And we're off!

 It seems like there has been much opposition for us in getting things ready and being prepared to leave on this mission. We had Friday evening and Saturday to try to get things in better shape around the house and to finish our packing. We went back to the MTC on Sunday for church with the other Senior couples. 

We loaded all of our suitcases in our car, both in the trunk and in 2/3 of the back seat. We drove to Tim's work and then to the airport. We had Tim stay nearby until after we got checked in, but all went smoothly. We each had 2 big suitcases. 3 of the suitcases weighed 48 lbs. and one was at 49 lbs. Plus, we each had a carry-on bag and a personal item.

It was a long flight with very little sleep. Then a long layover in Amsterdam. There was an extremely long line to go through passport control, but it was nice that we had plenty of time to get through that line. After sitting at one gate for a couple of hours, I just happened to check the monitor and discovered that our gate had been changed. I was glad that I had noticed with plenty of time to find a seat at the new gate.

When we arrived in Finland, we got all of our luggage and headed out of the customs area. There was a big sign saying FINLAND Welcome Home! We felt like we were coming home. How can that be? We left home and yet we are coming home. 

We were so glad to see Pres. and Sister Lehtinen there waiting to greet us. It was a beautiful sunny evening!

They drove us to the mission home where we were met by Elder and Sister Bridge. Sister Lehtinen had prepared a delicious makkara soppa (or makkara keitto). She told us it is a family tradition to for them to have it when one of their family has been away and returns home. Such a sweet sentiment for us. This picture was taken at the mission home.

Along with this picture with Elder and Sister Bridge.

Elder and Sister Bridge put our luggage in the mission van and took us to our apartment. It was nice to feel at home with familiar surroundings. Some of the furniture has been changed, but it was still very familiar as well. We took this picture by a wall decoration that I think was done by Sister Perkins.

It has been a busy week and we have struggled with jet lag. It has been especially difficult in the middle of the day to not fall asleep. We have spent long hours at the mission office with the Bridges training us. We have felt like the time has gone all too fast. We hope we can remember everything that we need to when they leave! 

On Friday night, Sister Lehtinen invited us, the Bridges, the Kytes and the Mitchells to come to the mission home for pizza. It had been pouring rain when we were finishing up at the office. It let up a little bit so we were able to get in the car without getting too wet. As soon as we got in the mission home, it really started raining hard! We had an enjoyable evening getting to know the other couples a little bit, but it was also sad because we were all saying goodbye to the Bridges. At one point, we were all on our phones trying to see if we were related to each other.

We kept thinking that we could make it to the temple, but we have been working late each night. Finally on Saturday, we decided we would go to the second and final session for the day. When we got to the temple, we discovered that the session had already started. It started at 1:00 and for some reason, I had thought that it started at 2:00. The temple matron was as the recommend desk and the temple president came by and they said that they would find something that we could do. They let us do a short sealing session. It was so kind of them and they were so accommodating and we were so grateful! We got a picture with the Bridges afterward in front of this temple which holds such a special place in our hearts.

Today we went with the Bridges to the Espoo 1 ward. We got to see the Auras there. Brother (it seems so strange not to call him Pres.) Aura came and sat by us during Sunday School and translated for us. That was so nice of him! I was especially excited to see Terhi and to meet her husband and their new baby! I didn't get a picture though.

We are already losing almost 4 minutes of sunlight each day. We will enjoy the glorious long days while they last. They won't last too much longer.

Espoo sunrise/sunset on Sunday July 16, 2023  4:24am to 10:29pm 18 hours and 5 min of daylight. 

Provo Utah sunrise/sunset on the same day  6:10am to 8:54pm 14 hours and 44 min of daylight.