One year ago today we checked into the MTC. Our youngest daughter dropped us off (just as I had dropped her off a few years ago). SK could never participate in that dropping off stuff....it was just too hard on him. SK said in some ways it seems so long ago.
At 5 this morning, our mission president came for the Johansens. I got up and got dressed to see if I could help them with anything....I opened the door of the bedroom - which opens out into the darkened living room. There in the dim light knelt Elder and Sister Johansen and SK in prayer. I quietly listened as Elder Johansen finished his heartfelt prayer of gratitude for the great blessing of serving and asked for help in getting home safely. They have 21 hours of travel time ....so they are as yet still traveling.
I made 48 burritos with the tortillas we purchased at such a great price. They are now getting frozen and will await a convenient day to be made into chimis. Ah....what a great feeling!
In the afternoon I worked at loading up pictures on Facebook from Festinord and Golden Days. I am highly inefficient at it, but it is coming together I hope. We had some great pictures and I think the YSAs appreciate them.
Erin told us about a great movie and so we have been planning to go see that on our one-year anniversary mark. It is called "The Hundred-Foot Journey." It has been a long time since we have been inside a movie theater (yes...senior missionaries CAN go to a movie, but really there isn't much to see and little desire to go see most movies,) We were completely enchanted with that sweet little movie! The morals were high and the story was satisfying.
Erin is batting a thousand on her recommendations....she said that a talk from the most recent BYU Women's Conference on BYUTV by David Clare from Gilbert Arizona (!) was outstanding. Being in the kitchen making so many burritos gave me the opportunity of hearing that, as well as a couple other talks from the same conference. That is a wonderful thing to have playing as I work.
To top off the day, we went to our favorite little Cantonese restaurant with Sister Hamblin (Sister Swena was swamped with work). We enjoyed our orders....sweet and sour fish....the same that SK loved so much when he was here 50 years ago.
It has been a productive day and it has been an enjoyable day and I will fall asleep contented.
Ah.....a lovely milestone of a day.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Monday, September 29, 2014
Looking Back, Looking Forward
The official weather report this morning said "foggy" but that was such an inadequate way to describe a glorious day with clear blue skies, sun streaming brilliantly over tree and lake and a a light mist hovering over the water and ground. Both yesterday and today were no-jacket days.
Elder and Sister Johansen came into Copenhagen today on their way home to Orem, Utah. They have served in a city on Jutland for the last 23 months, and went to the mission president's home for dinner where they were honored for their service. All of the local senior missionaries were there except for SK and me, who were at the center.
They came by in the afternoon to drop off some things they will need for tonight (they are staying with us) and to visit for a little while. I peppered Sister Johansen with questions. Has it gone fast for you? How are you feeling about leaving? What is your best recipe for the Bosch? (She is the very kind person who bequeathed her bread mixer to me.) How was your mission?
She patiently and frankly answered all my questions. "Yes...I am ready to go home, even though I wasn't before...I feel like we did what we needed to do." We have not had time before now to visit with them, so it was nice to get to know them.
They left for the mission office and we left for the center. As I write, they are asleep upstairs and will probably be at 4 a.m. to be ready to leave for the airport. Our mission president is always the one to drive departing missionaries there. He is a great leader who leads the way in service.
Everyone tells me that it will be over so fast...especially the last half. I know that must be true since the first half flew by. Our mission started 1 year ago on September 30 as we entered the MTC.
At Family Home Evening tonight we had a pretty good group of 30 .... perhaps a few more, with two Americans. One has already been with us many times and is working here temporarily, and the other one is a twenty-four year old from ..... Gilbert, Arizona! He just graduated from college and gave himself a month-long trip to Europe, starting in Denmark (brilliant choice), then to Paris, and then to London. He majored in art...graphic design. I had a great visit with him.
His family lives about two miles from where we live. But in Gilbert, 2 miles can put you not only in another ward, but often another stake. He went to Highland High School. He told me about about a very famous painting he saw in the Danish National Art Museum which we haven't seen yet...I can hardly wait. It is an original Matisse.
We had a great message from a handsome young returned missionary who talked about turning your life around. Very inspiring! It was followed by a lively activity and then mini-pizzas made by one of our dynamic young friends. Another enjoyable evening at the center.
Elder and Sister Johansen came into Copenhagen today on their way home to Orem, Utah. They have served in a city on Jutland for the last 23 months, and went to the mission president's home for dinner where they were honored for their service. All of the local senior missionaries were there except for SK and me, who were at the center.
They came by in the afternoon to drop off some things they will need for tonight (they are staying with us) and to visit for a little while. I peppered Sister Johansen with questions. Has it gone fast for you? How are you feeling about leaving? What is your best recipe for the Bosch? (She is the very kind person who bequeathed her bread mixer to me.) How was your mission?
