January 31 and the end of the month. Tracy from our Danish class said that normally in January, Copenhagen sees about 43 hours of sunlight. A record of sorts has happened - January 2014 saw only 17 hours. Frankly, I would have guessed fewer than 17.
It snowed as we walked to the bus, as we walked to school, as we sat in class glancing out the window, as we waited for the bus and then walked home. It is pretty cold here. I have heard it said that there is no bad weather in Denmark, just people who aren't dressed properly. I often see people in shirt sleeves standing outside of a building smoking...it can't be all that bad then.
In class today, Mary Theresa from India brought a birthday cake....a delicious yellow cake drenched in white chocolate and then covered in berries and whipped cream. Her birthday was January 10 and mine a week later, so she said that she brought it for our birthdays. Wasn't that sweet? (absolutely no pun intended)
At some point SK took the bus to the mission office where he picked up the car so that we could drive out to a suburb about a half hour away from here. We had dinner with our stake president and his wife, and then spent some time with them talking about the YSA program. It was a beautiful evening.
She fixed a wonderful chicken dish....I couldn't quite figure out the seasoning. It was subtle and so delicious. She later told me that it was curry. I knew the Danes like curry as a seasoning, but this was my first experience with it. The one dish I have used it for and the dishes we have at our favorite Thai restaurant in Gilbert practically slap you in the face with curry. But this was so delicate that I had trouble identifying it. I am going to ferret out some Danish recipes with curry and try them.
For dessert, she served a fromage...a light lemon souffle type of sweet, served with ice cream. Chocolate was drizzled over the top....soooo good.
The visit with President and Sister Berhskov was so helpful. He gave us some good direction and advice and said continue doing what you are doing otherwise. He told us to go visit the other wards and branches and get acquainted with the YSAs who aren't coming to the center. I am excited about that.
He is very much committed to the YSAs. The couple we replaced were released in March and returned to Utah. There was no one to replace them then...our mission call had been extended but we didn't get here until October 11. The stake called a local couple to serve there, but I guess it didn't work out. In May, President Bernskov was in Utah and visited the Telfords. I believe he asked them if they would be willing to return until we got there. So they did....without a formal mission call, but with the blessings of the stake president and kept things going there until we arrived.
Elder L. Tom Perry has said that the majority of the future growth of the Church in Europe would come from the YSA age group. I see how important it is here to the leaders to keep this group actively engaged in the Gospel and I am so happy to be a small part of it.
Friday, January 31, 2014
Thursday, January 30, 2014
"Special Spuds" or "A Rose by Any Other Name"
We have now officially introduced to the Danish Young Single Adults......Ta Da! Funeral Potatoes. The meal tonight was a rousing success. We fixed ham the Danish way and the American way. The Danes boil it. The Americans generally bake it...so just to be safe I did both!
The truth is that we were served some delicious ham by our mission president's wife a few weeks ago, so I called and got the proper way to cook it. We were able to find a very large ham at a very good price....it was about 12 pounds or so.
The ham packages say that they are pre-cooked, but that doesn't necessarily mean ready to eat. Sister Sederholm told of an unfortunate dinner where an American sister had purchased one and stuck it in the oven for an hour or so just to warm it up. When she took it out and sliced into it, it ran pink! With a large number of guests waiting to eat, she began microwaving several slices at a time!
So I put it in cold water and brought it to a boil and then simmered it for nearly an hour. Then I got it out, sliced it and drenched it in a brown sugar sauce and baked it for half an hour. It was tender and juicy and popular.
But not as popular as the funeral potatoes. Don't tell a soul I told you this, but I found fresh cubed potatoes at the Costco wannabe and the price was incredibly reasonable. So making funeral potatoes was a piece of cake...so to speak. I had enough of everything to make three large 9 X 13 pans full, but going back to my R.S. President days and funerals....I made a command decision to make only 2...but the pans were deep and filled to the brim. I thought I had easily enough for 40, and the weather has been bad so I didn't think we would have more than that there.
When they came out from class, the potatoes were gone within the first 15 minutes and several came in wondering if there were any more in the oven. The Danes loved potatoes and they seemed to enjoy these very much. Well...that is not a surprise....who doesn't love funeral potatoes? But I have to think of a classier name than funeral potatoes. Any ideas? Pretty Party Potatoes? Sounds pretty mundane.
Last week one of the YSAs told me about a broccoli salad she loves to make so I asked her to come early tonight and make it for the center. She told me the ingredients and I purchased them and together we made the salad which was also a grand hit.
We also had some rod kohl.....I don't have a Danish keyboard so I can't spell it properly, but it is red cabbage that is kind of pickled, but so much better. There is no way to describe it but to say it was wonderful. It was left over from a ward party so we heated it up and served it too. It is a condiment by the way...eaten with meat. I may have to start importing it when we get back to Arizona. You buy it ready made and just heat it up.
For the grand finale, I made chocolate waffles with hot fudge sauce and whipped cream, and they were as good as they sound. How can you go wrong with that? Waffles are easy, the hot fudge was chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk and butter, and then we topped them off with whipped cream. I made about 90 and they nearly all went.
A lovely thing happened tonight. When SK and I were in North Salt Lake staying with Lia and Peter and waiting for visas, we traveled down to Provo to receive help from volunteers through the MTC. The first one I ever met with was Kiersten from Denmark. She and her son were there for only a few days and volunteered to help us one afternoon. I thought she was so kind and helpful. She came to see us tonight!
She lives in northern Denmark....about 5 hours by car and train. She is here for 3 days doing temple work and will return on Saturday to her home. She came in and helped me with the red cabbage and whipped the cream and manned the sink with the dishes that needed washing. She stayed all through the dinner until the last dish was cleaned up! She was an angel.
She is so kind that I don't think it ever even entered her mind that she had to speak English to me all evening!!!!!! My first tutor. But just to help her know that she hadn't completely wasted her time on me, I threw out a Danish word or phrase every now and then.
We said goodbye at the end of the evening and she went back to the temple guest house where she is staying. We exchanged email addresses and will keep in touch. She helped me so much tonight and answered some cooking questions I have had....still learning weights, measures, oven differences and ingredients.
Another exciting thing...Benedecta told me that she will come next Thursday evening and show me how to make a real Danish meal!!!! She is one of our cute YSAs and comes from a great family of chefs. Next week is Stake Priesthood meeting, so there will be no Institute but there will be a girl's night. And we'll cook Danish!! That is going to be a treat for all, but especially to me.
I spent a lot of the evening visiting with Kiersten and enjoyed it immensely, but found that I had missed visiting more with the young adults. They are so fun. They tease us in the most gentle and sweet way. And I get a kick out of it.
Well...another great Thursday. One of the YSA's told me that I was 12 for 12 on the meals...or something like that. I laughed and told her that I am not a cook. The truth is that they don't eat until after class which is usually about 8:30 so they are very hungry. And SK and I always pray that it will taste good to them. I know the Lord has so many really serious prayers that need answering, but He has been very kind to us in answering that particular prayer. And I am grateful.
The truth is that we were served some delicious ham by our mission president's wife a few weeks ago, so I called and got the proper way to cook it. We were able to find a very large ham at a very good price....it was about 12 pounds or so.
The ham packages say that they are pre-cooked, but that doesn't necessarily mean ready to eat. Sister Sederholm told of an unfortunate dinner where an American sister had purchased one and stuck it in the oven for an hour or so just to warm it up. When she took it out and sliced into it, it ran pink! With a large number of guests waiting to eat, she began microwaving several slices at a time!
So I put it in cold water and brought it to a boil and then simmered it for nearly an hour. Then I got it out, sliced it and drenched it in a brown sugar sauce and baked it for half an hour. It was tender and juicy and popular.
But not as popular as the funeral potatoes. Don't tell a soul I told you this, but I found fresh cubed potatoes at the Costco wannabe and the price was incredibly reasonable. So making funeral potatoes was a piece of cake...so to speak. I had enough of everything to make three large 9 X 13 pans full, but going back to my R.S. President days and funerals....I made a command decision to make only 2...but the pans were deep and filled to the brim. I thought I had easily enough for 40, and the weather has been bad so I didn't think we would have more than that there.
When they came out from class, the potatoes were gone within the first 15 minutes and several came in wondering if there were any more in the oven. The Danes loved potatoes and they seemed to enjoy these very much. Well...that is not a surprise....who doesn't love funeral potatoes? But I have to think of a classier name than funeral potatoes. Any ideas? Pretty Party Potatoes? Sounds pretty mundane.
Last week one of the YSAs told me about a broccoli salad she loves to make so I asked her to come early tonight and make it for the center. She told me the ingredients and I purchased them and together we made the salad which was also a grand hit.
We also had some rod kohl.....I don't have a Danish keyboard so I can't spell it properly, but it is red cabbage that is kind of pickled, but so much better. There is no way to describe it but to say it was wonderful. It was left over from a ward party so we heated it up and served it too. It is a condiment by the way...eaten with meat. I may have to start importing it when we get back to Arizona. You buy it ready made and just heat it up.
For the grand finale, I made chocolate waffles with hot fudge sauce and whipped cream, and they were as good as they sound. How can you go wrong with that? Waffles are easy, the hot fudge was chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk and butter, and then we topped them off with whipped cream. I made about 90 and they nearly all went.
A lovely thing happened tonight. When SK and I were in North Salt Lake staying with Lia and Peter and waiting for visas, we traveled down to Provo to receive help from volunteers through the MTC. The first one I ever met with was Kiersten from Denmark. She and her son were there for only a few days and volunteered to help us one afternoon. I thought she was so kind and helpful. She came to see us tonight!
She lives in northern Denmark....about 5 hours by car and train. She is here for 3 days doing temple work and will return on Saturday to her home. She came in and helped me with the red cabbage and whipped the cream and manned the sink with the dishes that needed washing. She stayed all through the dinner until the last dish was cleaned up! She was an angel.
She is so kind that I don't think it ever even entered her mind that she had to speak English to me all evening!!!!!! My first tutor. But just to help her know that she hadn't completely wasted her time on me, I threw out a Danish word or phrase every now and then.
 |
| Kiersten and her son helped us with our Danish and is one of the kindest persons you would ever want to meet. |
We said goodbye at the end of the evening and she went back to the temple guest house where she is staying. We exchanged email addresses and will keep in touch. She helped me so much tonight and answered some cooking questions I have had....still learning weights, measures, oven differences and ingredients.
Another exciting thing...Benedecta told me that she will come next Thursday evening and show me how to make a real Danish meal!!!! She is one of our cute YSAs and comes from a great family of chefs. Next week is Stake Priesthood meeting, so there will be no Institute but there will be a girl's night. And we'll cook Danish!! That is going to be a treat for all, but especially to me.
I spent a lot of the evening visiting with Kiersten and enjoyed it immensely, but found that I had missed visiting more with the young adults. They are so fun. They tease us in the most gentle and sweet way. And I get a kick out of it.
