't judge yo!!
So I have a question Mark?? Mom can you send me a cook book, just a little basic one, because I am becoming an amazing chef. No one can compete with my home-made mash potatos.. except for Vanhin Nielsen, but he is leaving in August! "We are going to be together for another change until he goes home. I am so excited because we work very well together!! Except when he sings and whistles during personal study, hahaha love him!!
You both are the best, and mommy I miss you oodles and noodles too... not sure what that means, but love you so much!! by the way printing pictures is very expensive here so just wanted to throw that out there.
love you
Will
(I got pictures from William this week, but I have to get them scanned before I can post them on the blog. Look for them soon)
First of all shout out to my dad! You didn't write me!! Looks like the chocolate goes to mom this month...... haha jk
This week has been very awesome!! I feel like I have learned a lot about the importance of humility. From day one we have been having a lot of success with finding people. We really have been blessed so much by the Lord. But, I think I started to inhale it. "Look at how much success we have had... which was accomplished by us... as a result of OUR dedication, and our efforts... haha what a punk!!
I have really learned that success comes from the Lord! And when we recognized His infinite power, He really does guide our lives (Proverbs 3: 3-5). We had an awesome experience yesterday with our goals. Our district Leader talked to us about the importance of finding families (Last wednesday), and helping them specifically. So in our plans we started to set goals throughout the week. I however, for whatever reason didn't feel like we could do it. In my mind I saw myself going up to a family and saying,"Moi! Here is a pamphlet from God, read it, and call us so we can come teach you!" What the weird!!! That makes me feel awkward just picturing that. No way.... but then I realized who I work for. I humbled myself, and really tried to gain a better testimony of it.
Yesterday, we had our goal, and we said a prayer for the Lord to help us find a family. We went down by the river, on the river trail to go contacting. Elder Nielsen and I both recieved a distinct impression to go talk to a mom and her daughter. We approached them, as they were approaching us, and it didn't feel awkward at all. We talked about how much families mean to us, and about eternal families, and we gave her a proclamation to the family. We recieved her phone number, and are going to call her today to set up an appointment.
The Lord has taught me great lessons about our desires. He has also taught me about the truth about eternal priciples. The things that we focus on, will be our reward. I have learned that over and over again. If we seek to bring people to Christ... We will... If we seek to be selfish, and play the why-me?? card... we will get the reward that comes from that... pain, and misery. Everything makes sense in this gospel. It is so simple. Miracles, or growth depends on the correct application of eternal principles. It is amazing to come home everyday saying, "Wow, I saw the Lords hand today." It is so humbling to know how much he does for us in our lives. Whether it's taking away pain, or magnifying happiness. There are somedays when it's like oh my gosh it can't get better than this... and somedays when your kicking the dirt saying why-me?? why-me?? haha It starts to sound like a pathetic symphany haha. He is right there.
Funny story, let me think. So Elder Nielsen and I made a Grudge movie during juhannus (we had to go inside because it is a drinking holiday in Finland.... yeah....) and I was the Grudge. I was a really good grudge too.. basically on a scale of 1 to The best grudge in the world... I was a 73.32. Great now you think I'm some slacker missionary!! Don't judge yo!!
So I have a question Mark?? Mom can you send me a cook book, just a little basic one, because I am becoming an amazing chef. No one can compete with my home-made mash potatos.. except for Vanhin Nielsen, but he is leaving in August! "We are going to be together for another change until he goes home. I am so excited because we work very well together!! Except when he sings and whistles during personal study, hahaha love him!!
You both are the best, and mommy I miss you oodles and noodles too... not sure what that means, but love you so much!! by the way printing pictures is very expensive here so just wanted to throw that out there.
love you
Will
(I got pictures from William this week, but I have to get them scanned before I can post them on the blog. Look for them soon)
June 20, 2011
Hello my Family!!
So dumb experience up in Oulu, cooking with the sisters, and doing dishes haha. Elder Nielsen and I were washing dishes and I we came up with a system. I would rinse, he would scrub and then we would switch. An amazing thought came to me, literally like a light bulb over my head illuminating!! I said, (in front of the sisters) you know..., it would be really something if they invented a machine to do this? Hmm... like a contraption to wash the dishes all on their own... hmm... I paused and said, "Oh no... what did I just say." YOU DUNCE!!! gosh, don't over do it Plato, don't want a vessel in the brain to burst.
