tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793521511922366122024-03-13T20:25:39.054-07:00Anne & Larry's Finnish Mission 2014-2016annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01964309332151333335noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479352151192236612.post-3992578487931172552016-03-16T08:51:00.001-07:002016-03-16T08:51:30.892-07:00Homecoming!!!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We're home!!!</span></div>
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You can tell by our smiles that we are happy to be home. Our lives have been pretty hectic the last few weeks, and will be for the next month or so as we get re-settled into our home, and visit family who live out of town. But it is all good - except for one thing! We miss our friends and young adults in Finland!!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The last picture of us with our name tags! <br />We were pretty tired after traveling for almost 24 hours, <br />but the excitement of seeing the family kept us awake and alert.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We arrived quite late in the evening, so only about half of the family was able to meet us at the airport. But it was a wonderful welcome, indeed! The little girls were very proud of the signs they made. They are now proudly displayed in the back hall of our home.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Anne with Rose.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We had several height comparisons. Our teenage grandchildren have really grown.<br />Faith is just as tall as Granma Anne! Brandon has almost caught up with me.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jackson proudly displaying his Finland flag hoody!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was blessed with hugs and kisses from these two sweethearts. Aren't the posters great!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Check out Rose's poster. Lot's of detail! The younger grandchildren have also grown. A lot of changes in 18 months.</span></td></tr>
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Our first morning home we woke up to this beautiful sunrise! We love the view from our home at any time of the day! Actually I had been awake for some time when it finally began to get light on the horizon. But after two weeks we are back on California time.<br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zwGgG-nEsfE/VufBfji_Q3I/AAAAAAAAFn8/jh9iH7kgp8ATn9hwtE54XPdfnFsEjQ06A/s1600/2016-02-27%2B06.31.24%2BSunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">The family came over for our traditional celebratory waffle breakfast! It was wonderful to sit around the kitchen table and just visit.</span><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--gQ9noAsQDo/Vul4Vseci4I/AAAAAAAAFpE/8IafQSyfToAd90sVmJYbfgg-u0vFgf-2g/s1600/2016-02-27%2B09.50%2Bbreakfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--gQ9noAsQDo/Vul4Vseci4I/AAAAAAAAFpE/8IafQSyfToAd90sVmJYbfgg-u0vFgf-2g/s640/2016-02-27%2B09.50%2Bbreakfast.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beth and I get acquainted at the breakfast table. How wonderful<br />it is to spend a little time one-on-one with my family members!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Five generations!!! Grampa Gene, Anne, Angela, Jessica, and Emma!</span></td></tr>
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Twenty of our thirty grandchildren and both of our great grandchildren!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">All the excitement (and the jet-lag) was too much for me!<br />No, I am not dead! In our family I am well known for falling asleep<br />regardless of what may be going on around me - in this case 20<br />grandchildren playing, laughing and screaming!</span></td></tr>
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On the following Saturday we were able to attend the baptism of our granddaughter, Clara. We are so grateful that she waited a few weeks so that we could be there with her on this special occasion! Afterward the family came over to our place for another round of family fun and feasting!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Clara with her parents, Ben and Emy.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Most of the family was able to attend the baptismal service. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A family get together wouldn't be complete without the world famous animal game! It has been played in Kiev, Vladivostok and Finland!!!</span></td></tr>
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Below is the view from my home office. How I have missed this view!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Riding around the farm with granaddaughter, Rose, <br />and great-grandchildren, Emma and Bennett. <br />Teaching another generation the only answer to the question, <br />"Where shall we go?" <br />"To infinity and beyond!"</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We are also enjoying getting back into regular Temple service at our home Temple. We enjoyed serving in the Helsinki Temple very much. I was able to attend our grandson, Sam's, endowment session as well as renew my service as a Temple sealer. What a great blessing the Temple has been to us and to our family! We love the Lord's House and serving there.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FQNCCflaj_Q/VufO4-vNndI/AAAAAAAAFog/vyP85oiIYG4KFLk5CFQDW1bqZqbl4r4aQ/s1600/2016-03-12%2BGirls%2527%2Btrip%2Bto%2BJackson%2BHole%2B-%2BSnowshoeing%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FQNCCflaj_Q/VufO4-vNndI/AAAAAAAAFog/vyP85oiIYG4KFLk5CFQDW1bqZqbl4r4aQ/s640/2016-03-12%2BGirls%2527%2Btrip%2Bto%2BJackson%2BHole%2B-%2BSnowshoeing%2B.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">While I was slaving away on the farm, Anne took a girls' trip with our daughter, Angie and her daughters to Jackson Hole, Wyoming!<br /><br /></span></td></tr>
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After two and a half weeks at home we are pretty well adjusted to our former routine of life on the farm and with our family. But a day doesn't go by that we don't miss our wonderful young adults and missionary/temple family in Finland and Turkey, Vietnam, Colombia, etc. We continue to be grateful for the internet and modern communications media that allow us to stay in contact with them, as we did with our family, while in Finland!</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">We will be giving our mission report at church on Sunday, March 20 at 12:30 pm at 252 North O Street, in Lincoln. We would love to have any friends or family who can make it join us. We had thought about a reception at the house afterwards, but decided to wait until our annual Easter egg hunt the following Saturday.</span></div>
Larry Brasherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02296106439806515593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479352151192236612.post-18845408860526101322016-03-07T22:18:00.000-08:002016-03-07T22:18:21.672-08:00Farewell to Finland!<br />
Our farewells began in December, as we said goodbye to our Turkish boys. We have truly come to love Eren, Gökmen, and Emre in just the few short months that we have gotten to know them. They are wonderful young men. As members of the church Eren and Gökmen will help establish a strong foundation for the church in Turkey! They are truly pioneers and we look forward to staying in touch with them - and even visit them in then next year or two!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9dvDTW-EHwI/Vr6jZfL-RzI/AAAAAAAAFdQ/YeWuf_o4l-s/s1600/2015-12-28%2B10.22.38%2BHDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9dvDTW-EHwI/Vr6jZfL-RzI/AAAAAAAAFdQ/YeWuf_o4l-s/s400/2015-12-28%2B10.22.38%2BHDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eren was the first to leave just after Christmas!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XN3TC3Ok6-o/Vr6jY1x27KI/AAAAAAAAFdI/vPOD_w6zW6k/s1600/2015-12-28%2BG%25C3%25B6kmen%2527s%2Blast%2BFHE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XN3TC3Ok6-o/Vr6jY1x27KI/AAAAAAAAFdI/vPOD_w6zW6k/s320/2015-12-28%2BG%25C3%25B6kmen%2527s%2Blast%2BFHE.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gökmen and Emre with Sisters Carter and Kwok.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JsCT7vN-j7c/Vr6jZdATpBI/AAAAAAAAFdM/vi3fE5ifCkA/s1600/2015-12-30%2BSaying%2Bgoodbye%2Bto%2BG%25C3%25B6kmen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JsCT7vN-j7c/Vr6jZdATpBI/AAAAAAAAFdM/vi3fE5ifCkA/s400/2015-12-30%2BSaying%2Bgoodbye%2Bto%2BG%25C3%25B6kmen.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the airport with Gökmen!</td></tr>
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Jean-Louis was the next to depart. He returned to France in January and has since gone on to Bogota, Colombia where he will be working for at least a year. Who knows we may get a chance to travel south and see him!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JznsWOkDQvc/Vr6kKXt3sLI/AAAAAAAAFdY/ocMHmEraBfE/s1600/2016-01-14%2BJean-Louis%2Bat%2BTemple%2Bwith%2BClaire.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JznsWOkDQvc/Vr6kKXt3sLI/AAAAAAAAFdY/ocMHmEraBfE/s640/2016-01-14%2BJean-Louis%2Bat%2BTemple%2Bwith%2BClaire.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were able to go to the Temple with Jean-Louis for the first time, the day before he left Finland.<br />
It was a wonderful experience for him and for us as well. We were joined by Claire, which always<br />
brightens any experience! Anastasia was also there.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_5Gtze5TT9g/Vr6kKkXGpsI/AAAAAAAAFdk/_zymfvfCp7w/s1600/2016-01-14%2B18.21.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_5Gtze5TT9g/Vr6kKkXGpsI/AAAAAAAAFdk/_zymfvfCp7w/s400/2016-01-14%2B18.21.10.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were able to take Anastasia, Claire and Jean-Louis for a farewell dinner<br />
after our visit to the Temple!</td></tr>
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Not a farewell, but a preview of one to come! We were able to FaceTime with our grandson, Sam, and his family as he opened his mission call. He will be going to the Spain Madrid Mission at the end of May!!! Sam will be a great missionary! We are so grateful for the technology that has enabled us to stay in touch with our family while being apart from them for the last year and a half.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uskZaJne9Ms/Vr6kK_8t7QI/AAAAAAAAFdg/RVgE7OHsuew/s1600/2016-01-22%2BSam%2Bopening%2Bmission%2Bcall%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uskZaJne9Ms/Vr6kK_8t7QI/AAAAAAAAFdg/RVgE7OHsuew/s400/2016-01-22%2BSam%2Bopening%2Bmission%2Bcall%2B2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Two of the most spiritual experiences we had while serving in Finland were the senior missionary conferences we participated in at the Mission home. We are so grateful for Pres. and Sister Watson and their inspired leadership, as well as all of the other senior missionaries with whom we were able to serve. We have renewed and made many friendships which will be cherished forever!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--2Cco0wOypg/Vs1H_L2CAaI/AAAAAAAAFfU/YE51NHLdSyM/s1600/2016-02-08%2B13.56.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--2Cco0wOypg/Vs1H_L2CAaI/AAAAAAAAFfU/YE51NHLdSyM/s640/2016-02-08%2B13.56.03.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From left to right: Sister Airto (office), Sister Peckham (office), Brashers, Melbys (office and Kuopio), Ericksons (former companion and Temple missionaries), Watsons, Sister Wade (office), Doxeys (Temple), Hunts (Joensuu), Rackers (Temple), and Smiths (office).</td></tr>
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Forty-eight years ago, I confirmed Tuula Leisti in Lahti. We were able to get reacquainted when she visited the Helsinki Temple. On her last she came with her son and daughter-in-law!<br />
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Claire Yu and Ellen Liu treated us to a wonderful home-cooked Chinese dinner. Everything was super delicious! We are hoping that they may come visit us this summer!!! Wonderfully sweet young ladies!<br />
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When I served in Tampere 47 years ago I was able to help teach Risto Lehti. Later Risto and Piirjo-Riita's daughter, Anni, came to live with us in Claifornia as an exchange student at Del Campo High School. We were able to visit them with Elder and Sister Erickson shortly before returning home. The tapestry is a traditional Finnish ryijy. We had a very pleasant visit.<br />
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Early in our mission we met Zhibai Zhang, from Harbin, China. He plays the oboe in the Kymeenlaakso Symphony Orchestra. But since he lives about an hour and a half from Helsinki, we were only able to visit with about a half dozen times over the 18 months. Just before we came home he happened to be in Helsinki and we had him, along with Claire, Ellen, Sister Carter and Sister Bruce to our home for Sunday dinner.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BHABPAJrKBo/Vtxm4mC_OjI/AAAAAAAAFiU/6M6TRxjNVds/s1600/2016-02-14%2B17.24.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BHABPAJrKBo/Vtxm4mC_OjI/AAAAAAAAFiU/6M6TRxjNVds/s640/2016-02-14%2B17.24.32.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our dinner guests - Zhibai, Claire, Ellen, Sister Carter and Sister Bruce, who is finishing her mission this week.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W1wDimv4mTs/Vtxm3xBEkOI/AAAAAAAAFiQ/fZSbAju4CAg/s1600/2016-02-14%2B16.58.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W1wDimv4mTs/Vtxm3xBEkOI/AAAAAAAAFiQ/fZSbAju4CAg/s400/2016-02-14%2B16.58.31.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were treated to our own private oboe recital. Zhibai played<br />
several pieces including two Chinese compositions that were<br />
hauntingly beautiful!</td></tr>
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At our last Family Home Evening at the institute center we were treated to a farewell party. Here we are with many of the young adults whom we have come to love so much, and whom we already greatly miss. They are wonderful!!!!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HHdJPiRCFQM/VtxnwaQO0HI/AAAAAAAAFio/aT0mWWn9vRw/s1600/2016-02-15%2B20.38.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HHdJPiRCFQM/VtxnwaQO0HI/AAAAAAAAFio/aT0mWWn9vRw/s640/2016-02-15%2B20.38.26.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zzvf8E5p_f8/VtxnwDwBzwI/AAAAAAAAFik/o5cMRzGkC44/s1600/2016-02-15%2B21.11.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zzvf8E5p_f8/VtxnwDwBzwI/AAAAAAAAFik/o5cMRzGkC44/s400/2016-02-15%2B21.11.43.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R Anastasia from Moscow, Elin from Sweden, Anni Marjanen (the YSA rep <br />
from our ward with whom we worked), Hille and Samuel (the stake YSA <br />
reps, with whom we also worked very closely).</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Heikki was met by the Elders on the street. He wasn't interested in the church, </span><span style="text-align: center;">but expressed an interest in helping us with the Finnish class for foreigners. We </span><span style="text-align: center;">grew to become good friends! Unfortunately his work in Helsinki concluded in </span><span style="text-align: center;">December and he moved back to his hometown about 4 hours from Helsinki.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">We stayed in touch via email and he surprised me by showing up to one of the</span><span style="text-align: center;">last Finnish classes we had. He spent the night in Helsinki and we had a very </span><span style="text-align: center;">pleasant lunch the next day. Heikki is deeply religious and hopefully will consider </span><span style="text-align: center;">studying with the missionaries. The good news is that he is coming back to </span><span style="text-align: center;">Helsinki in April and will continue helping with the Finnish class.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w8E8V65yAps/VtxnvWiOVdI/AAAAAAAAFic/ZhiU3htzdyI/s1600/2016-02-17%2B12.06.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w8E8V65yAps/VtxnvWiOVdI/AAAAAAAAFic/ZhiU3htzdyI/s400/2016-02-17%2B12.06.52.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Heikki, at Central, one of Anne's and my favorite restaurants.</td></tr>
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One of many highlights of my mission was teaching an English language institute class for non-Finnish speakers. In the 2014-15 term it was hit or miss, with only a few students participating. But this year, thanks to a nucleus of Eren, Gokmen, Elin and Claire it grew to where we have 9 to 12 students attending regularly, even after my Turkish boys left in December.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fKqTSjdBcLY/Vtxn2jWtWjI/AAAAAAAAFis/4k1mSIW-QLE/s1600/2016-02-17%2B19.51.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fKqTSjdBcLY/Vtxn2jWtWjI/AAAAAAAAFis/4k1mSIW-QLE/s640/2016-02-17%2B19.51.38.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L to R: Elin (Sweden), me, Linda (Bolivia and Finland), Claire (China)<br />
2nd row: Eric (an investigator from Korea), Joe (new convert from Nigeria), Jonathan (from Sierra Leone), Noel (new convert from Italy and Ivory Coast), and Hai (Viet Nam).</td></tr>
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We also had a farewell party with our Finnish class and English language institute class. We enjoyed a potluck dinner with TONS of food from all over the world! It was super delicious and a delightful evening.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BivWLrRy07I/Vtxn9EJUzLI/AAAAAAAAFi4/VxJL_Gfg6aI/s1600/2016-02-19%2B18.15.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BivWLrRy07I/Vtxn9EJUzLI/AAAAAAAAFi4/VxJL_Gfg6aI/s640/2016-02-19%2B18.15.09.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our international potluck dinner. Standing at the head of the table is Wille, who joined the church last March and will begin<br />
a mission in England in May. He and Linda participated in a mission preparation class I taught as well as helped with the Finnish for foreigners class! Linda is also planning on a mission.</td></tr>
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Following the dinner we had an impromptu talent show. I had previously asked Claire to bring her pipa, as we had never had the opportunity to hear her play. All of the other participants were volunteers on the spot!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fp_RM4k6ewA/Vtxn9HZhbII/AAAAAAAAFi0/1kGxeaWa7so/s1600/2016-02-19%2B19.32.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fp_RM4k6ewA/Vtxn9HZhbII/AAAAAAAAFi0/1kGxeaWa7so/s400/2016-02-19%2B19.32.25.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Claire played her pipa, Chinese stringed instrument. She<br />
played one of her favorite Chinese melodies which was<br />
very lovely.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mFNiXb4Vhp0/Vtxn9MkSWgI/AAAAAAAAFiw/BfjWEeHNlok/s1600/2016-02-19%2B19.35.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mFNiXb4Vhp0/Vtxn9MkSWgI/AAAAAAAAFiw/BfjWEeHNlok/s400/2016-02-19%2B19.35.17.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elin played the Swedish national anthem on her harmonica!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EQAcKJfvNhc/VtxoCGIy42I/AAAAAAAAFi8/34r2U6liUsA/s1600/2016-02-19%2B19.38.09-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EQAcKJfvNhc/VtxoCGIy42I/AAAAAAAAFi8/34r2U6liUsA/s400/2016-02-19%2B19.38.09-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samuel volunteered to lip-sync if someone would sing. So I<br />
