4th day in Finland

*deep breath*


I didn't have any real expectations coming to Finland. I was excited, and that's all I knew (and who was going). The first impressions I had with my peers were broken quickly, and those who I thought I may be quick friends with ended up being the ones I tended not to follow. It's been interesting to say the least. I'll start with the good.

Good/Hyvää
The sauna is wonderful! I didn't get to use the free one at our hotel until yesterday (tuesday). The 'proper' Finn way is to jump in the cold (whether a shower, snow, or ice water), then go in the sauna, then come back out and jump in the cold, then repeat until you feel satisfied. It's exhillerating. And it increases blood flow apparently.
Although it's been tiring, we have seen much of Helsinki just in these 4 days. We toured the Opera House, Aalto University, Aalto University Design Factory, and Merimekko factory (it's a well-known textile, clothing, fabric, and houseware store). All of that has been sooo neat and cool to see! Especially the Opera House´- don't worry, I took pictures.
We also talked with a few 'higher-ups' from well known firms here too.
The parks are real parks, and are gorgeous. Natalia and I attempted to bike a few times, but the free bike rentals at the hotel are super huge and painful. They're also fixies. We have pictures of that too.
Weather has been supurb!
We met some cool Finn students, and one of them (Timo) has been hanging out with us in the evenings. He's Finn and going to graduate in a year from Aalto. Really bright and knows a lot about international business. It's really cool to talk with and hang out with a Finn. We get to ask him questions and he, us. It's great.
My friend Natalia is Christian as well, so we get along really well.

Challenging/Haastava
No one else is Christian. It's hard. And I've been so busy and tired and in this atmosphere of whatever this is that I havn't sat down and prayed much or read my Bible. It's been a test. It's been a challenge. And so far, I havn't been rising above. About more than half of the group got drunk last night and we all heard about it all day today. Some of it's funny, but then I think about the deeper issues and it's beyond my control. I'm not with my friends back home, there's no kindness, no conideration or compassion...none. It's the world at my doorstep.
Also, statistics will say that about 80% of Finns are Lutheran. However, upon talking with Timo, only about 5% actually attend church on a regular basis. He personally calls himself Lutheran because of his family, but he truly is an atheist. This was really disheartening. Really. And I've been challenged to talk with him about my faith and others despite his.
I hung out with one of the girls tonight. Later, we went into my room and she was whispering to my roommate that she wasn't telling me her real job...I wonder why she lied to me. What purpose? Why was her real job so secretive? Did she think because I was a Christian I would judge her? Did she think I would disapprove? Did I do something to make her believe not to trust me? That is hard.



There are many other little things. Some which I wrote in my journal, others I've kept in my heart. Some places hurt and others are curious. Some things are better said with a friend. And some things are better left unsaid.

Until next time. Please pray for me. Pray for boldness and peace, and mostly time with Jesus. I miss Him. My heart needs to come Home again.

Finland tomorrow

Tomorrow morning at 7AM I will be flying with 9 other peers to Finland! For two weeks, we will be touring and experientially researching for our project that was determine our grade for this course. We also have to keep a journal during the trip and we previously had to turn in a 5 page paper before leaving.

Although I've been to other countries, it's surreal to think Finland actually exists and I'm going. What also makes this trip special is that it will be the first time I travel overseas without family. So, I'm the only one packing, I have to be responsible of all my things, and make sure I pack everything necessary. I'm bringing one small suitcase and a backpack for two weeks. Let's hope I don't have to do laundry.

I really pray the Lord gives me opportunities on this trip to share God's love with my peers and possibly Finns I get to meet. I pray that I am open about my faith and about reading my Bible and praying. That's one of the things I'm not so good at- sharing my faith, but it's such a vital part of God's love. Yeah, I pray that although this is not a mission trip, that I still have a mission while on this trip.

The Beginning

This is the first blog of, hopefully, many to be saturated with stories, a few pictures, and where I am in accordance with the summer 2012- in Finland, Czech Republic, and Germany.

I chose to name this blog Through the Eyes of Hope for two reasons:
1. It will be my prayer as I make my way through this summer. My desire is that no matter if I visit a country or go to summer school or go on a mission trip, that I always bring the hope of Christ to people. And I want to write them down.
2. Through these stories, I pray to bring hope to those who read this blog.

If you're reading for updates from my letters, Thank You! Thank you to roommates, friends, family, and family friends. Know that your support means a lot!

:)