Kaikille:
Sorry I didn't get a chance to write a good email for this week, but I am alive. I've really been thinking about the words of this song this week, and I am trying to be like Jesus and seeing every day the blessings that it is bringing to my life and the lives of others.
"I’m trying to be like Jesus; I’m following in His ways.
I’m trying to love as He did, in all that I do and say.
At times I am tempted to make a wrong choice,
But I try to listen as the still, small voice whispers,
“Love one another as Jesus loves you.
Try to show kindness in all that you do.
Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought,
For these are the things Jesus taught.”
I’m trying to love my neighbor; I’m learning to serve my friends.
I watch for the day of gladness when Jesus will come again.
I try to remember the lessons He taught.
Then the Holy Spirit enters into my thoughts, saying:
“Love one another as Jesus loves you.
Try to show kindness in all that you do.
Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought,
For these are the things Jesus taught.” (Primary Songbook)
I know God lives and loves us and will help us to change and improve each day. I love my Savior Jesus Christ and I know He walks with us each day through all that we experience. I love being a missionary and I am grateful to be in Finland every. single. day. I love you all! Have a great week!
Rakkaudellani,
Sisar Jordan
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
February 2, 2016 Everyday is like a New Year!
Kaikille:
Right at this very moment I feel so much love. So much love for my Savior Jesus Christ, for my Father in Heaven, and for the blessings everyday that I receive. They are there. Every, Single, Day, Everywhere. All we have to do is look for them. Here are some of the best moments from this week:
We have an investigator who is a man about in his late 50's. We've had about 3 lessons with him now, and things are still going well. That's a positive. This last lesson, we decided to really focus on Prophets and the importance of them. I guess we didn't do the very best job teaching, or maybe just checking for understanding, because we got him to say the closing prayer, and he thanked God for sending these angels and prophets (US) to help him out. Definitely I am still learning to be a better teacher. A better question asker. To simplify and to testify always. I'm so glad we have the chance to get better and improve, and I'm grateful that through prayer, Heavenly Father helps us to know that we probably haven't taught as well as we could have.
We met a lady on the street who actually interrupted a conversation we were having on the street with another man who wasn't super interested. She really wanted to know who we were and what exactly we we were doing. Well, eventually the other guy wasn't so interested so we gave him a pass a-long card and he went on his way. Well the lady stayed and started to talk to us in Finnish and then asked where we were from. When we told her America, instantly she broke into perfect American-sounding English. It was really weird. It's not everyday that you hear Americans speaking perfect Finnish and sounding like one too, or visa-versa. Well she was from the Heluntai Seurakunta and very strong in her beliefs. We were able to hear a lot about what she believes and share some of our own beliefs. Unfortunately, she was really firm in what she believes and not super accepting of ours. I think it was hard for me in a way to walk away from that contact because I knew that everything she had just told me about her religion was just oh, so close. She just was missing a part-- which to us is a big part, but in the scheme of religions, hers was fairly close in what they believe and practice. Something interesting that I have pondered since then is just how much my heart hurt for her and how much I wish I could just let her have my heart, my mind, my thoughts, so that she could feel and see and know what I know. She is such a good person, and I could clearly see that, but she just is missing what we have. I tried so much to bear my testimony, to tell her about the Restoration, but yet she was just still so firm in her ways. I think because of that contact, it has made me look at each person we talk to even more on a personal level. I feel the importance of "making these things known unto the inhabitants of the Earth." It's just so important. I feel it in my heart and I know how much they need it.
Quick side note - I forgot to mention last week:
Sister Adams slipped on the ice in the morning on our way to the church to exercise. She had a little bit of built up energy and dared to start running in circles on the ice, and the next thing I know I hear this big loud thump behind me and Sister Adams is laying face down. I. Felt So Bad. The ice here is deathly. They don't put salt on it like they do in America-- Just gravel, and I can just say, it doesn't help all that much. We have had to be super careful when we're walking because it's been super super slippery lately.
So our main form of transportation is buses, and this past week it has really snowed a lot. Because earlier, it's been so cold, the snow hasn't been too wet. Well, this week it's been much warmer and so the snow was a lot thicker and more wet. The buses didn't exactly take to that too well, and we had some pretty fun and crazy experiences riding the buses. One night, the bus slid like halfway across the road. It was pretty scary. But no worries mom, everyone drives safely here and watches out much better than they do in America, so I think we'll be okay.