Everyone was really nice about it though haha, they kept asking me if I brought my rubber sheets with me, and if I ever need any help, they were more than willing to give me help... not sure what that means, but I assured them that I don't need rubber sheets anymore.. I gave those up when i was like 16.
I'm going to be frank for a moment, even though my name is Will. Life is going very good here in Joensuu! Except we are never in it! We are always traveling to different meetings, and branches, and it is kind of hard. But the meetings are 110% neccessary. We had our last zone conferance last Saturday with President Brown in Oulu. He is so cool!! He was a seminary teacher, and he is a very visual teacher. He teaches with power and authority. He gave us the counsel to always prepare for meetings spiritually. This comes from the Book of Mosiah chapter 2 verse 9. As I have taken the counsel, and have applied it, I have seen why it's so important. We should always go to the meetings with questions, looking for direction, no matter what the meeting is.
Now I hope you can take me seriously, (clearing throat right now) okay... ready...
I have been studying, and pondering about Helaman's son Nephi (in the book of Helaman 10:4-5). He had it pretty rough in his mission. No one listened to him, or carred about what he said. It says that he was deppressed and as he was going home, after all he could do the Lord said unto him,"Blessed art thou, Nephi, for the things which thou hast done. For I have beheld how thou hast declared with unwearyingness the word which I have given unto thee. And thou hast not feard them, and has not sought thine own life. But thou hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments."
Talk about the coolest answer to a prayer!!!! But more specifically, he was so dilligent in his priesthood service. I have been thinking how can I do that? In the next verse it talks about how the Lord trusts him with his power, because he knows that Nephi won't ask for anything that is against the Lords will. I have been trying to apply that in my life. Sometimes it is easy to forget that the Lord has a plan, I'm apart of His Plan. Not the other way around.
There was a broadcast to Europe with President Erying talking to the Saints (and some other general authorities). He looked very nice, but everything was in Finnish...(insert big sigh here) jk. Anyways he focused on the importance to follow the bretheren. He said that the words of the current prophet are scripture, and are more important than any other past document of scripture. We can't fall if we seek to follow the prophet and His counsel to us.
I had a real big testimony building experience with setting goals at zone conference, and yesterday. After the meeting we went out to do some work. Elder Claig and I went out on the streets of Oulu. Before we left, I felt like I should set some goals with Him. We set our goals: place 2 copies of the Book of Mormon, and recieve 2 phone numbers. We prayed and told Heavenly Father our Goals and went out. I placed my first book of mormon without any help that day. I went up to her, introduced the B.O.M, answered her questions, and recieved her phone number without any language help from my comp!!!!!! The Lord has been helping me so much!! He has been helping me with the things that I struggle with. The statement, "Whom the Lord calls, he qualifies," is very true. Now i'm not going to say that I'm fluent of course! I can barely buy stamps at the posti!! But when it comes to his work... He makes it happen.
My mission president is so amazing. Every week we type him letters, and he gives us counsel that sometimes we didn't even ask for. He is very aware for the work going on in Finland. He turned the mission around. Finland is one of the most progressing missions in Europe right now. We are finding and baptizing more people than ever before. it is a miracle.
[Mom] We are making your potato soup on sunday, and elder Nielsen is very excited.
Dad, So those were very cool pictures, but you still haven't shown me a picture of your dang dog!!!!!! haha. I can't believe Natalie's friend drove the camero before me! In our mission, our district and zone leaders, have these little hatch back's that are funny lookin!! however very economical... . and there are extra cup holders in case you were wondering.
P.s. I am sending you both pictures this week.
Love ya,
Will
So dumb experience up in Oulu, cooking with the sisters, and doing dishes haha. Elder Nielsen and I were washing dishes and I we came up with a system. I would rinse, he would scrub and then we would switch. An amazing thought came to me, literally like a light bulb over my head illuminating!! I said, (in front of the sisters) you know..., it would be really something if they invented a machine to do this? Hmm... like a contraption to wash the dishes all on their own... hmm... I paused and said, "Oh no... what did I just say." YOU DUNCE!!! gosh, don't over do it Plato, don't want a vessel in the brain to burst.