Well...another great Thursday. One of the YSA's told me that I was 12 for 12 on the meals...or something like that. I laughed and told her that I am not a cook. The truth is that they don't eat until after class which is usually about 8:30 so they are very hungry. And SK and I always pray that it will taste good to them. I know the Lord has so many really serious prayers that need answering, but He has been very kind to us in answering that particular prayer. And I am grateful.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Wednesday's Calm
We planned our menu, assembled recipes, checked sale prices, drove to Metro (the Costco wannabe), went to the center for a few hours where I tried out the dessert recipe (it worked great...it will be fun to do it tomorrow), walked to another local grocery store where we got smaller amounts of needed items and have spent the last little while here in the apartment doing homework and getting things ready for tomorrow.
I am hoping that the meals will get progressively easier, but I suspect they will not. What will be getting better is the ease with which we will shop and prepare and serve. Didn't Heber J. Grant say something about that? Ah yes..."“That which we persist in doing becomes easier to do, not that the nature of the thing has changed, but our power to do so is increased.” I am waiting for that to happen!
Metro - as well as most grocery stores are getting easier to negotiate our way through, because we are beginning to know the territory and the ingredients of products, and prices! We found some fun things today and some crazy low prices on a few items that will come in very handy for the center.
We think Winter is here now to stay. After more than a week of snow and wind and cold plus a forecast that doesn't see the end in sight, we are resigned to it. I still like it. And SK hasn't noticed yet just how cold it is. He has a scarf, hat and gloves that he has been known to wear, but left to his own devices, he will go out to scrape off the car without a hat or gloves or scarf OR zipping up his jacket! What is he thinking????
I am beginning to get used to the silence in our lives. For many years when I was home alone, I listened to the radio, the news, music, talk shows, whatever. Since being on our mission, I am less inclined to listen to most everything except soft and soothing music, and even to that only once in awhile. We never have anything playing in the car while we travel. We watched some Christmas DVD's on our television, but haven't had it on in weeks.
I love sitting up in the loft with the blinds open in the morning. It is a cozy place to read and study and ponder. Distractions from all the goings-on outside are the only problem, and even those are pleasant. I look forward to my quiet alone time while the day is still young.
In the months that we have been on our mission, I am learning a lot, and learning a lot about myself. What a blessing this has been already!
.JPG) |
| This chocolate bar really was as big as it looks!!!! But we didn't buy it. |
I am hoping that the meals will get progressively easier, but I suspect they will not. What will be getting better is the ease with which we will shop and prepare and serve. Didn't Heber J. Grant say something about that? Ah yes..."“That which we persist in doing becomes easier to do, not that the nature of the thing has changed, but our power to do so is increased.” I am waiting for that to happen!
Metro - as well as most grocery stores are getting easier to negotiate our way through, because we are beginning to know the territory and the ingredients of products, and prices! We found some fun things today and some crazy low prices on a few items that will come in very handy for the center.
We think Winter is here now to stay. After more than a week of snow and wind and cold plus a forecast that doesn't see the end in sight, we are resigned to it. I still like it. And SK hasn't noticed yet just how cold it is. He has a scarf, hat and gloves that he has been known to wear, but left to his own devices, he will go out to scrape off the car without a hat or gloves or scarf OR zipping up his jacket! What is he thinking????
I am beginning to get used to the silence in our lives. For many years when I was home alone, I listened to the radio, the news, music, talk shows, whatever. Since being on our mission, I am less inclined to listen to most everything except soft and soothing music, and even to that only once in awhile. We never have anything playing in the car while we travel. We watched some Christmas DVD's on our television, but haven't had it on in weeks.
I love sitting up in the loft with the blinds open in the morning. It is a cozy place to read and study and ponder. Distractions from all the goings-on outside are the only problem, and even those are pleasant. I look forward to my quiet alone time while the day is still young.
In the months that we have been on our mission, I am learning a lot, and learning a lot about myself. What a blessing this has been already!
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| This is SK's drawing of a pig flying over a city during the activity during Family Home Evening at the center. No comment needed. |
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
A Little Bit of Spring
For those of you who have lived in climates where it snows, you will understand what I mean by "a landscape done in blacks and varying shades of gray." Without the sun, the snow - even though fresh and clean takes on the pale tones of the matching sky. And although you see an occasional bright color on someone's scarf or hat, all is muted by the gray everywhere.
I came upstairs to sit where it is warm to read my scriptures this morning, and as usual opened the blinds to look out over the lake....frozen solid and covered with snow. Even as cold as it is, there is the usual parade of people and dogs traveling along the lake's path.
I began reading and was distracted by a beautiful and welcome sound. Children's laughter. I looked up and saw stretched out along the path a line of children dressed warmly from head to toe. There were several adults. As I watched, they stopped right outside and began sledding down the little hill! I watched, enchanted for several minutes and then snapped a few pictures.
It reminds me of one of my favorite fairy tales, "The Selfish Giant" by Oscar Wilde. It is a simply told little story about a giant who has a lovely garden that he wants to keep all to himself. He walls it up and posts a sign to all to keep out. Winter comes to the garden and stays, while all around Spring and Summer come. One day the giant hears a beautiful sound outside...the song of a bird. He looks out and children have crept into the garden through a hole in the wall and have brought Spring with them.
The idea of the sound of the childrens' laughter in the garden bringing blossoms and the song of the birds and Spring has always stayed with me. So when I heard that laughter, it brought to mind those images. I thought to myself that while these cute children didn't bring Spring, they brought something lovely to my soul. Is there anything quite as heart-warming as the sound of childrens' laughter?
Today is P-day. A sizable portion was taken up with our Danish class....but it is worth it. It is helping me learn this language. After dinner this evening, we walked about 2/3 of a mile to a theater where we saw "Frozen" or "Frost" as it is called here. What a delightful movie! We both loved it. It is based on (of all things!) a fairy-tale by Hans Christian Andersen.
He is much beloved here. I appreciate him and his stories even more now that we have lived here for a little while. "The Snow Queen," and "The Little Match Girl" are two of his tales. In each one, I think we can plainly see that this tall, thin and lanky man knew the meaning of cold here in Denmark. I have always loved "The Brave Tin Soldier" and "The Ugly Duckling" as well. There is an art to telling a story, and those who do it well leave an impression one seldom forgets.
SK's mother was that way. I remember still the stories she told in our fifth grade classroom. She was my teacher and I loved the lessons she taught me through stories.
Our Taylor grandchildren are fortunate that they have such a story-teller in their lives. Their Grandpa Taylor mesmerizes them with his own tales that entertain them and calm them down for sleep. I know that they will remember his stories as long as they live.
Of course, the Master's parables leave powerful images and life lessons in our minds and hearts. And he loved little children. Do you suppose he took them upon his lap and told them stories?
I don't know, but I am sure that he loved the sound of their laughter.
I came upstairs to sit where it is warm to read my scriptures this morning, and as usual opened the blinds to look out over the lake....frozen solid and covered with snow. Even as cold as it is, there is the usual parade of people and dogs traveling along the lake's path.
I began reading and was distracted by a beautiful and welcome sound. Children's laughter. I looked up and saw stretched out along the path a line of children dressed warmly from head to toe. There were several adults. As I watched, they stopped right outside and began sledding down the little hill! I watched, enchanted for several minutes and then snapped a few pictures.
It reminds me of one of my favorite fairy tales, "The Selfish Giant" by Oscar Wilde. It is a simply told little story about a giant who has a lovely garden that he wants to keep all to himself. He walls it up and posts a sign to all to keep out. Winter comes to the garden and stays, while all around Spring and Summer come. One day the giant hears a beautiful sound outside...the song of a bird. He looks out and children have crept into the garden through a hole in the wall and have brought Spring with them.
The idea of the sound of the childrens' laughter in the garden bringing blossoms and the song of the birds and Spring has always stayed with me. So when I heard that laughter, it brought to mind those images. I thought to myself that while these cute children didn't bring Spring, they brought something lovely to my soul. Is there anything quite as heart-warming as the sound of childrens' laughter?
Today is P-day. A sizable portion was taken up with our Danish class....but it is worth it. It is helping me learn this language. After dinner this evening, we walked about 2/3 of a mile to a theater where we saw "Frozen" or "Frost" as it is called here. What a delightful movie! We both loved it. It is based on (of all things!) a fairy-tale by Hans Christian Andersen.
He is much beloved here. I appreciate him and his stories even more now that we have lived here for a little while. "The Snow Queen," and "The Little Match Girl" are two of his tales. In each one, I think we can plainly see that this tall, thin and lanky man knew the meaning of cold here in Denmark. I have always loved "The Brave Tin Soldier" and "The Ugly Duckling" as well. There is an art to telling a story, and those who do it well leave an impression one seldom forgets.
 |
| The magnificent swan doesn't look nearly so majestic when he has to waddle around on those feet! |
SK's mother was that way. I remember still the stories she told in our fifth grade classroom. She was my teacher and I loved the lessons she taught me through stories.
Our Taylor grandchildren are fortunate that they have such a story-teller in their lives. Their Grandpa Taylor mesmerizes them with his own tales that entertain them and calm them down for sleep. I know that they will remember his stories as long as they live.
Of course, the Master's parables leave powerful images and life lessons in our minds and hearts. And he loved little children. Do you suppose he took them upon his lap and told them stories?
I don't know, but I am sure that he loved the sound of their laughter.
Monday, January 27, 2014
Please(d)
There is no word in the Danish language for please. Our teacher told us that the Danes are a polite people, but there are dozens of ways they ask for things....all courteously, but there is no word for please. There are words and phrases that one uses to ask nicely for something.
In fact, according to Bent (our teacher), the English had a very difficult time translating Hans Christian Andersen because of all of the courteous little phrases he uses....and so the English just keep translating the words as "please."
I intend to look that up at some point. But isn't that interesting? We must have spent nearly twenty minutes discussing how to ask for things in stores, restaurants etc. The lady from England expressed her frustration...."Whenever I ask for something I am always saying Tak! Tak! Tak!! and Tusind Tak! (Thank you! Thank You! Thank you! Thousand Thanks!) because I don't know how to say please.
I think for those of us who speak primarily English, that is true. We have a difficult time asking someone for something without some kind of expression of "please." But I will memorize all of the odd little phrases that contain hidden pleas.
It has snowed all day, and the lake is frozen over....not even the birds are out there standing or sitting...it looks quite barren. The temperature has gotten as low as 22 degrees, which means with the windchill factor it is nearly down to 0 degrees F. I am still acutely aware that the only people I am impressing with these facts are those running around Arizona in shirt sleeves yelling "We deserve this weather....We have earned it!!!!"
It didn't deter the YSAs from showing up for FHE. Lea, our YSA in charge of FHE every week is a delight and always has something good planned. Tonight, she read a beautiful story and then gave a spiritual application to it. Then we played a very fun little game. I think it is the game of Telestrations. It is a game where SK shines in the drawing segment....tonight we passed our papers to the left, which meant I received his paper after he had drawn what the words said. His finest moment was when he was supposed to draw a flying pig soaring over a city. My best job of interpreting his drawing was a flying hippopotamus aloft over a few chinese lanterns. I will give you a peek at that tomorrow. Or most likely you can imagine something far more amazing than his drawing.