I also had a really awesome experience with prayer this week. We had a lesson for one of our investigators and for the life of us, we couldn't figure out what we needed to teach her. She has been taught just about all the lessons, and invited to baptism multiple times, but right now there are some barriers holding her back. We just really were stumped and had talked and searched for a while. Finally, I thought back to last week's scripture studying and the scripture I had wrote on the wall, "Have ye inquired of the Lord?". Right at once I thought, that's just it-- we need to ask Heavenly Father for His divine help again. So,
we all knelt down and said a prayer. Instantly, when we finished praying it was like my brain was completely opened. The thoughts started to flow more clearly through my head of what we needed to teach. It was a really awesome feeling, as if Heavenly Father was just typing everything down in my head. The lesson we taught ended up going really well, and I knew that Heavenly Father was the reason. I am so grateful for prayer. I am grateful that whenever and wherever we are, we can turn to our Father in Heaven and ask for His help. I know he is real and he loves us and wants to help us.
This Sunday, the recent convert family's kids were all blessed in church. It was such a special moment for me and I was just so grateful that God has made it possible for me to stay here in Jyväskylä longer and to be with them. As their kids were being blessed, I couldn't help but think, "wow, all because I chose to open my mouth. All because I was willing to knock on all those doors and testify to all those people, whether they wanted to listen or not." This family really is a testimony to me that "by small and simple things, are great things brought to pass." I have seen so many of those small things turn into something great, and still continues too. They are preparing right now to go to the temple to do Baptisms for the Dead soon and we'll just keep making steps after that. I know that God's hand is in everything. I am so very grateful everyday that I knocked on their door and was willing to just simply open my mouth.
I have been reading in 1 Nephi this past week and I came across some verses that I really have pondered this week. The verses are these:
"And thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled. And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them,and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them; wherefore, he did provide means for us while we did sojourn in the wilderness.
And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto me,saying: Thou shalt construct a ship, after the manner which I shall show thee, that I may carry thy people across these waters.
And I said: Lord, whither shall I go that I may find ore to molten, that I may make tools to construct the ship after the manner which thou hast shown unto me?" (1 Nephi 17:3;8-9)
I just really love that when God gives Nephi a commandment. Nephi doesn't stop and ask why. He doesn't think why do I have to do this, or can't I build it some other way. Why can't we just go a different way. He doesn't ask any of these. He just turns to the Lord and says okay how do you want me to do this. I am striving to be more like Nephi everyday-- to go and do as the Lord has commanded, turn to Him in prayer for His guidance and His direction, and then like Nephi to Go and Do. I know that God has blessed me as I have done this. I know that He will continue to do so too. I am grateful for this gospel and the knowledge, purpose, direction, and peace that it brings to my life. I am grateful for this beautiful country and that I received the call to serve here. I am grateful to be an instrument in the Lord's hands. I know He is watching over us and He loves and knows each one of us personally. "Turn to Him in all thy ways, and He shall direct they paths for good." (Proverbs 3:5) I promise that He will. Have a great week! I love you all!
Rakkaudellani,
Sisar Jordan
Right at this very moment I feel so much love. So much love for my Savior Jesus Christ, for my Father in Heaven, and for the blessings everyday that I receive. They are there. Every, Single, Day, Everywhere. All we have to do is look for them. Here are some of the best moments from this week:
We have an investigator who is a man about in his late 50's. We've had about 3 lessons with him now, and things are still going well. That's a positive. This last lesson, we decided to really focus on Prophets and the importance of them. I guess we didn't do the very best job teaching, or maybe just checking for understanding, because we got him to say the closing prayer, and he thanked God for sending these angels and prophets (US) to help him out. Definitely I am still learning to be a better teacher. A better question asker. To simplify and to testify always. I'm so glad we have the chance to get better and improve, and I'm grateful that through prayer, Heavenly Father helps us to know that we probably haven't taught as well as we could have.
We met a lady on the street who actually interrupted a conversation we were having on the street with another man who wasn't super interested. She really wanted to know who we were and what exactly we we were doing. Well, eventually the other guy wasn't so interested so we gave him a pass a-long card and he went on his way. Well the lady stayed and started to talk to us in Finnish and then asked where we were from. When we told her America, instantly she broke into perfect American-sounding English. It was really weird. It's not everyday that you hear Americans speaking perfect Finnish and sounding like one too, or visa-versa. Well she was from the Heluntai Seurakunta and very strong in her beliefs. We were able to hear a lot about what she believes and share some of our own beliefs. Unfortunately, she was really firm in what she believes and not super accepting of ours. I think it was hard for me in a way to walk away from that contact because I knew that everything she had just told me about her religion was just oh, so close. She just was missing a part-- which to us is a big part, but in the scheme of religions, hers was fairly close in what they believe and practice. Something interesting that I have pondered since then is just how much my heart hurt for her and how much I wish I could just let her have my heart, my mind, my thoughts, so that she could feel and see and know what I know. She is such a good person, and I could clearly see that, but she just is missing what we have. I tried so much to bear my testimony, to tell her about the Restoration, but yet she was just still so firm in her ways. I think because of that contact, it has made me look at each person we talk to even more on a personal level. I feel the importance of "making these things known unto the inhabitants of the Earth." It's just so important. I feel it in my heart and I know how much they need it.
