Monday morning we had new missionary orientation. Our little car was crowded!
We had to squeeze 3 of us in the back seat.
You can't see Elder Taylor who is in the front passenger seat.
The Taylors were glad to be able to see how we do new missionary orientation.
It has snowed and the trees were beautiful!
Sister Lehtinen gave me some Finlayson hot pot holders and dishtowel (Moomin).
She said she chose the thinnest thing she could think of so we could fit it in our suitcase.
Elder Shurtz and Sister Taylor helping the elders do a car swap at the church.
Back at the office, Elder Shurtz did the van training scavenger hunt with the Taylors and Elder Moir.
There was an interesting ballet shoe Christmas tree at the ballet.
A final beautiful night view of the temple as we got back.
There were some difficult goodbyes on Thursday.
Sister Leavitt and Sister Anttila got the Christmas tree set up on Tuesday.
Also on Tuesday, the new missionaries' luggage arrived at the mission office (18 suitcases).
We all helped to bring it into the office varasto.
We added some packages to go out with the suitcases
and the office Elders and the Kites took luggage to the missionaries.
We all helped to bring it into the office varasto.
and the office Elders and the Kites took luggage to the missionaries.
Elder Shurtz and Elder Taylor went to Pasila to pick up the Corbridges.
I went with Sister Taylor to go grocery shopping.
We all went to Koti Pizza for dinner.
We had a delicious soup for lunch followed by yummy dessert
When we came out of the pizza place, we saw that there was a little Joulutori set up on the plaza.
Of course, there is some sort of a carousel as a part of it.
We drove the Corbridges to their hotel for the night.
On Wednesday, we drove to the mission home for the Senior missionary get together.
Elder Taylor and Elder Silvenoinen served as companions as young missionaries.
We enjoyed getting together and getting to know each other a bit better.
including cardamom twists made by Sister Kite.
We all went to the temple together.
It was sad to think that this is our last time to attend the temple here. Sister Kervinen waited at the recommend desk until I was leaving so she could have a chance to say good bye. So kind!
We will really miss this temple!
We went to the guest house to have some Indian food for dinner.
While we were waiting for the food to come, we tried to get a picture with each of the couples.
Chet Douglas was there, so we also got a picture with him.
Sister Anttila and Sister Leavitt
Elder and Sister Silvenoinen
Elder and Sister Woodland
Elder and Sister Engle
Elder and Sister Taylor
Elder and Sister Kite
Elder and Sister Corbridge
Elder and Sister Topham
The nativity was beautiful all lit up at the temple.
The office elders drove us in two vans to the National Opera and Ballet.
We were there to watch a ballet of A Christmas Carol.
The napkins were interesting.
During the intermission, some of the cast members came by and we could get pictures with them.
The ballet was incredible. The only spoken words in the entire show was when tiny Tim said
At the intermission, we had pulla and a soda.
"God bless us every one", but with the orchestra music, the dance, the pantomime actions,
and the set, they were able to tell the story.
The Kites came by the office, and it was time to tell them goodbye.
We have enjoyed working with the Kites so much and they have become dear friends!
Elder Flores came by the office, so Elder Shurtz got a chance to tell him goodbye.
On Friday, we were finally successful in getting a new SIM card set up.
The Rovaniemi sisters were successful with Elder Shurtz's help in figuring out
We left the office early to take the Taylors to the DVV.
Afterwards I went to the Christmas market with them while Steve sat in the car and worked.
The Taylors wanted to take us to dinner. We went to Chicos at the mall. 
how to use their engine block heater. They are so excited to have a parking place!
The Hyvinkää Sisters where excited to get their car back after it had been in the shop.
On Saturday, we spent several hours at the mission office with the Taylors.
The Lehtinens picked us up at our temporary apartment and took us out to dinner.
We went to Restaurant Saaga, a traditional Finnish restaurant.
It was quite an interesting place.
There was an appetizer buffet served from an old boat.
It was followed by a choice of main dish.
It was quite an interesting place.
I choose the sauteed reindeer with mashed potatoes and lingonberries.
Afterwards there was a dessert buffet.
We really enjoyed spending some time with the Lehtinens.
We have enjoyed serving with them and will miss them so much.
She said she chose the thinnest thing she could think of so we could fit it in our suitcase.
I love them!
They had also prepared a very kind letter to go with it.
Merja Voutilainen
On Sunday, we went to the International ward one last time.
There were a lot of people for us to say goodbye to.
Sister Schofield and Sister McIlmoil.
Kristina has always been so welcoming of me and is always smiling.
The Walker family. Brother Walker was out in the car waiting for them to come out.
The ward choir was singing at church and Steve was singing with them.
Tristan was baptized while we were serving.
He always wants to give us a hug.
The Angelosanto family
Jaz and Caz
Linda Iswariah gave us a 1/2 loaf of her archipelago bread.
It was especially hard to say goodbye to her.
I realized just how much I love her and the rest of the Lehtinen family. I will miss her!
Anja Kailanko
Jason and Liisa Grant
Diego Calle and Ella Lapinsuo
Brother Ranta
Sunrise/sunset times for Sunday December 22
(the shortest day of the year, Dec 21 was 6 seconds shorter)
Espoo Finland 9:25am to 3:14pm for 5 hours 48 min of daylight.
Provo Utah 7:45am to 5:04pm for 9 hours 18 min of daylight.
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