She patiently and frankly answered all my questions. "Yes...I am ready to go home, even though I wasn't before...I feel like we did what we needed to do." We have not had time before now to visit with them, so it was nice to get to know them.
They left for the mission office and we left for the center. As I write, they are asleep upstairs and will probably be at 4 a.m. to be ready to leave for the airport. Our mission president is always the one to drive departing missionaries there. He is a great leader who leads the way in service.
Everyone tells me that it will be over so fast...especially the last half. I know that must be true since the first half flew by. Our mission started 1 year ago on September 30 as we entered the MTC.
At Family Home Evening tonight we had a pretty good group of 30 .... perhaps a few more, with two Americans. One has already been with us many times and is working here temporarily, and the other one is a twenty-four year old from ..... Gilbert, Arizona! He just graduated from college and gave himself a month-long trip to Europe, starting in Denmark (brilliant choice), then to Paris, and then to London. He majored in art...graphic design. I had a great visit with him.
His family lives about two miles from where we live. But in Gilbert, 2 miles can put you not only in another ward, but often another stake. He went to Highland High School. He told me about about a very famous painting he saw in the Danish National Art Museum which we haven't seen yet...I can hardly wait. It is an original Matisse.
We had a great message from a handsome young returned missionary who talked about turning your life around. Very inspiring! It was followed by a lively activity and then mini-pizzas made by one of our dynamic young friends. Another enjoyable evening at the center.
Sunday, September 28, 2014
The Blessing of Friends...
It hasn't been a restful day, but it has been a beautiful Sabbath day.
In our branch today, our new branch president announced the release of our relief society president and we sustained a new one. The previous president is a kind and efficient woman who seemed to be untiring in her efforts for the women in Amager.
She had a bad fall a few months ago, and it set her back for awhile with a concussion. Except for slowing down a bit, she just kept going. She is gentle and good and she has been wonderful for the branch.
The new president is going to be excellent too. She gave the lesson today and I thought she gave a superb lesson on burdens that we carry and how we can receive strength. I love relief society!
I loved our branch testimony meetin too. It truly is a remarkable group of people who love and serve.
In the afternoon we had dinner with a couple from the branch, two of their sons and two young elders. It was a delicious meal of frikadeller....Danish meatballs. They were large and tender and tasty. At the end of the meal, she served an apple/blueberry cobbler with warm custard poured on top. She told us it is very British, and since she is from England, I guess she knows. Yum.
This couple is in charge of family history in Denmark, and when I hear them talk about it, I am very inspired. They have a passion for their calling and they are doing great things. I have been a little frustrated because I want to download old photographs to family search, and I don't have access to them here. But he said to me, "Sister Madsen, all you have to do is sit down and write a memory and post it on someone's page...like your father or mother."
Their two sons who were there are YSAs and really good young men. They both worked behind the scenes of Golden Days last week doing so much to help out. They are just like that....available to help.
That IS exciting. I can do that. And think how wonderful that would be if everyone, when they recalled an experience could post it on the page of their parents, siblings or grandparents. Think what we could have!
We stopped by the apartment of a sister from the branch...a sweet woman a few years younger than I who has had a battle with depression. She lives in a small apartment on the second floor...which really means third floor here, since the ground floor isn't given a number.
Her living room is crowded with things she loves, music, figurines, memory books. I love to look at everything because it helps me to know her better. Her twin brother is ill and she worries about him. She is a very kind woman and I am grateful that she has become a friend.
Finally, at the end of the day we went to the Thorne's apartment to play a game called "Nines" with them, Elder Thorne's sister, Sisters Swena and Hamblin. As usual, there was much laughter and bantering. It was pleasant to be with them.....Sister Swena and Sister Hamblin have been with us since we entered the MTC nearly a year ago.
If there were no other reasons to serve (and there are many important ones) gaining dear friends has to be a one. Well....maybe not a reason to serve, but it is certainly a sweet reward.
In our branch today, our new branch president announced the release of our relief society president and we sustained a new one. The previous president is a kind and efficient woman who seemed to be untiring in her efforts for the women in Amager.
She had a bad fall a few months ago, and it set her back for awhile with a concussion. Except for slowing down a bit, she just kept going. She is gentle and good and she has been wonderful for the branch.
The new president is going to be excellent too. She gave the lesson today and I thought she gave a superb lesson on burdens that we carry and how we can receive strength. I love relief society!
I loved our branch testimony meetin too. It truly is a remarkable group of people who love and serve.
In the afternoon we had dinner with a couple from the branch, two of their sons and two young elders. It was a delicious meal of frikadeller....Danish meatballs. They were large and tender and tasty. At the end of the meal, she served an apple/blueberry cobbler with warm custard poured on top. She told us it is very British, and since she is from England, I guess she knows. Yum.