Quick side note - I forgot to mention last week:
Sister Adams slipped on the ice in the morning on our way to the church to exercise. She had a little bit of built up energy and dared to start running in circles on the ice, and the next thing I know I hear this big loud thump behind me and Sister Adams is laying face down. I. Felt So Bad. The ice here is deathly. They don't put salt on it like they do in America-- Just gravel, and I can just say, it doesn't help all that much. We have had to be super careful when we're walking because it's been super super slippery lately.
So our main form of transportation is buses, and this past week it has really snowed a lot. Because earlier, it's been so cold, the snow hasn't been too wet. Well, this week it's been much warmer and so the snow was a lot thicker and more wet. The buses didn't exactly take to that too well, and we had some pretty fun and crazy experiences riding the buses. One night, the bus slid like halfway across the road. It was pretty scary. But no worries mom, everyone drives safely here and watches out much better than they do in America, so I think we'll be okay.
I also had a really awesome experience with prayer this week. We had a lesson for one of our investigators and for the life of us, we couldn't figure out what we needed to teach her. She has been taught just about all the lessons, and invited to baptism multiple times, but right now there are some barriers holding her back. We just really were stumped and had talked and searched for a while. Finally, I thought back to last week's scripture studying and the scripture I had wrote on the wall, "Have ye inquired of the Lord?". Right at once I thought, that's just it-- we need to ask Heavenly Father for His divine help again. So,
This Sunday, the recent convert family's kids were all blessed in church. It was such a special moment for me and I was just so grateful that God has made it possible for me to stay here in Jyväskylä longer and to be with them. As their kids were being blessed, I couldn't help but think, "wow, all because I chose to open my mouth. All because I was willing to knock on all those doors and testify to all those people, whether they wanted to listen or not." This family really is a testimony to me that "by small and simple things, are great things brought to pass." I have seen so many of those small things turn into something great, and still continues too. They are preparing right now to go to the temple to do Baptisms for the Dead soon and we'll just keep making steps after that. I know that God's hand is in everything. I am so very grateful everyday that I knocked on their door and was willing to just simply open my mouth.
I have been reading in 1 Nephi this past week and I came across some verses that I really have pondered this week. The verses are these:
"And thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled. And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them,and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them; wherefore, he did provide means for us while we did sojourn in the wilderness.
And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto me,saying: Thou shalt construct a ship, after the manner which I shall show thee, that I may carry thy people across these waters.
And I said: Lord, whither shall I go that I may find ore to molten, that I may make tools to construct the ship after the manner which thou hast shown unto me?" (1 Nephi 17:3;8-9)
I just really love that when God gives Nephi a commandment. Nephi doesn't stop and ask why. He doesn't think why do I have to do this, or can't I build it some other way. Why can't we just go a different way. He doesn't ask any of these. He just turns to the Lord and says okay how do you want me to do this. I am striving to be more like Nephi everyday-- to go and do as the Lord has commanded, turn to Him in prayer for His guidance and His direction, and then like Nephi to Go and Do. I know that God has blessed me as I have done this. I know that He will continue to do so too. I am grateful for this gospel and the knowledge, purpose, direction, and peace that it brings to my life. I am grateful for this beautiful country and that I received the call to serve here. I am grateful to be an instrument in the Lord's hands. I know He is watching over us and He loves and knows each one of us personally. "Turn to Him in all thy ways, and He shall direct they paths for good." (Proverbs 3:5) I promise that He will. Have a great week! I love you all!
Rakkaudellani,
Sisar Jordan
 |
| Finally.... I snuck in a picture of Jyväskylä's center. I LOVE this city!! |
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
January 26, 2016 Short but Sweet........is the life of our missionary!
Kaikille:
Sorry i don't have time to write you all more this week.
It's been a super one.
The weather is tropical I tell you... tropical at -5 Celsius. I LOVE it!