knelt in front of him and sang the Volga Boatman in Russian.<br />
He even threw in couple of cossack dance steps to liven up<br />
the act!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vYcxhpg9POc/VtxoEQ0t0hI/AAAAAAAAFjA/hSwm0sZDIGg/s1600/2016-02-19%2B19.41.47-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vYcxhpg9POc/VtxoEQ0t0hI/AAAAAAAAFjA/hSwm0sZDIGg/s400/2016-02-19%2B19.41.47-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tracy Lipp is a very talented musician, song writer and vocal<br />
coach. He is from Los Angeles, but has lived in Finland<br />
for about 16 years. He participates in the Finnish for foreigners<br />
class, and is also studying the Book of Mormon. We hope<br />
to have him visit us this summer.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xg8DxHYzYJU/VtxoHa0XwQI/AAAAAAAAFjE/PcJWYIif1_I/s1600/2016-02-19%2B21.07.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xg8DxHYzYJU/VtxoHa0XwQI/AAAAAAAAFjE/PcJWYIif1_I/s400/2016-02-19%2B21.07.28.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hai is from Viet Nam. He has been a member for about 3 years and is quite active.<br />
He attends the Finnish class as well as the English institute class. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rpJwiTxUsWI/VtxoHZpkYgI/AAAAAAAAFjI/p6gJVEA7SUU/s1600/2016-02-21%2BUusitupas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rpJwiTxUsWI/VtxoHZpkYgI/AAAAAAAAFjI/p6gJVEA7SUU/s400/2016-02-21%2BUusitupas.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samantha and Jussi Uusitupa had us over for dinner to say goodbye. They really<br />enjoy cooking, and Samantha introduced us to summer rolls and steamboat.<br />We want to try both with our family. We will miss Jussi and Sam!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fD1TXGLkmY0/Vt5jJeCIQ9I/AAAAAAAAFkA/gk1kX8JGqJU/s1600/2016-02-24%2B18.13.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fD1TXGLkmY0/Vt5jJeCIQ9I/AAAAAAAAFkA/gk1kX8JGqJU/s400/2016-02-24%2B18.13.16.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anne (Netherlands) and Ilkka Arvio also had us over. They will be the new <br />YSA advisers for our ward, and will be excellent role models for the young people! <br />They have the sweetest daughter, Sofia!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p4sBglsfmEk/Vt5iUAFCL2I/AAAAAAAAFj0/DP3gljfxkbE/s1600/IMG_4726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p4sBglsfmEk/Vt5iUAFCL2I/AAAAAAAAFj0/DP3gljfxkbE/s640/IMG_4726.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We also were able to enjoy a dinner with Pres. and Sister Watson at Amigo's, another of our favorite restaurants. We so appreciated their love, support and guidance on our mission. We were truly blessed to have become friends with them, and look forward to renewing our association on completion of their mission!</td></tr>
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We were able to serve two mornings a week in the Helsinki Temple. At our final Family Home Evening in Finland, the Temple presidency and missionaries hosted a farewell dinner for us. They presented us with this thoughtful memento - a Finnish flag on a base made of the same granite used in construction of the Temple. We will cherish this memento of both Finland and our Temple service fondly.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kZ_tKb-n3Ls/Vt5ia5bEyUI/AAAAAAAAFj4/EH-xVEX5dA4/s1600/2016-02-22%2B19.42.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kZ_tKb-n3Ls/Vt5ia5bEyUI/AAAAAAAAFj4/EH-xVEX5dA4/s320/2016-02-22%2B19.42.20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We had one final and very special surprise farewell. Mac Ninisiri, came by to say farewell, and introduced us to Jenni, his fiance. They were married the day we left Finland. We are so happy for Mac and Jenni, and wish them well. Mac was baptized shortly after we arrived in Finland and we grew very fond of him. Unfortunately, we didn't have a great deal of contact with him for the last year or so, until this final visit, making it a very special occasion for both of us!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0sZPXht2EI/Vt5jBGxnRpI/AAAAAAAAFj8/KZ5YFvSNznI/s1600/2016-02-24%2B17.07.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0sZPXht2EI/Vt5jBGxnRpI/AAAAAAAAFj8/KZ5YFvSNznI/s640/2016-02-24%2B17.07.18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Finnish missionaries just fade away into Finnair!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O733fGz63x0/Vt5jNURjbDI/AAAAAAAAFkE/xXfBU-kj97Q/s1600/2016-02-26%2B06.54.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O733fGz63x0/Vt5jNURjbDI/AAAAAAAAFkE/xXfBU-kj97Q/s640/2016-02-26%2B06.54.08.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saying goodbye to the Watsons with Sister Peckham at the Helsinki airport!<br />Next stop - HOME!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">We will forever cherish the friendships and fellowship which we enjoyed on our mission in Finland. We have grown to love Finland, and Helsinki, as well as our many friends and associates in the Lord's service in that blessed country. A piece of our heart will always be with Finland and the Finnish saints!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">One last item. We would greatly encourage any senior couples who are able to answer the prophet's call and volunteer for missionary service. There is a real need for more senior couples to serve missions. Your experience, leadership, and example are greatly needed!</span></div>
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Larry Brasherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02296106439806515593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479352151192236612.post-12817283701828720822016-02-18T08:38:00.000-08:002016-02-18T08:38:51.729-08:00Surprise Visit!!What a wonderful surprise we had when Sister Heika Haag, with whom we worked in the Sacramento Temple came to visit for a day. We spent a wonderful day with Heika and two of her cousins, Shaye and Alana Bastion. We started the day off with a visit to the Sacramento Temple!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--CjqwKuyK4M/VsXsHHM91aI/AAAAAAAAFek/hvkCL2oywkU/s1600/2016-01-27%2Bwith%2BHeika%2Bat%2Bthe%2BTemple%2Bdoor%2B-%2Bclose%2Bup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--CjqwKuyK4M/VsXsHHM91aI/AAAAAAAAFek/hvkCL2oywkU/s640/2016-01-27%2Bwith%2BHeika%2Bat%2Bthe%2BTemple%2Bdoor%2B-%2Bclose%2Bup.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Coming out of the Temple after doing a morning session. We first became acquainted with Sister Haag while serving in the Sacramento Temple, so it was appropriate to visit the Helsinki Temple together. Like Anne and I, Heika, tries to visit local temples whenever she is traveling! </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvIXlMJZJGM/VsXvaTVF2rI/AAAAAAAAFes/TG8wJNKr3i8/s1600/2016-01-27%2B12.08.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvIXlMJZJGM/VsXvaTVF2rI/AAAAAAAAFes/TG8wJNKr3i8/s640/2016-01-27%2B12.08.29.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Anne, Heika, Alana and Shaye in front of the Temple. These ladies all have such beautiful smiles it was a delight to be with them.</div>
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Although it looks very different on the outside, inside the Helsinki Temple is very similar to Sacramento's. It has been very easy to feel right at home in this Temple. Although we have found wherever we have been around the world, we always find a warm and loving reception when we our local churches or Temples.</div>
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Not wanting to feel left out, I traded places with Shaye behind the camera. I miss Elder Manfred Schutze, who served in the Temple with us last summer. He would always make sure that my tie was straight!!<br />
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In addition to doing a little sightseeing we also stopped at the Hakaniemi kauppatori to shop for souvenirs and enjoy a hot lunch at the soup bar!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tPCJJQc_Zq0/VsXsIJL9hAI/AAAAAAAAFeg/vafY88mquD4/s1600/2016-01-27%2Bwith%2BShaye%2Band%2BAlana%2Bat%2Bthrift%2Bstore%2B-%2Bhats.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tPCJJQc_Zq0/VsXsIJL9hAI/AAAAAAAAFeg/vafY88mquD4/s640/2016-01-27%2Bwith%2BShaye%2Band%2BAlana%2Bat%2Bthrift%2Bstore%2B-%2Bhats.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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One of Anne's favorites is shopping at some of the many thrift stores. Here Shaye, Alana and I try on some hats. We had a really fun time with these young ladies. <br />
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<br />Larry Brasherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02296106439806515593noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479352151192236612.post-26596785635317854102016-02-12T19:26:00.000-08:002016-02-12T19:26:44.026-08:00Winter Wonderland<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4hZY-qiAh0/Vrz7toSvjrI/AAAAAAAAFcM/_LMXKBSdqm4/s1600/2016-01-07%2B07.52.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4hZY-qiAh0/Vrz7toSvjrI/AAAAAAAAFcM/_LMXKBSdqm4/s400/2016-01-07%2B07.52.57.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">After a dreary December with no snow and brightened only by the Christmas season, the temperature plunged in January and we had several snowstorms. Most of January was beautiful with crisp temperatures from -25 c. (-13 f.) to -5 c. (+20 f.). We actually preferred the colder weather because it kept the snow fresh and dry. It was beautiful - truly a winter wonderland as reflected in the pictures below.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hjm5c0TnVMI/Vrz7vziq0xI/AAAAAAAAFco/6on5AIuu0DM/s1600/2016-01-23%2B12.28.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hjm5c0TnVMI/Vrz7vziq0xI/AAAAAAAAFco/6on5AIuu0DM/s640/2016-01-23%2B12.28.56.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We live in an older residential area. Nearby is embassy hill, with many old homes. This is one of Anne's favorites. We enjoy walking through this area.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S70iBLLKftA/Vrz7w7-SH5I/AAAAAAAAFc0/lObK8c-kxpM/s1600/IMG_4707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S70iBLLKftA/Vrz7w7-SH5I/AAAAAAAAFc0/lObK8c-kxpM/s640/IMG_4707.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also nearby is Kaivopuisto, a lovely park. <br />In the winter time it is a favorite for outdoor activities such as <br />cross-country skiing and sledding.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nf144FsbLFM/Vrz7wGwHHSI/AAAAAAAAFcs/QLFjqs1imFQ/s1600/2016-01-23%2B12.39.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nf144FsbLFM/Vrz7wGwHHSI/AAAAAAAAFcs/QLFjqs1imFQ/s640/2016-01-23%2B12.39.06.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gJXLCk9zSiE/Vrz7t6CAWDI/AAAAAAAAFcQ/1qF-pTrnCXo/s1600/2016-01-15%2B12.32.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gJXLCk9zSiE/Vrz7t6CAWDI/AAAAAAAAFcQ/1qF-pTrnCXo/s640/2016-01-15%2B12.32.06.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The children dress in their snowsuits everyday. Outdoor walks are part of the pre-school curriculum even in the coldest of weather! These children are going for a walk through Kaivopuisto.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uoJRy9IHxWI/Vrz7wan6TRI/AAAAAAAAFcw/7oyr45St2fY/s1600/IMG_4694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uoJRy9IHxWI/Vrz7wan6TRI/AAAAAAAAFcw/7oyr45St2fY/s640/IMG_4694.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On a cold morning everything is fresh and clean. This is the yatch harbor near our apartment. In the summer it will be full of sailboats and motorboats. It is pleasant to walk along the harbor in all seasons, but it is especially beautiful in the winter with fresh snow.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TG6VZO4lxL8/Vrz7wH8b1FI/AAAAAAAAFc4/FyE1HanXV6s/s1600/IMG_4692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TG6VZO4lxL8/Vrz7wH8b1FI/AAAAAAAAFc4/FyE1HanXV6s/s640/IMG_4692.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When the weather is clear we enjoy many beautiful sunrises (at 9:30 am) and sunsets (at 3:30 pm). The days are short and there is a real temptation to hibernate!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fQewQcHar0s/Vrz7tdEQz_I/AAAAAAAAFcE/exJfHsnru4s/s1600/2016-01-04%2B%25C3%2584l%25C3%25A4koski%2527s%2Bdock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fQewQcHar0s/Vrz7tdEQz_I/AAAAAAAAFcE/exJfHsnru4s/s640/2016-01-04%2B%25C3%2584l%25C3%25A4koski%2527s%2Bdock.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The countryside also affords some beautiful scenery. This picture was taken at the home of one of the couples with whom we serve at the Temple. It is about a half hour from downtown Helsinki.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vIC_HTpvO80/Vrz7tb7rjmI/AAAAAAAAFcI/-MGg15t7hPA/s1600/2016-01-04%2BAnne%2Bon%2Bkick%2Bsled.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vIC_HTpvO80/Vrz7tb7rjmI/AAAAAAAAFcI/-MGg15t7hPA/s640/2016-01-04%2BAnne%2Bon%2Bkick%2Bsled.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These kicksleds are still common outside of the major city areas. You frequently see older<br />women on the street with a grocery bag or grandchild on the seat. We wanted to bring one<br />home, but would have to fix it with wheels for our warm California weather! On my mission<br />forty-seven years ago, we called them mumu (grandmother) sleds.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QQ2CDehoOYo/Vrz7vdnD9mI/AAAAAAAAFck/c51NqyjzAcI/s1600/2016-01-16%2B12.58.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QQ2CDehoOYo/Vrz7vdnD9mI/AAAAAAAAFck/c51NqyjzAcI/s640/2016-01-16%2B12.58.26.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the National Museum. It is one of the neatest buildings in Helsinki. After a snowstorm<br />the snow is piled quickly in squares and parks.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NW16EmrQofY/Vrz7uD7YWOI/AAAAAAAAFcU/MKte2hdlrlk/s1600/2016-01-13%2B13.25.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NW16EmrQofY/Vrz7uD7YWOI/AAAAAAAAFcU/MKte2hdlrlk/s640/2016-01-13%2B13.25.24.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Helsinki landmark, the Swedish theater at the head of Mannerheimentie, the main artery serving the downtown area. Note the snow piled on the side of the road.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-732zwaQuLbg/Vrz7uC-z89I/AAAAAAAAFcc/kgg8kJDsEvs/s1600/2016-01-16%2B12.57.44%2BHDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-732zwaQuLbg/Vrz7uC-z89I/AAAAAAAAFcc/kgg8kJDsEvs/s640/2016-01-16%2B12.57.44%2BHDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow removal is a continuous process in the winter time. Immediately after a storm the roads and walks are cleared with the snow being piled to the side. For the next several days the piles of snow are loaded into dump trucks and hauled away. It is a 24/7 process.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wiOjbmC7cCQ/Vrz7uvA6NSI/AAAAAAAAFcY/EeNcB5A6mVE/s1600/2016-01-16%2B12.57.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wiOjbmC7cCQ/Vrz7uvA6NSI/AAAAAAAAFcY/EeNcB5A6mVE/s640/2016-01-16%2B12.57.51.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Although the roads are plowed in most places the snow is also sanded and packed down providing a pretty efficient and safe "winter pavement!"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Fr3hpk1IKs/Vrz7vfCLw8I/AAAAAAAAFcg/h7PsIHlwP5I/s1600/2016-01-19%2B14.50.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Fr3hpk1IKs/Vrz7vfCLw8I/AAAAAAAAFcg/h7PsIHlwP5I/s640/2016-01-19%2B14.50.59.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We followed one of the trucks and found where they were taking the snow. The tugboat kept its engines running to keep the water moving and ice free. After the snow was dumped the back hoe would be used to push it out away from the edge to keep it from piling up. This was a continuous process with trucks pulling in, dumping and leaving in less than a minute. It was pretty interesting to watch.</td></tr>
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Larry Brasherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02296106439806515593noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479352151192236612.post-43504617762306549662015-12-23T13:48:00.003-08:002015-12-23T13:48:56.923-08:00Tis the Season<br /><br /><br /><h2 style="text-align: center;">
Merry Christmas from Finland!!</h2>
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Christmas season is a festive time in Helsinki - from Joulupukki (Santa Claus in Finland) to Christmas parades and concerts, street lights, etc. It is also customary for organizations and families to have pikkujoulut or little Christmases in the weeks leading up to Christmas. These are essentially Christmas parties where people enjoy traditional Christmas food, such as riisipuuro (rice pudding), glögi (wassel), Christmas star tortes, etc. It is a fun and joyous season.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main shopping streets, and many of the stores are decorated beautifully. Also many of the evergreen trees around the city have been lit up. The decorations on Esplanade park which include three lighted reindeer and a Christmas tree are among my favorite.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Public displays of the Nativity are not common in Helsinki, although you see them in and around churches. This is the Nativity scene at the Helsinki Temple. It is beautiful in its simplicity.</td></tr>
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Christmas Decorations</h3>
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Like our apartment, our own Christmas decorations are little more modest than at home, but the spirit is still here. Anne has done a good job of bringing Christmas into our home here in Helsinki with her decorations and cooking. We love this time of year.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anne has fallen in love with her hand made felted Nativity. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A mistletoe garland and Christmas stockings adorn the centerpiece of our living room - our family pictures. We enjoy having our family with us on our mission.</td></tr>
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A joulu tonttu or elf watches over my desk from his perch on my bookshelf. He is accompanied by a miniature straw goat. Traditional these goats and other decorations made of grain stalks were placed around outside during the Christmas season and served as beautiful bird feeders.</div>
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We even have our own little Christmas tree, which is dwarfed by the origami stars that Anne made at the Relief Society social. She is also enjoying burning her candles. We miss our fireplace and hearth. She has a candle plate that holds 6 tea lights and a larger candle in the center which she calls her "fireplace"</div>
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Anne loves rocks and has used a few of her collection (don't know how we will get them home) to build a ski hill for her felted skiers, a gift from the lady who makes the felted nativity figures. </div>
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Seurasaari Christmas Path</h3>