This couple is in charge of family history in Denmark, and when I hear them talk about it, I am very inspired. They have a passion for their calling and they are doing great things. I have been a little frustrated because I want to download old photographs to family search, and I don't have access to them here. But he said to me, "Sister Madsen, all you have to do is sit down and write a memory and post it on someone's page...like your father or mother."
Their two sons who were there are YSAs and really good young men. They both worked behind the scenes of Golden Days last week doing so much to help out. They are just like that....available to help.
That IS exciting. I can do that. And think how wonderful that would be if everyone, when they recalled an experience could post it on the page of their parents, siblings or grandparents. Think what we could have!
We stopped by the apartment of a sister from the branch...a sweet woman a few years younger than I who has had a battle with depression. She lives in a small apartment on the second floor...which really means third floor here, since the ground floor isn't given a number.
Her living room is crowded with things she loves, music, figurines, memory books. I love to look at everything because it helps me to know her better. Her twin brother is ill and she worries about him. She is a very kind woman and I am grateful that she has become a friend.
Finally, at the end of the day we went to the Thorne's apartment to play a game called "Nines" with them, Elder Thorne's sister, Sisters Swena and Hamblin. As usual, there was much laughter and bantering. It was pleasant to be with them.....Sister Swena and Sister Hamblin have been with us since we entered the MTC nearly a year ago.
If there were no other reasons to serve (and there are many important ones) gaining dear friends has to be a one. Well....maybe not a reason to serve, but it is certainly a sweet reward.
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Good Buy!
Wow! This is a day Erin would have loved.
SK worked in the temple until noon and then we went shopping.....and I do mean shopping.
Our first stop was a loppemarked....I think I spelled that correctly. It is a weekly flea market held in the parking lot of Frederiksberg's parking lot. People go in and set up tables and put anything they want out to sell.
There are always crowds of people milling about looking for something. We joined the throng. I am still looking for some sweet little dessert plates that will always remind me of Denmark. I am also looking for some very special little figurines. You never know what you might find. Of course, most anything else we might purchase will be abandoned....left in the apartment for the next senior missionary couple to discover and use....or toss.
It was a beautiful sunny day with high friendly white clouds. There was a lovely breeze. I wore my light rain coat which kept the chill of the wind at bay. We wandered among the tables and crowds, picking up items to look closely....asking prices, visiting with other would-be customers and even making a purchase or two! The whole experience was delightful.
As luck would have it, we found a parking place down the street....right in front of our favorite bakery. Well, of course we had to pop in and make a selection of all of the mouth-watering pastries. We took everything back to the apartment, had lunch and set out again.
Our Costco wannabe had a smoking good sale on very large almost-decent flour tortillas and some salsa which was probably made in New York City. ("NEW YORK CITY! Get the gun!" -- you would have to be kind of old to remember that salsa commercial.)
This coming week we will serve our usual meal on Thursday evening, and then both Saturday and Sunday we will gather in the center to watch sessions of conference....(8-hour delay).....and will have meals both days. On Sunday we will have quesadillas, and on Saturday hot dogs with accompaniments. So on Thursday we will have chicken pot pie. Hopefully these will be meals that will come together easily.
We purchased 6 dozen tortillas but they will be expiring soon, so I am going to make chimis out of 4 dozen of them...wrap them up, freeze them and then fry them up on some upcoming Thursday.
We went to IKEA to get some things that will be of great use in a couple of weeks, and the prices were good. Then we went to a large grocery store on the outskirts of town...it has a parking lot! Erin, Ethan and I discovered it while they were here.
They had chocolate chips for half price!!!!! Do you know what a find this is when you are baking for young people????? They also had our favorite brand of butter for half price, and several other products that we frequently use at the center at great discounts. It was a super end to our shopping day.
We came home, put the groceries away, cleaned up our flea market finds, ate dinner and are now preparing for a beautiful Sabbath day.
One of our sweet YSAs told me that no matter how busy she gets, she always takes the time she needs to read the Institute lesson, and she doesn't study school work on Sundays. She is carrying a heavy load in school, but she is getting along well. She is very bright. She said that she needs the lift she gets from Institute and Sundays. Not only is that remarkable to me, but it is inspiring.
Inspiring because I realize that I could do better to make the Sabbath even better....beginning with getting into bed on Saturday at a reasonable hour!
Good night....
SK worked in the temple until noon and then we went shopping.....and I do mean shopping.
Our first stop was a loppemarked....I think I spelled that correctly. It is a weekly flea market held in the parking lot of Frederiksberg's parking lot. People go in and set up tables and put anything they want out to sell.
There are always crowds of people milling about looking for something. We joined the throng. I am still looking for some sweet little dessert plates that will always remind me of Denmark. I am also looking for some very special little figurines. You never know what you might find. Of course, most anything else we might purchase will be abandoned....left in the apartment for the next senior missionary couple to discover and use....or toss.
