Hello, Goodbye

We left Copenhagen this morning before nine to go to Slagelse, a community about an hour away from here.  We met with two young elders who are the zone leaders.  Actually, what we did was spend a little time with them and then we inspected their apartment.

The sister missionaries came next.  They live in a light-filled apartment on the second story of an old and charming apartment building.  It was scrupulously clean and tidy, with little quotes and colorful mormon messages all over the walls.  Their front door had been heart-attacked and had little quotes on each in English and some in Danish.  SK asked for some tools and made a repair in the apartment and then we took them and the elders to "Pizza Express," a quiet clean and unassuming little restaurant not far from their apartments.

It has the reputation of having the best pizza in town and the best kebabs in Denmark.  SK ordered a pizza and I ordered the kebab.  The pizza....didn't quite live up to its PR, but the kebab was the best I have ever had.  Well, it is the first time I have ever had it, but it was delicious.  SK agrees....we have missed out on some good meals here by not trying kebabs earlier.

In the little restaurant, we had to move two tables together so we would all fit.  There were only three tables to begin with, and soon the third table was full.  A man asked if we were having a meeting and if he could sit at our table and eat his lunch.  I (as well as the other 5 missionaries at the table thought that was simply delightful).

He is from Ghana and very friendly.  We all introduced ourselves and told him why we were all here in Denmark.  He has lived here since he was age 8.  He is a religious man and has no interest in changing his Christian religion...so he said.  But by the time we all said good-bye, I had watched the elders speak to him about our beliefs and the Book of Mormon, and the Sisters teach him a short version of the Plan of Salvation.  The got  his telephone number, as well as a promise that he would be happy to have them drop by  with a Book of Mormon.

It would have made every one of you very proud of our young people to see how easily they chatted with him, how easily the got acquainted with him and how easily they shared with him our most basic and dearly-held beliefs.  That was just downright fun to watch.  I hope to hear more good news about him.

Right next to the entrance was a castle ruin which we stopped to look at....built in the 900's!

Family Home Evening was fantastic, with around 40 in attendance.  Great message, great activity and great chocolate cake for dessert.

We said good-bye to Louise our co-chairman.  She has been an excellent leader and has done a lot great things for the program. She will soon be on her way to BYU for school.  She served a mission in England and was I am sure, a marvelous missionary.  It is sad to see her leave, but it will be a great experience for her.

We also said good-bye to Adriana, who has been here for the summer from the U.S.  She has been a wonderful addition to our YSAs throughout these months and we are sorry to see her leave.  We hope she will be back next summer...we'll see.

Our lives and hearts have expanded so, and getting to know these young people and watching how they live their lives, whether on a mission, in school or just hanging out at the center is a very distinct privilege and blessing.