Fresh but FREEZING Finland

(YIKES - I have been such a slacker in blogging !)
Last week we were in Helsinki for some visits and training.  We were pleasantly surprised by the  "winter wonderland"  we beheld.  The city is surrounded on 3 sides by the Baltic sea (which was frozen) with beautiful shoreline and lots of boats.  We had prepared with many layers to prevent frostbite as we toured the city.

We went to their "rock church" built into a huge rock.  We actually saw a very similar one a few years ago in Sweden.  We took a warm bus tour of the city and saw the historical and interesting sights.

As beautiful as the city and snow were, the people in Finland far surpassed those wonders.  They are kind, gentle and it was wonderful to share some moments together.  We had a training meeting with a newly called couple who will supervise the 7 Center couples in Finland.  They are so anxious to offer their love and support.  We also helped at a conference for all the couples serving in the Finland Mission.  We made some interesting and fun connections with many of them.  Allan's cousin was a mission Pres. in Finland 40 years ago and some of these missionaries served under him.  And we always love visiting the Center for Young Adults and feeling of their enthusiasm.

Once again we returned home with our hearts and testimonies enlarged by the beautiful new Finnish friends we made and the experiences we had.  This mission continues to bring boundless opportunities to serve and be richly blessed in the process.