It was a beautiful sunny day with high friendly white clouds. There was a lovely breeze. I wore my light rain coat which kept the chill of the wind at bay. We wandered among the tables and crowds, picking up items to look closely....asking prices, visiting with other would-be customers and even making a purchase or two! The whole experience was delightful.
As luck would have it, we found a parking place down the street....right in front of our favorite bakery. Well, of course we had to pop in and make a selection of all of the mouth-watering pastries. We took everything back to the apartment, had lunch and set out again.
Our Costco wannabe had a smoking good sale on very large almost-decent flour tortillas and some salsa which was probably made in New York City. ("NEW YORK CITY! Get the gun!" -- you would have to be kind of old to remember that salsa commercial.)
This coming week we will serve our usual meal on Thursday evening, and then both Saturday and Sunday we will gather in the center to watch sessions of conference....(8-hour delay).....and will have meals both days. On Sunday we will have quesadillas, and on Saturday hot dogs with accompaniments. So on Thursday we will have chicken pot pie. Hopefully these will be meals that will come together easily.
We purchased 6 dozen tortillas but they will be expiring soon, so I am going to make chimis out of 4 dozen of them...wrap them up, freeze them and then fry them up on some upcoming Thursday.
We went to IKEA to get some things that will be of great use in a couple of weeks, and the prices were good. Then we went to a large grocery store on the outskirts of town...it has a parking lot! Erin, Ethan and I discovered it while they were here.
They had chocolate chips for half price!!!!! Do you know what a find this is when you are baking for young people????? They also had our favorite brand of butter for half price, and several other products that we frequently use at the center at great discounts. It was a super end to our shopping day.
We came home, put the groceries away, cleaned up our flea market finds, ate dinner and are now preparing for a beautiful Sabbath day.
One of our sweet YSAs told me that no matter how busy she gets, she always takes the time she needs to read the Institute lesson, and she doesn't study school work on Sundays. She is carrying a heavy load in school, but she is getting along well. She is very bright. She said that she needs the lift she gets from Institute and Sundays. Not only is that remarkable to me, but it is inspiring.
Inspiring because I realize that I could do better to make the Sabbath even better....beginning with getting into bed on Saturday at a reasonable hour!
Good night....
Friday, September 26, 2014
Coming Around Again
Tomorrow will be the last day the temple is open for two weeks. SK and I spent the better part of serving there today. It is a beautiful place to be, and we both are spiritually fed by being there. Since it is small temple, the coordinators are kind enough to give us assignments together....which is fun.
We walked hand in hand down from the celestial room today and found a quiet spot to whisper together. I almost felt like a teenager again!
There were 4 YSAs on the last session today....one stunning tall slim blonde young woman, and three handsome young men. What is it with the Danes? They are beautiful! These three are exceptional in very important ways too, case in point...on a Friday night they were at the temple!....and I am sure that there is a line of eligible YSAs who would love to have a date with any one of them.
I keep a little 5-year diary, with just enough room on a page for a very very short entry for a day, with 5 years to a page. For example, today September 26 has 2012, 2013, 2014, and next year and the year after. I have never done anything like this, and it is fascinating to read just one thought from last year at this time, and the year before.
September 26, 2013, we were excitedly preparing to enter the MTC on September 30, and Lia had just announced that she was pregnant. It doesn't seem that long ago, yet we have nearly a year gone by of our mission and Lia has little 4-month old Rebekah.
It is nearly a month since Erin and Ethan were here. We looked forward to it for so long, and now it has slipped into the past. I held up a picture of them at a castle for SK to see....he got all broken up!
It's a good thing we have all these wonderful YSAs around....
We walked hand in hand down from the celestial room today and found a quiet spot to whisper together. I almost felt like a teenager again!
There were 4 YSAs on the last session today....one stunning tall slim blonde young woman, and three handsome young men. What is it with the Danes? They are beautiful! These three are exceptional in very important ways too, case in point...on a Friday night they were at the temple!....and I am sure that there is a line of eligible YSAs who would love to have a date with any one of them.
I keep a little 5-year diary, with just enough room on a page for a very very short entry for a day, with 5 years to a page. For example, today September 26 has 2012, 2013, 2014, and next year and the year after. I have never done anything like this, and it is fascinating to read just one thought from last year at this time, and the year before.
September 26, 2013, we were excitedly preparing to enter the MTC on September 30, and Lia had just announced that she was pregnant. It doesn't seem that long ago, yet we have nearly a year gone by of our mission and Lia has little 4-month old Rebekah.
It is nearly a month since Erin and Ethan were here. We looked forward to it for so long, and now it has slipped into the past. I held up a picture of them at a castle for SK to see....he got all broken up!