Everyone was really nice about it though haha, they kept asking me if I brought my rubber sheets with me, and if I ever need any help, they were more than willing to give me help... not sure what that means, but I assured them that I don't need rubber sheets anymore.. I gave those up when i was like 16.
I'm going to be frank for a moment, even though my name is Will. Life is going very good here in Joensuu! Except we are never in it! We are always traveling to different meetings, and branches, and it is kind of hard. But the meetings are 110% neccessary. We had our last zone conferance last Saturday with President Brown in Oulu. He is so cool!! He was a seminary teacher, and he is a very visual teacher. He teaches with power and authority. He gave us the counsel to always prepare for meetings spiritually. This comes from the Book of Mosiah chapter 2 verse 9. As I have taken the counsel, and have applied it, I have seen why it's so important. We should always go to the meetings with questions, looking for direction, no matter what the meeting is.
Now I hope you can take me seriously, (clearing throat right now) okay... ready...
I have been studying, and pondering about Helaman's son Nephi (in the book of Helaman 10:4-5). He had it pretty rough in his mission. No one listened to him, or carred about what he said. It says that he was deppressed and as he was going home, after all he could do the Lord said unto him,"Blessed art thou, Nephi, for the things which thou hast done. For I have beheld how thou hast declared with unwearyingness the word which I have given unto thee. And thou hast not feard them, and has not sought thine own life. But thou hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments."
Talk about the coolest answer to a prayer!!!! But more specifically, he was so dilligent in his priesthood service. I have been thinking how can I do that? In the next verse it talks about how the Lord trusts him with his power, because he knows that Nephi won't ask for anything that is against the Lords will. I have been trying to apply that in my life. Sometimes it is easy to forget that the Lord has a plan, I'm apart of His Plan. Not the other way around.
There was a broadcast to Europe with President Erying talking to the Saints (and some other general authorities). He looked very nice, but everything was in Finnish...(insert big sigh here) jk. Anyways he focused on the importance to follow the bretheren. He said that the words of the current prophet are scripture, and are more important than any other past document of scripture. We can't fall if we seek to follow the prophet and His counsel to us.
I had a real big testimony building experience with setting goals at zone conference, and yesterday. After the meeting we went out to do some work. Elder Claig and I went out on the streets of Oulu. Before we left, I felt like I should set some goals with Him. We set our goals: place 2 copies of the Book of Mormon, and recieve 2 phone numbers. We prayed and told Heavenly Father our Goals and went out. I placed my first book of mormon without any help that day. I went up to her, introduced the B.O.M, answered her questions, and recieved her phone number without any language help from my comp!!!!!! The Lord has been helping me so much!! He has been helping me with the things that I struggle with. The statement, "Whom the Lord calls, he qualifies," is very true. Now i'm not going to say that I'm fluent of course! I can barely buy stamps at the posti!! But when it comes to his work... He makes it happen.
My mission president is so amazing. Every week we type him letters, and he gives us counsel that sometimes we didn't even ask for. He is very aware for the work going on in Finland. He turned the mission around. Finland is one of the most progressing missions in Europe right now. We are finding and baptizing more people than ever before. it is a miracle.
[Mom] We are making your potato soup on sunday, and elder Nielsen is very excited.
Dad, So those were very cool pictures, but you still haven't shown me a picture of your dang dog!!!!!! haha. I can't believe Natalie's friend drove the camero before me! In our mission, our district and zone leaders, have these little hatch back's that are funny lookin!! however very economical... . and there are extra cup holders in case you were wondering.
P.s. I am sending you both pictures this week.
Love ya,
Will
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
June 13, 2011
Hello there,
So this week, really really intense. It has been kind of hecktik and frustrating. The Lord has taught me a very interesting lesson on patience this week. Patience is the one christ-like attribute that I am struggling with. He has shown me how much I really do need him.