It is enjoyable to just sit back and watch the YSAs converse and laugh. They truly enjoy each other's company. While I don't understand a great deal of what they say....I understand enough and I love them. Last week three young women came into the office where I was typing and stayed for an hour or so and spoke English the entire time! They did it to be polite to me. Isn't that sweet? I am sure that the more excited they get about what they are speaking of, the more they want to lapse into their mother tongue. But they stayed with English the whole time.
It makes me want to say, "Please understand how much I appreciate little things like that!"...But I'll have to find an alternate route....like Tusind Tak!
In fact, according to Bent (our teacher), the English had a very difficult time translating Hans Christian Andersen because of all of the courteous little phrases he uses....and so the English just keep translating the words as "please."
I intend to look that up at some point. But isn't that interesting? We must have spent nearly twenty minutes discussing how to ask for things in stores, restaurants etc. The lady from England expressed her frustration...."Whenever I ask for something I am always saying Tak! Tak! Tak!! and Tusind Tak! (Thank you! Thank You! Thank you! Thousand Thanks!) because I don't know how to say please.
I think for those of us who speak primarily English, that is true. We have a difficult time asking someone for something without some kind of expression of "please." But I will memorize all of the odd little phrases that contain hidden pleas.
It has snowed all day, and the lake is frozen over....not even the birds are out there standing or sitting...it looks quite barren. The temperature has gotten as low as 22 degrees, which means with the windchill factor it is nearly down to 0 degrees F. I am still acutely aware that the only people I am impressing with these facts are those running around Arizona in shirt sleeves yelling "We deserve this weather....We have earned it!!!!"
It didn't deter the YSAs from showing up for FHE. Lea, our YSA in charge of FHE every week is a delight and always has something good planned. Tonight, she read a beautiful story and then gave a spiritual application to it. Then we played a very fun little game. I think it is the game of Telestrations. It is a game where SK shines in the drawing segment....tonight we passed our papers to the left, which meant I received his paper after he had drawn what the words said. His finest moment was when he was supposed to draw a flying pig soaring over a city. My best job of interpreting his drawing was a flying hippopotamus aloft over a few chinese lanterns. I will give you a peek at that tomorrow. Or most likely you can imagine something far more amazing than his drawing.
It is enjoyable to just sit back and watch the YSAs converse and laugh. They truly enjoy each other's company. While I don't understand a great deal of what they say....I understand enough and I love them. Last week three young women came into the office where I was typing and stayed for an hour or so and spoke English the entire time! They did it to be polite to me. Isn't that sweet? I am sure that the more excited they get about what they are speaking of, the more they want to lapse into their mother tongue. But they stayed with English the whole time.
It makes me want to say, "Please understand how much I appreciate little things like that!"...But I'll have to find an alternate route....like Tusind Tak!
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Mirror Mirror on the Wall
"Discretion is the better part of valor," is a quote I have long used in a variety of situations. I like the idea of it. Today, SK tossed it back to me in defense of what I would call an appalling lack of helpful husbandly observation.
We were leaving for the center, and it was dark. I have been putting lipstick on for several decades and frankly, I can put it on in the dark just fine...usually. Tonight we were in a hurry, but I pulled the lipstick out of my purse and quickly put some on, then grabbed the lipliner on and gave a good application of that.
I went to the coat rack by the front door where he was patiently waiting with his coat on. I put my scarf on, then my coat and pulled out my gloves. We talked a little bit while I was donning the winter gear. We were just about to walk out the door and I glanced in a little mirror there by the front door (that is a great idea by the way...a mirror by the front door...there is one at the church and in a country where the wind blows all the time, people love it!).
The lip liner I had so generously applied was eyeliner...black eyeliner. I let out a little shriek and asked, "Didn't you notice that?"
To which he replied, "Yes, but I thought you were just trying something new and I didn't want to make you feel bad." Sometimes discretion is the better part of valor.
A mirror in the entryway is a good idea.
This was the night we had sacrament meeting at the center followed by a YSA Council meeting. As every other one we have been to, tonight's sacrament meeting was excellent. Joakim has been my translator at those meetings and he does a great job. I always feel much inspired by the messages. Two of our YSas spoke about how to be more Christlike.
Both talks were excellent. One of them has served a mission on Temple Square in Salt Lake. She shared some experiences that had been meaningful to her. She showed us a picture of about 15 young men in white shirts and ties in front of the Christus. She said one great experience was when a bishop asked them to share their testimonies with the young men in the picture.
Her senior companion started out by asking the boys what they do to get closer to the Savior....they got some great answers. Then the sister bore her testimony that just like they approached the Christus physically, we need to order our lives in a way to be closer to Him.
We had a speaker from the Stake. He has 3 children in the YSA program and I love them. He told about thinking about giving this talk and introducing himself. He would say, "I am Emma's, Christian's and Kaspar's father, Jutte's husband....and went on to list the very important people in his life and his relationship to them. He tied his talk together by speaking about the importance of being close to the Savior and of identifying ourselves by that key relationship.
I am sure that it loses something in the translation, but I thoroughly enjoyed the meeting.
Afterwards at the council meeting, with nearly 20 there, we had a lively discussion about upcoming activities and there are many. That meeting was not translated for me, but I sat listening... inferring meaning to comments. I was startled and pleased to realize that I can hear distinct words and even know what some of them are. One of the disheartening things for several weeks has been how all of the sounds blend together and I have thought I would never pick this up. I am much encouraged!
I think everyone felt the enthusiasm and excitement at the council meeting. The YSas are planning to go on splits with the missionaries in on ongoing effort to get more of the YSAs active who have fallen away. There is much work to do there. We also have a special temple session this coming Saturday. The temple president told us that we could have a special session on Saturday afternoons if we get enough people. It will be the new English one! SK has been the driving force behind it. He has also been encouraging our returned missionaries to work in the temple, for which the president has been very grateful.
I am looking forward to being there with many of the wonderful young people. It will be awesome.
I'm thinking of getting a full-length mirror for the entryway. :-)
We were leaving for the center, and it was dark. I have been putting lipstick on for several decades and frankly, I can put it on in the dark just fine...usually. Tonight we were in a hurry, but I pulled the lipstick out of my purse and quickly put some on, then grabbed the lipliner on and gave a good application of that.
I went to the coat rack by the front door where he was patiently waiting with his coat on. I put my scarf on, then my coat and pulled out my gloves. We talked a little bit while I was donning the winter gear. We were just about to walk out the door and I glanced in a little mirror there by the front door (that is a great idea by the way...a mirror by the front door...there is one at the church and in a country where the wind blows all the time, people love it!).
The lip liner I had so generously applied was eyeliner...black eyeliner. I let out a little shriek and asked, "Didn't you notice that?"
To which he replied, "Yes, but I thought you were just trying something new and I didn't want to make you feel bad." Sometimes discretion is the better part of valor.
A mirror in the entryway is a good idea.
This was the night we had sacrament meeting at the center followed by a YSA Council meeting. As every other one we have been to, tonight's sacrament meeting was excellent. Joakim has been my translator at those meetings and he does a great job. I always feel much inspired by the messages. Two of our YSas spoke about how to be more Christlike.
Both talks were excellent. One of them has served a mission on Temple Square in Salt Lake. She shared some experiences that had been meaningful to her. She showed us a picture of about 15 young men in white shirts and ties in front of the Christus. She said one great experience was when a bishop asked them to share their testimonies with the young men in the picture.
Her senior companion started out by asking the boys what they do to get closer to the Savior....they got some great answers. Then the sister bore her testimony that just like they approached the Christus physically, we need to order our lives in a way to be closer to Him.
We had a speaker from the Stake. He has 3 children in the YSA program and I love them. He told about thinking about giving this talk and introducing himself. He would say, "I am Emma's, Christian's and Kaspar's father, Jutte's husband....and went on to list the very important people in his life and his relationship to them. He tied his talk together by speaking about the importance of being close to the Savior and of identifying ourselves by that key relationship.
I am sure that it loses something in the translation, but I thoroughly enjoyed the meeting.
Afterwards at the council meeting, with nearly 20 there, we had a lively discussion about upcoming activities and there are many. That meeting was not translated for me, but I sat listening... inferring meaning to comments. I was startled and pleased to realize that I can hear distinct words and even know what some of them are. One of the disheartening things for several weeks has been how all of the sounds blend together and I have thought I would never pick this up. I am much encouraged!
I think everyone felt the enthusiasm and excitement at the council meeting. The YSas are planning to go on splits with the missionaries in on ongoing effort to get more of the YSAs active who have fallen away. There is much work to do there. We also have a special temple session this coming Saturday. The temple president told us that we could have a special session on Saturday afternoons if we get enough people. It will be the new English one! SK has been the driving force behind it. He has also been encouraging our returned missionaries to work in the temple, for which the president has been very grateful.
I am looking forward to being there with many of the wonderful young people. It will be awesome.
I'm thinking of getting a full-length mirror for the entryway. :-)
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Sometimes Peace of Mind is the Best Answer
Today was a good P-day today....we managed to get several things done that needed doing. But the evening is early and we are both nodding off. So I am going to post early and head off to dreamland.
We did a lot of walking today....this has been such a busy week that we didn't walk as much as usual and I have missed it. It just makes everything better to expend that energy, and around here it is particularly fun.
SK wore a scarf if that tells you anything. The giant thermometer on the side of a building registered 5 degrees below zero! ...centigrade. I know...that is not so impressive. I believe Salt Lake and Connecticut and Wyoming are a lot colder than we are, but we are cold enough. I think the computer registers the temperature here at 22 degrees F. The wind is ever with us though and that is a significant factor.
Plus, we are walking. We carry bags with us where ever we go to bring our purchases home in. So if we end up going inside of 9 different stores and make a purchase in 5 of them, that has to be carried with us everywhere. If we walk a mile and a half from home, then we have to carry our parcels with us a mile and a half to get home!
I haven't felt great this week. I have prayed asking for help and strength. The first time I prayed ... I looked up and a quote Lia sent to us came into focus:
It had great significance to me, and has been a comfort. I know that is a tender little mercy. I have also been reminded of a blessing I received several months ago. I was told that we would both be well and safe throughout our mission. I have great faith that it is true.
Our good friends the Hansens and Sister Swena and Sister Hamblin are also very encouraging and so dear.
I am grateful to be serving in this little corner of the Lord's vineyard. There is work to do everywhere and there are workers laboring away everywhere, but I am grateful to be here doing what we are doing. And I am grateful for all of the sweet help we receive in the form of prayers, letters and notes of encouragement, and wonderful little gifts like potato peelers, lemon zesters and packets of seasonings, and a crock pot. You are all so amazing and I appreciate and love you all so much!
But I feel bad that you are enriching the postal department so much! Your prayers, encouragement and love are what we most need and that is enough.
Sabbath tomorrow....have a beautiful day!
We did a lot of walking today....this has been such a busy week that we didn't walk as much as usual and I have missed it. It just makes everything better to expend that energy, and around here it is particularly fun.