Hope you all have a good week! Love you so much!!
Rakkaudellani,
Sisar Jordan
Sorry i don't have time to write you all more this week.
It's been a super one.
The weather is tropical I tell you... tropical at -5 Celsius. I LOVE it!
Hope you all have a good week! Love you so much!!
Rakkaudellani,
Sisar Jordan
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
January 19, 2016 How Great Is My Calling !!
Kaikille:
Another great week down. Missionary work is great.
We had a few more lessons this week. YAY!
These are some of the highlights/funnies/bummers of the week:
TIISTAI-- The wind blew really hard. I guess they say it makes it about 10 degrees colder.... let me tell ya-- it sure did. It was cold. BUT still a great day. The sun was shining and the sunrises and sunsets are beautiful. The snow glistens like diamonds and I just love Finnish winter. The Lord's creations are amazing. We had a lesson set up with a potential investigators, but supposedly she gave us a fake address, because we looked and looked and never found the right one. BUT we had another lesson with a different potential AND we have a return appointment. He was really nice. Gave us all apples juice and chocolate at the end of our lesson and washed his whole house, just because we were coming. It was great. SUPER EXCITING to have a new investigator.
KESKIVIIKKO-- Another NEW INVESTIGATOR. He is a student here in Jyväskylä. Really interested and another return appointment. SUCCESS!! We had all been tracting and contacting for a while and had to go to the bathroom. Unfortunately, Finland doesn't exactly believe in public restrooms most places, so luckily we had a member in the area nearby. When we were contacting later that evening, we saw the investigator from the tuesday night out running. We were stopped talking to someone on the street and he saw us and yells-- hey sisters!! It was so fun!
TORSTAI-- District Meeting. Spiritual thought for the week that I learned from District Meeting--
"By holding fast to the iron rod, disciples will not wander, nor will they give undue heed to the fiery darts around them. Clinging to the word of God on the often mist shrouded path is vital, BUT more is involved than clinging to the rod. Also required is pressing forward, even if one can not always see the destination clearly and constantly before us." (Neal A. Maxwell)
It isn't enough to just endure. The attitudes we have now in life, won't change when we die. So become who you want to be then, RIGHT NOW. If you want to be happy then, then find a way to do that now. If you hope you'll be a more patient person then, then start RIGHT NOW. We can't just endure in this life and expect that everything we didn't fix now, will be changed then, because we "held on". We have to continually be pressing forward. We have to be moving upwards. Up towards our Father in Heaven.
This was such a powerful wake up call for me. I hope this is inspiring to you as well.
PERJANTAI-- Two really solid new potentials hopefully. SUPER AWESOME lesson with a different one of our investigators-- the one that I taught with Sister Allen for a while. She just got back from Helsinki. I am really excited to see where things go with her. We've had really awesome lessons with her this week! She is so great!
LAUANTAI-- Second lesson with the investigator from Wednesday. It went pretty well too, but not sure if we'll end up with another appointment with him--- SUPER DISAPPOINTING. But we did our very best and I know that one day he will catch the wave. We're continuing this week to try and set up a return appointment with him, but we'll see.
SUNNUNTAI-- One of our investigators. The one that came back from Helsinki came to church. I think all the topics be it in Sacrament meeting, sunday school, or relief society were so inspired, because they were ALL just for her. It was great! I really learned from one of the speakers in church, that it's never too late to start. To start on the path to becoming who we know and God knows that we can be.
MAANANTAI-- Zone Training in Tampere. President and Sister Watson came. They ARE THEE BEST! Talked a lot about planning and how important it really it. It seriously determines everything in missionary work. So now, we are really trying to improve our planning skills. It really does make all the difference in the world, when you plan well. Still trying to master that one.
Well everyone it was a great week. I love where I am at and who I am with. Finland is great. Missionary work is wonderful. I am staying warm, and all is well. Love you all so much! Have a great week!
Rakkaudellani,
Sisar Jordan
Another great week down. Missionary work is great.
We had a few more lessons this week. YAY!
These are some of the highlights/funnies/bummers of the week:
TIISTAI-- The wind blew really hard. I guess they say it makes it about 10 degrees colder.... let me tell ya-- it sure did. It was cold. BUT still a great day. The sun was shining and the sunrises and sunsets are beautiful. The snow glistens like diamonds and I just love Finnish winter. The Lord's creations are amazing. We had a lesson set up with a potential investigators, but supposedly she gave us a fake address, because we looked and looked and never found the right one. BUT we had another lesson with a different potential AND we have a return appointment. He was really nice. Gave us all apples juice and chocolate at the end of our lesson and washed his whole house, just because we were coming. It was great. SUPER EXCITING to have a new investigator.
