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| Some of the sisters watching General Conference |
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| Sister Dupaix and I at lunch in our apartment |
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| My first view of Finland! |
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| The streets of Turku |
The plane ride was really fun! I got to talk to lots of people and eat Cafe Rio and SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS! Yeah! It was great! I still have some jet lag but its getting easier to get up in the morning so thats great!
I have had some homesickness this week which was hard for me because I had none in the MTC but when people tell you the MTC is a kiddie pool they arnt kidding! I learned a lot and I can understand most of what people are saying if they talk slow and have a clear voice, so that's a HUGE tender mercy! I cant really answer yet but I will get there!
Its been a little chilly the past week but Ive been doing great with my coat and tights and sweaters.
We have about 6 investigators right now and I have met 3 I think. But because of Finlands heavy privacy policy I cant really tell you much about them or send pictures unless I have written consent that that is ok. With members as well. So sorry! You'll see plenty of Me and of the countryside :)
Also, President Watson has said that chatting is not allowed and that means if you respond to this email I cant even look at it. until next week so please make it a little easier by waiting until next week to respond :P
My companion is Sisar DuPaix and I love her! She is so kind and a great trainer! She is from wisconson and went to BYU for a year before coming on a mission. She has been here for 6 months and speaks SO well! I'm happy to be with her and she is very patient with me!
My ward is probably the BEST WARD EVER! They are so kind and very helpful in the Work. Sister missionaries must have an adult sister with them if they teach a male investigator or member and many in the ward are willing and ready to teach with us and bear testimony on what is being taught!
The food is a lot like Norway. Lots of open face sandwiches and healthy stuff! I have actually lost three pounds already ( Dont worry mom, Im still eating alot) I eat a potato at least twice a day and I don't think it will ever get old! So good.
I wasnt able to make breakfast cake sadly but next time for sure! I made french toast though! That was yummy! Our apartment is small and cute and yes almost all Ikea! I love it though because that is where I sleep. Man I love sleep. You seriously cherish every second you are in bed! Its the best. I go home each day exhausted and sometimes not excited for the next day, but willing to get up and go :)
General Conference was AMAZING! we watched it at our church building here and ate some yummy snacks. One of the families in our area is AMAZING! we already have several dinner appointments and they made us snacks for conference and even left me chocolate to welcome me to Turku!
All in all I'm doing great! Sometimes I cry because I'm tired or I miss you all but I know Im doing the Lords work. I know He will strengthen me and help me if I just ask. I'm thankful to be here in Turku with an amazing companion, meeting amazing people and eating many potatoes!
I love you all and I can't wait until next week!
Love lots,
Sisar Phipps
Dear Sista Phipps.....I hope that you are not feeling as homesick now....I know I felt the same feelings you mentioned when I was a new missionary in Japan so many years ago....
ReplyDeleteYou have such a wonderful attitude and I know Heavenly Father will bless you and comfort you and you will come to know him intimately in the process...
He will be there for you in your extremities.....and in the end you will be so grateful for what you have learned and how you have grown during this wonderful and challenging time....
Much joy to you dear sister.