SK wore a scarf if that tells you anything. The giant thermometer on the side of a building registered 5 degrees below zero! ...centigrade. I know...that is not so impressive. I believe Salt Lake and Connecticut and Wyoming are a lot colder than we are, but we are cold enough. I think the computer registers the temperature here at 22 degrees F. The wind is ever with us though and that is a significant factor.
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| You may think these birds are walking on water, but in fact they are walking on ice, while their friend out front is swimming. This is the middle of the lake and I have no idea how or why this little slab of ice appeared. |
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| I also have no idea why they want to be ON the ice...don't they know it's cold out there! |
Plus, we are walking. We carry bags with us where ever we go to bring our purchases home in. So if we end up going inside of 9 different stores and make a purchase in 5 of them, that has to be carried with us everywhere. If we walk a mile and a half from home, then we have to carry our parcels with us a mile and a half to get home!
I haven't felt great this week. I have prayed asking for help and strength. The first time I prayed ... I looked up and a quote Lia sent to us came into focus:
It had great significance to me, and has been a comfort. I know that is a tender little mercy. I have also been reminded of a blessing I received several months ago. I was told that we would both be well and safe throughout our mission. I have great faith that it is true.
Our good friends the Hansens and Sister Swena and Sister Hamblin are also very encouraging and so dear.
I am grateful to be serving in this little corner of the Lord's vineyard. There is work to do everywhere and there are workers laboring away everywhere, but I am grateful to be here doing what we are doing. And I am grateful for all of the sweet help we receive in the form of prayers, letters and notes of encouragement, and wonderful little gifts like potato peelers, lemon zesters and packets of seasonings, and a crock pot. You are all so amazing and I appreciate and love you all so much!
But I feel bad that you are enriching the postal department so much! Your prayers, encouragement and love are what we most need and that is enough.
Sabbath tomorrow....have a beautiful day!
Friday, January 24, 2014
Sleep is a Good Thing / or the Hazzards of Being a YSA Senior Couple
What has been promised is here....winter. The temperature registered 27 this morning and is probably 21 at the moment. The weather report said that the "feels like" temperature is 11. I can attest to that. We walked to the post office, which is perhaps a 10-minute walk, and it was so cold that SK actually said, "I think it is time to buy a scarf." I am sure that we will be doing that tomorrow. The next few days will be very chilly, and the wind seems to be a constant around here so "very chilly" is probably an understatement. In weather like this you really need to have your ears covered up...and it helps to have your mouth and nose covered up as well. And while you are at it, maybe some warm goggles for your eyes! It is the wind that really does the freeze freeze.
We passed by one of the lakes today that was frozen....perhaps you can't tell that in the picture, the little bird is walking on the ice, not swimming in the lake.
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| You probably think there is nothing exceptional about this picture, but if you look just above the middle of the photo, you will see blue sky! |
But it really makes it seem like January somehow.
In the continuing saga about my legal status in the country (you may remember that there was a slight problem with my passport that turned out to be nothing), we discovered that I was missing a very important card - which you are supposed to carry on your person at all times. It is called a Residence Permit. SK and I tore the apartment apart looking for it. I was sure that I have never had one and SK was sure that I must have had one and lost it. Neither of us could remember where SK had gotten his Residence Permit card or when. It is not a good thing when both individuals in a couple are short on memory.
I called the Immigration Office of Denmark and was told to come in. Apparently they never issued a card to me because there was a problem with my fingerprint. So on this gray morning we went to the Immigration Office. It was a shocking visit.....shocking because I have never been in a government office that was so efficient! I went in, took a number, waited possibly one minute, was called to the window, presented my SSN card and my passport, had my fingerprints taken, my picture snapped, gave them my signature and was out of there in 10 minutes or less. Impressive? Yes!
It is midnight at the center....well 12:45 to be exact. This was the farewell party before we move out of this place, but our lease has been extended another month, maybe two or three if the powers that be can't find something sooner. But the party was scheduled and planned, and why waste a perfectly good farewell party if you aren't saying farewell yet?
It is now 1:30 and the last of the YSAs are saying goodbye, so I anticipate that we will be home by 2:15. It has been a fun evening though. I know I will sleep tonight. I really don't mind staying up so late....except that I have to sleep at least long enough to get 6 hours of sleep and by the time I drag myself out of bed in the morning and dressed and up...most of the morning will be gone! And so goes our P-day. Oh well....good thing we have a small place.
Tonight I had a sweet conversation with David, our newest member. He was baptized about 2 weeks ago tonight. He has already had the missionaries over to teach a good friend, and he is teaching the friend as well. David's testimony is strong and dynamic. He has been attending and investigating the Church for nearly 2 years and has arrived at this point with a certainty and a humility that is inspiring. He is so very happy to be here. He served in the Danish forces in Afghanistan (I have heard that per capita, the Danes have lost a greater percentage of lives than any other country), and it was rough. He has been home over 2 years and told me that at some point he just decided that he would not be grumpy anymore. He would not look at the world as a "half empty world, but as a half full" one. He has consciously made the choice to be happy...to be upbeat....to be full of faith. He is very impressive and such a wonderful addition to our group.
It is 2:28 and time to wrap up in the warm down comforter. Ah.....goodnight!
Thursday, January 23, 2014
A Man Among Men
I have been under the weather, so to speak, for a little while and decided not to go to the center today. Just back pain. That meant SK would have to take care of the meal alone. Without complaint, he packed everything up and headed out. He called me a few times from the center to check on how to do things, but otherwise, he was the man tonight.
I made the dessert yesterday (2 apple cakes)....I have yet to find out how they were. I didn't want to cut into them to check, and it is an untried recipe (SK always wonders why I take opportunities like a dinner for 30 to try something out....I don't know, maybe it is the one ounce of daring I possess!)
Today, he and I worked together to make 50 honey-lime enchiladas. It took us awhile. If I had been doing it in the States, I would have purchased a couple of large Macayo Green Enchilada Sauce, one or two Costco rotisserie chickens, Costco Mexican Blend Cheese and a bunch of corn tortillas....slam dunk. Ah the joys of Costco.
For tonight as usual, everything was a little more time-consuming and difficult than I anticipated. We found a little specialty shop in Copenhagen - the ChiliHouse. They have all kinds of salsas and sauces, at a price. But they didn't have green enchilada sauce! ..No one did. We looked. And looking requires a fair amount of walking....which takes time. So I bought a small bottle of green sauce. It looked good. I also bought a large bottle of green chilies. Yes!
I made a white sauce, using the magic ingredient (Penzey's Chicken Soup Base)...I need to have stock in that company! I pulverized the green sauce and chilies in our little food processor, and added that to the white sauce with some garlic powder. It was actually quite good and it had a little bit of a bite to it! We had a eureka moment when we discovered some wheat/corn tortillas at our local favorite grocery store, and then we purchased cheddar cheese and used the same little processor to grate it. That little item is almost as wonderful as the crockpot!
We found some frozen chicken breasts on sale, which we slow cooked in the above-mentioned appliance in Penzey's soup base. It all took time! It also ended up being quite expensive, unlike what it would have cost in the States. But when we were finished, they looked quite good, and all the ingredients tasted good, so we thought we probably had a winner on our hands.
So back to SK. He carted off the four pans of enchiladas and various and sundry other items, including a detailed list of what to do at the center, and when.
He set the tables, put table cloths on, put the enchiladas in the oven, conscripted some of the YSAs to chop veggies for the green salad and got the meal on....went next door to buy chips where they are cheapest, and called around 7:30....about 45 minutes before the crowd would convene to eat.
"They're done....and I think they are getting burned!" he said.
This is what is known as the panic just before the meal is about to be served. It happens every week with one or more aspects of the dinner.
I had him turn the oven off and put a loose tent on the enchiladas. I heard from him 3 minutes before time to eat....and he sent me a picture. Seriously less than 25 minutes later he called to say the enchiladas were all gone and were a great hit!!!! Isn't that fun? I know they have never had anything quite like those, because it is such a unique recipe that Erin found and then shared around with the family.
The great benefit of cooking Mexican food, despite an appalling lack of proper ingredients and the extra time it takes to make do, is that most people around here don't know what it is supposed to taste like, and they seem to appreciate any and all efforts to bring the Mexican flavors to Copenhagen. They are all very sweet that way. I have missed not being with them this evening....they are a high point of every day we have with them. I love those young people!
I haven't heard from SK since, and it is now 11:00. I know he is tired and probably doing up dishes o'plenty. Normally, I do them as I go so that all that is left is the serving dishes....but that is because SK is doing the other things to get the meal on. And then after, he is performing a great sacrifice of his time by playing CRUD just to be social. Don't believe it for a second! He loves that game! I suspect that he ended up playing a few games and got stuck in the kitchen afterwards.
He is unfailingly cheerful. Seriously. If you know him, you know that is true. He has been a prince today.
I made the dessert yesterday (2 apple cakes)....I have yet to find out how they were. I didn't want to cut into them to check, and it is an untried recipe (SK always wonders why I take opportunities like a dinner for 30 to try something out....I don't know, maybe it is the one ounce of daring I possess!)
Today, he and I worked together to make 50 honey-lime enchiladas. It took us awhile. If I had been doing it in the States, I would have purchased a couple of large Macayo Green Enchilada Sauce, one or two Costco rotisserie chickens, Costco Mexican Blend Cheese and a bunch of corn tortillas....slam dunk. Ah the joys of Costco.
For tonight as usual, everything was a little more time-consuming and difficult than I anticipated. We found a little specialty shop in Copenhagen - the ChiliHouse. They have all kinds of salsas and sauces, at a price. But they didn't have green enchilada sauce! ..No one did. We looked. And looking requires a fair amount of walking....which takes time. So I bought a small bottle of green sauce. It looked good. I also bought a large bottle of green chilies. Yes!
I made a white sauce, using the magic ingredient (Penzey's Chicken Soup Base)...I need to have stock in that company! I pulverized the green sauce and chilies in our little food processor, and added that to the white sauce with some garlic powder. It was actually quite good and it had a little bit of a bite to it! We had a eureka moment when we discovered some wheat/corn tortillas at our local favorite grocery store, and then we purchased cheddar cheese and used the same little processor to grate it. That little item is almost as wonderful as the crockpot!
We found some frozen chicken breasts on sale, which we slow cooked in the above-mentioned appliance in Penzey's soup base. It all took time! It also ended up being quite expensive, unlike what it would have cost in the States. But when we were finished, they looked quite good, and all the ingredients tasted good, so we thought we probably had a winner on our hands.
So back to SK. He carted off the four pans of enchiladas and various and sundry other items, including a detailed list of what to do at the center, and when.
He set the tables, put table cloths on, put the enchiladas in the oven, conscripted some of the YSAs to chop veggies for the green salad and got the meal on....went next door to buy chips where they are cheapest, and called around 7:30....about 45 minutes before the crowd would convene to eat.
"They're done....and I think they are getting burned!" he said.
