Week 96 in Mikkeli (Through another's eyes)

Jeff Bolingbroke
Jun 4, 2019
2 min read

I'm considering changing things up with this email a little bit. I'm going to try and have more coherent themes throughout these emails. I'm trying to look with a new perspective on my communication methods.

This has been a week for the books! We had a great series of events transpire, starting with lots of inspiration at MLC - we discussed a lot about the most important part of repentance - which is developing our relationship with the Savior. I've been thinking about that a lot - He said, in the Bible, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." Having set the stage for our eternal progression, Jesus turns to us and asks us to follow Him. But in following Him, are we simply walking on the same path He walked, looking down to track His footsteps in the dirt? Or is He leading us by the hand along that same path? That's some nice poetry, Elder Bolingbroke, but what does that mean in real life? For me, right now, it means studying more intently, it means talking to one more person when I could just be quiet, and it means trying to look through that person's eyes, and trying to see what they need, how the Restored Gospel can help them.

We also got to travel to Kuopio again for District Council! We have a wonderful group of dedicated missionaries there, and we discuss much ado about the premortal existence, and foreordination. How does that relate to the mission-wide topic of repentance and our relationship with the Savior? Well, let's think about it - in the life previous to this, living with God, we developed as Spirits, and developed gifts and attributes. That progression continues here, and it happens by following Christ. Boom. I felt extremely inspired by these talks.

Also, Kuopio's a pretty dang beautiful city:

But regarding Mikkeli, we're still working hard out here - not even the heaviest of rainshowers can stop us and our bikes!

And I'm still becoming more of a chef day by day - this one's a kale salad recipe, courtesy yet again of Aunt Lexie! Delish.

Now, how about a little piece of the eyes of history for y'all? Today was the birthday of Gustav Mannerheim, the general for Finland in the war years of yore, particularly WWII. Here's the interesting part:

Here he is sitting in his personal train car with Adolf Hitler, on June 4, 1942.

And here I am, standing next to that same spot, about 77 years later. That's a bit of a fun perspective for a history nerd like me, eh?

Well, I think I've talked enough, I'll sign off for now. I hope that you, dear reader, will ponder what 'daily repentance' means in your own life. And I hope that you will enjoy that repentance, and enjoy your adventures!

Mikkelistä rakkaudellani,

Vanhin Bolingbroke