Seurasaari is an open air museum on a small island in Helsinki. It is a fun place to visit to get an idea of Finland as it was 100-300 years ago, with several old farm houses, outbuildings, manor houses, and even a windmill and church. It is accessible year round and is a very pleasant place for a walk, but it is staffed only in the summer, with the exception of holidays. One afternoon in the Christmas season there is a well organized event primarily for children called Christmas Path. Below are some photos of our visit to Seurasaari with some of the young adults and sister missionaries. Afterward we enjoyed hot chocolate and dinner in our apartment!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was a live Nativity at the old church on Seurasaari. The story of Christ's birth was beautiful told by these children in narrative and song.</td></tr>
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Qindao</h3>
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Claire and Ellen, two of our young adults from China, were anxious for us to enjoy a real Chinese dinner at a restaurant where they both work part time. It was unbelievably delicious. Each dish was unique in its presentation and taste. And the food kept coming. We had a wonderful time, and look forward to taking some of the other senior missionaries there for a real treat!! </div>
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From left to right - Gökmen who was baptized in October, Eren who joined the Church in Turkey in May, their friend Emre with whom we have had the pleasure of getting acquainted, Jean-Louis who was baptized this month, Noel who joined the Church last summer, Ellen, Elin (Sweden) and Claire. These young ladies are amazing in their ability to lift our spirits. They are continually working with the missionaries and encouraging others.<br />
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Odds and Ends</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Jean-Loius' baptism. He is such a kind and faithful man. He always has a smile for us!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Institute class for non-Finnish speakers - Eren, Eric who is from Pusan and will be baptized in January, Jean-Louis, Emre (with the cake), Gökmen, and Wille, who is a Finn. He has been attending my missionary preparation class and has just submitted his papers. He will have been a member of the Church for a year next March. He works a lot with the missionaries and will be a great missionary!! Seated are Nim, a visitor from England, and Elin from Sweden. When Elin heard it was Emre's birthday she made this Swedish princess cake, delicious and so thoughtful!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eren and Gökmen have been disappointed in not seeing the snow, so on a recent Saturday we took them to Nuuksio, a national park near Helsinki in search of some snow. We succeeded in only finding a small patch, which was very icy and crusted over. Nevertheless, they enjoyed sliding down the hill on their seats and superman style. They are headed back to Turkey next week. We will miss them very much, but look forward to visiting them. They have both participated in my mission preparation class and have taught priesthood meeting. They will be a real strength to their small branch in Ankara, and hope to serve missions as well.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delfina and Seismo are siblings from a member family which moved into our ward from outside of Helsinki. It is wonderful to have them in the ward. Their older brothers comprise our Aaronic priesthood in the ward. It is great to see them administering the Sacrament each Sunday. Samuel is their home teacher. He served a mission in Minnesota and is one of the stake young adult reps.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My family has often heard me talk about the Fagerlund family from Savonlinna. Mauri passed away several years ago and we miss him very much. In this picture are his wife, Tellervo, their daughter, Satu with one of her grandsons, and Harri, Mauri and Tellervo's son. The occasion was Satu's 60th birthday party. She was only 11 when I was in Savonlinna 49 years ago! Her daughter, Elina, lived with us in California as an exchange student, and another daughter, Riikka, is one of our young adults! Elina brought her family, mother and sister to visit us in California a few years ago. It has been a joy to interact with this special family again!<br /><br /><h2>
The Best Christmas Gift of All!!</h2>
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On December 19th our grandson, Taylor Bassett, married Whitney Minnick in the Salt Lake Temple!! So we have a new granddaughter!!! In this picture Whitney is being escorted by our great-granddaughter, Emma. Aren't they both gorgeous!<br />
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Sadly we missed the wedding, but were able to FaceTime with family when they came out of the Temple. We look forward to meeting Whitney in person when we return from our mission at the end of February.<br />
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<br />Larry Brasherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02296106439806515593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479352151192236612.post-15570459477485486782015-11-29T12:08:00.001-08:002015-11-29T12:08:54.320-08:00Oneaa Kiitospäivää!! Happy Thanksgiving!!Thanksgiving is not an official holiday in Finland, but that didn't mean that we missed the traditional turkey dinner - in fact we enjoyed no less than four Thanksgiving dinners in the past eight days! And all of them were delicious. <br />
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On Friday, 20 Nov we had a Thanksgiving dinner in our ward for investigators and fellowshippers. It was a lot of fun and we had a good turnout.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carving the turkey and adding the finishing touches for our ward Thanksgiving<br />dinner. Sisters Kwok and Carter, and Elder Grooms.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh boy!!! This looks good enough to eat! And it was delicious.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Thanksgiving dinner group for the Helsinki 3rd ward investigators, new members and friendshippers!</td></tr>
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<span id="goog_293460042"></span><span id="goog_293460043"></span>Saturday morning we went with the young adults to the Temple. It was the first time for Gökmen - one of my Turkish adopted sons. He was baptized in October. <br />
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On Sunday afternoon some of the senior missionaries went to the traditional Christmas opening on Senate Square in front of the big Lutheran cathedral. About an hour of entertainment preceded the official lighting of the Christmas tree and street lights in the shopping district. One number which brought some nostalgia was "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" sung in English. I even got to dance with my sweetheart, although we were the only ones to take advantage of the opportunity.<br />
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The lighting of the tree was followed by the Christmas parade. Unfortunately, due to the cold we missed the parade, but enjoyed hot chocolate and cookies in our apartment!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From left to right Anne and I, Sister Wade, Sister Racker (in back with blue scarf), Sister Peckham, Elder Racker's hat (dark blue hat behind Sister Peckham, Pres. and Sister Watson.</td></tr>
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Then on Monday, 23 Nov we had another turkey dinner with the Temple and office missionaries at the Temple guesthouse. What a wonderful group of missionaries we are able to serve with, including three who served at the same time as me 47 years ago!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fruit skewer appetizer turkey!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our dinner table with the Temple and office missionaries.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Temple and office missionary group picture.</td></tr>
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On Wednesday evening Anne prepared another Thanksgiving dinner for the YSA pre-institute dinner! They loved it - so much that there was nothing left for Anner and me!!!</div>
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On Thursday, the traditional Thanksgiving day, Anne and I went to the Temple for our regular morning shift. We got home at 3 just in time for a missionary discussion with Tilson, an investigator who we were helping the Elders teach the final discussions before his baptism on Saturday (which ended up being postponed). The there was another discussion that I had with Urs, a young man from Germany who had some questions about the Book of Mormon, and then finally a discussion with Jean-Louis, who will be baptized this coming Saturday. Jean-Louis wanted some help getting started on FamilySearch. It was fun working with him. While Jean-Louis has been preparing for baptism here in Finland, he learned that his 10 year old daughter and her mother, were also preparing for baptism in Paris!!!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jean-Louis and I working on his family history on FamilySearch. Jean-Louis is also in my Finnish class and English language institute class! He is a good man!!</td></tr>
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We were able to get up early Friday morning and FaceTime with our family in California as they enjoyed their Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday afternoon. We are so grateful for modern technology which allows us to communicate - but we still miss the hugs!!!<br />
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Finally, yesterday we went with Pres. and Sister Watson, and Sister Peckham to Kouvola, a few hours north of Helsinki, for their ward Thanksgiving dinner. What fun we had! We were able to help the local missionaries in an activity with the primary children making pilgrim hats and Indian headbands.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carved my third turkey of the Thanksgiving season!</td></tr>
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<br />It's been a wonderful Thanksgiving week. We are so blessed to have this opportunity of serving in Finland. We are thankful for our family and their goodness. ...for good friends. ...for good health and a comfortable home, and plenty to eat. We are mindful of so many who are in need and seek to do what we are able to help them. We are grateful for the church and the opportunity which it affords us to contribute to those in need with the assurance that our donations will be well applied.<div>
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Most of all we are grateful for our Heavenly Father's love, and for His Son, Jesus Christ!<br /><br /></div>
Larry Brasherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02296106439806515593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479352151192236612.post-32289727513745735702015-10-30T13:34:00.000-07:002015-10-30T13:34:22.813-07:00Finnroast 2015!!<br />
In the middle of October the Helsinki Stake YSA hosted the first annual Finnroast, an event for YSA from the Nordic countries (Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway, and Russia. The neat thing about this activity is that it was the brain child of our Stake YSA leaders and was organized and put on by them! The meals and refreshments were provided by ward and stake YSA advisers - we took our turn, but several others were involved as well. And it was a great success! There were participants from all of the Nordic countries as well as Russia, and even Turkey, China and Mexico!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kick-off event was what else - a sauna night!!! About 45 YSA participated in this activity at a local public sauna on the shore of a small lake. Many of them made repeated trips between the traditional savu sauna (literally "smoke sauna" meaning a wood fired sauna) and dips in the pool. The temperature outside was a brisk 45 degrees - warm by Finnish standards.</td></tr>
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Saturday morning began with a trip to the Helsinki Temple to do baptisms or endowments. Once again about 40 young adults participated divided about evenly between the two ordinances.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A picture of Larry with Gökmen Özturk and Eren Manis. Eren was at the Temple to do baptisms for the second time since joining the church in May in Ankara, Turkey. Gökmen, was not yet a member, although he was baptized later that day.</td></tr>
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As has become our custom, we enjoyed a lunch in the Temple guesthouse following our visit. In the picture below are members from China, Russia, Turkey and Finland!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A delicious lunch was prepared by Pertti and Kirsti Vorimo, the young adult advisors from Espoo 1 ward. We ended up feeding over 50, about twice the number we usually have.</td></tr>
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Following the Temple visit most of the young adults participate in a traditional Finnish orienteering competition. Finns love the outdoors, and orienteering is a popular hobby, as are hiking, running, and biking in nature. There are many nature paths throughout Helsinki. In this case they participated in the competition in a forest area adjacent to the Temple.<br />
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While others were participating in the orienteering event, I was able to spend a little time with Eren and Gökmen in the Temple family history center. Both of them were able to begin their family trees and will continue to extend them as they are able to gather information from their families. Afterward, Gökmen was quite excited. He said, "I always wanted to have a map of my family on my bedroom wall. And now I can!"</div>
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Then we attended Gökmen's baptism. He was baptized by his Eren. We were fortunate to join the Sisters in teaching many of the discussions to Gökmen. He has amazing faith and was diligent in studying the gospel and reading the scriptures. He and Eren will be a strength when they return to Turkey at the end of December. Both would like to serve missions. They are so much like the Turkish people we met when we visited Scott and Joy Newey on their mission in Turkey about 15 years ago. Eren and Gökmen are exceptionally considerate and thoughtful young men and they will be great missionaries!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder and Sister Brasher, with Eren Manis, Gökmen Özturk, Sister Kwok and Sister Hayter.</td></tr>
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The annual Gold and Green Ball is a very big event in Finland, with members 16 and up coming from throughout the country to participate. Planning Finnroast around the Gold and Green Ball made a lot of sense, and helped bring many from the northern part of the country that might not have made it otherwise.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The decorations for the dance were simple, but very nice. They were done by the Helsinki Stake YSA. I had the chance to blow up about a hundred of these balloons - 500 were hung from the ceiling.</td></tr>
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With special permission from the Stake Presidency, we had a special YSA fast and testimony meeting on Sunday afternoon. Anne gave a wonderful talk - "The Holy Ghost Brings All Things to Our Remembrance" emphasizing the need to treasure up knowledge of the scriptures, so that they could be brought to our remembrance. We had expected about 30-35 to attend, as many were leaving for home that afternoon. We ended up with 54 attending, several of whom bore strong testimonies.<br />
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After the testimony meeting Anne served a delicious luncheon in the institute center. Several of the YSA are shown in the pictures below enjoying the meal and visiting.<br />
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The final event of Finnroast 2015 was a night of flashlight tag at Suomenlinna an 18th century island fortress in Helsinki harbor. About 35 participated in that activity and we met them with hot cider and "funeral sandwiches" (that's what Anne calls them. If you don't know what they are, ask a Relief Society sister) in the market square when they returned from the island. They had a great time!</div>
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It was really fun to be involved in this event and see the enthusiasm of the YSA. Hopefully, this will inspire the YSA leaders to plan similar events!</div>
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We are loving our time working with these young people, the missionaries and at the Helsinki Temple, and feel the pressure of time pressing unrelentingly forward.</div>
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<br />Larry Brasherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02296106439806515593noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479352151192236612.post-10171943474055926002015-10-11T06:39:00.005-07:002015-10-11T06:39:57.362-07:00September Summary<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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September YSA Temple Day </h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">We began September with our monthly YSA Temple visit. We have come to enjoy these monthly activities very much. This four people above made this a trip to remember! Cho is from Cambodia and moved to Finland with her family several years ago. She finished a mission in Finland just before we arrived here last year. She has been living in Turku, but comes often to Helsinki, as she has family here. She will be moving to Helsinki in October, so we look forward to seeing much more of her.</span></div>
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Hua joined the church in Turku, where she was working on her doctorate degree. The week after this picture was taken she returned home to China. We are hoping that she will be able to stay in touch with the Church there. We gave her some contact information and have received one email since her arrival. Hua would like to serve a mission. We are also following her on FB.</div>
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Eren joined the church in Ankara, Turkey at the end of May. He and a friend, Gökmen (Skyman) have come to Helsinki to study for one semester. They will be returning to Turkey in December. This was Eren's first Temple experience and he enjoyed it very much! We hope to get him started on his own family history work.</div>
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Claire, joined the church about 5 years ago in Vaasa, Finland. She served a mission in San Jose and returned home to Shanghai, China in March following her mission. She has now come back to Helsinki to finish her education here. She brought her grandparents' names to the Temple, she was baptized for her grandmother and Eren was baptized for her grandfather.</div>
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Prior to the baptism I invited her to share her feelings with those present. She bore a sweet and powerful testimony about her love for her grandparents, both of whom passed away while she was serving her mission, and her love and gratitude for the Savior and His atonement. She sent me this picture to use in the blog.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.94px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">Claire with her grandmother,</span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.94px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jia Jun YU, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.94px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">and her grandfather, Ying Quan WANG.</span></td></tr>
