Sister Jessica Carter in Finland: Summer in Haaga

Email from 8/9/16

We had a fun ward picnic this last Saturday and played a game called Kuu. it was so fun! I love the ward in Haaga! And it is so great to have other missionaries in our ward as well, it makes it a lot of fun.

Thanks for keeping me updated on your holiday or louma as they would call it here. Funny story related to that- They don’t hold ward council here the whole month of July. When you ask why, they just say, “Well, it’s July in Finalnd.” And that’s enough said. J No one is home because they all go to their mökki (cabin) and stay there all summer long. The streets are empty all July. Why don’t we do something like that in America? A two-month vacation sounds amazing, right? ;)

Here’s a great joke that the Elders investigator Paula told us:

One Fin talking to another “Man! Wasn’t summer beautiful this year?”

Second Fin “Ya, it was great! I remember!! It was on a Tuesday.” :)’

This last week was great! Man, Haaga is a fantastic place with amazing people. We have had a good time and are learning and growing so much every day. We are running into minimal drunk people. J Although one of them the other day yelled at us from down the street, then ran at us as fast as he could (it was scary and funny) and then started asking us questions in Finglish which made no sense. He then proceeded to point to my planner in my hand which has some sheep on it. He asked me 'if this is a lamb, then what is this?' and pointed to his dog. I said 'koira' and he said. 'aivan!' and then proceeded to yell ‘hallelujah!’ about 6 times at the top of his lungs and then he ran away. We died laughing and still die when we think about it :) its probably not that funny, but its good missionary humor.