The Ojalas

One of our favorite missionary couples is the Ojalas, Ritva and Matti.  They are Finnish and this was their 3rd Temple mission.  They were here for 6 or so months this time.  One other time was 3 months and I don't know about the 3rd.  Anyway, just really fine people and lots of fun.  Well, they left the end of March and there was a nice, big party thrown in their honor because they have been so many times (and are so awesome).  They live in Mikkeli.  The end of January the Londons, the Williamsons, and the Ojalas motored up there on a Sunday morning.  We spoke in their branch and then stayed over till Monday.  Beautiful area, all white with snow at that time and very beautiful.  Their church building was really nice too.  The Finnish chapels have all light colored wood inside.   Most all the chapels have ceiling to floor windows so it is nice and light in the chapel.  They are all so well constructed and well taken care of so they age really well. 
Anyway, back to the party for Matti and Ritva.  The Finnish women always do such nice dinners and everything looks so good and somethings are even spectacular.  Well, I thought the dessert they served was awesome.   Meringue cakes!  Yes, meringue cakes.  You use a lot of egg whites and make the meringue and then put it in the pan you want....bottom and up the sides.  Bake it very low for about 2 hours!  Depending how dry you make it is how long it will keep....several days is good.  (A make ahead dessert).   Take it out of the pan and fill it with pudding and then fruit and then ice cream on top with whipping cream.  You actually can do it like you want, but that is what the ones we had were like.
For the main course we had crepes.  The Vorimos, Pertti and Kirsti, have a crepe maker that does 6 at a time!.  So, President Vorimo started about 40 minutes before we started and had plenty of crepes for all by 6 p.m.   Everyone started out with 3 on their plate.  There was a meat topping and/or a vegetable topping and then lots of fruit or sweet toppings.  Yummy.   Then they assembled the dessert!
      A fun night for all!

.Matti, Ritva and their daughter Annina.

In front of the Haaga Ward on the Ojalas last Sunday as missionaries.
Roger & Janice Fuller, Slava Kondratjev, Warren Thornock, Sisko Stenfors, Wayne & Karla Williamson, Ritva & Matti Ojala, Jon & Donna Kay Carpenter, Rick & Lynne London.