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After the baptism and endowment session we met with the young adults in the guesthouse kitchen, where we enjoyed letut (Finnish crepes) made by the young adult advisers from Espoo 1 ward, Pertti and Kirsti Vorimo. They are awesome!!!</div>
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Below are Eren Manis and Gökmen Özturk (white tee shirt). Eren was baptized in Ankara, Turkey in May and the two of them just showed up in church at the end of August. They are both wonderful young men, and have participated in many of our young adult activities. We have also had the opportunity to teach Gökmen with the sister missionaries. He will be baptized this Saturday!!! It is wonderful to see his faith and desire to learn about the gospel.</div>
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Just before the Temple maintenance closure the<br />
presidency had a farewell dinner for two of the departing Temple missionary couples, Manfred and Helga Shutze, and Richard & Sandy Merrill.<br />
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They also invited the new presidency, who will be starting in November. The picture to the right is of the new presidency and below are the Schutzes (she is in green and he has a suit on) and Merrills (she is in pink and he is to her left). <br />
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Our friends Elder Jorg and Yulia Klebingat paid a visit to Helsinki in September. He is in the Europe East Area presidency in Moscow and they brought the mission presidents to the Temple here following their training meetings in Tallin, Estonia. Elder Klebingat was kind enough to speak at a fireside for our young adults. It was a wonderful opportunity for our young people!! And for us!! We are flanked by the Merrills.<br />
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Fall has come to Helsinki. We quite a bit of rain the last half of September, but it brought some beautiful sunsets. This photo from in front of our apartment doesn't begin to do justice to the sunset. October has started out much cooler - right at freezing every morning. If this keeps up it will be a much different winter than last year!</div>
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Larry Brasherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02296106439806515593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479352151192236612.post-51719787806487516022015-09-30T02:35:00.000-07:002015-09-30T02:35:53.401-07:00Billion Graves in Mikkeli<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Last Saturday, we traveled to Mikkeli where we spent the afternoon with the young adults from branch. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">This is a remarkable group of young adults - of 12 on the rolls 2 are currently serving missions, and all but one of the rest attend church. Seven of them were able to join us on this activity. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">We started the afternoon at the chapel where we explained the Billion Graves website and its purpose, and made sure that everyone had the app downloaded on their phones. Then we went to a nearby cemetery, Rouhialan hautausmaa, where we proceeded to photograph headstones.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our group from left to right - Top row: Binh Le, from Vietnam; Taru and Essi; Eeni-Riia, an RM who served in Greece; Wille; Esa-Matti, RM who served in Sweden; and Mikko. Wille and Mikko are currently in the army and are planning to serve missions when they finish their service next summer.</td></tr>
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In a little over an hour we had taken 651 images of headstones. Once the transcriptions are complete I expect that they will include over a 1000 individuals, as many of the headstones identify multiple family members. Many of the ones that were difficult to read we transcribed as best we could on our phones while we had the headstone to look at. The rest we uploaded for later transcription.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Esa-Matti helps Enni-Riia get a good picture<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Essi and her sister, Taru, both got into taking the images.<br />
The next day they were talking about transcribing them on<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Binh Le had just moved back to Vietnam, when we arrived here a year ago. I was able to make<br />
contact with him on FB and via email, and put him in touch with the missionaries in<br />
Sarasota, Florida where he was going to study as an exchange student. He returned to Finland this<br />
summer. This was the first time we were able to meet in person.</td></tr>
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After returning from the cemetery we all built our own pizzas on crusts that Sister Brasher had previously par-baked, and enjoyed dinner together. The following day some of them were talking about transcribing some of the images, so I expect that they will follow through. The branch president also suggested that they may try to get some of the youth involved as well to go back and continue where we left off.</div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Before the weather turns we hope to get some of the other YSA groups involved in similar projects.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jCkDlHML5K4/VgujgY0G_JI/AAAAAAAAFJQ/ZqbE33-pfqo/s1600/2015-09-26%2B15.56.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jCkDlHML5K4/VgujgY0G_JI/AAAAAAAAFJQ/ZqbE33-pfqo/s320/2015-09-26%2B15.56.34.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wille is getting it just the way he wants it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g7sf2u3eYUg/Vgujg16fj0I/AAAAAAAAFJk/4rKBdU8qKDo/s1600/2015-09-26%2B15.57.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g7sf2u3eYUg/Vgujg16fj0I/AAAAAAAAFJk/4rKBdU8qKDo/s640/2015-09-26%2B15.57.52.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taru, Esa-Matti, Mikko, and Wille add the finishing touches to three of the pizzas! After this picture I was too busy eating<br />to take any more pictures!</td></tr>
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Larry Brasherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02296106439806515593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479352151192236612.post-9494431934307484782015-08-23T09:46:00.000-07:002015-08-23T09:46:27.674-07:00Festinord!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ps8BC0xBIVE/Vdnc26FyneI/AAAAAAAAEtk/UWP3OZVBVqs/s1600/Festinord%2Blogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ps8BC0xBIVE/Vdnc26FyneI/AAAAAAAAEtk/UWP3OZVBVqs/s640/Festinord%2Blogo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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One of the highlights of our summer was a week spent at Festinord in Randers, Denmark. Festinord is an annual YSA conference specifically for the Scandinavian countries, although participants come from all over Europe and beyond. This year there were over 720 participants, including over 100 from Finland. We were kept quite busy supervising games, serving meals, setting up and taking down tables, participating in service projects,<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ur8hsbha-Kw/VdDZADzBQMI/AAAAAAAAEqc/Cft18PZrsjc/s1600/2015-07-26%2B19.13.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ur8hsbha-Kw/VdDZADzBQMI/AAAAAAAAEqc/Cft18PZrsjc/s400/2015-07-26%2B19.13.02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is Sister Hänninen, who served in the Roseville Mission. Her last area was in Ben and Emy's ward. Our grandchildren love Sister Hänninen, and so we had to post this picture. It was taken in Turku, where two busloads of YSA from all over Finland met on the first leg of our trip to Randers. It took over 24 hours in all, and although the bus wasn't that comfortable, it wasn't as bad as it sounds. The overnight portion was on the ferry from Turku to Stockholm and we had a very comfortable cabin.<br />
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On our bus we were entertained by the Tuisku brothers, Pertti and PJ, who hosted a Radio Festinord program over the buses public address. Between songs they presented very creative and entertaining monologues and conducted interviews. Anne was one of the featured interviewees. The most entertaining was Markus Metsäranta, who posed as an expert on Festinord dating and match-ups. He spoke of the goal of finding a life mate and coached the young men on how best to approach the task at hand. He informed us of the appropriate age range a young man might consider - no more than six years. The most valuable piece of information he shared from his vast repetoire of experience was the best "Festinord pick up line" It is simple but effective as it works in all 4 Nordic languages -"Hei!" ("Hi!" in English),<br />
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In addition to workshops there were plenty of activities, just a few of which are pictured here.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DpUclBQHvNE/VdnmMcilNwI/AAAAAAAAEuY/KLoS4eZbBGs/s1600/canoeing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DpUclBQHvNE/VdnmMcilNwI/AAAAAAAAEuY/KLoS4eZbBGs/s400/canoeing.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canoeing was an option that a few chose.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gW1bDM9Sv9w/VdDZAX96AyI/AAAAAAAAErg/7-vQn13nw3Q/s1600/2015-07-29%2B11.37.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gW1bDM9Sv9w/VdDZAX96AyI/AAAAAAAAErg/7-vQn13nw3Q/s640/2015-07-29%2B11.37.56.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is not a human statue! Markus was trying to put on his socks and cleats without losing his balance. One of the young ladies offered assistance by steadying him with a hand on his forehead, and it just escalated from there. He did manage to get ready in time to join the game. Our Finnish boys looked pretty good on the field and won their first game impressively, but failed to bring home a medal.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bEMZMpPPZG0/VdnmOQDfyKI/AAAAAAAAEuc/12meLesMuig/s1600/sumo%2Bwrestling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bEMZMpPPZG0/VdnmOQDfyKI/AAAAAAAAEuc/12meLesMuig/s640/sumo%2Bwrestling.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the more lively activities included sumo wrestling, as well as bubble ball soccer and human foosball (sorry no pictures). They looked like a lot of fun, and something I really would have gotten into in my younger days.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EKOGbUc5EU4/VdDZAYrcJEI/AAAAAAAAEqY/orVlOP0FN3I/s1600/2015-07-30%2B10.27.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EKOGbUc5EU4/VdDZAYrcJEI/AAAAAAAAEqY/orVlOP0FN3I/s640/2015-07-30%2B10.27.42.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thursday morning following the devotional everyone put on their Mormon Helping Hands vests and we descended on the community. There were twenty or more different sites to which we were dispatched. It was quite appreciated in the community and received a lot of positive coverage by the press.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8QzQEL1-jlc/VdDZBQbIA_I/AAAAAAAAEqs/Ydw7D9_8Rek/s1600/2015-07-30%2B12.55.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8QzQEL1-jlc/VdDZBQbIA_I/AAAAAAAAEqs/Ydw7D9_8Rek/s400/2015-07-30%2B12.55.44.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not everything went as planned. Our small group arrived at a nursing home, where<br />
no one had any idea we were coming. They couldn't think of any service we could do. <br />
Checking in with the organizers we were told to wait at this bus stop, to be taken<br />
to another site. We enjoyed some Danish pastries while we were waiting!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bN6vux9Zs5g/VdDZByUWxAI/AAAAAAAAEqw/BUVKxL1zuCc/s1600/2015-07-30%2B14.46.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bN6vux9Zs5g/VdDZByUWxAI/AAAAAAAAEqw/BUVKxL1zuCc/s640/2015-07-30%2B14.46.45.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We ended up at the Randers municipal maintenance facility painting (in this picture) highway barricades.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kOdIAZpYXWA/VdDZCDv4XtI/AAAAAAAAEq0/RjWddjKZwP0/s1600/2015-07-30%2B14.49.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kOdIAZpYXWA/VdDZCDv4XtI/AAAAAAAAEq0/RjWddjKZwP0/s400/2015-07-30%2B14.49.00.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Others painted a new awning...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xzumVge93O0/VdnmLSLmaZI/AAAAAAAAEuA/KYwmaevIj10/s1600/Maarit%2BKumpulainen%2Bpainting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xzumVge93O0/VdnmLSLmaZI/AAAAAAAAEuA/KYwmaevIj10/s320/Maarit%2BKumpulainen%2Bpainting.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...or the interior of the offices.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W7z_UarUs7Y/VdnmLDmbpkI/AAAAAAAAEt0/b3QqGEAdfy0/s1600/Helping%2BHands%2Bat%2Bthe%2BRanders%2Bmunicipal%2Bmaintenance%2Bfacility.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W7z_UarUs7Y/VdnmLDmbpkI/AAAAAAAAEt0/b3QqGEAdfy0/s640/Helping%2BHands%2Bat%2Bthe%2BRanders%2Bmunicipal%2Bmaintenance%2Bfacility.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After our assigned tasks were complete the director gathered us all together for a picture for their newsletter and to express his appreciation for our service. Anne and I are in the back row on the left. We're the ones with the yellow vests on.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iRu_Y2jSDVw/VdnmLMNfyEI/AAAAAAAAEt8/MC0-jUVSwms/s1600/Lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iRu_Y2jSDVw/VdnmLMNfyEI/AAAAAAAAEt8/MC0-jUVSwms/s640/Lunch.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our responsibilities was to serve meals. Lunch and breakfast were the easiest - dinner was somewhat more work. It was good to greet our YSA as they came through the line. </td></tr>
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Oh goodie, DANCES!!! Anyone who knows me well is aware of how much I enjoy chaperoning youth and young adult dances. Somehow I survived - actually by pretty much avoiding the dances.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lGOjad3sYsU/VdnmK3MGsCI/AAAAAAAAEt4/jkJqkR0p8qc/s1600/Blue%2BHawaii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lGOjad3sYsU/VdnmK3MGsCI/AAAAAAAAEt4/jkJqkR0p8qc/s320/Blue%2BHawaii.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Hawaii was the theme of the first night's dance.<br />
We missed that one altogether, but heard that the<br />
decorations were amazing and included a near life-size whale!</td></tr>
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The theme for the second dance was Bedouin night. The decor was really pretty gate with awnings spread around the perimeter of the dance floor. Carpets and pillows were place under the awnings. Many of the YSA came dressed in character in some very creative costumes.<br />
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The final evening the theme was New York! New York! We spent the day setting up tables and chairs for the dinner. I walked over 20,000 paces taking a dolly of 12 chairs to each table. Then we served a delicious dinner - cold smoked salmon appetizer, roast beef or chicken, salad, potatoes. We actually got to eat before everyone else, and it was quite delicious.<br />
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Just a couple of our YSA, with their dates. It is surprising the number of young married couples who say that they met their spouse at Festinord!<br />
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After partying for a week with very little or no sleep, you can imagine the bus trip back. There was not near the excitement and anticipation on the return trip as there was at the beginning of the week.</div>
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We got home from Festinord in time to host Ben and Emy for a few days. These are a couple of pictures from Seurasaari, a living history museum in Helsinki.<br />
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We also were able to celebrate Grampa Gene's 90th birthday over FaceTime, speaking with many family members and friends, as well as with Geno. This picture is of Gene with Tom and Emily's children. We are so blessed to have Tom and Cheryl, as well as our own children and grandchildren, and Terry Buys who are so loving and caring to Gene. Without them, it wouldn't be possible for us to serve this mission.<br />
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<br />Larry Brasherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02296106439806515593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479352151192236612.post-26208772721919926862015-05-30T12:16:00.000-07:002015-05-30T12:16:55.627-07:00May Day!! May Day!!<h3>
Vappu - May Day</h3>
Vappu or May day is one of the biggest holidays in Finland, celebrating the beginning of spring and the end of the school year (although there is still a month of school left) and is also the Finnish Labor Day! Read more about <a href="http://whatsupfinland.org/english/vappu-the-finnish-walpurgis-night/">Vappu</a>!<br />
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The celebration begins the night before - April 30 with rather riotous celebrations in public squares, parks and private parties. We had our own Vappu eve party with the YSA at the institute center in Helsinki. <br />