It's a good thing we have all these wonderful YSAs around....
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs
Yes....this morning was misty/foggy/overcast/rainy. It was gorgeous.
I wasn't out in it today though, because even with my best-laid plans, the meatball sandwiches, potato side dish and green salad took the entire day to prepare. I must be doing something wrong.
I worked right up until we served at 8:30 and then began clean-up. After getting everything cleaned up, we walked home. Just like last week, after standing for most of the day, that walk is the final insult! I sure hope we can get a parking spot soon.
Let's face it....I am getting older, and my ankles, feet, knees and back jut don't respond like they used to.
I talked to both the chairmen tonight and they will line up a couple of young people to come in and help an hour early, and at least a couple to stay and help clean up. Everyone is good about bringing their dishes into the kitchen and loading them into the dishwasher, but all the serving dishes, the counter tops and stove top, frig and oven all need to be tidied up too. Then there is the vacuuming, mopping and the bathroom to be done.
In the old center, we had the luxury of having a man come and clean weekly....mopping and vacuuming and bathrooms. What a treat! We don't have that at this center. Everyone is great about helping if they know we need it, and we need it.
In spite of the long day, it is always a treat to spend time with these guys. They have full lives right now with school and work, and a budget! I love talking to them. They are pleasant....happy....easy to talk to, and they are funny....they make me laugh.
Now....isn't that worth a day's work in the kitchen?
I wasn't out in it today though, because even with my best-laid plans, the meatball sandwiches, potato side dish and green salad took the entire day to prepare. I must be doing something wrong.
I worked right up until we served at 8:30 and then began clean-up. After getting everything cleaned up, we walked home. Just like last week, after standing for most of the day, that walk is the final insult! I sure hope we can get a parking spot soon.
Let's face it....I am getting older, and my ankles, feet, knees and back jut don't respond like they used to.
I talked to both the chairmen tonight and they will line up a couple of young people to come in and help an hour early, and at least a couple to stay and help clean up. Everyone is good about bringing their dishes into the kitchen and loading them into the dishwasher, but all the serving dishes, the counter tops and stove top, frig and oven all need to be tidied up too. Then there is the vacuuming, mopping and the bathroom to be done.
In the old center, we had the luxury of having a man come and clean weekly....mopping and vacuuming and bathrooms. What a treat! We don't have that at this center. Everyone is great about helping if they know we need it, and we need it.
In spite of the long day, it is always a treat to spend time with these guys. They have full lives right now with school and work, and a budget! I love talking to them. They are pleasant....happy....easy to talk to, and they are funny....they make me laugh.
Now....isn't that worth a day's work in the kitchen?
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Missionaries in the Temple
Menu planning, list making and shopping took the better part of the day....except about 3 hours in the afternoon.
Once a month, our mission president and his wife take all of the missionaries who have reached their half way mark to the temple for a session. It was just a coincidence that SK and I passed our halfway mark, but we were invited to attend because they needed some older married couples there.
As it turned out, we were asked to lead the session. It was a choice experience being there with so many of the young and faithful. They are truly good people and they are giving their missions their best. I know they will be rewarded for it.
I have heard so many people say that the missions they served taught them so much about life, and that they have been blessed by being in missionary in so many ways over the years.
We went to another store after the temple and then home to prepare some of the food for tomorrow.
I am sincerely hoping that things prove to be easier than I have anticipated. I tried to keep it simple. I'll let you know how it goes!
Once a month, our mission president and his wife take all of the missionaries who have reached their half way mark to the temple for a session. It was just a coincidence that SK and I passed our halfway mark, but we were invited to attend because they needed some older married couples there.
As it turned out, we were asked to lead the session. It was a choice experience being there with so many of the young and faithful. They are truly good people and they are giving their missions their best. I know they will be rewarded for it.
I have heard so many people say that the missions they served taught them so much about life, and that they have been blessed by being in missionary in so many ways over the years.
We went to another store after the temple and then home to prepare some of the food for tomorrow.
I am sincerely hoping that things prove to be easier than I have anticipated. I tried to keep it simple. I'll let you know how it goes!
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
P-Day Play
Chilly weather greeted us today as we left our apartment. But the sun was shining gloriously. It was one of those rare days that we had the car on our P-day, so we threw the normal plans out the window and took off for parts unknown!
After consulting maps and Denmark travel books, we decided on a castle...Egeskov Castle. It was about 2 1/2 hours away from Copenhagen on a neighboring island. Built in the 1500's, it was quite a lovely little castle which housed a variety of collections. It was all very interesting, but as castles go, not spectacular.
