Fresh Courage Take

I had three  new experiences today.  Who would have thought that at the advanced age of 64 I could be stretching so!

We went to one of the larger malls in a city suburb of Copenhagen, along with the Hansens, two young elders and 3 members of our little Branch.  We stood outside in the square....a large open area with brick surface and handed out little printed invitations to come to our branch on the 22nd and attend our Christmas program/Sacrament meeting.  It was overcast and raining on and off, but it didn't rain while we were there.  It was bitingly cold however and we stood shivering as we tried to give our invitations away.

I was a little nervous about it and hoped no one would be angry with me.  I stood a ways from the others so that we didn't look like a whole group waiting to pounce.  Our cause was not helped by a few women giving away "Muslims for Peace" flyers and three energetic young salesmen for a cell phone carrier.  We had some real competition, and I wonder that anyone dares cross that town square on a Saturday!

Our little cards were business sized cards and I was wearing my badge prominently.  I prayed for courage....and I also prayed that if there was anyone who was crossing the square today who was looking for more meaning in their life --  they would cross my path and perhaps begin a journey that would bring them great joy.  Meanwhile, the young elders were fearless...or at least barreled ahead as though they had no fear.

I managed to give out my whole stack of cards....not a lot, perhaps 20...but that was pretty good! Most people just ignored me, a lot of them politely smiled and shook their heads no, and a few accepted the card and read it.  At least 3 looked pleased and talked to me!  And finally two of them paused to have an honest to goodness conversation with me.  It was lovely.  We didn't get into doctrine, but just a pleasant conversation.  One was from Belgium and one was from England.   Wouldn't it be wonderful if one of them came to Church on the 22nd?

My second new experience was coming home on the train.  We have become very familiar with the buses around here, but have not taken the train anywhere.  We went down a flight of stairs and then 2 different levels of very long escalators.  I thought we were going farther down into the earth than I have been before!  We got down to the trains where everything was clean and in tiptop shape.  There were a lot of people waiting for the train that we were taking.  When it came, it was almost silent and as clean and orderly as the platform.  People who were riding eyed my badge warily, sneaking looks at it when they thought I was unaware.  In no time we were within walking distance of our apartment and got home within another 20 minutes.  It was a little unnerving to know that no one was driving the train...it is all done electronically!

My third experience was going to the store just a little while ago and purchasing a warm stocking hat for SK.  He got so cold standing out there, and I just decided he was going to wear a hat from now on.  When I brought it home, he tried it on right then and there, and put it with his coat.  Enough said!  My next purchase will be a warm scarf.  Everyone - and I mean everyone wears a warm scarf around their neck.  I have one courtesy of the Taylor family which I have probably worn every day since we got here.  It is interesting how much warmer you feel if your neck is warm!

No housecleaning got done today, but otherwise it has been a productive day.  Now I need to go work on the budget!  Now that is scary.

Post Script:  We have sung this beautiful song twice now, about Christ is born in Bethlehem.  I thought those of you who are musical (Isn't that everyone?) might enjoy it.