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The next day celebrating continues with picnicking and playing in the public parks. We had a YSA picnic in Kaivopuisto (conveniently close to our apartment), which was densely packed with revelers from throughout Helsinki. Contrary to what we had been lead to believe the celebrations were orderly and even family oriented in many instances. Below are some pictures of the celebration in Kaivopuisto.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7EtINUNkvPw/VWV0c8ZV49I/AAAAAAAAEU8/cyRxCIvS1Js/s1600/2015-05-01%2BElina%2BBj%25C3%25B6rn%2Bin%2BKaivopuisto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7EtINUNkvPw/VWV0c8ZV49I/AAAAAAAAEU8/cyRxCIvS1Js/s400/2015-05-01%2BElina%2BBj%25C3%25B6rn%2Bin%2BKaivopuisto.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elina is one of our YSA. She has a bubbly personality and is always fun to be around! <br />Notice the yellow jumpsuit in the background on the right. Many college students <br />wear these beginning a few days before the end of April. More about them later.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was even a brass band with some of the performers on top of an antique fire truck. The white caps are given to students who matriculate from high school. They would relate to the mortar board that we all wore at our high school graduation. They are quite treasured and people of all ages will wear them at the Vappu celebrations.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This crowd extends all the way down the hill and onto the flat below. Different groups had tables or tents set up, where they gathered throughout the day.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In addition to the white caps some people wore interesting costumes as this gentlemen in top hat and tails.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-63Qu3nunGVs/VWV0fNOE-TI/AAAAAAAAEVc/04oJLqLd1yw/s1600/2015-05-01%2BVappu%2Bin%2BKaivopuisto%2B-%2Bcrowd%2B01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-63Qu3nunGVs/VWV0fNOE-TI/AAAAAAAAEVc/04oJLqLd1yw/s640/2015-05-01%2BVappu%2Bin%2BKaivopuisto%2B-%2Bcrowd%2B01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the bottom left of this picture you can see some of the jump suits that are worn by college students - each college and department has its own color scheme. As they participate in events throughout the year they will collect patches and put them on their overalls. This was the only time we have seen people wearing these overalls, although they probably wear them to events + sporting events, concerts, etc. throughout the year.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was a very formally dressed group near the top of the hill. We saw many groups<br />and individuals with open bottles of champagne and crystal goblets. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was even some dancing, although not many people<br />participated.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EC1htf7m-S8/VWV0hHZYOsI/AAAAAAAAEVw/QOgQ-xFZ6gc/s1600/2015-05-01%2BVappu%2Bin%2BKaivopuisto%2B-%2Bplayground.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EC1htf7m-S8/VWV0hHZYOsI/AAAAAAAAEVw/QOgQ-xFZ6gc/s640/2015-05-01%2BVappu%2Bin%2BKaivopuisto%2B-%2Bplayground.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaviopuisto has a really neat playground. We have made several contacts here on our walks in the park.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0JEi_jssUSs/VWV0hTDpLNI/AAAAAAAAEWM/iqPH-uYUa5M/s1600/2015-05-01%2BVappu%2Bpicnic%2B-%2BEva-Maria%2BH%25C3%25A4nninen%252C%2BJuha%2BKoponen%252C%2BNiklas%2BAntonen%252C%2BJenna%2Bfrom%2BOulu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0JEi_jssUSs/VWV0hTDpLNI/AAAAAAAAEWM/iqPH-uYUa5M/s400/2015-05-01%2BVappu%2Bpicnic%2B-%2BEva-Maria%2BH%25C3%25A4nninen%252C%2BJuha%2BKoponen%252C%2BNiklas%2BAntonen%252C%2BJenna%2Bfrom%2BOulu.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of our YSA enjoying the picnic.</td></tr>
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<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Other Signs of Spring</h3>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bce94QmDat4/VWV0cwolKbI/AAAAAAAAEVM/VIIUZ6Hd3Z8/s1600/2015-05-01%2BSamuel%2BAlhovuori%2Band%2BP%25C3%25A4ivi%2BVaarola%2Bin%2BKaivopuisto%2B-%2Bday%2Bbefore%2Btheir%2BTemple%2Bmarriage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bce94QmDat4/VWV0cwolKbI/AAAAAAAAEVM/VIIUZ6Hd3Z8/s400/2015-05-01%2BSamuel%2BAlhovuori%2Band%2BP%25C3%25A4ivi%2BVaarola%2Bin%2BKaivopuisto%2B-%2Bday%2Bbefore%2Btheir%2BTemple%2Bmarriage.jpg" width="225" /></a>It's springtime and so we have had several marriages among the YSA. Samuel and Päivi were married in the Helsinki Temple the day after our Vappu celebration. They both returned from missions while we have been here, and were actually engaged before they left on their missions. Happily, no "Dear John" or "Dear Jane" for either of them! They are a lovely couple<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X-IfKpHxUKw/VWV0c6mRQ3I/AAAAAAAAEVA/_KoW34txKH8/s1600/2015-05-01%2BRasmus%2Band%2BAri%2B-%2Bengagement%2Bpost%2Bon%2BFB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X-IfKpHxUKw/VWV0c6mRQ3I/AAAAAAAAEVA/_KoW34txKH8/s320/2015-05-01%2BRasmus%2Band%2BAri%2B-%2Bengagement%2Bpost%2Bon%2BFB.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Arianna and Rasmus announced their engagement on Vappu. Arianna is from West Virginia. She has been working as an au pair, and Rasmus recently returned from his mission in England. They will be married in the Helsinki Temple in August.</div>
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Larry Brasherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02296106439806515593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479352151192236612.post-39711997950695727332015-05-02T03:35:00.000-07:002015-05-02T06:35:06.183-07:00Lapland Safari<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q20Oj7414cU/VTfvjNSk0zI/AAAAAAAAD-U/4sIjMS0Mysg/s1600/Lapland%2BMap.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q20Oj7414cU/VTfvjNSk0zI/AAAAAAAAD-U/4sIjMS0Mysg/s1600/Lapland%2BMap.gif" height="400" width="275" /></a>We were excited to have John and Julie's family come visit during spring break. Jarom and Christina Hughes and their children traveled with them. We got permission from Pres. Watson to travel to Lapland with them, and had a wonderful adventure together!<br />
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This map shows where we were in Finland. We flew from Helsinki to Ivalo, which is about 235 miles north of the Arctic Circle, and almost 700 miles from Helsinki.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uvGIz5Y7nWY/VUR3cj7ZeBI/AAAAAAAAEKo/yfKZFK8rCoo/s1600/2015-03-31%2Bairport%2Bin%2BIvalo%2Bwith%2BJohn%2Band%2BJulie%2Bfamily.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uvGIz5Y7nWY/VUR3cj7ZeBI/AAAAAAAAEKo/yfKZFK8rCoo/s1600/2015-03-31%2Bairport%2Bin%2BIvalo%2Bwith%2BJohn%2Band%2BJulie%2Bfamily.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nathan, Brooke, Larry, Joey, Anne, Sam, John and Julie at the Ivalo airport.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anne and I stayed in this traditional Finnish house. It had<br />
a central fireplace which heated both of the main rooms.<br />
A modern sauna had been attached to the side, and proved<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZD9CgIFfTLM/VTfvVGflYTI/AAAAAAAAD7c/mPOSlYjwjx8/s1600/2015-03-31%2BAnne%2Bin%2Brocking%2Bchair.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZD9CgIFfTLM/VTfvVGflYTI/AAAAAAAAD7c/mPOSlYjwjx8/s1600/2015-03-31%2BAnne%2Bin%2Brocking%2Bchair.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anne relaxing by the fireplace in our bedroom. The rocker was very comfortable, as was the whole cabin.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AZwfljjPOgo/VTfvVREFE5I/AAAAAAAAD7I/Hz76_lp9krw/s1600/2015-03-31%2BAnne%2Bwith%2BAarmi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IU0i1SRhIi8/VTfvj1t5buI/AAAAAAAAD-k/fIFe1ZBjPms/s1600/photo%2B(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IU0i1SRhIi8/VTfvj1t5buI/AAAAAAAAD-k/fIFe1ZBjPms/s1600/photo%2B%281%29.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>John and Julie's family and the Hughes stayed in two newer cabins, which were quite comfortable. They also rented a glass igloo and took turns spending the night in it. We had hoped that one night would be clear and that we would have a chance to see the norther lights. Unfortunately it was overcast while we were there so we didn't get to see the stars or northern lights. The igloo experience might have been better on a clear night. </div>
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Our first night there we visited a reindeer farm. This is Armi with Anne. They are pulling a sled with some lichen on it. Lichen makes up most of the reindeer's winter forage.<br />
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The teepee in the back is a temporary kota or shelter. In this case it is used to store the lichen that they feed the reindeer. Kotas can be covered with canvas, reindeer hides or poles and pine boughs. They also have a long house type wooden kota, that is a more permanent structure. You can view different images at<br />
<a href="https://www.google.fi/search?q=Sami+kota&es_sm=93&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=NJlEVcbmMYS6sQHTzICYAQ&ved=0CDAQsAQ&biw=1282&bih=667">Sami kota images.</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nathan is feeding the reindeer lichen. The reindeer are similar to Alaskan caribou, but are quite a bit smaller. We went on a reindeer sled ride one night hoping to catch a glimpse of the norther lights, but it was overcast. It was a nice peaceful ride.</td></tr>
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This is the large permanent kota at Joiku Kotsamo. Timo and Armi are the owners. Armi is at the front door welcoming us to come in and enjoy a traditional Sami meal. The Sami are the indigenous people of Lapland. <br />
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Our dinner started with reindeer soup. The main course was plank roasted salmon. The center of the kota was the fireplace and the salmon was pegged to a plank and then hung upright around the fire. It was delicious!!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Armi cutting the salmon on the planks. We were delighted to be able to go<br />
back for seconds! Some of the best salmon I have ever eaten!!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our hostesses in different types of traditional Sami dress, which is very colorful. The different shades of blue on the borders designate different home villages or towns.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anne and I at the dinner table. Our grandchildren are smiling in the background.</td></tr>
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<br />On our second day in Lapland we went ice fishing. We rode snowmobiles for about 45 minutes to a lake that was frozen over. We had to clear away the snow and then drill through about 3 feet of ice in order to go fishing. The augers were razor sharp and made pretty short work of it. After drilling three holes, however, I was ready to give someone else a turn. <div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before we could fish we had to bore a hole through three feet of ice. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice fishing! Each person is at a hole in the ice jigging a lure and bait up and down. We were told repeatedly by our guide that they had never been skunked before. Unfortunately, there is always a first time for everything. They won't be able to say that anymore!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joey the fisherman!!!<br />
It was amazing how patient the kids were. Some continued<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is our whole group all dressed up for the snowmobile ride back to Saariselkä.</td></tr>
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Another exciting adventure we had was dog sledding! It was probably the funnest thing that we did.<br />
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This Anne and Kathryn Hughes getting ready to mush their way out. <br />
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After a quick instruction course, which lasted about 5 minutes and included instructions on slowing, braking and turning we headed out. It was pretty exhilarating! <br />
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My poor dogs had a lot of weight to pull, but it was a lot of fun. I think I probably lost 3 or 4 pounds in the 2 hours we were sledding. On hills we would get off and run behind the sleigh (which I only tried once), or push with one leg to help the dogs. When I got off to run with them, they really took off and almost pulled me off my feet.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here we are with John and Julie's family and two of our trustee dogs.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a beautiful day!! Halfway through our sledding trip we stopped at this kota for a snack of hot juice and cookies.</td></tr>
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Inside the kota.</div>
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When we got back to Helsinki we took the ferry out to Suomenlinna, a fortified island at the entrance to Helsinki's harbor. The kids had a lot of fun playing on the old walls, cannons, in the tunnels and dungeons, etc. Suomenlinna is a world heritage site and is a must see for anyone visiting Helsinki.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Brashers and Hughes kids hamming it up on one of the cannons.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">23 March 2015 Senior Missionaries serving in the Finland Helsinki Mission, including the Temple and office missionaries.</td></tr>
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In March we participated in a senior missionary conference with all of the senior missionaries serving in Finland. It was wonderful to get better acquainted with those serving outside of Helsinki and spend time with all of those participating. We met in the mission home, and started in the morning with a brief business meeting, and then in turn each shared information about ourselves and our connection to Finland. Several of the missionaries are native Finns or have served missions in Finland previously, or are married to someone who has served as a mission here. The only exceptions are the Schuetzes about whom I will write a bit later.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sisters prepared a delicious lunch and dinner for us!</td></tr>
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After a delicious lunch we had an excellent and motivating discussion about missionary work here in Finland and taking advantage of the opportunities we have. Some of the highlights:<br />
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Our Duty is to Extend an Invitation</h4>
President Watson shared the conversion story of a sister in Vaasa. The sisters had met her on the street and invited her to learn about Christ. She very abruptly and curtly rejected them. A week and a half later they were surprised to see her in church on Sunday. The Elders had met her on the street the day before and invited her to come to church. She was baptized three weeks later.<br />
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She explained later that she was feeling very badly about the way she had treated the sisters, and so when the Elders extended an invitation, she felt compelled to accept it! Even a rejected invitation may be preparing a person to eventually accept the gospel. That lesson is so important for all of us, because we do receive more negative than positive responses. <br />
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It is important for us all to remember that everyone has their agency and we cannot force anyone to accept the gospel. But we are in complete control of whether or not we extend an invitation. <b>The only failure in missionary work, is the failure to extend an invitation!</b><br />
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The Lord is Moving His Work Forward</h4>
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Here in Finland and throughout Europe many of the new converts are not native to the natioin where they join the church. There are many from China, Vietnam and recently Nepal, as well as from Africa. Even ten years ago in Kiev and Vladivostok we were aware of many Chinese who joined the church. Many of these people will return to their native countries and will eventually form the foundation for the church when missionary work is allowed to proceed there.<br />
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Elder Schuetze shared the following experience. During the 1980's the East German government welcomed many guest workers from Mozambique into East Germany. Some of them were taught the gospel, baptized, given the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood, and nourished in the faith, even thjough a few of the local members were critical of this effort. Then abruptly the government changed its policy and these workers were deported. There was an attitude of "I told you so." among some of the church members.<br />
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However, in 1999 when Mozambique was opened to missionary work, these converts from East Germany played a key role. They had returned home and remained faithful. They had taught family members and friends the gospel and baptized new members. The Lord was preparing the way. <br />
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These faithful members contacted thee Area Presidency in Johannesburg and requested for church materials for Mozambique. The area leaders checked with Salt Lake and learned that there were no known members in Mozambique. A month or two later, the Area Presidency received another letter from the members in Mozambique asking where their supplies where. So a representative was sent from South Africa to Mozambique to see what was going on. <br />
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Upon arriving in Mozambique the church representative was impressed to be picked up at the airport by men in white shirts and ties. As they headed to the meeting place - a large bowery with roof and no sides - he was amazed to see the street lined with adults and children in Sunday dress, singing church hymns. These workers had returned home and shared the gospel with their family and friends. Some where ordained elders and baptisms had been performed.<br />
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And He continues to do so by bringing His sons and daughters to the gospel, when they cannot currently receive it at home.<br />
Anne and I, as well as other missionaries here in Finland, are making a special effort to assist these non-Finnish members in assimilating into the church.<br />
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Meet the Mormons</h4>
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In the evening after dinner, we were able to watch "Meet the Mormons," the full-length movie that most if not all of you have already seen. We were excited to learn that the Helsinki Stake in conjunction with the mission is planning to rent a theater for 1 or 2 days to show the movie to members and non-members alike. This will be a great missionary opportunity! We loved the movie and are excited to share it with our YSA and other contacts we have made in Finland. The movie will also be shown in other areas of Finland.<br />
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We returned home grateful for the opportunity to be engaged in this wonderful work and associate with such wonderful people. We are particularly grateful for Pres. and Sister Watson and their dedicated leadership.</div>
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Larry Brasherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02296106439806515593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479352151192236612.post-14675166615320257852015-03-15T13:00:00.001-07:002015-04-17T04:01:29.148-07:00Mustelma - Bruise<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We drove with Sana-Maria from Helsinki to Lahti (B) where we picked up Ella;<br />then on to Oulu (C) where the event was held: On Sunday we stopped for church in<br />Kajaani (D) on the way home.</td></tr>
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A couple of weeks ago we drove with two young adult sisters to an annual YSA event in Oulu (see map on the right). The event is called Mustelma or Bruise. There is a dance on Friday evening, workshops and winter games on Saturday, and a dance Saturday evening. Not sure where the name comes from - perhaps the snow games on Saturday. This year there wasn't enough snow for outdoor games, so they played some inside games - but I'm sure a few people were bruised in some of the more active games.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6EGGpEbJxZA/VQXehVSZRNI/AAAAAAAADzU/VM-EWf7kltA/s1600/2015-02-22%2Bfarm%2Bhouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6EGGpEbJxZA/VQXehVSZRNI/AAAAAAAADzU/VM-EWf7kltA/s1600/2015-02-22%2Bfarm%2Bhouse.JPG" height="356" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a typical winter scene in the country - a red house tucked away in the trees, gray sky, white snow. It is beautiful! Unfortunately my photography doesn't do it justice.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hrq-bTsM0TY/VQXc72YaoTI/AAAAAAAADyQ/eD96arN7JYw/s1600/Mustelma%2B05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hrq-bTsM0TY/VQXc72YaoTI/AAAAAAAADyQ/eD96arN7JYw/s1600/Mustelma%2B05.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saturday lunch included grillattu makkaraa (roasted hot dogs), although most<br />