This is what is known as the panic just before the meal is about to be served. It happens every week with one or more aspects of the dinner.
.JPG) |
| He hasn't put the enchiladas on yet, but the table looks pretty impressive. |
I had him turn the oven off and put a loose tent on the enchiladas. I heard from him 3 minutes before time to eat....and he sent me a picture. Seriously less than 25 minutes later he called to say the enchiladas were all gone and were a great hit!!!! Isn't that fun? I know they have never had anything quite like those, because it is such a unique recipe that Erin found and then shared around with the family.
The great benefit of cooking Mexican food, despite an appalling lack of proper ingredients and the extra time it takes to make do, is that most people around here don't know what it is supposed to taste like, and they seem to appreciate any and all efforts to bring the Mexican flavors to Copenhagen. They are all very sweet that way. I have missed not being with them this evening....they are a high point of every day we have with them. I love those young people!
I haven't heard from SK since, and it is now 11:00. I know he is tired and probably doing up dishes o'plenty. Normally, I do them as I go so that all that is left is the serving dishes....but that is because SK is doing the other things to get the meal on. And then after, he is performing a great sacrifice of his time by playing CRUD just to be social. Don't believe it for a second! He loves that game! I suspect that he ended up playing a few games and got stuck in the kitchen afterwards.
He is unfailingly cheerful. Seriously. If you know him, you know that is true. He has been a prince today.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
In the Bleak Midwinter
I am beginning to understand why some of the YSAs lament the coming of the winter months. It is pretty dark, even though the days are getting a little bit longer. The sky is almost always gray. The temperature has been below freezing all day, but no snow yet.
Everyone is wrapped against the biting cold in dark heavy winter clothing. The humble woolen scarf here takes on heroic status as everyone (excluding SK) has one or more in their wardrobe. It is commonly wrapped around the neck twice and on days like today comes up over the mouth and nose. They are generally black, gray or a variation of same. Warm stocking hats, fur-lined hoods on jackets, thick gloves and black tights and boots are typical attire (well...the tights are mostly worn by women).
So as you walk out on the streets of Copenhagen or Frederiksberg, everything does indeed look a bit dismal. Even the colorful buildings take on a deathly pallor. People hunched over against a icy winds squint against the cold blasts and solemnly hurry to their next destination.....no strolling....no pausing at a window to see what bargains await inside...no stopping for a friendly visit. I think we are in a siege mode.
But I like it! I love being inside where it is warm. I love walking outside in a warm coat, scarf, boots and gloves. I love coming inside any building and feeling the warmth reach out and envelope us. I love the gray skies and the dark colors and the lights of the buildings and cars and bicycles.
Here is something I have never had before....it has had daily use from us since we arrived. Yes...it is a coat rack. It is just inside our door and nearly everyone has a variation of it....if only a few hooks hanging on the wall.
In Churches and the temple and other gathering places there are coat rooms, where people meet as they take off their winter gear and hang it up. Rosy-cheeked people greet each other as they peel off boots and gloves. In the temple, we also take off our shoes and leave them in that small room. Tip-toeing through the quiet halls of that sacred place is a sweet experience.
Good news, bad news: My beautiful little Christmas tree has bitten the dust. I think it just didn't get enough light. I should have put it outside....the supercharged dry air of the heated apartment may have been too much. Good news: The Telfords left little flowering plants in two pots outside our front door, which subsequently bit the dust. BUT, at some time last year, they must have planted bulbs of some sort, which have braved the cold winter weather and burst forth with some green sprouts! I'll keep you posted on what variety they turn out to be.
I adore Copenhagen right now.....but I know that Spring will be glorious!
Everyone is wrapped against the biting cold in dark heavy winter clothing. The humble woolen scarf here takes on heroic status as everyone (excluding SK) has one or more in their wardrobe. It is commonly wrapped around the neck twice and on days like today comes up over the mouth and nose. They are generally black, gray or a variation of same. Warm stocking hats, fur-lined hoods on jackets, thick gloves and black tights and boots are typical attire (well...the tights are mostly worn by women).
So as you walk out on the streets of Copenhagen or Frederiksberg, everything does indeed look a bit dismal. Even the colorful buildings take on a deathly pallor. People hunched over against a icy winds squint against the cold blasts and solemnly hurry to their next destination.....no strolling....no pausing at a window to see what bargains await inside...no stopping for a friendly visit. I think we are in a siege mode.
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| These pictures really don't capture what it is like here in the middle of the day. |
But I like it! I love being inside where it is warm. I love walking outside in a warm coat, scarf, boots and gloves. I love coming inside any building and feeling the warmth reach out and envelope us. I love the gray skies and the dark colors and the lights of the buildings and cars and bicycles.
Here is something I have never had before....it has had daily use from us since we arrived. Yes...it is a coat rack. It is just inside our door and nearly everyone has a variation of it....if only a few hooks hanging on the wall.
 |
| SK is such a good sport to come and pose by the great and wonderful coat rack. I began to laugh at him...and you see what he does when I laugh at him. |
In Churches and the temple and other gathering places there are coat rooms, where people meet as they take off their winter gear and hang it up. Rosy-cheeked people greet each other as they peel off boots and gloves. In the temple, we also take off our shoes and leave them in that small room. Tip-toeing through the quiet halls of that sacred place is a sweet experience.
Good news, bad news: My beautiful little Christmas tree has bitten the dust. I think it just didn't get enough light. I should have put it outside....the supercharged dry air of the heated apartment may have been too much. Good news: The Telfords left little flowering plants in two pots outside our front door, which subsequently bit the dust. BUT, at some time last year, they must have planted bulbs of some sort, which have braved the cold winter weather and burst forth with some green sprouts! I'll keep you posted on what variety they turn out to be.
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| Poor little tree...makes me sad. But look at that wonderful little red crockpot cooking it's little heart out! |
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| Any guess as to what this might be? ...and don't say "weed!" |
I adore Copenhagen right now.....but I know that Spring will be glorious!
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
God Our Strength Will Be
Originally, we began this mission thinking Tuesday would be our P-day but it seldom is. For one thing, our Danish class takes up a significant portion, and these days, it requires more study time. For another, there is often some sort of meeting on Tuesday evenings, like a planning meeting at the center (first Tuesday), Relief Society at the branch (second Tuesday), or on the third Sunday the Knudsens host a dinner for all the senior and/or temple missionaries (It is a beautiful thing!).
We have not been able to spend quite so much time with the senior missionaries as we did at the beginning in the MTC. But I shall never forget how exciting it was to see so much capable leadership and life's wisdom concentrated in one place. We met in a chapel everyday and it was pretty much full of seniors. Then we would break for individual departments of 14 to 20, depending on our particular mission calls.
When we take a break from the young people of our Danish class and the young people at the center and meet with the seniors, I am reminded of what a joy it is to serve with committed individuals who love the Lord.
For example, the Hansens next door. They are the office couple, and have been much relieved to have the two senior sisters here since October to take some of the burdens off their shoulders. Before the sisters came, they were putting in 10 hour days at the office, sometimes longer. And the end of the month is still intense. All of the missionaries, as well as parents have a direct line to their cell phones. Often a worried parent will call, little realizing that they are waking the Hansens in the middle of the night.
Since Sister Hansen is the mission nurse, she too is occasionally summoned from sleep to answer a question about a health concern. I see her get up from dinner, or leave a conversation to soothe a worried young person who has a bad cough or a pain somewhere. She listens thoughtfully, gives them motherly advice and when deemed necessary encourages them to see a doctor. She is so kind and caring, I think just having her listen would make anyone feel better!
They should be released in March, but have extended til April...almost 6 weeks so that they can train the new couple - who are currently waiting for their visas. The Hansens are tired....worn out in the service, but they are stalwarts who continue to fulfill all of their assignments with great caring. They are even home teachers in our branch and are very diligent about looking after their charges.
Brother Hansen grew up in Bountiful and graduated from Bountiful High School!!! I think 2 years before SK. He is the one who designed the Bountiful Brave logo - which I always thought was the classiest I have ever seen. At age 72 or 73, he has salt and pepper hair and has the build of a wrestler. He meets almost all incoming missionaries. Each one who comes brings with him/her 2 large suitcases (up to 70 pounds each) and whatever carry-ons allowed.
Just as Brother Hansen did with us, he ushers the bewildered young missionaries through the airport, helps them pick up their luggage and gets them out to the van where he hoists the big suitcases into the back. Then he drives that big van through the narrow streets like a cab driver. He and SK are pretty amazing with their nerves of steel as well as their still-good reflexes. (I have mentioned to SK that if something were to happen to him and I needed to hurry to get him to medical help, our best chance for him would be for me to wrestle him into the driver's seat of the car and let him drive!!!)
The couple we replaced were an amazing couple. They made great sacrifices to be here....they came back after they were released because there was no one to serve at the center until our visas were approved. They stayed for nearly 2 months - not as official missionaries, but as a couple who loved the YSAs and wanted to keep things running smoothly. Within a month of getting back to Bountiful, Brother Telford had an operation on his back and one on his shoulder. They stayed longer than they had planned just to help us get trained.
We get a weekly compilation of emails from seniors all over Denmark and Iceland. There are possibly 10 or more couples. I am amazed at what they are accomplishing and how enthusiastic they are about the good they are doing. One couple here in Copenhagen are photographing genealogical records of the country...at the request of the government! They were trained to use specialized camera equipment and they spend their days at the archives patiently photographing page after page of the old tomes and dealing with equipment malfunctions. They are also learning Danish...both of them!
I have thought we were uniquely blessed to be able to work with the YSAs - and we truly are, but what a sweet privilege it is to serve with such incredible seniors.
We have not been able to spend quite so much time with the senior missionaries as we did at the beginning in the MTC. But I shall never forget how exciting it was to see so much capable leadership and life's wisdom concentrated in one place. We met in a chapel everyday and it was pretty much full of seniors. Then we would break for individual departments of 14 to 20, depending on our particular mission calls.
When we take a break from the young people of our Danish class and the young people at the center and meet with the seniors, I am reminded of what a joy it is to serve with committed individuals who love the Lord.
For example, the Hansens next door. They are the office couple, and have been much relieved to have the two senior sisters here since October to take some of the burdens off their shoulders. Before the sisters came, they were putting in 10 hour days at the office, sometimes longer. And the end of the month is still intense. All of the missionaries, as well as parents have a direct line to their cell phones. Often a worried parent will call, little realizing that they are waking the Hansens in the middle of the night.
Since Sister Hansen is the mission nurse, she too is occasionally summoned from sleep to answer a question about a health concern. I see her get up from dinner, or leave a conversation to soothe a worried young person who has a bad cough or a pain somewhere. She listens thoughtfully, gives them motherly advice and when deemed necessary encourages them to see a doctor. She is so kind and caring, I think just having her listen would make anyone feel better!
They should be released in March, but have extended til April...almost 6 weeks so that they can train the new couple - who are currently waiting for their visas. The Hansens are tired....worn out in the service, but they are stalwarts who continue to fulfill all of their assignments with great caring. They are even home teachers in our branch and are very diligent about looking after their charges.
