No Hustle, No Bustle

It is not a white Christmas but it is a beautiful one nevertheless.  We slept in and then I fixed breakfast and we both ate.  This is unusual, because SK doesn't like to eat breakfast and declares it is totally unnecessary for the health of the human race.  But it was nice of him to sit down with me and have eggs and bacon!

We had what is called in the Checketts vernacular "The Tree."  I am completely baffled how the gift-opening ritual came to be called that....and I suspect no one really knows, but it has been so deeply ingrained that my children and grandchildren call it that as well -- always with a bit of humor.  We took great delight in opening each little box that had come so far and at such great expense.

Erin thought that since most of Christmas decorations were left here by other couples, we ought to have some unique ones to add to the collection....but how could we possibly abandon "Christmas Story" and "Charlie Brown?"

We thought it was a lovely day for a walk and considered walking around the five connecting lakes here which would have easily been an hour and a half or more.  But we got outside and SK said, "Let's go over to the downtown area."  That means Copenhagen.

We walked over to Stroget - the Walking Street and were surprised to see some shops open, and even more surprised to see many people out, although few in comparison to a normal day.  We strolled along doing some window shopping and just enjoying being out.  We had considered going down by the harbor to see the Little Mermaid.  It is a smaller statue than people think it will be.  But we never got that far.

Why do these sidewalks fascinate me so?

It is Christmas after all.....We looked at each other and turned down a little side street, arriving at The Church of our Lady in just a few moments.  For the next half hour we sat in the peaceful chapel reverently pondering the magnificent portrayal of the Savior by Thorvaldsen.  His apostles line both sides and each deserves undivided attention in its own right.  But the Christus draws us back.  His hands are low, reaching out, inviting us to come to Him.  The inscription states simply "Kommer til mig" (Come Unto Me).  Underneath is the reference to the scripture in Matthew 11: 28..."Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

We watched people come in, walk down the long center aisle and hesitantly approach the Savior....some just standing and staring many feet back, others walking up and past the altar to stand immediately in front.  The chapel was quiet, with only an occasional cough, low murmur of voices, or the echo of a footstep.  Sound resonates differently in those large old churches with vaulted ceilings...almost demanding silent contemplation.

Thoroughly refreshed, we made our way back to our warm apartment where we had a simple meal, and then skyped our children.  We talked with each one of the 13 grandchildren....if that doesn't bring a longing to be home, nothing else could.  They are each so dear, each so unique.

Lia and Peter sent us a gift with the quote:  "As we serve in the mission field, our children and grandchildren will be blessed in ways that would not have been possible had we stayed at home."  This quote by Robert D. Hales is what helps us to serve.  But it is certainly a sweet blessing to us to be here...in Denmark.


As a side note....SK made cookies all by himself!!!  We were going to deliver them to friends and neighbors, but when we saw the result, we decided to chalk these up to learning and wait to share until a future time.  These were supposed to be small rounded crisp cookies.  They taste great...by the way.

Another note:  SK participated in the marzipan molding last night and set to work carving his masterpiece.  Then he covered it in chocolate.  When he saw me taking a picture of it today, he whisked it away to the kitchen where he carved some more. What you see now is the final result of his artistic endeavor.

It is a tooth!