I am disappointed in some of our investigators, some of which have recognized us as the Lords servants, but flat out rejected us. It is so heart- breaking to show up at a teach, excited to share the gospel, and getting a Book of Mormon shoved back at you. People don't understand the power that comes from that book! It is perfectly translated, no one has tampered with it. It is evidence that what we have to say is valid. People always say, there are so many churches in the world... hmmm.. I wonder which one is right..??? Well let me show you dummy!! haha The book of mormon contains evidence that Joseph Smith is a prophet (it was translated by him through the power of God). If Joseph Smith is a prophet then every priciple given through him by the Lord is true. The validity of our church is hanging on the Book of Mormon.
haha this week has actually been pretty good. It has been a good learning experience. We actually have had a very successful week. We recieved 3 new investigators, moving us up to 10 invesigators.. 4 of which are progressing towards baptism. I am so grateful. Wu (our chinese investigator who "was" athiest) finally prayed!! I jumped up when she told me, she has been struggling with that concept for a long time. She did it!! She felt the peace that comes from it. I hope she keeps going.
We were out contacting and we ran into this other chinese man who is from Kuopio, which is south about two hours. We talked to him, and he said he was meeting with the missionaries there. 10 minutes after we had left him, our district leader called from Kuopio and said,"Our investigtor called (this man) and said he is stoked to get back into the lessons. Apparently they were about to drop him because he just wasn't crazy interested, or something along those lines. I was so stoked!! Dudeeeee!!! The Lord is helping us here. He shows us so many miracles every single day, but sometimes I feel bad for not giving him all the credit. I hope you don't think i am sharing these stories to brag. haha I'm a tall linky kid, who can barely iron his shirt, and keep his pants on straight!!! But I am grateful for my companion. Our goal has been to be 100 percent obediant to every single rule. I am so grateful for his example to me. We both are up when we are suppose to, out when we are suppose to be, and we are really good about being in bed by 10:30. Except sometimes we talk, but that doesn't count!!!
The real miracle this week came from the Book of Mormon. In Preach my Gospel, and our Mission President, gave us challenge to read the B.O.M a certain way. In one color you highlight any referrance to the Lord (in red), in another color you highlight his attributes (blue), in another color you highlight his actual words, when it says something like "Thus saith the Lord" (in yellow), in another color you mark specific principals taught in the book of mormon (in green). Reading this way has consummed me. I have come to know the Lord in a way that I never have before. It has transformed the way I pray at night to Heavenly Father. You really see how alive the Lord really is.
Haha this morning in personal study, I skipped breakfast to read. I started and later looked at my clock..... I had been reading for over an hour!! It makes you slow down and really see who is talking here. I invite you to do the same. First off, get a copy of Preach my gospel and study it. PMG is how the Lord would do missionary work.
It is amazing to see how close he really is to each of us, and how much heavenly father really does know us and our needs. Every day He shows me, and tells me the fact that he does have a plan for everyone.
Finland is so much fun here. My District Leader and I went on splits, and we went to a service project in the country side. It was nice not being in the city, and so unbelievably beautiful. It is however so freakin hot!! The humidity is crazy, but we have a lot of fun. I am going to develop pictures today for both of you. Keep telling me about what's going on in the outside world! The Finns here talk about weird stuff that is happening... so, keep me posted.
Love you both,
Rauha!!
So this week, really really intense. It has been kind of hecktik and frustrating. The Lord has taught me a very interesting lesson on patience this week. Patience is the one christ-like attribute that I am struggling with. He has shown me how much I really do need him.
I am disappointed in some of our investigators, some of which have recognized us as the Lords servants, but flat out rejected us. It is so heart- breaking to show up at a teach, excited to share the gospel, and getting a Book of Mormon shoved back at you. People don't understand the power that comes from that book! It is perfectly translated, no one has tampered with it. It is evidence that what we have to say is valid. People always say, there are so many churches in the world... hmmm.. I wonder which one is right..??? Well let me show you dummy!! haha The book of mormon contains evidence that Joseph Smith is a prophet (it was translated by him through the power of God). If Joseph Smith is a prophet then every priciple given through him by the Lord is true. The validity of our church is hanging on the Book of Mormon.
haha this week has actually been pretty good. It has been a good learning experience. We actually have had a very successful week. We recieved 3 new investigators, moving us up to 10 invesigators.. 4 of which are progressing towards baptism. I am so grateful. Wu (our chinese investigator who "was" athiest) finally prayed!! I jumped up when she told me, she has been struggling with that concept for a long time. She did it!! She felt the peace that comes from it. I hope she keeps going.