KESKIVIIKKO-- Another NEW INVESTIGATOR. He is a student here in Jyväskylä. Really interested and another return appointment. SUCCESS!! We had all been tracting and contacting for a while and had to go to the bathroom. Unfortunately, Finland doesn't exactly believe in public restrooms most places, so luckily we had a member in the area nearby. When we were contacting later that evening, we saw the investigator from the tuesday night out running. We were stopped talking to someone on the street and he saw us and yells-- hey sisters!! It was so fun!
TORSTAI-- District Meeting. Spiritual thought for the week that I learned from District Meeting--
"By holding fast to the iron rod, disciples will not wander, nor will they give undue heed to the fiery darts around them. Clinging to the word of God on the often mist shrouded path is vital, BUT more is involved than clinging to the rod. Also required is pressing forward, even if one can not always see the destination clearly and constantly before us." (Neal A. Maxwell)
It isn't enough to just endure. The attitudes we have now in life, won't change when we die. So become who you want to be then, RIGHT NOW. If you want to be happy then, then find a way to do that now. If you hope you'll be a more patient person then, then start RIGHT NOW. We can't just endure in this life and expect that everything we didn't fix now, will be changed then, because we "held on". We have to continually be pressing forward. We have to be moving upwards. Up towards our Father in Heaven.
This was such a powerful wake up call for me. I hope this is inspiring to you as well.
PERJANTAI-- Two really solid new potentials hopefully. SUPER AWESOME lesson with a different one of our investigators-- the one that I taught with Sister Allen for a while. She just got back from Helsinki. I am really excited to see where things go with her. We've had really awesome lessons with her this week! She is so great!
LAUANTAI-- Second lesson with the investigator from Wednesday. It went pretty well too, but not sure if we'll end up with another appointment with him--- SUPER DISAPPOINTING. But we did our very best and I know that one day he will catch the wave. We're continuing this week to try and set up a return appointment with him, but we'll see.
SUNNUNTAI-- One of our investigators. The one that came back from Helsinki came to church. I think all the topics be it in Sacrament meeting, sunday school, or relief society were so inspired, because they were ALL just for her. It was great! I really learned from one of the speakers in church, that it's never too late to start. To start on the path to becoming who we know and God knows that we can be.
MAANANTAI-- Zone Training in Tampere. President and Sister Watson came. They ARE THEE BEST! Talked a lot about planning and how important it really it. It seriously determines everything in missionary work. So now, we are really trying to improve our planning skills. It really does make all the difference in the world, when you plan well. Still trying to master that one.
Well everyone it was a great week. I love where I am at and who I am with. Finland is great. Missionary work is wonderful. I am staying warm, and all is well. Love you all so much! Have a great week!
Rakkaudellani,
Sisar Jordan
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
January 12, 2016 I SURVIVED... One of the best weeks ever!
Kaikille:
Wow it has been such a great week. Transfer week. Guess who is staying in Jyväskylä... Yep you guessed it--- ME!!! It's funny because I was almost so sure that I would be leaving after having been here for a little over 6 months. I think I had thought that I might not like it if I stayed another transfer, but when we got the phone call from President, I was just super happy-- running around the apartment like my normal crazy self. So... I will be staying here with my same companions, Sister Saarinen (the Finn) and Sister Adams (the Idahoan). Sister Saarinen could potentially get her visa to go to America in the next two weeks in which case she would be leaving us, but if not, she will stay for another 6 weeks here in Finland, and because our transfers are 9 weeks, hopefully that would mean she would be with us for the rest of the next transfer! :) We'll see what happens. I think she is ready for the warmth of St. George though--
This week it got down to -30 Celsius which is I think about -22 Fahrenheit. It was pretty frosty to say the least, but we stayed warm enough luckily. There hasn't been much snow, but this week it's supposed to snow some finally.
We had splits this week and fortunately for me, my trainer is still one of the Sister Training Leaders. She is leaving for home this week, and so it was really nice to spend time doing missionary work together for the last time before she goes home. I love Sister Seegmiller. She taught me so much.
Well because there are three of the Sister Training Leaders, and three of us, we decided to all split in three ways, so therefore we could do more missionary work.... well let me tell ya. We placed 21 Books of Mormon in one day. Can you believe that?? Crazy right! It was so awesome. The best part of all of this, is that splits day was the coldest day that it has been so far. I was literally outside for about 7 hours of the day. Definitely had some cold toes and hands, but we did so much missionary work! Wow what a super solid and fun day!