I believe it is still owner occupied, and so some parts were off-limits. There was an antique toy collection in the attic, a collection of weapons and trophies (as in heads of animals and antlers and tusks), and an assortment of dinnerware and kitchen utensils. A few of the rooms were furnished as they might have been a hundred years ago.
The real draw was the gardens and grounds. They were large and well-cared for with cafes, snack shops, multiple playgrounds for the young, and several large museums (which housed a motorcycle exhibit, a mechanics exhibit and an old car exhibit).
We walked all over and saw everything we wanted to see. It was the most expensive castle we have visited so far. We stopped and had a hot dog...hot dog!
We took a detour on the way home just to see some of the beautiful old villages along the way...off the beaten path.
I slept a good part of the trip home ...which felt wonderful. I am still so tired from the weekend. I don't know how SK keeps going. What a guy!
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| There was a nice tree house with hanging bridges between several trees. SK is trying to look frightened! |
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| View from the trees. |
Monday, September 22, 2014
Mostly Mundane Monday But Marvelous Nevertheless
It has actually been chilly this morning, probably because
the sun hasn’t shone at all. But it has
been beautiful. I like wearing
jackets. There is something wonderful
about walking in a cool breeze bundled up against the cold.
We went to a couple of stores looking for a very large pan
that will work on an induction stove.
The largest one we have now is 6 ½ liters and we found an 11 liter pan
at IKEA, which may work. We didn’t buy
it yet, because we won’t need it for awhile.
We had a quick lunch and headed over to the center, where we
have been until now.
Our attendance was down just slightly. I am surprised that it was not down more….I
think everyone must be so tired from the weekend, but they are resilient. Most of the ones who did a major share of the
work for Golden Days were here having a wonderful time. There was a lesson, a short activity and then
a meal.
One of the YW brought a large box of leftovers from Golden
Days…..tomatoes, garlic, lettuce, peppers, cooked pasta, parmesan cheese, mushrooms, and I am not sure
what else. We heated up the pasta and
put everything out. It was a kind of
do-it-yourself pasta. Everyone made their
own variation.
Benedicte, a beautiful young redhead (who had spent most of
the weekend overseeing meals in the kitchen) brought the makings for cinnamon rolls, and
proceeded to make them into not just cinnamon rolls, but braided cinnamon rolls
with a hint of marzipan!!!
The meal was served, devoured and then a group effort began
to clear up. Marie spent a long time in
the kitchen doing dishes, while the young men played CRUD (That is why they so
enthusiastically cleared off the pool table!!!!!) They were soon joined by SK who got in one
good game before everyone left. We had a few brief visits with really great young people.
We vacuumed and tidied up and are actually home a little
early….11:30. Wow! We just may be in bed by midnight.
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Golden Days Draw to a Close
I have a headache....from crying.
It all started out with our Sacrament meeting this morning.
We got to the school around 9:30 this morning, and a lot of the YSAs were still eating breakfast, so we sat down and had some with them. The meals have been spectacular...with a different group assigned to each meal, but there were several who stepped in to help far above and beyond what they had been asked to do. Two sisters, both YSAs were both assigned to one meal, but were there working at every meal - both in preparation and clean up.
There is a team of young men who have a great deal of technical know-how...as well as cooking know-how, and they worked round the clock from the beginning of Golden Days to the last bit of cleaning up. I am not sure any of these great young people ever sat down to a meal or relaxed with friends.
I mentioned in a response to my dear friend Judy that perhaps they do so well taking on these giant responsibilities because they don't know they can't. Sometimes we are paralyzed by fears of failure and we shy away from big responsibilities that require time and energy. They are not afraid.
But I am certain that tonight they are all exhausted. Our two center co-chairs and the committee chairman for Golden Days have put their whole souls into this weekend and I watched them wondering when they would totally collapse. I hope they are resilient!
Back to Sacrament meeting. We had 210 participants who attended Golden Days, and I think most of them were at our sacrament meeting held in a giant indoor gymnasium. Young men had set up the room, wired for sound and put up a screen to project the hymns on.
The feeling in the room from the beginning was sweet.....almost sacred. Everyone came in their Sunday attire and there was an air of expectancy. A wonderful young man conducted the meeting, gave announcements and set the tone. We sang together without accompaniment....we were surrounded by rich young voices in harmony singing out. The sacrament was blessed and passed with the utmost reverence....a soothing quiet pervaded.
By this time, I (who hardly ever cry) had tears in my eyes. After the sacrament, a constant flow of YSAs approached the front of the room where they bore testimony of the Savior, the Atonement, the Restoration of the Gospel, the Savior's love for us, the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, and many other things. At the outset, they were asked to keep their remarks under two minutes, and there was complete compliance.
The faith they expressed was absolutely beautiful. Simply expressed, and powerfully felt, the spirit of the meeting was deeply moving. I didn't want it to end.
That was followed by Relief Society and Priesthood meeting which were also wonderful.