people chose the build your own sandwiches inside.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-53tE_4GdJFs/VQXc765r8AI/AAAAAAAADyU/nKamPdq4g5c/s1600/Mustelma%2B02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-53tE_4GdJFs/VQXc765r8AI/AAAAAAAADyU/nKamPdq4g5c/s1600/Mustelma%2B02.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The event was held in a school, with those staying overnight sleeping on the floors in the halls and classrooms. Here they are playing Wizards, Gnomes and Bears. It's kind of like rock-paper-scissors. Each team huddles and decides what they will be. Then the teams face each other and on the count of three make the sign for the agreed upon character - Wizards beat Bears, Bears beat Gnomes, and Gnomes beat Wizards. Depending on your character you either chase and capture the opposing team members, or run to safety at the end of the gym. It was a lively game and I'm sure there were a few bruises!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunday morning we went to church in Kajaani. We also started a<br />
photo collection of these road signs. Each community has its own<br />
crest. We collected about 20 of them on the way home.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZK-FTdeFwy0/VQXdYFJuNqI/AAAAAAAADys/Nt81Zzv9AIU/s1600/2015-02-22%2Bchurch%2Bin%2BKajaani%2B-%2BElla%2BLapinsuo%2B%26%2BSanna%2BUusitupa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZK-FTdeFwy0/VQXdYFJuNqI/AAAAAAAADys/Nt81Zzv9AIU/s1600/2015-02-22%2Bchurch%2Bin%2BKajaani%2B-%2BElla%2BLapinsuo%2B%26%2BSanna%2BUusitupa.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here we are with Ella and Sanna-Maria, our two traveling companions. This is after church in Kajaani. The branch here is fairly small and they were happy to welcome us. They meet in a rent hall, that is very nice. I had the opportunity of chatting in Russian with one of the Elders' investigators.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As we drove around the south harbor in Helsinki, just a few blocks from our apartment we saw this beautiful scene. The sky had been overcast for most of our trip, and cleared up just as we came into Helsinki.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7XZMXKMLiLg/VQXdXg9GxQI/AAAAAAAADyk/1qlA_EVoZTg/s1600/2015-02-07%2BYSA%2Bdinner%2B-%2BPatrik%2BTiits%2C%2BHille%2BLapinsuo%2C%2BYogesh%2BChapagain.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7XZMXKMLiLg/VQXdXg9GxQI/AAAAAAAADyk/1qlA_EVoZTg/s1600/2015-02-07%2BYSA%2Bdinner%2B-%2BPatrik%2BTiits%2C%2BHille%2BLapinsuo%2C%2BYogesh%2BChapagain.JPG" height="500" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few of our young adults - one of the smaller groups we had for dinner. The young man next to Anne was just baptized a few hours previous. And the other two joined us to celebrate with dinner. He is Nepalese and is amazing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AQegHsqMMgM/VQXdYkmOEDI/AAAAAAAADy4/ImRTcHwoUWM/s1600/IMG_0522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AQegHsqMMgM/VQXdYkmOEDI/AAAAAAAADy4/ImRTcHwoUWM/s1600/IMG_0522.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We finished up the month with another young adult dinner. The couple on the left are Maria and Fredrik malsten - she is Finnish and he is Swedish. He served a mission in Vladivostok, and so we have a few things in common. <span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Mirelle</span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> and </span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Helianna</span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">, the other two young ladies are sisters, and the young men are their boyfriends, Jonne and Stuart.</span></td></tr>
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We continue to love our mission and our association with these remarkable young people. The gospel is true and is wonderful to see how it blesses their lives and adds purpose to what they do. As much as we love them, we also look forward to the opportunities to FaceTime with our family at home. It's almost like being with them!Larry Brasherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02296106439806515593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479352151192236612.post-90552457370153468072015-03-08T12:46:00.002-07:002015-04-17T04:22:10.869-07:00Valentine's weekend road trip to Lappeenranta, Savonlinna, Kuopio, and Mikkeli<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cwCdxwjT2Hc/VP15D-W7TpI/AAAAAAAADwU/ykqQSCs5U-k/s1600/Kuopio%2BTrip%2BMap%2B13-15%2BFeb%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cwCdxwjT2Hc/VP15D-W7TpI/AAAAAAAADwU/ykqQSCs5U-k/s1600/Kuopio%2BTrip%2BMap%2B13-15%2BFeb%2B2015.jpg" height="232" width="320" /></a>Over the Valentine's day weekend we took a road trip to deliver a car to Elder and Sister Melby in Kuopio. We also made a loop to visit some of our YSA. It was a fun and productive trip. You can see the map of our trip in the right side bar. We started in Helsinki (A), then drove to Lappeenranta (B) where we had lunch with one of our YSA reps. We went on to Savonlinna (C) where we spent the night. On Saturday we drove to Kuopio (D) and traded vehicles with the Melby's. We stayed that night in Mikkeli (E) where we attended church, and then had lunch in Mäntyharju (F) before heading home.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VmuN5SRR2qI/VPyZdBtk4fI/AAAAAAAADuk/dmaXpQb8PKw/s1600/DSCF1239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VmuN5SRR2qI/VPyZdBtk4fI/AAAAAAAADuk/dmaXpQb8PKw/s1600/DSCF1239.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Friday morning was a little below freezing and all of the birch trees were covered with hoar frost.<br />
Because of the gray sky it is difficult to appreciate the beauty of this winter scene.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lyi2O5R2JjM/VPyZdZGC9XI/AAAAAAAADuo/VRXsZZ0NHH4/s1600/DSCF1245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lyi2O5R2JjM/VPyZdZGC9XI/AAAAAAAADuo/VRXsZZ0NHH4/s1600/DSCF1245.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">We stopped in Lappeenranta, which is in southeast Finland, near the Russian border.<br />
There we had lunch with Maria, the YSA rep for the branch there. We had a<br />
wonderful visit getting acquainted with her and learning about the 15 YSA in<br />
Lappeenranta. She is wonderful and dedicated to serving the Lord and her<br />
fellow YSA in Lappeenranta.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-epJsMJhLPyc/VPyZdMkxq_I/AAAAAAAADus/ZewwG97c7Gw/s1600/DSCF1272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-epJsMJhLPyc/VPyZdMkxq_I/AAAAAAAADus/ZewwG97c7Gw/s1600/DSCF1272.JPG" height="492" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">This is Olavinlinna in Savonlinna, for which I have always had fond memories since my service there 45 years ago. In the background is Olavinlinna - Olav's fortress or castle. In the summer there is an opera festival in the castle. We are going to try to attend one of the operas, if we can work it into our schedule.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fh3WvfE5ZCY/VPyZd7I1iAI/AAAAAAAADuw/PNjjMJ8a4yw/s1600/DSCF1279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fh3WvfE5ZCY/VPyZd7I1iAI/AAAAAAAADuw/PNjjMJ8a4yw/s1600/DSCF1279.JPG" height="278" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">There are a lot of these cameras along the highways in central Finland. Some of the Elders<br />
say that they don't work, but I got caught speeding. The speed limits change frequently and<br />
they are different in the winter than in the summer. Our GPS shows the speed limit, but I think<br />
that it must be the summer limit. Don't know what the damage will be yet.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9HJrYaNDOJA/VPyZeU56KOI/AAAAAAAADu4/_htXENptIaE/s1600/DSCF1291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9HJrYaNDOJA/VPyZeU56KOI/AAAAAAAADu4/_htXENptIaE/s1600/DSCF1291.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">After attending church in Mikkeli, we went to the branch president's home in<br />
Mäntyharju for dinner. He suggested we check out the snow sculptures there on<br />
our way to his house. This was in the first group we saw - a playground of snow<br />
sculptures. There were six sculptures of this size, each with a stairway up the<br />
back and a slide down the side or through the middle. Lots of families were there,<br />
and the children really enjoyed themselves.<br />
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In addition to these there were two other groups of sculptures of a more artistic nature.<br />
They were very creative and artfully done!</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lCtYYYQKqpA/VPyZe8lCQ1I/AAAAAAAADvA/kmIQd4bPRHc/s1600/DSCF1323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lCtYYYQKqpA/VPyZe8lCQ1I/AAAAAAAADvA/kmIQd4bPRHc/s1600/DSCF1323.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">This is the Multamäki home. The small mother-in-law home to the left is where<br />
Sister Multamäki lives. We posted a picture of her in one of our previous blogs. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OqtUJj1TY3Q/VPyZfVwdQyI/AAAAAAAADvQ/7WkxlwFjutc/s1600/DSCF1334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OqtUJj1TY3Q/VPyZfVwdQyI/AAAAAAAADvQ/7WkxlwFjutc/s1600/DSCF1334.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px; text-align: center;">This is the Multamäki family. They are wonderful!!! We enjoyed a very delicious dinner and the warm hospitality of the family. Anja Multamäki, on the left was the branch President's wife in Savonlinna, when I served there as a young missionary. Her son, Lauri, was only 1 at that time. Now he is the branch president in Mikkeli, and is providing wonderful leadership to the branch, just as his father did in Savonlinna, so many years ago. </td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7nOTplFYTI4/VPyZe_X2oaI/AAAAAAAADvI/dYxT3dWfJZ8/s1600/DSCF1327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7nOTplFYTI4/VPyZe_X2oaI/AAAAAAAADvI/dYxT3dWfJZ8/s1600/DSCF1327.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">This hexagonal shaped building houses a grilli or barbecue. After learning about<br />
this one, we began to notice many more in the yards of country homes as we<br />
traveled around the country.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-huXG0eZmI5o/VPyZfiYf99I/AAAAAAAADvU/B6Qz7T3hSCg/s1600/DSCF1339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-huXG0eZmI5o/VPyZfiYf99I/AAAAAAAADvU/B6Qz7T3hSCg/s1600/DSCF1339.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">While we were visiting, their oldest son started the fire and showed us the inside.<br />
They grill hot dogs and makkara (horse collar sausages). With the weather outside below<br />
freezing it was quite comfortable in the grilli shed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VBqsgqVO0uk/VPyZgMKZ6MI/AAAAAAAADvc/z2li9Cu2qi4/s1600/DSCF1350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VBqsgqVO0uk/VPyZgMKZ6MI/AAAAAAAADvc/z2li9Cu2qi4/s1600/DSCF1350.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">As we left Mikkeli, the weather cleared up and we were treated to a beautiful sunset! We arrived home safely after traveling about 950 kilometers or 600 miles. It was a leisurely trip, with several stops along the way to photograph the beautiful scenery and visit with new and old friends!</td></tr>
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We love serving in this beautiful country. But even more we love the people with whom we are able to serve, especially the young single adults and our fellow missionaries.<br />
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We love you all and appreciate your emails and prayers. Some have commented that it is cumbersome to add comments to this blog. Our email addresses are annebrasher@gmail.com and larryfbrasher@gmail.com.</div>
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Coming up in future posts: <br />
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Our trip to Mustelma (Bruises) and YSA activity in Oulu in northwest Finland.</div>
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A luau in Finland - our ward party.</div>
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Plus many more exciting adventures.</div>
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Larry Brasherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02296106439806515593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479352151192236612.post-23481202266648815262015-02-02T07:34:00.001-08:002015-02-02T07:34:14.410-08:00Kutsuttu Palvelemaan - Called to Serve<br />
We have told you how wonderful the YSA we work with are. This board was inspired by something we did several years ago at a family reunion and our Christmas Gift from Tom and Emily. It shows many of our current YSA. On the map are the pictures of those currently serving as full-time missionaries. Around the outside edge of the map are those who have served and on either side are pictures of other of our YSA - our member missionaries. We still have many pictures to add - a half dozen or so who are currently serving and about 2 dozen or more who have served. Then we have a lot of active YSA for whom we still need pictures.<br />
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As missionaries return they bring a renewed energy and strength into the group. <br />
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The Europe East Area Presidency has adopted the following goals for all members in 2015:<br />
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<li>Bring a Friend </li>
<li>Become Spiritually and Temporally Self-reliant</li>
<li>Take an Ancestor to the Temple</li>
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We are trying to focus the attention of our YSA on these goals as we reach out to those who are less active or are searching to find themselves.</div>
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<b>Note about the content of this blog.</b> We are actively engaged in missionary work, teaching, fellowshipping, seeking, etc. Our primary assignment is with the YSA members, but we have ample opportunity to be involved in more traditional missionary work. Because of the privacy laws in Finland we have been asked not to post names and pictures of individuals - particularly those who are not members of the church. For that reason this blog may seem more like a travelogue than a missionary journal. For those who are interested in a more detailed account of our missionary experiences we have begun a weekly family letter that discusses it in more detail. If you would be interested in receiving this letter, just let us know by sending us an email or entering a comment on the blog below.</div>
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One of the frustrating things about writing a blog is the lack of feedback. We would love to hear any comments or questions you might have. Again, just send an email or add a comment at the end of any of our blog posts.</div>
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Among the many great things we get to do each week is participate in missionary district meetings. We are serving with awesome missionaries and they never fail to lift our spirits and inspire us to better service. There are four districts in the greater Helsinki and we rotate our attendance between them, as well as occasionally attending one of the outlying district meetings. We are also able to enlist their aid in working with YSA that need extra support. They are wonderful.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neitstytpolku District: Elders Suorsa and Ryan, Smith and Anderson, Stephenson and McMaster; and Sisters Thayne and Richards.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cZivw93tG8I/VM-Ec5HTgKI/AAAAAAAADkc/B9nQvf6Q65g/s1600/2015-01-31%2Bon%2Bthe%2Btram%2B-%2BAnne%2Band%2BLarry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cZivw93tG8I/VM-Ec5HTgKI/AAAAAAAADkc/B9nQvf6Q65g/s1600/2015-01-31%2Bon%2Bthe%2Btram%2B-%2BAnne%2Band%2BLarry.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HVlCMrGGi3g/VM-DWf1k1_I/AAAAAAAADjs/9KWM9J2bTsk/s1600/2015-01-26%2BAnne's%2BShop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HVlCMrGGi3g/VM-DWf1k1_I/AAAAAAAADjs/9KWM9J2bTsk/s1600/2015-01-26%2BAnne's%2BShop.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
We are fortunate to have a car, and do most of our traveling that way. However, Helsinki has a wonderful public transit system and parking in the center is very expensive. We have a tram stop right out our front door and find it very convenient for trips downtown.<br />
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Another advantage of taking the tram is that it affords and opportunity to talk with people. Right after this picture was taken, I was approached by a young man who wanted to know if I knew Elder so and so. I didn't but we had an opportunity to visit and I invited him to participate in some of our YSA activities. He seemed quite excited about the opportunity. I learned that he had just moved to our area and lives just around the corner and across the street from our chapel.<br />
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I met another young man who has been working with one of our YSA for a few months now. I asked if he had talked with our YSA about the church and when he responded "No" I asked if he would be interested in meeting with the missionaries and learning morning. He responded positively and we are working with the missionaries to set up a teaching appointment. Putting on a missionary badge somehow gives us the courage to ask those questions. I wonder how many opportunities that I have missed by my reluctance to simply ask. If anyone reading this blog would like to know more about our message please let me know! Who do you know to whom you can extend an invitation to learn more about Christ?<br />
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On one of our excursions we found this souvenir shop. Naturally we had to take this picture. Anne is not a common name here - it is more Scandinavian than Finnish. Anna or Annu are more typical Finnish spellings.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DPZHs7nU8r4/VM-EbDJxo1I/AAAAAAAADj8/NEAI-7vzx1g/s1600/2015-01-26%2BTemppeliaukio%2B9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DPZHs7nU8r4/VM-EbDJxo1I/AAAAAAAADj8/NEAI-7vzx1g/s1600/2015-01-26%2BTemppeliaukio%2B9.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>This shop is just across the street from a church that has become somewhat of a tourist attraction. It is called the Rock Church, although its proper name translates as Temple Square! It is cut down into the surrounding rock and is quite beautiful. We wondered about the acoustics and hope to attend a concert there sometime.<br />