We were out contacting and we ran into this other chinese man who is from Kuopio, which is south about two hours. We talked to him, and he said he was meeting with the missionaries there. 10 minutes after we had left him, our district leader called from Kuopio and said,"Our investigtor called (this man) and said he is stoked to get back into the lessons. Apparently they were about to drop him because he just wasn't crazy interested, or something along those lines. I was so stoked!! Dudeeeee!!! The Lord is helping us here. He shows us so many miracles every single day, but sometimes I feel bad for not giving him all the credit. I hope you don't think i am sharing these stories to brag. haha I'm a tall linky kid, who can barely iron his shirt, and keep his pants on straight!!! But I am grateful for my companion. Our goal has been to be 100 percent obediant to every single rule. I am so grateful for his example to me. We both are up when we are suppose to, out when we are suppose to be, and we are really good about being in bed by 10:30. Except sometimes we talk, but that doesn't count!!!
The real miracle this week came from the Book of Mormon. In Preach my Gospel, and our Mission President, gave us challenge to read the B.O.M a certain way. In one color you highlight any referrance to the Lord (in red), in another color you highlight his attributes (blue), in another color you highlight his actual words, when it says something like "Thus saith the Lord" (in yellow), in another color you mark specific principals taught in the book of mormon (in green). Reading this way has consummed me. I have come to know the Lord in a way that I never have before. It has transformed the way I pray at night to Heavenly Father. You really see how alive the Lord really is.
Haha this morning in personal study, I skipped breakfast to read. I started and later looked at my clock..... I had been reading for over an hour!! It makes you slow down and really see who is talking here. I invite you to do the same. First off, get a copy of Preach my gospel and study it. PMG is how the Lord would do missionary work.
It is amazing to see how close he really is to each of us, and how much heavenly father really does know us and our needs. Every day He shows me, and tells me the fact that he does have a plan for everyone.
Finland is so much fun here. My District Leader and I went on splits, and we went to a service project in the country side. It was nice not being in the city, and so unbelievably beautiful. It is however so freakin hot!! The humidity is crazy, but we have a lot of fun. I am going to develop pictures today for both of you. Keep telling me about what's going on in the outside world! The Finns here talk about weird stuff that is happening... so, keep me posted.
Love you both,
Rauha!!
June 6, 2011
Hello America!!
Well as you can expect, another amazing week down in beautiful country of Finland. We spent a few days down at a leadership training meeting down in Helsinki which was so fun! We stayed at an amazingly small apartment in the city (Neitsytpolku is the street) with six people staying there!! We had so much fun, but six guys in a one bedroom apartment!! Gross!! But I made a ton of friends. I saw some of the older Finns from the MTC, they are like six weeks ahead of me. I went on splits with one of them, and we had a blast. I have a bunch of amazing miracles to share with you this week!! Fasten your seat belt!!! Get the popcorn!!
First one: We went to visit this former investigator who lives on the outskirts of Helsinki in Espo I believe. Elder Nielsen had taught her before, but she wasn't keeping commitments so he had to drop her. Anyways... we went and it was literally like walking into a personal Hell. Her home felt so unbelievably miserable, but she agreed to visit with us. We talked with her, and her past was so sad. She had been abused by someone a few years ago. Heavy into smoking. on, and on... We taught her about the Book of Mormon.. there were four of us there (because missionaries can't teach a single lady without someone else). I didn't understand her Finnish but I did understand the spirit. While the others were talking with her, I was lost in my thoughts about what I should say. I was in a sense looking to Heaven. I knew that I didn't understand her past or what she needed to hear, but God did. All the sudden Elder sharp said,"Do you want to say something?" I looked and said, Uhh??? but then I felt I should testify about Jesus Christ. I looked into her eyes, and did so. We gave her a commitment to read 2nd Nephi 31, and she said she would. We made an appointment for the following day.
We came back and asked if we could have the lesson outside. We went to this little pavilion, and taught her. There was something different in her eyes. She had light, hope, and she even laughed. She was different. We sang to her,"I am a child of God," and the spirit was so strong. She committed to be baptized down in Espo , and I was so happy. Oh by the way, this happened all in about 24 hours. Although I'll never see her again, I love her. The gospel brings light and hope to people in their darkest hour. This lady was changed. It also gave me a stronger testimony of the Book of Mormon. I think a lot of us take it for granted. This book has power to change lives. I can honestly say, I have never seen someone so unbelievably low, and depressed, and in pain. But now she is changed. If she keeps her commitments, and keeps going, she will be able to let go of her past, and let Christ heal her.
