188,000 Mirrors

Imagine your eyes fixed upon a mirror. A mirror that is not obscured by blotches of mouthwash and toothpaste from a week ago, but an expanse of glimmering silver warmed by the golden arms of the diminishing sun. The dim silhouette of spruce, pine, and birch extends towards the brim of the lake. A solitary cottage emanates a soft glow through the window panes, as tendrils of smoke are lost to the approaching night. The only audible sound is the sighing wind descending from the Arctic North. Soon winter will wrap every undulating hill in a mantle of snow, and the days will be reduced to only a strand of light. This is Finland.

Perhaps initially recognized as a distant and austere people, Finns can be overlooked. Yet, a parallel to the description above can be drawn to the inhabitants of this beautiful country. Independent and discreet, each individual examines his/her own personal looking glass. Absorbed in the events of the preceding day, each Finn contemplates what improvements can be made in his/her future. This scrutiny is not directed at any other individual. Perceived as isolated cottages, the Finns radiate a prismatic warmth once one has sought to kindle a friendship that will endure for a lifetime. Loyal, selfless, and honest, the inhabitants of Finland are exemplary portrayals of decorum and integrity.

Arrival in Helsinki and the Initial Days

Sastamala Church

My plane landed at Helsinki Airport at precisely 12.00pm on August 5th. A Rotarian was awaiting our arrival: approximately 12 other Rotary Youth Exchange Students accompanied me from different regions of the United States. We dragged are jet-legged, gelatinous bodies into a bus that transported us to Karkku (three hours northwest of Helsinki). We arrived at Karkku evangelical school and entered into a state of utter stupor. For the next six days, 125 other exchange students and I were educated about Finland's language, culture, and history. One day, we travelled a few kilometers north to the city of Tampere. Later, our tour ended at an antiquated evangelical church (Sastamala) where students sang, recited poetry, or played an instrument. On the eleventh, I boarded a train from Karkku to Oulu: roughly four hours, respectfully. Here, I would meet the Manninen Family and my home in Muhos (32 kilometers east of Oulu).


Tampere's Courtyard



The Manninen Family

I am truly fortunate and blessed to have been chosen for the Manninen family. They are one of the most contented, joyful, and loving families I have had the privilege of ever knowing. A family of nine, Mr. Manninen (Jukka) leads the pack as a jovial and light-hearted man. He cycles roughly 50 kilometers three days out of the week to work, and he thoroughly relishes every second he shares with his children. He often accompanies an operatic piece playing on the radio in the evening hours as Halla, the giddy little Australian Shepherd, matches his intonation almost perfectly! Mrs. Manninen (Ulla) is a mother who adores her children. Her personality is embodied in her mastery of the piano: her unbroken concentration contrasted by the fluidity at which each note is precisely addressed. Mrs. Manninen’s perpetual care for her children is percolated to me, as I receive her inexhaustible kindness. A silently hilarious individual, she enjoys the subtle light-hearted yarns her husband performs on a daily basis. Sonja, 17, is a quiet girl who enjoys reading within the antiquities genre of literature. She additionally favors Bach and Mozart whenever their pieces are broadcasted on the radio. Responsible far beyond her age, she assists her mother without any impression of labor. Jenni, 16, is a merry girl who aspires to become a vet in the future. Compassionate and similarly responsible, she has an inclination to find where her assistance is needed: such as a foreign exchange student who requires the aid of a fluent Finnish individual. J Elias, 14, is young man who enjoys a virtuous civil debate: particularly with his father in regards to the amount of time he is allowed to use the family computer. He is a very kind individual who thoroughly loves to spend time with his neighborhood friends at the local swimming hole, or biking through the various trails encompassing our home. Selja, 12, is quite extroverted and vivacious. She loves soaring on the trampoline for hours with her younger sisters and reading the series of Tex Willer in the evening. Aapeli, 9, is the family thespian with his varying burbs and vocal interpretations of the Aku Ankka (Donald Duck) series he assiduously reads. Aapo his nickname, also attempts to covertly play games on the computer without his father’s knowledge: he succeeds occasionally. Melja, 7, and Vilma, 5, are inseparable containment units of nuclear energy. Their incessant cascade of joy has their mother scurrying about through every waking hour of the day. They love singing in relatively close harmony, as Sonja plays the piano. Halla, the solitary dog, enjoys moderate walks – no running, thank you – and howling a welcome whenever she has not perceived one of us in the past five minutes. During our visit to a zoo in Ranua, I was getting ready to pay for my admissions ticket, when Mr. Manninen stopped me and said in broken English, “Matt, you are part of this family. We would be happy to pay for you.” This was one of the most poignant moments my memory will permit me to recall. Indeed, I am truly privileged.

Daily Routine

Every week-day morning, the family awakes at around seven and eats breakfast together. I assist Mrs. Manninen in clearing the table, washing the dishes, and sweeping the floor. I attend school until 14.30 or 15.50, and return home. I then assist Jukka and Ulla in making dinner. After this, we clean the premises and drink coffee (Jukka, Ulla, and myself). At around 20.00, Sonja, Jenni, and I take Halla for a lovely walk on the numerous trails in Paivarinne. Returning home, we read for a half an hour and go to sauna (typically on Wednesdays and Saturdays). Everyone retires for the night at 22.00. On the weekends, we awake at varying times: dependent on the activities of the preceding day. Every Saturday, Elias and I mow the lawn (he does the backyard and I do the front).

Muhos Lukio

Every week-day morning, I ride my bike to the bus stop and catch the 7.25 to Muhos Lukio (High School). My classes include the following: Finnish, Advanced Mathematics, Physical Education, Music, Media Arts, World Cultures, and English. At the end of September, I will arrange a schedule with other subjects. Iikka, Juhana, Perttu, Somi, and Rasmus have all been extraordinary friends. Every Friday night, we sit around a fire and roast sausages while discussing the past week and future ambitions. Every teacher at Lukio is enthusiastic and excited about teaching their respected subjects, and their joy reflects tremendously on the attitudes of the students. The Finnish teacher and I are meeting one-on-one for an extra lesson. In regards to the policies, much liberty is given to each student; consequently, the amount of individual responsibility is quite high. Each student is quite serious about his/her education, yet they are jovial in their recreational time. I am also enrolled in a Finnish course every Tuesday in Oulu.

 Hiking Course

 

From the 30th of August to the 1st of September, I participated in a 32 kilometer (approximately 20 miles) hiking course that was primarily funded through Muhos Lukio. The Manninens were exceedingly kind to loan me all the necessary equipment and supplies for the trip, and I only had to supplement the cost of the bus ride to Kuusamo (20 Euros). Kuusamo is part of the northern region of Finland known as Lapland. 250 kilometers from Oulu, this town is interrupted by towering Norwegian Spruce and corrugated granite. We were divided into groups consisting of 5-6 individuals. Our clan was adamant to finish first at every clearing at the conclusion of each day (for an optimal spot to raise our imposing tent, which could fit an army). We stopped occasionally on the trail to take a few pictures and to wait for Timo to join us (he preferred a modest pace).

 

 

Future Ambitions

Currently, I will be auditioning with the Bass Clarinet for Oulu's Military Orchestra next week. In the winter, I plan to participate in cross-country skiing, down-hill skiing, ice fishing, and hockey. I will also play Finnish baseball in the spring. I plan to be able to communicate proficiently in Finnish by January.

My next entry will be on the 5th of October. 

Sincerely,
Matt Parlette