Well this week we got 2 new investigators who we taught both twice. BUT... sad news, they both decided to not keep learning about the Gospel. It was rather rough because I got so so excited, but that's alright. We have lots of potentials this week that we set up appointments with that we're hoping will yield some great results. Tonight we have two scheduled! Also, a former investigator that we were teaching a little while ago who we dropped for a bit, is coming back to Jyväskylä and we're going to pick her up and start teaching her on Friday. Coolest story I think for the week--
So a few weeks back, we decided to go through the Area Book again and just search to see if we could find anyone that we just really thought we should go to. Well low and behold... we found this teaching record of a former who for some reason, no one has gone back in over a year or more. There wasn't really a huge reason of why they shouldn't and so of course we pulled it out and said we would go. Well while on splits, we went to her house and finally found her home and set up a return appointment with her. Well we taught her last night and it was SUCH A GOOD LESSON. It was awesome. So when we were all getting ready to leave I decided to ask her about the previous missionaries. Then I finally asked so why did they stop coming-- to which she responded, "I don't really know." How crazy is that?? I am just super happy that we found her and are teaching her now. It's really great to have some investigators and to be teaching people.
So one last story for the week. We had a lesson with our recent convert family on Sunday and we talked all about Baptisms for the Dead and the temple and committed them to getting temple recommends from the Bishop. Well baptisms for the dead is not something that I have explained too many times on my mission and needless to say, I really struggled for words and grammar principles during that lesson. We had a member along, and I think because I struggled so much, she was just trying to cover up the damage that I had done. And so... needless to say I just felt less than adequate about my Finnish after that lesson. It was kind of frustrating and stayed on my mind for a bit until the next morning. I was just still thinking in my head... wow you've been on your mission over a year now and you still struggle so much with Finnish. I was just sort of beating myself up, which I shouldn't have. Well anyways... later that day, we were all on the bus and I decided to talk to this lady. We showed her one of the short videos of Christ that our church has made and talked about what Christ meant to her and so on. Then we were talking about coming to teach her and what not, and she just was super Lutheran and didn't think she wanted that. So it's just awkward to just stop talking to people after they've just really told you they're not interested, and we still have a bus ride. So I decided to ask her about school and what not. Well that proceeded to her asking about us. So best question ever. She asked if we both were from Jyväskylä. To which I responded that I was from American and her mouth literally dropped about 3 inches with a big gasp. She was like no way.... how in the world did you learn Finnish so well? So anyways long story short...... She thought I WAS A FINN!!! Can you believe it???!!!! It was the best compliment I've ever gotten. I felt a lot better about my Finnish after that! Oh Finnish...
Well that's about it for the week. Glad I finally got to write a decent email this week! I hope everyone is staying warm and happy. It's such a great time of year. I am so grateful to be serving a mission and for the happiness that comes to my life each day from sharing the Gospel. I am so grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ. I know He lives and loves each one of us. He knows us personally and is there at our beckoning call always. Hope you all have a super week!
Love you lots!!!
Rakkaudellani,
Sisar Jord
Wow it has been such a great week. Transfer week. Guess who is staying in Jyväskylä... Yep you guessed it--- ME!!! It's funny because I was almost so sure that I would be leaving after having been here for a little over 6 months. I think I had thought that I might not like it if I stayed another transfer, but when we got the phone call from President, I was just super happy-- running around the apartment like my normal crazy self. So... I will be staying here with my same companions, Sister Saarinen (the Finn) and Sister Adams (the Idahoan). Sister Saarinen could potentially get her visa to go to America in the next two weeks in which case she would be leaving us, but if not, she will stay for another 6 weeks here in Finland, and because our transfers are 9 weeks, hopefully that would mean she would be with us for the rest of the next transfer! :) We'll see what happens. I think she is ready for the warmth of St. George though--
This week it got down to -30 Celsius which is I think about -22 Fahrenheit. It was pretty frosty to say the least, but we stayed warm enough luckily. There hasn't been much snow, but this week it's supposed to snow some finally.
We had splits this week and fortunately for me, my trainer is still one of the Sister Training Leaders. She is leaving for home this week, and so it was really nice to spend time doing missionary work together for the last time before she goes home. I love Sister Seegmiller. She taught me so much.