Second one: I was down in Helsinki with one of the elders' I met in the MTC named Elder Merkley. We decided to do splits, and go contact a referral in the northern part of the city. Needless to say...................... we didn't get there haha. We took so many trains, in so many wrong directions, but we worked really hard to talk to as many people as possible. Oh by the way, he is only six weeks older than me!! It was so much fun! We didn't understand very much, but who cares. We had the spirit, we were happy, and that's all that matters. The Lord gave us much success. Even though we didn't speak the language very well, we gave out 3 copies of the Book of Mormon, and we got 3 phone numbers!! I have started to realize that when you rely on the Lord, it doesn't matter if you have weaknesses. He will always compensate. Haha however that doesn't mean we don't have to work our little behindes off!!
I have learned a lot about the principle of Obediance. Obediance really does bring blessings. I love the 130 section of the Doctrine and Covenants, I believe it is verse 20. It says,"If we obtain any blessing, it is by obediance to the law upon which is predicated to us." If we want success we have to be obediant. It is literally that simple. We have commited ourselves to being 100 percent obediant, 100 percent of the time. Sometimes we make mistakes, but hey!! I'm human!! you make a mistake, repent and move on. One thing I could work on is being more diligent. Now hear me out,
Saturday we went on a 15 to 20 mile bike ride to go visit some members here in Joensuu. Ahhhhh!!! pedal, pedal, pedal, (insert gasp for air here) pedal, pedal hahahaha it was great!! It builds character... anyways the next day we had a bunch of teaches, and then we went to visit sister Peltonin another 3 mile bike ride I think haha, and then we had to come home and do our weekly planning meeting with takes 3 hours. I was so exhausted. I was dozing off like crazy. I know i'm human, and not superman (Even though people mistake me for him... which is a different story) anyways..... but I keep thinking about how the Savior kept going when he was exhausted. Given.. He is God, but i still want to work towards that. I know we have been so blessed because of working so hard, and being obediant, and I don't want to loose that.
This work is so challenging, in every aspect. Physically, Mentally, Spiritually, Emotionally. Last week we went to visit a man, who we met on the street and he is an alcoholic, we didn't teach him obviously, but we set a return appointment for yesterday. He promised us both He wouldn't drink. Yet, when we showed up, he of course had. It broke my heart. I know this gospel can help him, and he procrastinating his repentance. It really is so studpid. But we're not giving up on him. We love him, and he has so much potential.
I am learning so much out here. I really do enjoy the hard work. There is no better feeling in this world, than going to bed saying," I did my best today, I gave my all." Gosh we only get an hour here at the library!! I wish i could tell you more. But know that I love you both so much. Our family really can be together forever if we are simply obediant because we love god, and that is a good enough reason. I would invite you to study it out, and test me. In the book of Malachi, the last chapter I believe it says something like, "Prove me no herewith, and see If I will not open the windows of heaven, and pour out blessings so great you will not have room to recieve them. Gosh I miss you a lot. Sometimes I think about old times, and ya...
keep smiling,
love
Will
Well as you can expect, another amazing week down in beautiful country of Finland. We spent a few days down at a leadership training meeting down in Helsinki which was so fun! We stayed at an amazingly small apartment in the city (Neitsytpolku is the street) with six people staying there!! We had so much fun, but six guys in a one bedroom apartment!! Gross!! But I made a ton of friends. I saw some of the older Finns from the MTC, they are like six weeks ahead of me. I went on splits with one of them, and we had a blast. I have a bunch of amazing miracles to share with you this week!! Fasten your seat belt!!! Get the popcorn!!