Brother Hansen grew up in Bountiful and graduated from Bountiful High School!!! I think 2 years before SK. He is the one who designed the Bountiful Brave logo - which I always thought was the classiest I have ever seen. At age 72 or 73, he has salt and pepper hair and has the build of a wrestler. He meets almost all incoming missionaries. Each one who comes brings with him/her 2 large suitcases (up to 70 pounds each) and whatever carry-ons allowed.
Just as Brother Hansen did with us, he ushers the bewildered young missionaries through the airport, helps them pick up their luggage and gets them out to the van where he hoists the big suitcases into the back. Then he drives that big van through the narrow streets like a cab driver. He and SK are pretty amazing with their nerves of steel as well as their still-good reflexes. (I have mentioned to SK that if something were to happen to him and I needed to hurry to get him to medical help, our best chance for him would be for me to wrestle him into the driver's seat of the car and let him drive!!!)
The couple we replaced were an amazing couple. They made great sacrifices to be here....they came back after they were released because there was no one to serve at the center until our visas were approved. They stayed for nearly 2 months - not as official missionaries, but as a couple who loved the YSAs and wanted to keep things running smoothly. Within a month of getting back to Bountiful, Brother Telford had an operation on his back and one on his shoulder. They stayed longer than they had planned just to help us get trained.
We get a weekly compilation of emails from seniors all over Denmark and Iceland. There are possibly 10 or more couples. I am amazed at what they are accomplishing and how enthusiastic they are about the good they are doing. One couple here in Copenhagen are photographing genealogical records of the country...at the request of the government! They were trained to use specialized camera equipment and they spend their days at the archives patiently photographing page after page of the old tomes and dealing with equipment malfunctions. They are also learning Danish...both of them!
I have thought we were uniquely blessed to be able to work with the YSAs - and we truly are, but what a sweet privilege it is to serve with such incredible seniors.
Monday, January 20, 2014
Danish...the Tie That Binds
SK has taken on somewhat of a mentor status in our Danish class. Before class starts and during the break other class members approach him for explanations and help. We have now reached the dreaded infinitive. To read, to learn, to study, to eat, to sleep....you get the idea. This is not something a lot of native English speakers have mastered, and it is trying indeed for the Greek lady in our class.
She approaches SK with frustration and he seems always to be able to help. But I feel sorry for her and others in the class. They are struggling with the concept AND the explanations of usage. SK is at least able to make it a little easier for them to understand. For that we thank his sweet father who would not stand for improper grammar! SK diagrammed sentences for fun as a teen!!!!
Nevertheless, the class is progressing and becoming more difficult as we wade into the joys of sentence structure and grammar. I am surprised that there have been so few drop out. Daniel returned to Australia and a couple of others seem to miss more and more classes, but otherwise we are staying constant at about 16 members.
I have come to enjoy each one in class and their own unique personalities. Miho is from Japan and soft-spoken. Newly married to a Dane, she wants to get a job and is motivated to study and work at the acquisition of this language. Sung Moon is from Korea. Her husband transferred to the university here and they have a small child. She works hard also to learn.
Monia is Italian and quite delightful. She has been here many years with her church..Scientology, and (believe it or not!) stays because she loves it here. I do too....but from descriptions of Italy from Lia, I think I would be in Italy in the winter if my family were all there. She is beautiful. She is about 40 and never married because she never found anyone in the small group of Scientology members that she wanted to marry. So ... according to her, a lot of life has passed her by.
Luis from Peru is outgoing and personable and flirts with all the ladies despite the fact that he just got married to a Dane in June. He and Nicole (a tall striking blond from Australia engaged to a Dane) often organize after-class drinking parties. They are very funny. Tracy, a forty something from England loves to be a part of that as well.
Jystina from Poland is a lovely young woman is very intent on getting Danish down and often speaks out in frustration, but barrels ahead no matter how disheartened she gets.
Two beautiful young married women are here from India with their husbands, 4 au pairs from the Phillipines, Ruby from Ghana and Melba from Liberia pretty much complete the group. I enjoy it immensely. Oh, and the lady from Greece. She has the most delightful accent in English and a beautiful husky voice. She is about 40 and does not keep it quiet that she would far rather be in Greece right now than Denmark.
We also have another class member from the U.S. His name is Tony and I like him. He has been here for 8 years and never returned in all that time to the States. He doesn't come very often because of work and other things, but he is a kind gentle man and I would think a good ambassador for the U.S. ....and I think we need all of those we can get!
We are getting to know each better and finding so much to love about each one. What a great experience! Who would have ever thought I could meet so many nice people from all over the world in one place?
She approaches SK with frustration and he seems always to be able to help. But I feel sorry for her and others in the class. They are struggling with the concept AND the explanations of usage. SK is at least able to make it a little easier for them to understand. For that we thank his sweet father who would not stand for improper grammar! SK diagrammed sentences for fun as a teen!!!!
Nevertheless, the class is progressing and becoming more difficult as we wade into the joys of sentence structure and grammar. I am surprised that there have been so few drop out. Daniel returned to Australia and a couple of others seem to miss more and more classes, but otherwise we are staying constant at about 16 members.
I have come to enjoy each one in class and their own unique personalities. Miho is from Japan and soft-spoken. Newly married to a Dane, she wants to get a job and is motivated to study and work at the acquisition of this language. Sung Moon is from Korea. Her husband transferred to the university here and they have a small child. She works hard also to learn.
Monia is Italian and quite delightful. She has been here many years with her church..Scientology, and (believe it or not!) stays because she loves it here. I do too....but from descriptions of Italy from Lia, I think I would be in Italy in the winter if my family were all there. She is beautiful. She is about 40 and never married because she never found anyone in the small group of Scientology members that she wanted to marry. So ... according to her, a lot of life has passed her by.
Luis from Peru is outgoing and personable and flirts with all the ladies despite the fact that he just got married to a Dane in June. He and Nicole (a tall striking blond from Australia engaged to a Dane) often organize after-class drinking parties. They are very funny. Tracy, a forty something from England loves to be a part of that as well.
Jystina from Poland is a lovely young woman is very intent on getting Danish down and often speaks out in frustration, but barrels ahead no matter how disheartened she gets.
Two beautiful young married women are here from India with their husbands, 4 au pairs from the Phillipines, Ruby from Ghana and Melba from Liberia pretty much complete the group. I enjoy it immensely. Oh, and the lady from Greece. She has the most delightful accent in English and a beautiful husky voice. She is about 40 and does not keep it quiet that she would far rather be in Greece right now than Denmark.
We also have another class member from the U.S. His name is Tony and I like him. He has been here for 8 years and never returned in all that time to the States. He doesn't come very often because of work and other things, but he is a kind gentle man and I would think a good ambassador for the U.S. ....and I think we need all of those we can get!
We are getting to know each better and finding so much to love about each one. What a great experience! Who would have ever thought I could meet so many nice people from all over the world in one place?
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Ah the Comfort....
We had a marvelous sacrament meeting today with two speakers. One of them was Elder Hansen from the other senior couple. He gave his talk in Danish, and he spoke slowly, so I was getting some of it all the while listening to the translation on a headset.
In Sunday school we had two different teachers...they each took 20 minutes, and they were both YSAs. Each gave a very thoughtful lesson that made me really think.
One asked how you would tell a very small child how an airplane stays up in the air. Then he drew the connection of keeping it as simple as the child can comprehend to the Lord keeping His explanation of the creation in simple terms for us...because it is far more complex than any of us can imagine!
The other started out wanting to know what benefits come from sin. A terribly unorthodox way to begin a gospel message, but very thought provoking nevertheless. It was all very edifying.
Since we have been home, I have been waiting to go to bed. It is sooooooooo cold outside, and we waited outside for the bus to come. It was only a 15 minute wait, but the wind went right through every layer of clothing I had on. I have been wearing a jacket and a blanket since we got home and can't quite get warm. The wind is blustery and noisy outside now. It is a perfect time to get warm under that wonderful down comforter....an apt name for such a day!
In Sunday school we had two different teachers...they each took 20 minutes, and they were both YSAs. Each gave a very thoughtful lesson that made me really think.
One asked how you would tell a very small child how an airplane stays up in the air. Then he drew the connection of keeping it as simple as the child can comprehend to the Lord keeping His explanation of the creation in simple terms for us...because it is far more complex than any of us can imagine!
The other started out wanting to know what benefits come from sin. A terribly unorthodox way to begin a gospel message, but very thought provoking nevertheless. It was all very edifying.
Since we have been home, I have been waiting to go to bed. It is sooooooooo cold outside, and we waited outside for the bus to come. It was only a 15 minute wait, but the wind went right through every layer of clothing I had on. I have been wearing a jacket and a blanket since we got home and can't quite get warm. The wind is blustery and noisy outside now. It is a perfect time to get warm under that wonderful down comforter....an apt name for such a day!
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Saturday at the Center...Weren't We Just Here?
We slept in today and it felt glorious! After two intense days and long nights, I needed sleep and I slept pretty soundly. The only trouble with sleeping in is that half of our P-day was over before we got up!
I was able to do a few things that needed to be done....run a load of washing, clean the kitchen and bathroom, etc. We walked over to the train station where a bus/train pass can be purchased. We each had purchased a 3-month pass the week we got here and both had expired. Today, I am officially a "pensionist" and as such can now purchase the pass for about 125 dollars....which gives me the ability to hop on a bus or a train at will. I mention this because three months ago I was 64 and it cost 375 dollars! See, getting older has a few perks.
We got cleaned up and went to the center (yes...it seems like we spend a lot of time there), but this time it was to be with people our own age! The ward in which we live had a high priest party. We don't attend that ward because we have been assigned to a little branch outside our suburb. But the high priests nevertheless invite us to their socials. There were the 8 senior missionaries who attend our branch, and then 2 temple missionaries, as well as the temple president and the matron. It amounted to close to 50 people, which is too many to feed in the church building they attend. So we were back to the center.
They had set the tables beautifully and gotten everything set up for a feast. This is an annual tradition. Every January when all the normal celebrating is done, they have the high priest get together where they have a lovely feast. We have had some absolutely marvelous meals since we got here....but this truly was a FEAST.
We started with open-faced sandwiches on rich dark dense rye bread which we put together ourselves. The first course was seafood....everything from fish fillets to smoked salmon to shrimp to pickled herring. I loved everything I tried...which was everything. Also, I am learning to eat like the Danes eat which is much more sensible. You eat with your left hand...using the fork, and you keep your knife in your right hand to scoop everything onto the fork with. It is highly efficient...once you become accustomed to eating with your left hand.
The next course was fleskestai...I know I misspelled that, which is a delicious pork roast, and beef tenderloins with caramelized onions and mushrooms. And then there were several other dishes to choose from. I followed a Danish woman around so that I knew how to combine foods and sauces. One lady told me that she had fixed this feast for some Americans, who piled everything up their plates and kind of mixed it all together. What a waste, because there are so many different flavors etc that it would be a shame to miss it. For dessert, platters of bread, crackers and cheese, fresh fruit and fruit salad with chocolate sprinkled on top. Just when we thought the meal was over, a big bowl of chocolates was brought out, then a platter of tangerines, and finally hot chocolate! It was amazing ... everything was soooooo good!
