Santa Claus visited our Asian Fellowship Christmas party, speaking Finnish, English, and Chinese! He was a great hit with the children (in this photo my friend Liu Ning holds back an eager fan).
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For Christmas, I traveled East to where my Mom's side of the family is from. An important Finnish tradition is to set candles at the graves of relatives on Christmas Eve, the whole cemetery beautifully lit through the night.
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I stayed with my Mother's best friend, Seija, and her family for Christmas. We had a great time! Here you can see us about to enjoy the international tradition of a delicious dinner together.
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I was completely surprised when the doorbell rang, and Joulupukki (Santa Claus) ambled on in for a visit! He delivered our gifts along with some good hearty Santa laughs.
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I was able to cross-country ski for the first time, taught by Seija's husband Marku. Though we spoke little language in common, he was a natural teacher.
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I may not be ready for the Olympics just yet... This picture is a more accurate view of my skiing experience.
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My mother's hometown is Kuusankoski, and it has been ten years since I last visited. This is part of the center square of the small town, much as I remember it.
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My Mom lived in a house by the river, rowing or skiing across, depending on the weather. The house is now blue and at the right of this photo. I learned much from these places and people so tied in with my family.
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Santa Claus visited our Asian Fellowship Christmas party, speaking Finnish, English, and Chinese! He was a great hit with the children (in this photo my friend Liu Ning holds back an eager fan).
For Christmas, I traveled East to where my Mom's side of the family is from. An important Finnish tradition is to set candles at the graves of relatives on Christmas Eve, the whole cemetery beautifully lit through the night.
I stayed with my Mother's best friend, Seija, and her family for Christmas. We had a great time! Here you can see us about to enjoy the international tradition of a delicious dinner together.
I was completely surprised when the doorbell rang, and Joulupukki (Santa Claus) ambled on in for a visit! He delivered our gifts along with some good hearty Santa laughs.
I was able to cross-country ski for the first time, taught by Seija's husband Marku. Though we spoke little language in common, he was a natural teacher.
I may not be ready for the Olympics just yet... This picture is a more accurate view of my skiing experience.
My mother's hometown is Kuusankoski, and it has been ten years since I last visited. This is part of the center square of the small town, much as I remember it.
My Mom lived in a house by the river, rowing or skiing across, depending on the weather. The house is now blue and at the right of this photo. I learned much from these places and people so tied in with my family.
