A Finnish Adventure Begins

Lauren is spending Spring Semester in Finland and Czech Republic for her Global Nursing Semester. I'm going to post some of her adventures on the Blog.
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Hello family! It's been a long two days of traveling but we have arrived in Finland! I'm writing to y'all from a cozy little hostel bed nestled in the city of Helsinki. I loved the sketchy elevator  because I thought of mom and how she would not have gotten in that elevator if her life depended on it! hahah It is crazy cause the elevator back wall is the wall of the building so the wall looks like it moves all the way up. haha

So one thing I learned today was that you need to pay for grocery bags at the grocery store I accidentally stole some nice Finnish lady's bag and she came and got it from me.... Whoops! I decided to carry my milk carton and yogurt that I bought for breakfast home instead of paying 25 cents for a bag 😀

 Love y'all

Lauren

Copenhagen Denmark Temple

Monday, April 25, 2016

Saturday morning Camron and I left for Copenhagen to do Venetian plaster in the temple here. I’m still amazed that we are now actually here doing this project as I had two temple projects canceled in the fall as the temple committee said our finishes were too “opulent”. I’ve never quite figured that one out. So, I was surprised when this job actually came through. 

But, good news is…we are actually in Europe!  Yeah! Danika and Nate have been to Europe repeated times, but it is a first for Camron and I. I must admit, I don’t love those 10 hours plus plane rides and dramatic time zone changes as it really messes with the body. But I really do LOVE working in the temples and doing the beautiful finishes.

Copenhagen is an amazing place! The temple here was built in an old building , similar to the Provo City Temple. It sits in the middle of all these buildings on a typical block and blends in so much that I wasn’t exactly sure which was the front door. I need to take my phone tomorrow so I can get some pictures. We are staying at the patron housing building a block away.

This morning when we went to the temple and with the help of our husbands (me, Camron, Vicky Wilson and Kevin Wilson), we were able to get our prep done, and first and second layers finished in time to take a short, much needed nap and head out into the city.

We only had an hour before the church closed, but really wanted to go see Vor Frue Kirke (Church of Our Lady). Here stands the original carved statue of Christ that is so familiar to all of us. In addition were the Twelve Apostles also carved from stone that I understand will be replicated for the Rome Temple. Six Apostles are on each side of the church. Each Apostle had an angel watching over him from above and Christ had a beautiful angel near him as well. This church had a very good feeling about it…not dark and dreary like the churches and cathedrals we saw in Mexico or El Salvador. It really represents well the resurrected Savior instead of the dead Savior on the cross like so many churches from Mexico and Central America. It was a sweet experience.

Then we wandered the streets as we found our way back to the car taking in the beautiful narrow streets with multi-colored buildings, the countless people on bikes and even the sweet accents and language that surrounded us. It’s a privilege to be here! My favorite QOD: “Stupendously stupid tourists!” As this young man rode past on his bike while Vicky and I were standing in the street taking pictures. I guess he doesn’t appreciate the beauty of his city!

Also, my favorite is the parking…anywhere…any direction…and any spacing you want.

Alicyn