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Once a week, usually on Saturdays, we try to visit a cultural site and learn more about Finland and our community. Last Saturday we went with the Melbys, from West Virginia, and the Smiths from North Salt Lake to the natural history museum. The Melbys have been helping in the office for the last couple of months and will be going to Kuopio this week. We have really become attached to them and are sorry to see them go. The Smiths are completing their service as temple missionaries and returning home this week. We have enjoyed working with them very much and will miss that association as well.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vXLzla0fQ64/VM-EbETK2cI/AAAAAAAADkA/Twb0_py7uag/s1600/2015-01-31%2BKampi%2Bchurch%2Bchapel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vXLzla0fQ64/VM-EbETK2cI/AAAAAAAADkA/Twb0_py7uag/s1600/2015-01-31%2BKampi%2Bchurch%2Bchapel.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>In the background of the picture above is the Kampi Kirkko. Kampi is a commercial district. This small church is located in the square in front of the Kampi shopping mall. It has no windows except for some skylights. The small chapel offers prayer service each weekday morning and evening, as well as a peaceful spot for prayer and meditation amidst the bustle of the commercial activity and traffic outside. It is very beautiful in its simplicity!</div>
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The Helsinki Natural History Museum is one of the best museums of its kind that I have visited. The collection of displays from antiquity and from around the world is very well presented. It is small enough that it can be visited in a few hours and laid out in an orderly and methodical pattern.<br />
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The taxidermy work and displays are among the most natural and lifelike that I can recall seeing. And like the Finnish nature it is not without its whimsy - which is best demonstrated by the giraffes enjoying a coffee break on the balcony. We spent a very enjoyable afternoon with our missionary friends and then went to dinner in one of the excellent restaurants which seem to be everywhere in Helsinki.<br />
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<br />Larry Brasherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02296106439806515593noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479352151192236612.post-89052845431744030542015-01-18T12:10:00.001-08:002015-01-18T12:10:59.650-08:00Lucky ShoesA Finnish holiday tradition that dates back to the 1700's pouring tin. Each participant melts his or her own lucky horseshoe and then pours the molten tin into a bucket of cold water. The shape or the resulting item is then analyzed to determine what the future holds for the person.<br />
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At the first family home evening of the year we decided to participate in this activity, even though it is traditionally a New Year's Eve activity. We had three visiting YSA from Moscow, who came to the temple for the week and also participated in various activities with the Finnish YSA.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sasha (on the left) is not sure what to think of her pouring, which ominously looks like a striking cobra! Masha is happier with hers, although I'm not sure what it reflects. These were two of our visitors from Moscow.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elina got a tiara, which definitely promises good things for the coming year.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kari's pistol would get him expelled from kindergarten in the U.S. particularly if he used it to attach another student. Hopefully, this is a symbol of security and protection, and not an omen of other things to come.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marianne's pouring was one of the most interesting. From this angle it looks like a fish, when held upright like a mushroom, and still different things from other angles. Looks like it will be a productive year for her.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't remember whose this is, but he will likely be traveling to Venice this year, as this "gondola" promises. Perhaps he will stop by on the way to the dedication of the temple in Rome. Sometimes the pourings are interpreted by holding them up to a candle or light and then looking at the various shapes of the shadows.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samu's pouring is also interesting. Is it the Greek letter gamma, or carpenter's square signifying a construction project.</td></tr>
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All in all this was a fun project. In addition we created a 2015 bucket list of things we wanted to do this year. Everyone shared a few of the items on their bucket list. Happily, many included more frequent temple attendance among other things.<br />
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We also started an English institute class which Anne and I will teach, if we can get students to attend regularly. There are about 20 of our YSA that don't speak Finnish fluently and so do not usually attend institute. We are hoping to help get them more involved by offering this class. We were planning to start the second week in January, but our Russian sisters wanted to come so we held the first one a week early.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From left to right: Sash, from Moscow; Kim an investigator; Naomi, from Argentina - she has Russian grandparents and has been doing family history in Russia over the holidays; Lucy, from the Philippines, works evenings and so may not be able to attend regularly; Masha, another of our Russian guests; and Pontus, who just returned from a mission in Japan.</td></tr>
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<br />Larry Brasherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02296106439806515593noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479352151192236612.post-40859193158567171272015-01-01T06:54:00.001-08:002015-01-01T06:54:57.232-08:00Happy New Year's 2015New Year's Eve is one of the liveliest holidays of the year in Finland. Fireworks, which are generally banned in Finland, are allowed from 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM on New Years Eve/morning. And they are not like the fireworks that we can purchase in California. There are lots of rockets with star bursts, a few cherry bombs, and roman candles, but almost no smaller firecrackers or fountains. <br />
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I was with a companionship on a teach early in the evening. We had a great discussion with Beatrice and her friend, Theresa. Both are from Kenya and are Christian. We taught them about prophets, and moved on to telling about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. Beatrice agreed to read the Book of Mormon every day until our next visit and to pray about it. She offered the closing praryer to our meeting. Towards the end of our meeting, almost at 6:00 pm on the dot there was a loud explosion and flash next to the apartment. The fireworks had begun!<br />
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Later that evening, Anne and I went for a walk down by the park and embassy row. There was one father and son setting off star burst rockets over the harbor and several more in the park. We saw a couple of drunks, but they were the only ones obviously inebriated we saw all evening. At 11:30 we went over toward the main harbor and kauppatori. But the crowd and traffic was so heavy that we decided to observe things from a distance. It was quite a show, and I'm sure more spectacular in senattitori, which is in front of the main Lutheran cathedral.<br />
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From 9:00 pm on it sounded like a battle was raging all over the city with booms and flashes. It continued pretty well non-stop, with a slight crescendo at midnight, and then tapered off at about 12:30. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I liked this view of the main harbor area. The ferris wheel is not park of an amusement park. We haven't tried it yet - waiting for some of our family or friends to come visit.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This video captures the fireworks at the stroke of twelve on New Year's Eve. It was really about this intense from 9:30 on until about 12:30. All kinds of fireworks are for sale, but they are only allowed to be set off between 6 pm and 2:00 am on New Year's Eve. It was similar to Vladivostok on New Years! Thousands of people, including many families gathered to watch the fireworks at the kauppatori and senattitori, but people were setting them off all over the city, including in front of our apartment.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We went for a walk on New Year's Eve and thought the ice and rocks made an interesting picture. Whereever you see a rock face in the winter time there will be these kinds of ice falls. In warmer weather the water just trickles or drips down the rock face.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The night was fairly clear and this shot of the moon and rock ice seemed interesting.</td></tr>
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<br />Larry Brasherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02296106439806515593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479352151192236612.post-63312804888411832152014-12-31T13:19:00.002-08:002014-12-31T13:19:49.141-08:00A Finnish ChristmasThere are a lot of traditions associated with Christmas in Finland. In this post you'll get acquainted with several of them. In Helsinki there is the traditional Christmas parade and street lighting that we showed on an earlier post.<br />
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Dec. 6 is Finnish Independence Day. On that night it has been tradition to light two candles in each window in memory of those who have died defending Finland's independence.. It is quite an impressive sight to see several buildings together with candles in every window. The tradition is not as generally followed now as it was when I was in Finland 45 years ago. These days most apartments will have something - a large star light or a 7 candle Christmas tree seem to be quite popular - in at least one window. There are a lot of dark windows, however. The lights will stay on display until New Year's Day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many office buildings still display two lit candles in each window<br />from Independence Day until New Year's Day.</td></tr>
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Christmas Eve is the center of the Christmas celebration in Finland. There are several Christmas traditions that are generally observed: The celebration either begins or ends with a visit to the cemetery. Lit candles are left on the graves of family members. We drove by this cemetery at mid-day and there were quite a few people in it. We stopped by at 9:00 pm and there were still a number of people in the cemetery, with more arriving as we left.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sOqDmkJU1g0/VKRIb8A4XDI/AAAAAAAADQk/0htGf5t0YB0/s1600/DSCF1021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sOqDmkJU1g0/VKRIb8A4XDI/AAAAAAAADQk/0htGf5t0YB0/s1600/DSCF1021.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Row upon row of candles is an impressive display hearts turned to the fathers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lAneqG_SbMs/VKO0UlfhU-I/AAAAAAAADOQ/p0dawD9XsIw/s1600/2014-12-24%2BFelin%2Bchildren%2B-%2Bour%2Bhosts%2Bfor%2BChristmas%2BEve%2Bdinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lAneqG_SbMs/VKO0UlfhU-I/AAAAAAAADOQ/p0dawD9XsIw/s1600/2014-12-24%2BFelin%2Bchildren%2B-%2Bour%2Bhosts%2Bfor%2BChristmas%2BEve%2Bdinner.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are the children of Isto and Elina Felin. They are Juda,<br />Riki, Iris, and ??? They haven\t chosen a name for the baby yet.<br />We got to spend Christmas Eve with the Felin family, and enjoy<br />these sweet children.</td></tr>
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The Christmas tree is a part of the Finnish celebration. Traditionally it was brought home and decorated on Christmas Eve, although many homes decorate the tree from a few days to a week or more before the holiday.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yBO4lQ5GFiw/VKO0VWGjbJI/AAAAAAAADOY/_1yP30pxxzg/s1600/DSCF0963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yBO4lQ5GFiw/VKO0VWGjbJI/AAAAAAAADOY/_1yP30pxxzg/s1600/DSCF0963.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Felin's tree is on their back deck, where<br />it is visible from the living room, but will stay<br />fresher.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PbLp_QfXi5g/VKO0VdDx31I/AAAAAAAADOU/UNaK3tSuVOY/s1600/DSCF0964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PbLp_QfXi5g/VKO0VdDx31I/AAAAAAAADOU/UNaK3tSuVOY/s1600/DSCF0964.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joulupukki or Christmas goat, is the Finnish<br />Santa Claus. He is an old man, and comes<br />with gifts on Christmas Eve.</td></tr>
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The sauna (pronounced sowna, not sawna) is clearly identified with Finland. Almost everyone visits the sauna at least once a week and many go three or more times a week. Almost every private home has a sauna and many apartments have their own saunas. If that is not the case then each apartment building will have one or more saunas. In the Felin's apartment building there are two saunas. Normally each apartment will have its own sauna turn each week. But on Christmas Eve the saunas were open from noon to six for anyone to use - one for women and the other for men. Our celebration began with a visit to the sauna.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_RONyohLT0M/VKO0V-hhqmI/AAAAAAAADO0/JPOhTcXeM_I/s1600/DSCF0975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_RONyohLT0M/VKO0V-hhqmI/AAAAAAAADO0/JPOhTcXeM_I/s1600/DSCF0975.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After our sauna I was really relaaaaxed, as this picture shows.<br /></td></tr>
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A Finish Christmas Eve dinner will usually include some graved lox or smoked salmon, a baked ham, carrot and rutabaga casseroles, a mushroom cream salad. Our dinner was in two courses. These pictures show the first course, after which we were so full that we barely made a dent on the second course. Anne and I skipped the dessert course, which gives you an idea of how full I was.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We enjoyed this delcisious green salad, smoked salmon, graved (spiced) lox,<br />and salmon sashimi.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mfH6HZwiZJY/VKO0XtBgfSI/AAAAAAAADO4/8M560Tmt2o4/s1600/DSCF0982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mfH6HZwiZJY/VKO0XtBgfSI/AAAAAAAADO4/8M560Tmt2o4/s1600/DSCF0982.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was also salmon sushi roll, this very attractive vegetable salad,<br />and regular lox.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7d12PsAcF_8/VKO0YBi3fuI/AAAAAAAADPA/Fe1-FE3wSZg/s1600/DSCF0983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7d12PsAcF_8/VKO0YBi3fuI/AAAAAAAADPA/Fe1-FE3wSZg/s1600/DSCF0983.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We even had salmon caviar!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moose meat added to the delicadies we enjoyed.</td></tr>
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I didn't even get pictures of the second course, but you can get a good idea from the first course about how delicious and extensive it was.<br />
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We also missed the dessert course which included riisi puuro, Christmas star pastries, and Anne's chocolate silk pie (not part of the traditional Finnish celebration).<br />
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After dinner the family joined in singing Christmas songs and in putting on a nativity, similar to what we do at home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZD5vyY6G680/VKO0ZCvY6xI/AAAAAAAADPU/Vm_hWdPoV9U/s1600/DSCF1002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZD5vyY6G680/VKO0ZCvY6xI/AAAAAAAADPU/Vm_hWdPoV9U/s1600/DSCF1002.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juda was the angel, Iris was Mary and Riki was Joseph.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
In the traditional Finnish celebration Joulupukki comes on Christmas Eve while the children are still awake and passes out the gifts. We left shortly after Joulupukki's visit and I don't know how Isto and Elina ever got the children to go to bed. It was a lot of fun and reminded us of our own family at home.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IUm94FjCjRI/VKO0ZqhzQGI/AAAAAAAADPY/G3oHrhFfm3s/s1600/DSCF1010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IUm94FjCjRI/VKO0ZqhzQGI/AAAAAAAADPY/G3oHrhFfm3s/s1600/DSCF1010.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joulupukki pays a visit to the children!</td></tr>
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As mentioned we stopped by the cemetery on the way home and then got to bed at about 10:00. We got up at 4:00 AM so we could FaceTime with our family in California who had gathered at our home for Christmas Eve dinner. We also got to Facetime with our Idaho and Texas families later in the day.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V-0TMNS9YjE/VKO0bxzmTxI/AAAAAAAADP0/bX2l-INlels/s1600/Nativity%2Bat%2Bhome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V-0TMNS9YjE/VKO0bxzmTxI/AAAAAAAADP0/bX2l-INlels/s1600/Nativity%2Bat%2Bhome.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the nativity scene we saw on FaceTime with some of our grandchildren.</td></tr>
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All in all it was a wonderful Christmas for us here in Finland. On Christmas Day we had two of the sister missionaries over for dinner with a non-member friend, two of our young adults (one from Estonia and one from Viet Nam), and a recent convert. The sisters were able to Skype home while the rest of us played some games.<br />
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We hoped that you all enjoyed as happy a Christmas as we did.<br />
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<br />Larry Brasherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02296106439806515593noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479352151192236612.post-74752460467460707422014-12-24T00:13:00.000-08:002014-12-24T00:13:44.602-08:00Merry Christmas from Finland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hyvää Joulua</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">С Рождеством Христа</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Merry Christmas</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nativity at the Helsinki Finland Temple</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">May our Savior's love and peace abide in your life at Christmas and throughout the coming year!</span></div>
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As we reflect on the blessings of the past year and look forward to the future we are so grateful for Jesus Christ and His redeeming love. Because of Him we have the promise of eternal family companionship. We are so grateful for our family - for the kindness and goodness; for their love and support; for their example to us. Before leaving for our mission we were able to gather together for this family photo.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3qoZWzichBU/VJpz_8fe28I/AAAAAAAADN0/l0s__Q9crFo/s1600/2014-09%2BFamily%2BPicture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3qoZWzichBU/VJpz_8fe28I/AAAAAAAADN0/l0s__Q9crFo/s1600/2014-09%2BFamily%2BPicture.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anne and Larry Brasher Family <br />with Tom and Cheryl Hansen Family (Anne's brother)<br />Tom and Emily (top left), Peter and Summer (below T&E), Grampa Gene, Anne and Larry, Amelia, John and Julie (below Amy), Matt and Jamie (right of Amy), Mark and Angie (right top), and Ben and Emy (in front of Mark and Angie).</td></tr>
