July 28, 2014
Our ferry traveled through the night.
We had to go up on deck last night to access the internet in
order to post the blog. Soooo, by the
time we got it figured out and pictures downloaded, it was midnight. We returned to our room and slept
soundly…..too soundly.
We set our alarm for 6:30…thinking that would give us an
hour to shower and clean up and be ready to get off the ferry at 7:30. The big flaw in that is that Finland is an
hour later than Denmark, and our alarm was set (in reality) for 7:30. Ooops.
We were awakened by a knock at the door and a yell …
something about time to go to your car.
We got up and got moving. SK went
out on deck to see what was happening, and everyone was going to their
cars! He came back in a mad dash and
said, “Let’s get out of here!” We threw
everything together and ran towards the lower deck where the cars were.
Neither of us had bothered to take note of where the car
was….we only knew it was toward the back.
With suitcase and bags flying, we ran through the deck looking at cars –
peering into faces in every one. We
couldn’t see our car! We met a friendly
young woman and asked if there was another deck for autos. She said yes and pointed down the stairs
where there were two more decks. Argh.
We hurried down to the next level and ran through the rows
of cars. With possibly 5 minutes to
spare, we found our car. Hearts beat
wildly as we threw our stuff in the back seat and tried to look like we were in
complete control of everything.
We got the high sign and started our motor and drove
out. It is so embarrassing to look like
an idiot!
We arrived at the site of Festinord in good time….checked
everything out and met Elder and Sister Hicks from New Mexico/Randers Denmark
Mission. They had been on the ferry too
and had looked all over for us. We had
both eaten the buffet dinner and couldn’t figure out how we missed them. Eventually we discovered that they had been
on a different ferry altogether.
We had some freedom today to enjoy the beauties of the
area…..did you know that Finland has something like 175,000 lakes? The trees around here are lovely and so
green. The site for Festinord is on a
beach. It is also unseasonably hot
here…in the 80’s with no air-conditioning.
We met with the other leaders this evening. It was inspiring and exciting to meet the YSA
couples from Finland, Norway and Sweden.
I am really looking forward to talking with them about their programs
and how they run them. We received some
assignments for the week, checked into our hostel room (we share the living
room/kitchen/bathroom with the Hicks), and tried to get acquainted with the
buildings and rooms where most of the activities will be held.
It sounds like it will be a wonderful week….but very tiring.
So SK and I are going to bed….while it is still light! (10:00 p.m.)
It's so amazing to think you are in Finland right now! Is Festinord always in that same spot on the beach, or does it move around? I'm still trying to wrap my brain around what it is. I think you said it's like EFY. So it's a several-day activity and I guess they do spiritual messages, games, meals, and service projects. Is that it? Who is running it? It sounds wayyyy stressful to be in charge of something that big! If it's the Finnish missionaries, I bet they're glad you're there!
ReplyDeleteI was sitting next to Andrew at the family reunion while you're video was played, and when you mentioned you were going to Festinord he told me he had a, I think he said either mission companion or co-worker, who met his wife at that thing. I thought that was cool! It was like a testimonial to Festinord's success. I know Festinord is true! :)
Do you know I love reading your blog when Rebekah wakes up at 4:30 in the morning and I can't get back to sleep?
It is sweet to think of you at that early hour reading the blog!
DeleteFestinord moves from Finland to Denmark (next year) to Sweden to Norway. It is Monday night through early Saturday morning packed with all kinds of amazing activities and classes. The day starts at 7 and the closing prayer is said at 11:45. One day will be a temple trip....to Helsinki. They can choose Wed, Thur, or Fri....we will go on Friday. Love you!
You know how I like to be early to things (temple included) - so that I don't have to rush. Your RUSH to get out of your room & to find your car was a little un-nerving - if that is a word. Sure glad that you made it in time. Enjoy the Festinord but don't get too tired. How many young people will you have??? I do hope that they enjoy themselves and get up-lifted as well. L&P
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! We have about 60 from Denmark....and they are some of my favorite people. I so hope they love it too. L&P
ReplyDeleteYikes! I think I would have had a heart attack!! I'm glad you made it and that you got to bed early.
ReplyDeleteI am most grateful to say that there were no heart attacks. I' glad we made it too. :-)
ReplyDelete