Rovaniemi
It sure has been a great summer! After the seminar, a good friend of mine came to visit me and we head up North to "Reindeer land". We stayed at another lovely friend of mine (Alice), met some new friends, swam at a lake past the arctic circle (and it was raining!), checked out the traditional market, picking blueberries and mushrooms in the forest with Alice, and of course SAUNA! One of the highlights I could say was, meeting this lady whom I got connected with right away. We both shared our love for Lady Finland and worship ministry. I am so looking forward to see her book, "the Dancing Bride", launched. It was a refreshing week indeed!
(for more pictures check my album on facebook)
West Coast
Driving to the west, I was asking God for something special to happen that weekend of gathering (YWAM-Finland staff days). It was a relaxed meeting - not so much of programs, just getting to know more of the rest of YWAM family, sauna, and enjoying the ladies' company. Sure enough, God knows our desire even before we utter them. I felt God's assurance yet again of His love as a Father. It was comforting to hear: "Mary, look around you. I gathered these people around you as your family. I know your longing for home, Philippines, and I totally understand that. You will one day see your home again." For the years I've been away from my home country, the Lord has been teaching me that home is wherever I lay my head on. I am so priviledged to be part of an even bigger family. 
That weekend, I met a wonderful woman of God, named Jenni, whom later I asked if I could call her JEN. It felt like our hearts were knit together instantly. I was reminded of Anne of Green Gables, who longed to have a "bossom friend". It felt like that with Jen. Well, she asked me if she could steal me away to Vaasa and it got me excited coz I've always wanted to go there. It was a fun drive to the west coast! We even stopped in Maxmo to swim at a lake. I thought it was the clearest lake I've ever swam in. Then we also stopped in Jacobstad, where we prayed at the water tower and surprise, surprise! We met her friends at the center town. Again, I thought it was really a divine appointment because I have been praying that there'd be people who'd be on their knees for Lady Finland in that area. Anyways, I got to talk to this guy and he told me about the 24/7 going on in Jacobstad, and was invited to go there in about two weeks. I thought it was really cool!
Jen's cellgroup
Berries!!!
One of the things I love about the Finnish summer is the different types of berries. We have a few berry bushes around the base and I am so thankful for that, at least we don't have to buy them. The only thing I missed this summer was, I didn't pick some strawberries. We've been making red & black currants and raspberry juice. It's also a blessing to have neighbours who would come and give us berries and potatoes! Wow, God has been really faithful with His provisions!!! By the way, we are going to have a Pie Making Contest at our base tomorrow (03rd September). Our neighbours will be bringing their savory and sweet pies to taste, and the prize would be - we, base staff, will be doing whatever practical work needed to be done at the winner's house.
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