Small in Number, Large in Spirit

Thursday is the day!  We had Institute and just as we expected, we had a small group, only about 12.  But those 12 were great.  Ironically, the majority of those 12 were Americans from BYU.  They are here for a few weeks on a Study Abroad program. 

They meet here four mornings a week for a Danish conversation class, and they go to museums, parks and other cultural places on the other days.  In a couple of weeks they will take a cruise to Norway.  It only lasts one night, but sounds magnificent.  They are having a great time here....and they are a wonderful addition to all activities at the center.

I prepared the lesson tonight for any English-speakers who came.  I thoroughly enjoyed preparing and feel like I learned so much.  I spoke with Brother Andersen before class began and suggested that rather than split up such a small group, perhaps he would like to teach the whole group in English.

It is quite amazing that 5 minutes before he was to teach, he switched languages.  But then he is quite amazing.  He was been a mission president here (just prior to our current mission president.), and prior to that was the stake president for many years.  He is now the director of Seminaries and Institutes in Denmark.  He enjoys teaching here at the center, and everyone enjoys his lessons.

It was the first time I have been able to sit in on one of his lessons and understand every word!  Even though I had studied the material, I was touched by his message and inspired by the principles he chose to highlight.  I loved watching the YSAs listen and respond to his very thoughtful questions.  I love listening to and watching a good teacher in action!

I particularly enjoyed the verse in The Pearl of Great Price where Enos laments that he is only a lad...(he was 65 at the time).  I am 65!  Hanging around with a lot of wonderful younger people.....is it possible to interpret that to mean that I am just a youngster? 

I didn't think so either....but it doesn't hurt to ask.

This is our awesome zone - from Sister Hamblin - our personal professional photographer. (Say that fast 3 times!)