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We spent about 45 minutes playing a fun gift exchange. We were assigned to take a gift from each of us that would cost about 2 dollars. That was a lot of fun.
I helped to clean up, but didn't do nearly enough. SK and the others were ready to leave, and I hated to leave the little band of people who were left. They had all kinds of leftovers and so many dishes to do. I stayed as long as I could and then we left.
Now we are home, and I am about to fall over in a deep sleep, so I will leave before that happens!
I was able to do a few things that needed to be done....run a load of washing, clean the kitchen and bathroom, etc. We walked over to the train station where a bus/train pass can be purchased. We each had purchased a 3-month pass the week we got here and both had expired. Today, I am officially a "pensionist" and as such can now purchase the pass for about 125 dollars....which gives me the ability to hop on a bus or a train at will. I mention this because three months ago I was 64 and it cost 375 dollars! See, getting older has a few perks.
We got cleaned up and went to the center (yes...it seems like we spend a lot of time there), but this time it was to be with people our own age! The ward in which we live had a high priest party. We don't attend that ward because we have been assigned to a little branch outside our suburb. But the high priests nevertheless invite us to their socials. There were the 8 senior missionaries who attend our branch, and then 2 temple missionaries, as well as the temple president and the matron. It amounted to close to 50 people, which is too many to feed in the church building they attend. So we were back to the center.
They had set the tables beautifully and gotten everything set up for a feast. This is an annual tradition. Every January when all the normal celebrating is done, they have the high priest get together where they have a lovely feast. We have had some absolutely marvelous meals since we got here....but this truly was a FEAST.
We started with open-faced sandwiches on rich dark dense rye bread which we put together ourselves. The first course was seafood....everything from fish fillets to smoked salmon to shrimp to pickled herring. I loved everything I tried...which was everything. Also, I am learning to eat like the Danes eat which is much more sensible. You eat with your left hand...using the fork, and you keep your knife in your right hand to scoop everything onto the fork with. It is highly efficient...once you become accustomed to eating with your left hand.
The next course was fleskestai...I know I misspelled that, which is a delicious pork roast, and beef tenderloins with caramelized onions and mushrooms. And then there were several other dishes to choose from. I followed a Danish woman around so that I knew how to combine foods and sauces. One lady told me that she had fixed this feast for some Americans, who piled everything up their plates and kind of mixed it all together. What a waste, because there are so many different flavors etc that it would be a shame to miss it. For dessert, platters of bread, crackers and cheese, fresh fruit and fruit salad with chocolate sprinkled on top. Just when we thought the meal was over, a big bowl of chocolates was brought out, then a platter of tangerines, and finally hot chocolate! It was amazing ... everything was soooooo good!
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| Do you recognize the pool/CRUD table with a cover? |
We spent about 45 minutes playing a fun gift exchange. We were assigned to take a gift from each of us that would cost about 2 dollars. That was a lot of fun.
I helped to clean up, but didn't do nearly enough. SK and the others were ready to leave, and I hated to leave the little band of people who were left. They had all kinds of leftovers and so many dishes to do. I stayed as long as I could and then we left.
Now we are home, and I am about to fall over in a deep sleep, so I will leave before that happens!
Friday, January 17, 2014
Keep Calm and Carry On - Part III
We got into bed very very late last night, but I still awakened at 7:30 this morning. I laid in bed under the absolutely delightful feather comforter (The reason they are wonderful is that it is dark, snowing and very cold outside.), pondering on how best to tackle the day.
Then out of the blue the telephone rang...Facetime. Erin called and we had a wonderful visit. As senior missionaries, we enjoy a lot of privileges that the young ones don't get, and I am so grateful. It helps to ward off homesickness when we can keep up with everyone.....especially the grandchildren. We hear them play piano pieces, we look at their artwork and their projects, see their new clothes and the books they are reading. We hear about school and the temple cultural event. It is truly a blessing. But it was very nice to have a little quiet alone time with Erin.
After we said goodbye, the doorbell rang. It was the senior missionaries....with a beautiful little blossoming yellow rose plant. They delivered a card with sweet wishes for a good day.
Then down to business....we worked on our Danish homework, and assembled all the items that we would take to the center for dinner. One of the items was a pot full of black beans that had soaked for 24 hours and then had simmered through the night and on into the morning.
We took a bus to class...it was snowing and bleak and gray and I absolutely love it! I never tire of looking around me at the old buildings and the myriad of shops.
In class today, we went over days, dates and ordinal numbers. Among other things we had to state what day our birthday was. I had sworn SK to secrecy....don't tell anyone it is my birthday today! But he had already told a beautiful young lady from India who sits beside us. So when it came to be my turn I said January 17. Well the whole class got excited and immediately asked the teacher to help us learn the Danish birthday song. We spent about 20 minutes learning the tune, the words and the rhythm of a very fun song. And of course, in all of the verses, "Janis" was the one they sang to.
After only 2 hours instead of 3 we left. I went back to our apartment to gather everything to take to the center. SK went to the mission office to get the car (it is not our day to have it, but since we will be at the center until well after midnight, it was decided that we should have it). He drove back to get me and all of our stuff and we have been at the center ever since. It is now nearly eleven, and I think things are just getting started. Many of them attended the temple, then came here to eat, and are now enjoying CRUD and other games. Several went to the baptism of another YSA and made the long trip from the stake center to here and are a part of all the fun.
Once again, within an hour of when the dinner was to be served, we had a small crises with the food. I made taco soup.....and one of the major ingredients is good black beans. I told you how carefully I worked on the beans. After all that soaking and after all that cooking, they were not done at 6. They were still hard!!!...well...crunchy. It is baffling to me. Dinner was going to be served at 8.
I got busy with the dessert...which was Boston Cream Pie. I found a beautiful thing. It is an 8 inch round yellow cake...one layer that has been split into three layers horizontally. It cost two dollars! I purchased four. The filling turned out to be a lot more complex than I had anticipated, but it all turned out fine.
At 7, the beans were done! So I finished assembling the taco soup, and when people started to arrive at 8, I only had the guacamole left to make. So once, again it all seemed to turn out well enough, and I am quite grateful.
The best part of the evening was the time I spent with YSAs. Earlier in the night, I kind of just circulated around, and then settled once again in the kitchen.
Well, it is now nearly 3 a.m. and we have been home about half an hour. While we were at the center, both Melissa and Lia called and "met" several of the YSAs. That is so wonderful!
While I was in the office with them, SK also told three of the young women that I am a descendant of Hyrum Smith. They were mildly impressed. Then he told them that I am also a descendant of Pochahontus. There was a very small pause in the conversation and then a scream....and then several more. I might as well have said that I am Justin Bieber's grandmother or something. They talked about that for another half hour!...occasionally squealing again in delight.
The one who is most enamored with the Disney movie asked if I have a son, to which I replied "Yes, but he is 42 and married."
She answered with a harumph and "So's my dad."
Then she asked if there was anyone else in the family line from Pochahontus who is eligible.
I told her that I have two eligible nephews...both returned missionaries....Ryan and Christopher. At that point, all three began planning the wedding. (I guess I better let Ryan know.) They will of course use the theme of Pocahontus...music, costumes characters...in invitations, decorations etc. When I answered their question about whether or not Ryan is blonde (I said yes), it set off a new round of squealing with delight. They decided ultimately that Ryan should be the first choice because of his age, and then Christopher, and if neither of them work out, then she will wait for Zach to get home. And if all else fails, she'll wait for Tim to get old enough. Whatever it takes to be in the family of Pochahontus.
My face is sore from laughing. The three of them were hilarious....just old enough to have a very well-developed sense of humor, and just young enough to enjoy being silly. And I enjoyed it right along with them.
It has been a good day. Thanks Kate and Melissa for your contributions to the taco soup!
Good night.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Keep Calm and Carry On - Part II
Another lovely winter day. After Danish class we hurried over to the center and started right in. SK peeled 15 pounds of potatoes for an hour, and I made 300 meatballs. We got to the center at 3:30 and served dinner around 8:30.
The meatballs turned out quite well....and SK did a superb job peeling and cutting. We put the potatoes on to cook at 7:00....thinking that we would drain them and let them sit in the pan until we served them. OK that was naive. We had all of them in a very - very - very large pot. By 8:00 the water had not come to a boil. I was nervous and SK was nervous. We not only needed them to get done, but we needed the burner on the stove for other things!
The meatballs in gravy had thickened up nicely but were somewhat bland, so SK and I began throwing seasonings in and finally just decided everything was good to go. By 8:15 the water had begun to boil. We began cooking a large bag of green beans in the microwave oven because the potatoes were taking up space on the stove top. It didn't seem to be cooking the beans....they took a long time to get done in that microwave. By 8:20, the class was over and the YSAs came out into the eating area ready to eat! We carried the meatballs out, sliced the warm baguettes and put the green beans out. At 8:22 the potatoes were done and we drained them and served them. Whew!
I thought I had prepared enough for 40 people....but with about 27 eating, it all went. I don't know what we'll ever do if 40 actually show up!
We put the carrot cake out at the same time, and it disappeared too. Well....that meal went alright, but I am not sure it was the most well-received of meals. Mealballs is a Danish dish and so I don't know how critical the YSAs might be. But I do know that when someone sees something that wasn't done right, they are wonderful in how they tell me.
Tonight we served raadkaal...or something like that. Pickled red cabbage. It is very good. We bought two one-pound bins of it. You just open it up, put it in a bowl and serve! After dinner was over, one young woman came into the kitchen and put her arm around me, and then said in a low voice, "Everything was really good. But just so you know...when we eat raadkaal, we usually warm it up first." She was so sweet about it, all I could do was laugh. It was eaten, and I wonder if they all thought I had lost my marbles! It says right on the little bin, "Warm up before serving." We have had it, but it has always been cold, so I never even looked at the package. (Besides...it was in Danish.)
On another note, I told my Italian friend (from the Danish class) about our dinners. She said, "If you ever need help, I would love to come and help you." So I said, "How about next week?" She said yes!
I hope that really happens....not only because I would so love the help, but also because I would love to see how an Italian goes about cooking the dishes she has talked about. AND I also think it would be wonderful if she could come to the center and meet these YSAs and feel the great spirit there. How could she not love it? She is 40 and a little old for the center, but it would still be a great intro for her to the Church.
And we had a visitor tonight at the center from Northern Italy....Jonathan. He didn't know Lia...who served a mission there, but it is ...afterall....a big place.
I sat with 3 YSAs for an hour tonight talking about the Thorvaldsen sculptures which will be replicated for the Rome visitor's center. One of them was a part of the team who took detailed measurements of all of the sculptures. He showed us slides....it was fascinating. I love to be a part of those conversations. The same young man served a mission in Greece. He said it was such hard work, and he came home absolutely depleted of strength...exhausted. But it was a great experience. By the time they had left, they had taught and baptized enough people to make a ward....in China. And they were told that they were laying groundwork, the fruits of which they might not see for many years. He is a good young man.