Well because there are three of the Sister Training Leaders, and three of us, we decided to all split in three ways, so therefore we could do more missionary work.... well let me tell ya. We placed 21 Books of Mormon in one day. Can you believe that?? Crazy right! It was so awesome. The best part of all of this, is that splits day was the coldest day that it has been so far. I was literally outside for about 7 hours of the day. Definitely had some cold toes and hands, but we did so much missionary work! Wow what a super solid and fun day!
Well this week we got 2 new investigators who we taught both twice. BUT... sad news, they both decided to not keep learning about the Gospel. It was rather rough because I got so so excited, but that's alright. We have lots of potentials this week that we set up appointments with that we're hoping will yield some great results. Tonight we have two scheduled! Also, a former investigator that we were teaching a little while ago who we dropped for a bit, is coming back to Jyväskylä and we're going to pick her up and start teaching her on Friday. Coolest story I think for the week--
So a few weeks back, we decided to go through the Area Book again and just search to see if we could find anyone that we just really thought we should go to. Well low and behold... we found this teaching record of a former who for some reason, no one has gone back in over a year or more. There wasn't really a huge reason of why they shouldn't and so of course we pulled it out and said we would go. Well while on splits, we went to her house and finally found her home and set up a return appointment with her. Well we taught her last night and it was SUCH A GOOD LESSON. It was awesome. So when we were all getting ready to leave I decided to ask her about the previous missionaries. Then I finally asked so why did they stop coming-- to which she responded, "I don't really know." How crazy is that?? I am just super happy that we found her and are teaching her now. It's really great to have some investigators and to be teaching people.
So one last story for the week. We had a lesson with our recent convert family on Sunday and we talked all about Baptisms for the Dead and the temple and committed them to getting temple recommends from the Bishop. Well baptisms for the dead is not something that I have explained too many times on my mission and needless to say, I really struggled for words and grammar principles during that lesson. We had a member along, and I think because I struggled so much, she was just trying to cover up the damage that I had done. And so... needless to say I just felt less than adequate about my Finnish after that lesson. It was kind of frustrating and stayed on my mind for a bit until the next morning. I was just still thinking in my head... wow you've been on your mission over a year now and you still struggle so much with Finnish. I was just sort of beating myself up, which I shouldn't have. Well anyways... later that day, we were all on the bus and I decided to talk to this lady. We showed her one of the short videos of Christ that our church has made and talked about what Christ meant to her and so on. Then we were talking about coming to teach her and what not, and she just was super Lutheran and didn't think she wanted that. So it's just awkward to just stop talking to people after they've just really told you they're not interested, and we still have a bus ride. So I decided to ask her about school and what not. Well that proceeded to her asking about us. So best question ever. She asked if we both were from Jyväskylä. To which I responded that I was from American and her mouth literally dropped about 3 inches with a big gasp. She was like no way.... how in the world did you learn Finnish so well? So anyways long story short...... She thought I WAS A FINN!!! Can you believe it???!!!! It was the best compliment I've ever gotten. I felt a lot better about my Finnish after that! Oh Finnish...
Well that's about it for the week. Glad I finally got to write a decent email this week! I hope everyone is staying warm and happy. It's such a great time of year. I am so grateful to be serving a mission and for the happiness that comes to my life each day from sharing the Gospel. I am so grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ. I know He lives and loves each one of us. He knows us personally and is there at our beckoning call always. Hope you all have a super week!
Love you lots!!!
Rakkaudellani,
Sisar Jord
 |
| The Sunsets here are unreal right now! :)) |
 |
| just me... trying to stay warm! :) |
 | |
| Okay so this picture is super scary of me, but it's pretty funny so I had to send it. Needless to say... I was really cold. |
 |
| My trainer-- Sister Seegmiller. Can you tell it's slightly cold here? Funny thing is-- we were so happy to be outside and just laughed about the icicles that covered our eyelashes and eyebrows and the frozen fur around our coats. We stayed pretty warm and it was just so much fun to be together. :) She comes home this week. Homecoming is Sunday!!!! |
 |
| SPLITS DAY! Me and Sister Crofts! :) Add caption |
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
January 5, 2016 THE FUTURE IS AS BRIGHT AS YOUR FAITH ........ and a picture !!!!!!