It was interesting to contemplate how these were the young people who were having a marvelous time at the dance last night, without drugs or alcohol, were the ones who were happily playing soccer and competing in a scavenger hunt in the afternoon, were the ones who sat in workshops and classes or attended the temple earlier yesterday.
It was a wonderful weekend.....and these guys are incredible.
It all started out with our Sacrament meeting this morning.
We got to the school around 9:30 this morning, and a lot of the YSAs were still eating breakfast, so we sat down and had some with them. The meals have been spectacular...with a different group assigned to each meal, but there were several who stepped in to help far above and beyond what they had been asked to do. Two sisters, both YSAs were both assigned to one meal, but were there working at every meal - both in preparation and clean up.
There is a team of young men who have a great deal of technical know-how...as well as cooking know-how, and they worked round the clock from the beginning of Golden Days to the last bit of cleaning up. I am not sure any of these great young people ever sat down to a meal or relaxed with friends.
I mentioned in a response to my dear friend Judy that perhaps they do so well taking on these giant responsibilities because they don't know they can't. Sometimes we are paralyzed by fears of failure and we shy away from big responsibilities that require time and energy. They are not afraid.
But I am certain that tonight they are all exhausted. Our two center co-chairs and the committee chairman for Golden Days have put their whole souls into this weekend and I watched them wondering when they would totally collapse. I hope they are resilient!
Back to Sacrament meeting. We had 210 participants who attended Golden Days, and I think most of them were at our sacrament meeting held in a giant indoor gymnasium. Young men had set up the room, wired for sound and put up a screen to project the hymns on.
The feeling in the room from the beginning was sweet.....almost sacred. Everyone came in their Sunday attire and there was an air of expectancy. A wonderful young man conducted the meeting, gave announcements and set the tone. We sang together without accompaniment....we were surrounded by rich young voices in harmony singing out. The sacrament was blessed and passed with the utmost reverence....a soothing quiet pervaded.
By this time, I (who hardly ever cry) had tears in my eyes. After the sacrament, a constant flow of YSAs approached the front of the room where they bore testimony of the Savior, the Atonement, the Restoration of the Gospel, the Savior's love for us, the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, and many other things. At the outset, they were asked to keep their remarks under two minutes, and there was complete compliance.
The faith they expressed was absolutely beautiful. Simply expressed, and powerfully felt, the spirit of the meeting was deeply moving. I didn't want it to end.
That was followed by Relief Society and Priesthood meeting which were also wonderful.
It was interesting to contemplate how these were the young people who were having a marvelous time at the dance last night, without drugs or alcohol, were the ones who were happily playing soccer and competing in a scavenger hunt in the afternoon, were the ones who sat in workshops and classes or attended the temple earlier yesterday.
It was a wonderful weekend.....and these guys are incredible.
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| A representative sample of the drop-dead gorgeous young women here. |
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| Our center co-chairmen...both marvelous individuals. |
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Copenhagen's Golden Days II
It is 1 a.m. and all is well.
When we left this morning a lovely light fog enveloped trees and buildings around us. We arrived at the school with time to spare for me to set up the projector and get some chairs set up before breakfast was served.
After that, SK left for the temple with a large number of the YSAs who divided and conquered...some going to the baptistry and some going to a session.
I gave the "Art Portraying Jesus Christ" twice....the first to a very small group of 3, and the second to a group of about 17 or 18. They were all great and appreciative audiences which made it a joy.
After lunch, SK and I came home and slept for a half hour.
We returned to the school where SK took pictures and I helped in the kitchen by cutting vegetables for nearly 2 hours. Great fun.
A grand meal was served to everyone on tablecloth-lined tables with lit candles.....ending with chocolate mousse topped with White chocolate mousse. Spectacular.
The dance lasted until midnight, and then there was a presentation of the winners of the afternoon's scavenger hunt.
We had strung silver stars all over the ceiling of the dance hall and there was fancy lighting that sometimes looked like a spotlight and also started blinking rapidly so that everyone looked like they were in a scene from a very old movie.
We walked around visiting with YSAs and helped the kitchen cleanup a little bit. SK took a lot of pictures. We sat in the room where the dance was and enjoyed the energy and the diversity of dance styles....(the music was so loud that visiting there was out of the question....but we tried.)
It was a great day. I love these young people more and more. The messages we heard at the outset both yesterday and today were uplifting and enjoyable, Morten and Lea have done so much work on this three-day conference. The conference chairman, Jonas had everything planned out in detain. I never saw any of those three when they weren't incredibly busy and they must be incredibly tired. One of our cute soon-to-be-missionaries Gizmo worked so hard on the gala meal....getting the tables set and arranging for kitchen equipment...
Everyone did a great job and it was a very succesful day.
