Saturday, October 21, 2006, 10:32 a.m., C.D.T., Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.A.~

Dear Sari, Nikolas, and baby Birtta Aurora~

Terve! Mitaa kuuluu? Kiitos hyvaa!

I am sorry for the delay in responding to your last letter, but so many things came up, and I got behind as a result. I hope you accept my apologies.

We are getting ready for our church's annual "Fall Harvest Festival", which has become something of a big deal. We really don't celebrate Hallowe'en; we rely more on the gospel side of things, Oh, the kids still dress up, but there are no monsters, ghosts, goblins, witches, vampires, or ghouls. Everything is family-oriented. Besides the kids wearing their costumes, we have hayrides, Christian music and fellowship, and we have games/activities for people of all ages. We have been doing this for the past several years, and we always end up having a great time! There is also plenty of food and drink, so nobody will go  hungry.

How is the weather there? Here it is beautiful: highs in the 70's during the day, 40's to 50's at night. We are supposed to get even colder; in fact, last night, we dipped down to a chilly 38 degrees, which nearly ties the record for the date. It was chilly! BRRR!

We have all been well. Okay, most have been well. I was sick with a nasty stomach virus, but thank God I am all over it now! :)

Birtta is getting so big! We got the pictures you sent, and when I saw it, I couldn't help but to smile! She looks like the two of you, but she has Sari's skin tone and your deep chin cleft, hair, and smile! She is turning into a real little love! :) Please give Birtta Aurora a huge hug from her aunty in America! She is so cute I could just eat her all up! LOL

Well, this is all that is new here. I do hope to hear from you guys soon! I really love writing to you! Please take special care of yourselves, know you are always in my heart and prayers, and that I wish God's bountiful blessings upon you and your family!

Until later, Nakemiin!

~With much love, your friend in America, Louie Mayrah. :D