March Forth! Marssige Edasi!

We made it safely back to Helsinki after three days in Silokallio, Finland for Officers' Retreat. It was a good time of fellowship with other officers, educational sessions with Major Alan Burns from the UK and discussion of the territory's five year plan. Our whole family was able to attend, which made it a nice family get away. Yesterday afternoon was especially nice as we had a free afternoon and Elizabeth and I spent what the hosts dubbed a "Finnish nature afternoon." We rode sleds down a hill for a while, then we walked in the woods and on the frozen lake as a light, powdery snow fell. Some people were cross-country skiing on the lake, and others were riding on a sledge pulled across the lake by a tractor. It was lots of fun. We all gathered outside the sauna for tea and cakes, which gave everyone a nice chance to chat and get to know one another in a more casual setting. One of the best sights, though, was our territorial commander and regional commander barreling down the hill on sleds, each determined to beat out the other!

We are now in Helsinki, where we will spend the night in Army housing above the Central Corps. We will then spend the day sightseeing around Helsinki (which we have never done yet) before taking the boat back to Estonia in the evening.

We are glad for the time of retreat and the refreshment which will give us energy as we face what lies ahead.
--Tim