The couple we replaced, the Telfords said that this is the best mission on earth. I agree.
The meatballs turned out quite well....and SK did a superb job peeling and cutting. We put the potatoes on to cook at 7:00....thinking that we would drain them and let them sit in the pan until we served them. OK that was naive. We had all of them in a very - very - very large pot. By 8:00 the water had not come to a boil. I was nervous and SK was nervous. We not only needed them to get done, but we needed the burner on the stove for other things!
The meatballs in gravy had thickened up nicely but were somewhat bland, so SK and I began throwing seasonings in and finally just decided everything was good to go. By 8:15 the water had begun to boil. We began cooking a large bag of green beans in the microwave oven because the potatoes were taking up space on the stove top. It didn't seem to be cooking the beans....they took a long time to get done in that microwave. By 8:20, the class was over and the YSAs came out into the eating area ready to eat! We carried the meatballs out, sliced the warm baguettes and put the green beans out. At 8:22 the potatoes were done and we drained them and served them. Whew!
I thought I had prepared enough for 40 people....but with about 27 eating, it all went. I don't know what we'll ever do if 40 actually show up!
We put the carrot cake out at the same time, and it disappeared too. Well....that meal went alright, but I am not sure it was the most well-received of meals. Mealballs is a Danish dish and so I don't know how critical the YSAs might be. But I do know that when someone sees something that wasn't done right, they are wonderful in how they tell me.
Tonight we served raadkaal...or something like that. Pickled red cabbage. It is very good. We bought two one-pound bins of it. You just open it up, put it in a bowl and serve! After dinner was over, one young woman came into the kitchen and put her arm around me, and then said in a low voice, "Everything was really good. But just so you know...when we eat raadkaal, we usually warm it up first." She was so sweet about it, all I could do was laugh. It was eaten, and I wonder if they all thought I had lost my marbles! It says right on the little bin, "Warm up before serving." We have had it, but it has always been cold, so I never even looked at the package. (Besides...it was in Danish.)
On another note, I told my Italian friend (from the Danish class) about our dinners. She said, "If you ever need help, I would love to come and help you." So I said, "How about next week?" She said yes!
I hope that really happens....not only because I would so love the help, but also because I would love to see how an Italian goes about cooking the dishes she has talked about. AND I also think it would be wonderful if she could come to the center and meet these YSAs and feel the great spirit there. How could she not love it? She is 40 and a little old for the center, but it would still be a great intro for her to the Church.
And we had a visitor tonight at the center from Northern Italy....Jonathan. He didn't know Lia...who served a mission there, but it is ...afterall....a big place.
I sat with 3 YSAs for an hour tonight talking about the Thorvaldsen sculptures which will be replicated for the Rome visitor's center. One of them was a part of the team who took detailed measurements of all of the sculptures. He showed us slides....it was fascinating. I love to be a part of those conversations. The same young man served a mission in Greece. He said it was such hard work, and he came home absolutely depleted of strength...exhausted. But it was a great experience. By the time they had left, they had taught and baptized enough people to make a ward....in China. And they were told that they were laying groundwork, the fruits of which they might not see for many years. He is a good young man.
The couple we replaced, the Telfords said that this is the best mission on earth. I agree.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Keep Calm and Carry On
Dear Erin gave us a daily quote calendar....titled "Keep Calm and Carry On." You know the story I am sure. In typical British understatement, they were going to use this phrase to rally the courage of the people IF the Germans conquered England. Fortunately they never had to use it. But in the last few years the message has taken hold of the world.
It seems like a good motto for me on some days. I awakened early this morning with food on my mind. I couldn't go back to sleep so I got up and studied a few recipes and wrote out two menus and a long shopping list.
SK and I walked to our favorite store...about 6 blocks away and wrote down the price of every major item. Then we drove to a Costco wannabe (if only) and looked at their prices. They were higher on at least half of the items, but we purchased the ones we could only get there and the ones that cost less.
We came back to the apartment...left the car with everything in it (it is colder outside than inside a refrigerator...how marvelous!....never in Gilbert) and then walked back to our local store. We finished all the shopping, lugged it home, put it in the car, and then drove to the center where we carted everything up to the 4th floor center. Yes...there IS an elevator!
It took us awhile to put things in the freezer, refrigerator and tucked away somewhere. I unloaded the dishwasher and reloaded it with dishes used last night for the leadership meeting. Then back home to a bite of dinner and making two carrot cakes...the second one is in the oven now.
We'll go back to the center early tomorrow morning to start on dinner, then to our Danish class at noon, and back to the center after class is over to finish up preparations. Whew. I think I could face it with more ease if I knew Friday wasn't going to be exactly the same.
The other thing is that we don't know if we will serve 20, 30 or 40 tomorrow night. Friday night, we will have possible guests from Sweden and the stake up north in Denmark. So that night we could have 50....but we might have 15.
I am so grateful for a preparation day....I like it more when the preparation is more spiritual. Perhaps there is still time for some of that tonight!
Time for chocolate....scriptures, Danish class homework, and sleep I hope.
Keep calm and Carry on.
It seems like a good motto for me on some days. I awakened early this morning with food on my mind. I couldn't go back to sleep so I got up and studied a few recipes and wrote out two menus and a long shopping list.
SK and I walked to our favorite store...about 6 blocks away and wrote down the price of every major item. Then we drove to a Costco wannabe (if only) and looked at their prices. They were higher on at least half of the items, but we purchased the ones we could only get there and the ones that cost less.
We came back to the apartment...left the car with everything in it (it is colder outside than inside a refrigerator...how marvelous!....never in Gilbert) and then walked back to our local store. We finished all the shopping, lugged it home, put it in the car, and then drove to the center where we carted everything up to the 4th floor center. Yes...there IS an elevator!
It took us awhile to put things in the freezer, refrigerator and tucked away somewhere. I unloaded the dishwasher and reloaded it with dishes used last night for the leadership meeting. Then back home to a bite of dinner and making two carrot cakes...the second one is in the oven now.
We'll go back to the center early tomorrow morning to start on dinner, then to our Danish class at noon, and back to the center after class is over to finish up preparations. Whew. I think I could face it with more ease if I knew Friday wasn't going to be exactly the same.
The other thing is that we don't know if we will serve 20, 30 or 40 tomorrow night. Friday night, we will have possible guests from Sweden and the stake up north in Denmark. So that night we could have 50....but we might have 15.
I am so grateful for a preparation day....I like it more when the preparation is more spiritual. Perhaps there is still time for some of that tonight!
Time for chocolate....scriptures, Danish class homework, and sleep I hope.
Keep calm and Carry on.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Danish....It's Not As Easy As It Sounds
Danish class today kept us on our toes. Our teacher Heidi moves right along and is very fond of calling someone's name and then addressing him/her in Danish. If she draws a blank stare, she elaborates in Danish. All of it can be intimidating, but it is also kind of exciting. She is pushing us and we are barely managing to stay up with her.
We took the bus to the center this evening for our monthly meeting with the institute director, mission president, stake president, stake high councilor and the three officers in the YSAs. It is always interesting to watch the interaction and respect each shows everyone else.
We had hoped for news about the pending move, but were disappointed to find out that we have no word yet on where or when we will be moving. For awhile there, we thought we would be moving next door to the Queen! But someone else got there first and it has already been rented. So we are back to square one with the powers that be ...they will be out looking for sites tomorrow morning.
The word now is that the place we currently occupy will rent to us month to month until they find a new renter. The earliest that we can actually be in a new place is May. So it is very possible that we will be meeting in a church in the area for a few months. I am sure that means no CRUD...which would be a great disappointment to the YSAs....not to mention SK.
The missionary spirit is very strong in the center, and by month's end they plan to go on splits with the missionaries to visit less active YSAs. I am positive that it will net great results.
The meeting tonight was entirely in Danish and everyone spoke rapidly. I understood so little. This is such a rare occurrence that it always stuns me. I am so accustomed to speaking English to everyone, or having an interpreter nearby. I sat there for an hour and a half listening intently, catching words and phrases and running them through my addled brain. By the time I had made sense of one sentence they had moved on to another topic! I know this is good for me. In the long run, it should help my Danish.
It is amazing that one can live in Denmark indefinitely without learning Danish because almost everyone speaks English well. In fact, one of the members of our Danish class is a man by the name of Tony from America. He has lived here for 8 years and has never been back to the States. He gets along fine just speaking English wherever he goes. But like us, he wants to learn to communicate in the language of the country.
Another item from our meeting tonight is that we will be cooking a meal for maybe 50 or 60 on Friday night, as well as Thursday night. Boy....I hadn't decided what to have for Thursday yet! This will take some major planning and effort on my part. Normally I need Friday to recover from Thursday!
We will have a YSA temple night and we have invited the YSAs from Northerm Denmark and Sweden, so we may have a lovely crowd that night.
I guess this calls for chocolate.......then I'll decide what to have for Thursday and Friday.
We took the bus to the center this evening for our monthly meeting with the institute director, mission president, stake president, stake high councilor and the three officers in the YSAs. It is always interesting to watch the interaction and respect each shows everyone else.
We had hoped for news about the pending move, but were disappointed to find out that we have no word yet on where or when we will be moving. For awhile there, we thought we would be moving next door to the Queen! But someone else got there first and it has already been rented. So we are back to square one with the powers that be ...they will be out looking for sites tomorrow morning.
The word now is that the place we currently occupy will rent to us month to month until they find a new renter. The earliest that we can actually be in a new place is May. So it is very possible that we will be meeting in a church in the area for a few months. I am sure that means no CRUD...which would be a great disappointment to the YSAs....not to mention SK.
The missionary spirit is very strong in the center, and by month's end they plan to go on splits with the missionaries to visit less active YSAs. I am positive that it will net great results.
The meeting tonight was entirely in Danish and everyone spoke rapidly. I understood so little. This is such a rare occurrence that it always stuns me. I am so accustomed to speaking English to everyone, or having an interpreter nearby. I sat there for an hour and a half listening intently, catching words and phrases and running them through my addled brain. By the time I had made sense of one sentence they had moved on to another topic! I know this is good for me. In the long run, it should help my Danish.
It is amazing that one can live in Denmark indefinitely without learning Danish because almost everyone speaks English well. In fact, one of the members of our Danish class is a man by the name of Tony from America. He has lived here for 8 years and has never been back to the States. He gets along fine just speaking English wherever he goes. But like us, he wants to learn to communicate in the language of the country.
Another item from our meeting tonight is that we will be cooking a meal for maybe 50 or 60 on Friday night, as well as Thursday night. Boy....I hadn't decided what to have for Thursday yet! This will take some major planning and effort on my part. Normally I need Friday to recover from Thursday!
We will have a YSA temple night and we have invited the YSAs from Northerm Denmark and Sweden, so we may have a lovely crowd that night.
I guess this calls for chocolate.......then I'll decide what to have for Thursday and Friday.
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