Not too long ago in sunny California I’d hit the kickboxing studio for a little bit of tension release. At 5:30 pm I showed up ready to sweat and knock somebody’s head off. I loved the fun enviroment, thumping music and sweaty boxing gloves, okay, not so much on the sweaty boxing gloves.
Since arriving in Finland I’ve noticed the obsession with working out. I’ve seen families running together, bike riding and nordic walking. I’ve been trying to come up with a way to build relationships with young women in Finland. I don’t sew, don’t scrapebook and although I’m a mother and LOVE my daughter, you generally won’t find me at the playground. I’ve been praying, “Please Lord, show me a way I can do what I love to do and still be able to meet ladies.” I’ve been certified to teach aerobics and Lord willing we will offer a FREE cardio kickboxing class in a local school gym.
This is a PRAYER request. We hope to have classes start by mid-August (when the university students arrive). Please pray for the space we will be renting, that we will find one in an ideal location and that the cost is minimal. Pray that the students will show up. PRAY that relationships will be formed and souls saved.
I’ll keep the blog updated…until then…KICK, KICK, KICK!!
Heather in Finland
Hey Heather!
Welcome to the cluster. Cultural insight, for the Finns (indeed, for most Europeans) working out is not an obsession, it is just a matter of life. Even down here in the milder climes of Southern Germany, families [quote] work out [unquote] together. Long walks, bicycle riding, you name it, they do it. Nope, scrapbooking is not a big thing (not as in the States) and the only folks I know who sew much anymore are the Omas … although a lot of the Hausfrau around here do know how to put a stitch in time. We have our share of Maxx Fitness (workout studios), but a lot of people just WALK everywhere. We’ll be praying with you that you find the opportunities and openings you are looking for …
pvos
I didn’t realize that you were the one initiating this. Very, very cool – remind me not to tick you off too bad (I’d hate to get “kickboxed” in the favorite parts of my body).
Go for it, Heather!