First one: We went to visit this former investigator who lives on the outskirts of Helsinki in Espo I believe. Elder Nielsen had taught her before, but she wasn't keeping commitments so he had to drop her. Anyways... we went and it was literally like walking into a personal Hell. Her home felt so unbelievably miserable, but she agreed to visit with us. We talked with her, and her past was so sad. She had been abused by someone a few years ago. Heavy into smoking. on, and on... We taught her about the Book of Mormon.. there were four of us there (because missionaries can't teach a single lady without someone else). I didn't understand her Finnish but I did understand the spirit. While the others were talking with her, I was lost in my thoughts about what I should say. I was in a sense looking to Heaven. I knew that I didn't understand her past or what she needed to hear, but God did. All the sudden Elder sharp said,"Do you want to say something?" I looked and said, Uhh??? but then I felt I should testify about Jesus Christ. I looked into her eyes, and did so. We gave her a commitment to read 2nd Nephi 31, and she said she would. We made an appointment for the following day.
We came back and asked if we could have the lesson outside. We went to this little pavilion, and taught her. There was something different in her eyes. She had light, hope, and she even laughed. She was different. We sang to her,"I am a child of God," and the spirit was so strong. She committed to be baptized down in Espo , and I was so happy. Oh by the way, this happened all in about 24 hours. Although I'll never see her again, I love her. The gospel brings light and hope to people in their darkest hour. This lady was changed. It also gave me a stronger testimony of the Book of Mormon. I think a lot of us take it for granted. This book has power to change lives. I can honestly say, I have never seen someone so unbelievably low, and depressed, and in pain. But now she is changed. If she keeps her commitments, and keeps going, she will be able to let go of her past, and let Christ heal her.
Second one: I was down in Helsinki with one of the elders' I met in the MTC named Elder Merkley. We decided to do splits, and go contact a referral in the northern part of the city. Needless to say...................... we didn't get there haha. We took so many trains, in so many wrong directions, but we worked really hard to talk to as many people as possible. Oh by the way, he is only six weeks older than me!! It was so much fun! We didn't understand very much, but who cares. We had the spirit, we were happy, and that's all that matters. The Lord gave us much success. Even though we didn't speak the language very well, we gave out 3 copies of the Book of Mormon, and we got 3 phone numbers!! I have started to realize that when you rely on the Lord, it doesn't matter if you have weaknesses. He will always compensate. Haha however that doesn't mean we don't have to work our little behindes off!!
I have learned a lot about the principle of Obediance. Obediance really does bring blessings. I love the 130 section of the Doctrine and Covenants, I believe it is verse 20. It says,"If we obtain any blessing, it is by obediance to the law upon which is predicated to us." If we want success we have to be obediant. It is literally that simple. We have commited ourselves to being 100 percent obediant, 100 percent of the time. Sometimes we make mistakes, but hey!! I'm human!! you make a mistake, repent and move on. One thing I could work on is being more diligent. Now hear me out,
Saturday we went on a 15 to 20 mile bike ride to go visit some members here in Joensuu. Ahhhhh!!! pedal, pedal, pedal, (insert gasp for air here) pedal, pedal hahahaha it was great!! It builds character... anyways the next day we had a bunch of teaches, and then we went to visit sister Peltonin another 3 mile bike ride I think haha, and then we had to come home and do our weekly planning meeting with takes 3 hours. I was so exhausted. I was dozing off like crazy. I know i'm human, and not superman (Even though people mistake me for him... which is a different story) anyways..... but I keep thinking about how the Savior kept going when he was exhausted. Given.. He is God, but i still want to work towards that. I know we have been so blessed because of working so hard, and being obediant, and I don't want to loose that.
This work is so challenging, in every aspect. Physically, Mentally, Spiritually, Emotionally. Last week we went to visit a man, who we met on the street and he is an alcoholic, we didn't teach him obviously, but we set a return appointment for yesterday. He promised us both He wouldn't drink. Yet, when we showed up, he of course had. It broke my heart. I know this gospel can help him, and he procrastinating his repentance. It really is so studpid. But we're not giving up on him. We love him, and he has so much potential.
I am learning so much out here. I really do enjoy the hard work. There is no better feeling in this world, than going to bed saying," I did my best today, I gave my all." Gosh we only get an hour here at the library!! I wish i could tell you more. But know that I love you both so much. Our family really can be together forever if we are simply obediant because we love god, and that is a good enough reason. I would invite you to study it out, and test me. In the book of Malachi, the last chapter I believe it says something like, "Prove me no herewith, and see If I will not open the windows of heaven, and pour out blessings so great you will not have room to recieve them. Gosh I miss you a lot. Sometimes I think about old times, and ya...
keep smiling,
love
Will
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