Ups and Downs

There comes this same moment every week. I log excitedly log on to my email, and read all of your lovely emails... and then comes the moment of realization that I need to tell you all about what has happened to ME this last week. And then I feel really tired. It's easier said than done. But I try my best.

So let's see. This past week was changes. Not that it really affected me. But we got a new Sister Trainer Leader. And we've already been on exchanges. We were able to spend a day together on Wednesday. It was really intense. I spent the whole day in over drive talking to EVERYONE... not just the convenient people in my path. It was really fun, and exhausting. We found some people who might want to learn more. We did some service. Helped some people pack their house. etc. etc. We found a new investigator.... or so we thought. She seemed pretty cool. But then the next day she sent us an angry text saying she didn't want to ever see us again. Such is missionary life.

On the brighter side I got to go to a 9 year old's birthday party on Saturday! She's the daughter of a part member family in the ward, and both of her parents want to help her go to baptism. The Dad is the member, and we had talked about it before with him but, had never met the mom. When we arrived at the house she was the only one home. She started talking with us and we talked about small chat stuff. And then she goes on and says "so, we were thinking that our daughter could be baptized at the end of May. How does this work? Do we need to meet more often?" Completely blew Sister Johnson and I away. We had no idea that the mom was that open to it. So we're going back some time this week. Also, that is not where the fun at the birthday party ends, in addition to the delicious food, and goody bags, they had other guests! Half way through the evening none other but my ward mission leader from Lahti walks through the door with his wife! It was a happy reunion. Turns out they are all family. Only in Finland. Or southern Alberta. 

Anyhow, we also got to meet our new district, and set some pretty great goals. I've learned a lot about goal setting and achieving on my mission, especially here in Espoo. When you have goals that you are really dedicated to it really does help you stretch. When you don't... you really don't go anywhere. It's one of those simple principles of life that I should have learned a million years ago. But, being on a mission there is never not a time when your trying to better yourself, or working on some sort of goal or another, even if it just is to eat more vegetables. Goals are so important. It's only through them that we can reach our potential. And it's great because we get to make them whenever we want. I find sacrament meeting the best time to think of new ways to improve. It's a new beginning every week! We are so blessed. 

Well, I hope you all have a good week. Hyvää Vappua (It's labour day here on Thursday. Hard red day. GREAT!). Hope the weather is beautiful there!

Love you lots!

Sister Kastendieck