European Bob Summer Fever 🌇

(Also if yall read nothing else, read my spiritual thought) And just like that it's been 5 weeks ?! Anteeks (sorry) I say the number of weeks each email but it's just so mindblowing to me the amount of time that's gone by. It either feels like I've been here a lot longer or a lot shorter than that...like it's either my second day or it's been months- but anyways let me talk about this European Bob Summer haha to preface let me say I've always liked the bob hairstyle I just didn't think I myself could pull it off or should even try since my hair is very curly...now back to the story- Sisar Draper and Õde Richard had the crazy idea to get a bob, and I think what sealed the deal is the idea is not only having a bob...but having one in Europe...and in the summer ?! Also being a missionary means there's less time to do your hair anyways ans by the time you come home it's grown out quite a bit. So with all those things in mind they went and got bobs?! Which was an insane chop for both of them, especially Sisar Draper who's hair was at her waist-BUT they looked so good ! Long story short (haha get it?) I signed a contact on a napkin with one of the Vanems and shook the other Vanems hand that I would also participate (although I was still VERY hesitant but if nothing else my hair would have a healthy restart) so...yep for the first time in my life my hair is like at my shoulders and I kinda love it?? But enough about hair haha

This weekend was General Conference and it was such a cool experience to watch it with my fellow missionaries! Especially when everyone in the room cheered upon seeing our beloved prophet Russell M Nelson ❤️ I truly know he is a prophet of God ! And I echo his invitation to let virtue garnish our thoughts and to pray to have our hearts filled with charity. Charity is the pure love of Christ, to have our natural instinct be to love others and to serve them as Jesus would have. Isn't it incredible that God can change our hearts so that to do good is our natural instinct?? We really can become like Christ, the ultimate example for us :)

As always I love you all, I pray for you, and I'd love to heard about how things are going! Email me anytime! (I can read them whenever but can only respond on PDays)

Updates:

💙 Finnish is coming along pretty good I'd say! I can recognize words in the scriptures and translate a simple testimony ?! Sometimes I wish I understood more, faster, but I know the Lord will help me progress enough to be effective, after all this is His work

💙 I seriously love my district, it's gonna be hard to go our separate ways but there's stuff they've taught me that I'll always treasure (and district reunion one day !!)

💙 A couple nights this week I've (along with other Sisars) been able to talk with Sisar Goodman, a real Finn, which is so nice because she always encourages us, even as we speak very basic Finnish with her

💙 We had a new district join our branch and I already feel connected to these girls and they're so fun :)

💙 The weather has been so nice and sunny, I actually packed away all my winter stuff haha

💙 Thursdays are gonna be our SYL (speak your language) days and I'm actually really excited because I feel like I know more than I think I do and this will push me to speak more (since I literally won't be allowed to speak English)

💙 Easter is coming up! I would invite all of you to study Christ's life, teachings, and Atonement to celebrate! And I testify HE IS RISEN.

💙 Tuesday devotional with Sister Amy Wright (she spoke in General Conference this weekend) she spoke about Christlike attributes, and how, how I return from my mission is so important-did I return with a stronger testimony of Christ? I invite yall to make Him a part of your daily life, Jesus isn't just a Sunday idea !

Spiritual Thought:

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

I love these words from Jesus, He knows life is going to have it's difficulties. It's pretty much guaranteed and that's why He lived and died and lives again. He overcame not only death but ANYTHING we struggle with. Jesus did that for YOU because He loves you. I know we can find peace in Jesus, in thinking of Him, remembering his sacrifice on our behalf. Pray to feel his peace and it will be given to you. I know that to be true, He's waiting for you with open arms saying "Come to me and find refuge" 💗

Sidenotes/Shoutouts:

🤍 Vanhin Erg ripping his pants- (don't squat in your suit pants y'all) but I mean I got some pretty awesome pictures of him putting my bear jacket tied around his waist

🤍 My hairdresser asking if I was sure about my cut, me hesitantly saying yes (don't worry I thought about it, this was not a spur of the moment decision) and then she just like chopped it off and threw it on the floor where I could see it...she was a little intense but she did an awesome job so I can't complain haha

🤍 I'm so gonna miss exercise with my district and all these fun games of volleyball, pickleball, and basketball-

🤍 Kjersin (we teach someone in Finnish while here in the MTC for practice- who's supposedly Finnish) was in the choir at General Conference which was absolutely hilarious (we know she's not a real Finn but that was on another level to find that out for certain- because honestly she could be a real Finn, her Finnish is amazing)

🤍 Vanem Cole being #1 opp? (Not really we just like giving him a bad time haha)

🤍 Youth Music !! I invite yall to listen to 2024 youth album on gospel library it's actually so good, not even joking

Minä rakastan teitä ! Have an amazing week!! Seek Jesus ! 🩷

Kaikki hyvin,

Sisar Dickson

https://photos.app.goo.gl/UcsRcqESuCaxjMu68