Silence

The Magic Word

To an English speaking person, Finnish language can sound a little blunt at times. Finns don’t beat around the bush. They don’t pretty things up. Finns appreciate honesty and straightforwardness. Finns are known for their dislike of small-talk. It’s totally debatable whether Finnish small talk even exists. On the other hand, there is a lot…

Hope

Have you ever wondered why in the worst moments of human history; you often find the greatest amount of hope? We hear stories of great suffering of all kinds, be it amidst war, natural disasters or other kinds of personal despair and agony. The situations seem totally hopeless, the future seems unpredictable. Australia has appropriately…

Christmas 1939

Written by Jaana Jokinen, told by my father Matti Samuli 30th November 1939 “All aboard!” The conductor’s booming cry drew my mum to her feet. “The train is leaving, let’s go!” I clapped my hands enthusiastically. I could hardly contain my excitement. Even though I was barely four years old, I had travelled quite a…

When life feels a little overwhelming and you need a place of escape, what does your place of refuge look like? Mine looks like this! In my mind’s eyes I walk barefoot in the cool of the night, hear the creaking sound of the jetty underneath me as it slowly sways on the water. I…