Kaikille:
Well this week your going to miss me writing a lot, but I did want to send a bunch of pictures and also just say how much I appreciate the sun. It's been pretty cold here (between -2 and 4 degrees Fahrenheit) and pretty dark. But occasionally when we're really lucky the sun does come out for a few hours in the afternoon. Well it finally did after about a week of dark and gray. Can I just tell you-- You can literally feel the hairs stand up on your arms and the tingly in your whole body when the sunlight hits you. It just made me really appreciate the sun. As for my thoughts this week, this pretty much sums up what I myself am trying to work on and know that it can bless us all:
"And Jesus answering saith unto them, have faith in God." (Mark 11:22)
"My beloved Brothers and Sisters, Fear Not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith." (beloved President Monson)
The church is true. Christ lives. God knows and loves us. Believe in Him and CHOOSE to be cheerful. I'm trying to do the same. Love you all so much!
Have a great week!
Rakkaudellani,
Sisar Jordan
Well this week your going to miss me writing a lot, but I did want to send a bunch of pictures and also just say how much I appreciate the sun. It's been pretty cold here (between -2 and 4 degrees Fahrenheit) and pretty dark. But occasionally when we're really lucky the sun does come out for a few hours in the afternoon. Well it finally did after about a week of dark and gray. Can I just tell you-- You can literally feel the hairs stand up on your arms and the tingly in your whole body when the sunlight hits you. It just made me really appreciate the sun. As for my thoughts this week, this pretty much sums up what I myself am trying to work on and know that it can bless us all:
"And Jesus answering saith unto them, have faith in God." (Mark 11:22)
"My beloved Brothers and Sisters, Fear Not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith." (beloved President Monson)
The church is true. Christ lives. God knows and loves us. Believe in Him and CHOOSE to be cheerful. I'm trying to do the same. Love you all so much!
Have a great week!
Rakkaudellani,
Sisar Jordan
 |
| The Sun is out Hoorah!!! |
 |
| Just trying to stay warm with our FUR !!!! |
 |
| I just love sisar saarinen. (We were SO cold.) |
 |
| And this is what happens when you're outside in the cold for a few hours. Your hair turns to ice. I love these two. |
 |
| I love the snow!!!! Finally! |
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
December 29, 2015 Lots of Christmas Fun !!
kaikille:
It's been another great week.
I love my two companions so much and we have lots and lots of fun contacting and tracting together. We laugh so much. Laughing is the best. Sister Saarinen is always so happy and it rubs off on me and I am so thankful for her. Sister Adams is such a hard worker and is so driven and it helps us all to remember what is most important and how significant our calling here is. I am so grateful for them both.
Christmas is the best time of year isnt' it?! It was so great to see my family and talk to them, and I could help but think of how blessed I am to have such an amazing family. I am so blessed. The members here fed us a lot. I was stuffed, but it was yummy. Finnish Christmas is definitely different than American, but both have positives. I love them both. I tried lots of new interesting food. You'll have to look at the pictures.
This week is super short and I apologize. I just want you all to know that I know that our Heavenly Father loves us. Each on of us. He knows us personally and cares about us. Jesus Christ lives. He is our Savior and Redeemer. Only through Him can we return to live with our Heavenly Father after this life. I know that through Him all things are possible. ALL things. He loves us. He is there. I know this church is true.
"Enjoy all of it, Learn from it, Grow from it, and Know that it will never come again!"
Cherish each moment.
Make yourself a great week.
Rakkaudellani,
Sisar Jordan
It's been another great week.
I love my two companions so much and we have lots and lots of fun contacting and tracting together. We laugh so much. Laughing is the best. Sister Saarinen is always so happy and it rubs off on me and I am so thankful for her. Sister Adams is such a hard worker and is so driven and it helps us all to remember what is most important and how significant our calling here is. I am so grateful for them both.
Christmas is the best time of year isnt' it?! It was so great to see my family and talk to them, and I could help but think of how blessed I am to have such an amazing family. I am so blessed. The members here fed us a lot. I was stuffed, but it was yummy. Finnish Christmas is definitely different than American, but both have positives. I love them both. I tried lots of new interesting food. You'll have to look at the pictures.
This week is super short and I apologize. I just want you all to know that I know that our Heavenly Father loves us. Each on of us. He knows us personally and cares about us. Jesus Christ lives. He is our Savior and Redeemer. Only through Him can we return to live with our Heavenly Father after this life. I know that through Him all things are possible. ALL things. He loves us. He is there. I know this church is true.
"Enjoy all of it, Learn from it, Grow from it, and Know that it will never come again!"
Cherish each moment.
Make yourself a great week.
Rakkaudellani,
Sisar Jordan
 |
| Our Christmas in Finland |
 |
| My Yummy Christmas Dinner !! Salmon, pickled herring, pickled onions and mixed veges with a special sauce. |
 |
| Skyping my family for Christmas !!!! |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)