Thursday, June 12, 2014

Aftensmad

I got up early this morning to make the cinnamon rolls because I wanted them to be fresh.  Since I am doing them by hand :-) it takes a little extra time and effort.  We thought we had a district meeting at 11, so I wanted to be done with the rolls and cleaned up for the day by the time we got there, and I wanted to take those cute missionaries some cinnamon rolls right out of the oven!

I made it!  Got the rolls done at 11:00 and myself cleaned up.  SK called them to tell them we would be a few minutes late.  That is when we found out that it had been cancelled.  It was a combination of one of those "What?...I've been rushing around all morning and now it isn't going to happen?" and "Eureka!  I've just been handed two hours!" moments.

We had the plumber come in while the rolls were baking to fix our hot water.  We have not been able to get any in the kitchen.  He took care of it and I gave him a hot roll.  Wasn't that fun?  I'm a firm believer in sharing hot cinnamon rolls...Melissa has converted me.

So we had some time to get some other things done before arriving at the center this afternoon.  I spent most of the time up until we served the meal at 8:30 getting it ready.  There is something so charming though about working away in the kitchen and having individuals come and find me and then help me.

A young woman from Ukraine came in early to have a lesson with the missionaries.  She had nearly an hour before her appointment and so we sat together and chopped vegetables.  She speaks English quite well and can express herself with ease.  She is an au pair here and seems to enjoy learning about other cultures.

She spoke to me about her home, about her family, about her job, about her hopes for the future.  It was so interesting.  She has been here for a year and will stay another year.  She thinks she will go back to Ukraine and further her education.

After class and after most had eaten, I sat in the kitchen with two young women.  They are both beautiful young Danes, both strong in the faith and both such a pleasure to visit with.  Their lives are very full yet they give much of their time in service to the Church.  One of them shared with me that she had gotten an email from a friend she hadn't seen in years (who is not a member of the church).  The friend thanked her for being a strong example of her faith and the values she stands for.  I couldn't help but think how wonderful it would be if every member of the Church could be such a role model....the work all over the world would really take off.  What a lovely and well-deserved compliment to my young friend!

Many of our YSAs will be going to Sweden for a week at the end of the month for the Scandinavian equivalent of EFY....here it is FSY.  They will be counselors, security and administrative leaders.  They are all working at preparing and it does take a ton of work.

Aftensmad (evening food) was a success...we served Hawaiian Haystacks to 27, and nearly everything was eaten.  But I have made a note in the recipe book that we could use more chicken gravy the next time we do that.  I thought this would be a light evening with fewer in attendance, and it was....but not as light as I anticipated! 

Tomorrow night is the gala.  Everyone will come all dressed up.  Many of the young women told me this evening what they will be wearing.  It sounds like we are going to have a great turnout.  Many of the YSAs were here to eat and then hurried over to the church to decorate.  I am excited for them....and for myself.  It will be fun to watch! --just between you and me....there is no way under the sun that I will dance!

I had better go home and get some sleep...I know we'll be late tomorrow night!


2 comments:

  1. You didn't say - but I'm sure they enjoyed the cinnamon rolls. What a wonderful day- with extra time to go along with it. You do enjoy your visits with the young people.
    Have a great time at the dance and don't be afraid to get out there and try. (This from and elephant with two left feet.) L&P

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  2. I think they enjoyed them. Denmark has such magnificent pastry. Even people from Sweden, their next-door neighbor admit that no one does pastry like Denmark. So it is difinitely chancey to try anything resembling a bakery goodie....but they were eaten! Visits with the young people are the best. L&P

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