The Oldest Kingdom

As I sit at the computer, the sun is slowly slowly sinking - reflecting fire off the glass windows of the high-rise across the lake.  It is always breath-taking.

This week, the Church in Denmark is celebrating the tenth year since the Copenhagen Temple was dedicated.  We have been asked to attend the temple as many times as we possibly can this week.  We spent 5 hours there today and will do something similar on Friday.  There will be things all week commemorating the temple.

There is an open house at the church near the temple....which will help people understand the purpose of the temple in our lives.  It is a symbol of our faith in Christ, His love for each of His children, and His desire that every single one have the opportunity to receive the saving ordinances of the Gospel.

Our branch president's mother has been doing a great deal of family history and had many names ready to go to the temple.  SK drove out to her apartment to pick up some names who needed the work done.  She was delighted to send them with him.

After entering the temple, changing, and sitting down to wait for the session to begin, I looked over the card in my hand.  It had the name of a woman born in 1832 here in Denmark.  I am always intrigued by the name on the card and wonder who she was, what life was like for her, and if she is aware of life here now.

What drew my interest today was the name and address of the preparer of the card, our friend.  The address was a typical Danish address with city and zip code.  But the last line didn't just say "Denmark" or "Danmark" but "The Kingdom of Denmark."  Doesn't that sound like a fairy tale?

Actually, one of the tourist slogans says:  "Denmark - the Oldest Kingdom in the World."  I googled it, and it is arguable whether or not it is THE oldest, but if it isn't, it is right up there with the longest continuous succcession of monarchs...lasting well over a thousand years.  That sounds like stability to me.

Would you believe this old fortress facade is part of a beautiful playground?

Perhaps one reminder of that is the little crown logo everywhere.  It is charming and adds to the enchantment of this beautiful little country.  Throughout Danmark there is also a lovely variety of castles which at one time or another have served as residences for the royal family, and which are magnificent places to visit, beginning with the grounds.

Danmark's parliament runs the country, but Queen Margarethe II is loved and respected and a wonderful symbol of what Denmark has been and is.

After our beautiful day in the temple, we walked across the street from our apartment to a little Turkish restaurant and had dinner.  It was SK's first time there....I have been a couple of other times with other senior missionaries.  He enjoyed every bit of that dinner....including a few bites of mine....more than I can describe.  His comment about the place:  "I've been waiting a long time to go there, and it exceeded my expectations!"

This is from a man who is master of the understatement.  Normally when he says a meal is "fine" it means it was very good...."decent" means it was better than usual, and "pretty decent" means that is was fantastic!

Just another day in our little kingdom.

This is a typical sight....I snapped it from the bus window.  Young women strolling their charges from the child-care centers.....each stroller holds 4.

The beautiful lake with near glass-like surface towards sundown.