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Of course we miss our family, but know that we are where we should be as we serve on this mission. Our lives are full and we love Finland and the members of the church and others we work with here. It is a joy to be in the Lord's service, particularly at this season.</div>
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<br />Larry Brasherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02296106439806515593noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479352151192236612.post-55436919391524747672014-12-20T16:26:00.001-08:002014-12-20T16:26:20.396-08:00High Noon in Helsinki<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dec. 20 Sunrise at 9:24 and sunset at 3:15. </div>
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But that's not the whole story. Even at noon the sun is very low on the horizon. Hibernation doesn't seem like a bad alternative lifestyle!</div>
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We've been blessed with some relatively clear days and are happy to get whatever sun we can. We did buy a "happy light" which is supposed to give some benefit, but I'm personally a little skeptical.</div>
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Above all we feel blessed to be in Finland, and find new meaning to the hymn "He is my Light." What a boost it is to our spirits to associate with these young missionaries and with the young adult members here! There smiles and enthusiasm brighten every day!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is as high in the sky as the sun got on a recent clear day. Even at noon it feels like sunset.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EdTivpBmpFA/VJYRTYEBKCI/AAAAAAAADLQ/LFGZBboL_JM/s1600/DSCF0941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EdTivpBmpFA/VJYRTYEBKCI/AAAAAAAADLQ/LFGZBboL_JM/s1600/DSCF0941.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a few hours later the sun is already sinking into the horizon.</td></tr>
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<br />Larry Brasherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02296106439806515593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479352151192236612.post-85200197228066228732014-12-20T14:48:00.000-08:002014-12-20T14:48:01.375-08:00Santa Claus is coming to Helsinki!<br />
The Christmas season is in full swing in Helsinki. It was kicked off a few weeks ago with the coming of Santa Claus in a traditional Christmas parade. The stores and shops are lit up and decorated and the main streets are lit up to brighten the season for Christmas shoppers!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">Last week was the Christmas parade in Helsinki. It began in the square in front of Helsinki's main Lutheran cathedral, with a few brief speeches including one in Finnish and English by Santa Claus. The square was filled with families. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After a few introductory remarks the Christmas tree in front of the cathedral was lit and the parade began.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The parade was fun and interesting. It included fire trucks and various groups, and of course Santa Claus. Two of the more interesting were groups of dogs and their owners. In both cases the dogs and their owners were donned in red capes as seen in this picture. The other group included about twenty bassett hounds (unfortunately that picture didn't turn out).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d9Nle_LN7wg/VH_qRSsM0ZI/AAAAAAAADHQ/ozOPnJQrfPc/s1600/IMG_2787.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d9Nle_LN7wg/VH_qRSsM0ZI/AAAAAAAADHQ/ozOPnJQrfPc/s1600/IMG_2787.jpeg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crowd was so dense that it was difficult for little children to see. This boys mother was very willing and appreciative to accept my offer of this seat to her little boy. Because it gets dark so early here almost everyone wears reflectors similar to the one on this boys glove.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aleksanterinkatu is the main shopping street. It is closed to traffic except for the trams.</td></tr>
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<span id="goog_2018445537"></span><span id="goog_2018445538"></span><br />Larry Brasherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02296106439806515593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479352151192236612.post-41483391125452731342014-11-16T09:44:00.002-08:002014-11-16T09:44:37.766-08:00Home Again in the Helsinki Temple!!!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1dvrh8B_ZSY/VGjZ7go6SMI/AAAAAAAADB4/K2oDVPqy89A/s1600/2014-09-12%2BHelsinki%2BTemple%2Bdoor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1dvrh8B_ZSY/VGjZ7go6SMI/AAAAAAAADB4/K2oDVPqy89A/s1600/2014-09-12%2BHelsinki%2BTemple%2Bdoor.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder and Sister Brasher at the front door of the Helsinki Temple</td></tr>
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The exciting news of the week is that we were called and set apart this week as ordinance workers in the Helsinki Temple! It was an emotional experience for both of us - We love the temple! Brother Marjanen, the 2nd counselor in the temple presidency set us apart. I'm not being disrespectful when I refer to him as Brother - in Finland the title President is reserved for leaders of countries only. The one exception in the church is the prophet who is referred to as President Monson. Here are a few pictures of the Helsinki Temple. It is a little smaller than the Sacramento Temple, but has the same general floor plan. The location is excellent - on a rock bluff next to a major road. We have been attending the temple weekly since we arrived, and it has been a blessing. We have participated in ordinances in Finnish, Russian and English.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7tTignHM-w0/VGjZ8kGhETI/AAAAAAAADCM/TMBrMxnoVeI/s1600/DSCF0438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7tTignHM-w0/VGjZ8kGhETI/AAAAAAAADCM/TMBrMxnoVeI/s1600/DSCF0438.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a>We begin our service next week and will be studying the ordinances in both Finnish and Russian. We will generally work two mornings a week (usually Tuesday and Thursday) from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Mornings are pretty quiet for us with the YSA so this will be a welcome addition to our service.<br />
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Russian members come from the Saint Petersbur Stake about one week a month, but there have Russians there almost every time we have been there. Plenty of opportunity to practice my Russian, I even got to perform some baptisms in Russian a few weeks ago. It does get a little confusing as I find myself inserting Finnish words into Russian conversations and Russian words into Finnish conversations. So far I haven't had that problem in English conversations.<br />
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Anne's Finnish is coming, although it is too easy to get by here in English. But she continues to work at it. Below are a few more pictures of the temple. On our previous mission in Vladivostok we were able to serve as restricted ordinance workers in the Russian language when we took members to the Seoul Korea Temple. And we were able to do a few ordinances in Russian in the Sacramento Temple, so they should come back to us pretty quickly. The Finnish ordinances may take a bit longer since we haven't done them as ordinance workers yet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Ng7mbq16q8/VGjZ8mOWURI/AAAAAAAADCQ/tFyMghRoFA8/s1600/DSCF0672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Ng7mbq16q8/VGjZ8mOWURI/AAAAAAAADCQ/tFyMghRoFA8/s1600/DSCF0672.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the autumn colors on the temple grounds.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NaetDS5rqV4/VGjZ7ZCFTTI/AAAAAAAADB0/xd0aGfA6Jc0/s1600/2014-11-01%2BTemple%2Bat%2BNight%2B03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NaetDS5rqV4/VGjZ7ZCFTTI/AAAAAAAADB0/xd0aGfA6Jc0/s1600/2014-11-01%2BTemple%2Bat%2BNight%2B03.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We stopped by the temple on the way home from a meeting with some young <br />adults. It was a clear night with an almost full moon. The temple stood as<br />beacon on a hill to all who drove by.<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This building is at the bottom of the hill and has apartments for temple missionaries<br /> and members who travel from Northern Finland, Russia, Estonia, and Latvia <br />to come to the temple. There is also a very nice double kitchen and dining area that <br />we use when we have young single adult temple activities.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H7BqwjVfucY/VGjaYJcmfZI/AAAAAAAADCc/wUcNZwdG_Pg/s1600/DSCF0428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H7BqwjVfucY/VGjaYJcmfZI/AAAAAAAADCc/wUcNZwdG_Pg/s1600/DSCF0428.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Brasher with Seija Loven Puikonen and her husband. Seija was taught by Elder Brasher and Elder Martin 45 years ago. She and husband live in Utah now, but spent most of the last summer in Finland. We were able to meet them at the temple just before they returned back to the states in September.</td></tr>
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<br />Larry Brasherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02296106439806515593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479352151192236612.post-12356520967927155372014-10-19T12:53:00.000-07:002014-10-19T12:53:55.557-07:00What do you do? The ScheduleMany of you have asked what we do all day. We wonder too sometimes. So I wanted to share our schedule.<br />
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Monday: We are trying to make this our shopping day so we don't have to go as often (the plan is every two weeks to the "big store"). And we have Family Home Evening at 6:30. We provide the refreshments and sometimes the lesson and activity. Larry is teaching the mission prep class in Finnish before FHE to young man who leaves in December<br />
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Tuesday: This is our temple day. We head out to do the 12:00 session. I use a head set. One of our office sisters, Sister Hunsaker, works in the temple. She gets off at 2:00. So if we do that session, we can bring her home. It takes 3 transfers to get to the temple. We started last week, picking up Sister Peckham from the office at 11:00. Taking her with us to the temple and then we all come home together by way of some grocery store, so they can shop and help me find things. And then we take them home in the car and they don't have to use the bus or tram. We get to go to the temple and support the office sisters at the same time.<br />
In the evening, we go to a Finnish class at the YSA room, taught by our younger missionaries<br />
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Wednesday: This is usually District Meeting. And Big cooking day. We do dinner at 6:00 for 20 to 25 YSA before institute. And we have refreshments for about 40 for the mix and mingle after institute.<br />
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Thursday and Friday we try to set up other things (some Thursdays, I don't do much). We are trying to have at least one small gathering dinner at our home--6 YSA, preferably 3 guys and 3 girls, each week.<br />
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Saturdays are baptisms and activities. We try to assist our missionaries as much as we can. We are also trying to visit all our wards and branches. We still have more to do to get to them all once.<br />
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Sunday: Church starts at 10:00 We visit a different ward each week. We go to Sacrament, then the YSA Sunday School class and then usually meet with the bishop to see what we can do for him.<br />
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Most everyone here speaks really good English. But lessons are taught and meetings are conducted in Finnish. Most wards have good translation. There are many foreign students here in International programs that are taught in English. I'm amazed at the people who live here who do not speak Finnish<br />
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Larry spends lots of time on reports and keeping the YSAs identitfied and in the right place. We can't support them if we don't know who they are and where they live. He has also put pictures with their information so we can learn their names better.<br />
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Well, that's the schedule. And with all good schedules--it gets changed all the time. Everyday we read our scriptures and study language and try to keep our place clean and we do laundry too.<br />
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We are enjoying it here. The people are wonderful. The fall is beautiful. The Gospel is true. Heavenly Father loves us all.<br />
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Love,<br />
Anne and Larry<br />
<br />annehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01964309332151333335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479352151192236612.post-16007102095066144302014-10-17T13:07:00.000-07:002014-10-17T13:07:43.302-07:00Fun and Games in Finland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of our young adult investigators was baptized last week. We weren't involved in teaching him other than at family home evening, but we've gotten to know and love him very much through our association at family home evening and institute. He goes by Mac, although his name is quite a bit longer than that. He is Thai, but has lived in Finland for the last 16 years and speaks Finnish and English fluently. He is a very bright young man. He works as a welder at ArcTec, a ship-building firm in Helsinki. Right now they are building an ice breaker. </div>
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At his baptismal service the Sisters who taught him sang "Amazing Grace." After the last speaker, Mac asked if he could say a few words. He bore the most amazing testimony. Among other things he said that miracles really do happen in our day and age. He said that a personal miracle had happened in his life beginning three months ago when he first met the missionaries. He said much more, but I was particularly touched as he closed with these words in English, "I was lost, but now I'm found. I was blind, but now I see." </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7FNPjgj_Wz8/VEFrtWuVDHI/AAAAAAAACc4/zTOydCOhN5o/s1600/DSCF0858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7FNPjgj_Wz8/VEFrtWuVDHI/AAAAAAAACc4/zTOydCOhN5o/s1600/DSCF0858.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br /> On Wednesday this week we had Mac, Sisters Knapp and Dixon, who taught him, and some of the other young adults over for dinner. Mac and the sisters came early and we had a discussion in Finnish. I guess they mostly taught him in English and are now going through the discussions again in Finnish. He is helping the sisters improve their Finnish. We talked about modern day prophets and the restoration of the gospel. At one point I was able to share the account given by Hugh B. Brown of his conversation about modern revelation with a member of the British House of Commons and former member of the supreme court. (http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=114). I was able to relate the account in fairly good Finnish.</div>
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The dinner went well and afterword, we played Mexican Train. I couldn't persuade the group to play the animal game. We played that last week with another group and they enjoyed it very much.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YEqe53PQcrI/VEErvdSAUjI/AAAAAAAACW4/sIRzezk5H4E/s1600/DSCF0845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YEqe53PQcrI/VEErvdSAUjI/AAAAAAAACW4/sIRzezk5H4E/s1600/DSCF0845.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>On Thursday we took dinner to Jasmi and Atso who are brother and sister. Both are confined to wheelchairs and are unable to get to our apartment, because our elevator is too small. They live in the same apartment building which is adapted for wheelchair access. They invited some friends over, including three from Vaasa, who are here on a temple trip. We had a delicious dinner made by Anne and then visited and played some games. Jasmi and Atso both play wheelchair hockey or floorball. They have a tournament coming up in November and we are excited to cheer them on. They are both very active in their ward - Atso is in the Elders quorum presidency and Jasmi is a ward missionary </div>
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On Monday of this week, we did family home evening - usually on of the young adults does it and we just provide the refreshments. Anne shared Jorg Klebingatt's conference talk. He is a friend from our Ukraine mission days, and so his talk was a favorite of ours.</div>
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Afterwards we played Minute to Win It. This is just one of the less wild games. The girl is a Vietnamese contact that the missionaries brought to FHE. She seemed to have a very good time.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J2L_D91MlVw/VEFzVQicWuI/AAAAAAAACdM/sHjKoffehWo/s1600/DSCF0835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J2L_D91MlVw/VEFzVQicWuI/AAAAAAAACdM/sHjKoffehWo/s1600/DSCF0835.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>The object of this game is to get the cookie from your forehead to your mouth just by moving your head and face muscles. The young man in green has a mission call to serve here in Finland starting in Dec. I am teaching him the mission preparation lessons each week before family home evening. He travels 45 minutes each way to get here. The other young man just returned from a mission in England, and is serving as the ward mission leader in his ward.</div>
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Sister Owen, one of our great missionaries had the technique down very well.</div>
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The object of this game is to knock the cups off of the table by shooting them with rubber bands. One person would put the cups on the table and the others would shoot them off.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YH-dGDwdCBw/VEFzVWO8UvI/AAAAAAAACdI/YVDtPBSmGRA/s1600/DSCF0815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YH-dGDwdCBw/VEFzVWO8UvI/AAAAAAAACdI/YVDtPBSmGRA/s1600/DSCF0815.JPG" height="227" width="320" /></a>Another favorite game was picking up a paper sack with your mouth without touching the floor with anything but your feet. After each round the sack was folded down a bit more or cut away. Obviously, Rasmus was unsuccessful, although two of them, Pertti and Santeri, were able to pick up the sack when only the bottom was left.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">We all had a great time. This calling is just like my favorite calling in the church - nursery leader. You get to play games and eat refreshments. Life couldn't be any better! </span><br />
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