Fall colors and lessons learned

Last Sunday was General Conference.   

I love Conference as much as I love the way the fall leaves transform the landscape here.

(Well, actually, I have to admit I love conference even more…)

This is the building where my Finnish class is held.  The red-colored bricks pale in comparison to this vibrant red vine.  This type of flora covers many a building in JKL.

Another part of campus.

I attended our monthly Ladies’ Literary Guild evening.  Maisa hosted us at her lovely home.  We each chose which gauntlet we’d like to call our own for the evening.  It was a difficult choice as they were all so unique in shape and color.  It felt almost like a scene out of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade—just without our hostess turning to ash at the end. :)  It was such a delightful and enjoyable evening!!

Kati, one of my colleagues, brought Sini (my officemate) and me some Lindt chocolate.  Best chocolate I’ve had.  My mom would agree with this statement as she lived in Switzerland as a missionary many years ago and fell in love with Lindt chocolate while she was there.  Kiitos Kati!

I’ve thought more than once this month about building a nice sized heap of leaves, running, and launching my happy self into them. 

Instead of building a pile of leaves to jump into, I had someone build a plate of kebab-delectableness to dive my fork into. :) Laura, one of my friends here in JKL (well, she actually lives in Copenhagen but her fam lives here), was in town last weekend so she suggested we sing our hearts out at a karaoke place and then enjoy some kebabs.  We did just that.  Don't be surprised when you see Laura on the next American Idol!

More than once that night we were approached by people who were curious to know where we were from (because we were speaking English, I presume).  One of the individuals who came up to us said to Laura, “Tell your friend she’s the first American I’ve ever met.”  Brad Paisley has is right: In the US, I’m just one of millions. But to Finns, I’m one in a million.  :)  What lessons can’t be learned from country music?!

Speaking of country music, this week I was asked to share a bit about myself: where I grew up, how I came to Finland, and talk about some of my favorite hobbies (this was an evening organized by the Relief Society). I was surprised that people actually came after hearing that I was the invited guest speaker this month.  :)  (Thank you Sari for translating for me!!!) 

To protect the innocent, I opted to post this picture of everyone kicking up their heels.  There were a good 15-20 people dancing the night away and burning off calories in order to enjoy…

All of this goodness.  Yummy.

Thank you to Katja and Reetta for coming—and for showing us how to really dance.  :)

Remember a few weeks back when I blogged about the line-dancing lesson that Elina and I attended?  Päivi was the one who invited us.  Well, Päivi mentioned to me a week and a half ago that we should organize some kind of line dancing night at the church.  Little did she know that she’d be teaching the line dance on Tues. night at Relief Society!  :)  Kiitos paljon, Päivi! 

On Saturday a few of us headed to the Helsinki temple.  It was such a wonderful day!!  There I met a sweet 85 year old woman named Sis. Stenfors.  She joined the LDS church in 1949 when there were only 10 members in her city (Tampere).  She then moved to Canada and later to California where she married another Finn.  He passed away 2 years ago so she decided to spend her time serving a mission.  She was called to serve in the temple in Finland.  How amazing is that?!?!

Kayla's team pulled out of a volleyball tournament this weekend so she was able to come down to JKL and join us for the trip to Helsinki.  When I was walking back to the car, a cute couple behind me asked, "Do you play volleyball?"  I was super excited to say, "Nope!  But let me introduce you to my friend who does play.  She's a pro volleyball player here in Finland."  :)  It was great having Kayla here this weekend!!

And the week ended with catching up with Maria (my former roommate) who was in town from Kuopio for the weekend.  I just love her smile--and her genuine concern for others.  During the church service today, a young woman came in a bit late and took a seat toward the front of the chapel.  It was apparent that she was sitting alone.  Maria was seated in the middle of our row towards the back of the chapel.  She stood up, crawled over several people and walked up the aisle to sit beside the newcomer so she wouldn't be sitting alone.  That was perhaps the greatest lesson taught in church today.  

(The other lesson I learned today was how important it is to look more closely at the hymn numbers.  It was my week to play the organ.  I started playing the closing hymn only to realize that I was playing the WRONG hymn.  And, to boot, once I was given the correct hymn number by the chorister, I discovered it was one I have never heard. Ever. In my life.  Perhaps the greatest miracle today was that somehow I managed to plunk through it without completely slaughtering it.  

Voi etta!!!!!!).

The other highlight of this week was spending Friday evening at Katie and Jyri's place.  They leave for the states in a week and a half.  I'll miss them terribly.  It was so great catching up with them and spending time with Kai.  I love that kiddo!!  He is such a sweet kid with a smile that could melt an iceberg.  Can't wait to hear him pick up a Texas accent now that they're moving to Houston!  :)