Missionary work is hard. Pretty much it goes against everything in my normal nature. Talking to people on the street, telling strangers about my beliefs, planning, reading only church material, studying for the needs of others, calling people for appointments, not comparing your efforts to other's etc. And then having to get up each day and do it all again. Super hard. But not as hard as it would be if I was without the Lord's help. And surprisingly I am more of a people person than I thought I was. I thought that having to be with someone 24/7 would kill me on my mission. It's really not so bad, and hasn't been a problem in the least. Of course, when you are with someone that much it's not all roses and daisies, but it gives you opportunities to serve, practice humility and right wrongs. That's one thing I've learned. If you and your companion are even a little bit at odds with each other, the Spirit is not with you in the least! It is best to get over misunderstandings as fast as possible and move forward in unity.
The things I do miss are mostly: sleeping until I'm rested, reading to get my mind off things, being able to understand everything around me, being able to go hang out with friends and family, and playing piano whenever I want. Although, I am the piano player... at least for hymns... in the zone. So I get to be the pianist this week at zone conference. And also accompany a musical number at zone conference too! Should be interesting... because to be honest I'm really not that good.
So Sisar Francis left this week to go open Kuopio for the sisters. I think she's having a good time. So now it's just me and Sisar Vath against the world aka Oulu. It's so good to be in a 'normal' companionship. I don't feel like we're a big group attacking people when we go contacting now. Sisar Vath is pretty much the most loving person in the world. Loving and yet super persistent If someone says 'no I'm not interested' , she invites them still to church, or to read the book of mormon, or take a pass along card, or if they know anyone who would be interested. Usually it doesn't come to much, but sometimes they do become interested. Having a companion that speaks perfect Finnish is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because I always know that she knows exactly what is happening, and I can ask for help for vocab and grammar. A curse, because I know she knows exactly what's happening and I then get lazy and stop trying really hard. Also, I don't do things like try to order train tickets, and usually leave phone calls up to her because it's more efficient. I really should do more though.
Also, so in my district there was one other missionary, Vanhin Speirs, from my MTC group. Now, they've moved a new city into my district, and now there are two! Vanhin Nemelke is now in my district. It's so exciting to see them every week. You really get close after spending nearly 16 hours a day together for 12 weeks. Also, my baby finns arrived in the country this past week, one of them is also in my district. He is really great.
As far as biking. It's not too difficult to keep clean while cycling. The boots and legs take the most dirt. The hard part is staying modest as you ride. At least for me. Both Sisar Francis and Sisar Vath seem to have a secret I've yet to find out. It doesn't seem to matter what skirt I wear I am constantly trying to pull it down. I've become quite adept at riding with one hand while fixing my skirt with the other.
Teaching has been going alright. We were able to find a couple new investigators last week (yay!), along with a couple potentials. One of our investigators is coming to institute this week, and then we're taking her for a tour of the church. And in about 2 minutes I also get to meet with one less active sister, who is super great. Sisar Vath and I met her for the fist time last week. She had had a bad day, and it was amazing the outpouring of love I felt for her. I think Sisar Vath and I can really help her. I mean I hope we can help everyone we meet, but I have a good feeling about this particular Sister.
So next week I will be in Helsinki from Monday to Thursday. I will have been in the country for six weeks so I will be getting some training .. both spiritual and language I'm super excited to see the sisters from my MTC group.
So that is my life right now. I will talk to you maybe next week. Love you all! Minä rakastan teitä hyvin paljon!
Sisar Kastendieck
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