I am so very impressed with their faith, their diligence, their hard work and their ability to organize and prepare in such a way that everyone will feel the Spirit.
Tomorrow will be the last day of Golden Days. We had two couples introduce themselves to us. We knew all of them, but not as couples!...So that is interesting. We found out 2 others are awaiting a mission calls....which is very exciting. We have been invited to a missionary farewell in November.
We so hate to lose them. But what an adventure for them.
Pictures and more detail will follow tomorrow, I hope.
When we left this morning a lovely light fog enveloped trees and buildings around us. We arrived at the school with time to spare for me to set up the projector and get some chairs set up before breakfast was served.
After that, SK left for the temple with a large number of the YSAs who divided and conquered...some going to the baptistry and some going to a session.
I gave the "Art Portraying Jesus Christ" twice....the first to a very small group of 3, and the second to a group of about 17 or 18. They were all great and appreciative audiences which made it a joy.
After lunch, SK and I came home and slept for a half hour.
We returned to the school where SK took pictures and I helped in the kitchen by cutting vegetables for nearly 2 hours. Great fun.
A grand meal was served to everyone on tablecloth-lined tables with lit candles.....ending with chocolate mousse topped with White chocolate mousse. Spectacular.
The dance lasted until midnight, and then there was a presentation of the winners of the afternoon's scavenger hunt.
We had strung silver stars all over the ceiling of the dance hall and there was fancy lighting that sometimes looked like a spotlight and also started blinking rapidly so that everyone looked like they were in a scene from a very old movie.
We walked around visiting with YSAs and helped the kitchen cleanup a little bit. SK took a lot of pictures. We sat in the room where the dance was and enjoyed the energy and the diversity of dance styles....(the music was so loud that visiting there was out of the question....but we tried.)
It was a great day. I love these young people more and more. The messages we heard at the outset both yesterday and today were uplifting and enjoyable, Morten and Lea have done so much work on this three-day conference. The conference chairman, Jonas had everything planned out in detain. I never saw any of those three when they weren't incredibly busy and they must be incredibly tired. One of our cute soon-to-be-missionaries Gizmo worked so hard on the gala meal....getting the tables set and arranging for kitchen equipment...
Everyone did a great job and it was a very succesful day.
I am so very impressed with their faith, their diligence, their hard work and their ability to organize and prepare in such a way that everyone will feel the Spirit.
Tomorrow will be the last day of Golden Days. We had two couples introduce themselves to us. We knew all of them, but not as couples!...So that is interesting. We found out 2 others are awaiting a mission calls....which is very exciting. We have been invited to a missionary farewell in November.
We so hate to lose them. But what an adventure for them.
Pictures and more detail will follow tomorrow, I hope.
Friday, September 19, 2014
Copenhagen's Golden Days
Since it is after 1.a.m. I will make this brief.
We spent awhile at the center this morning cleaning...mopping etc. At the old center a man came in once a week and deep cleaned, which was wonderful. At our new place, we will be doing it. It is small enough that it shouldn't be difficult at all. It just takes time that I don't want to give very late on Thursday.
In the afternoon we drove about 20 minutes north of here to the site of our YSA Golden Days. It is being held in a school. YSAs began arriving about the same time we did, and trickled in until midnight, each pulling a suitcase and a sleeping bag and pillow. There were 18 countries represented there.
Golden Days will go through tomorrow and Sunday with everyone departing for their homes around 5 pm.
Tonight was a dance and socializing. I spent time with several young people and got to know several I haven't had a chance to visit with much before. I also got to know some from other parts of the world.
More details and pictures to follow....probably on Sunday evening. Tomorrow is the temple trip, classes and a gala dinner/dance. Sunday the special YSA Sacrament Meeting, Sunday School and Priesthood/Relief Society. It's going to be great.
We spent awhile at the center this morning cleaning...mopping etc. At the old center a man came in once a week and deep cleaned, which was wonderful. At our new place, we will be doing it. It is small enough that it shouldn't be difficult at all. It just takes time that I don't want to give very late on Thursday.
In the afternoon we drove about 20 minutes north of here to the site of our YSA Golden Days. It is being held in a school. YSAs began arriving about the same time we did, and trickled in until midnight, each pulling a suitcase and a sleeping bag and pillow. There were 18 countries represented there.
Golden Days will go through tomorrow and Sunday with everyone departing for their homes around 5 pm.
Tonight was a dance and socializing. I spent time with several young people and got to know several I haven't had a chance to visit with much before. I also got to know some from other parts of the world.
More details and pictures to follow....probably on Sunday evening. Tomorrow is the temple trip, classes and a gala dinner/dance. Sunday the special YSA Sacrament Meeting, Sunday School and Priesthood/Relief Society. It's going to be great.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Cooking in Copenhagen
We walked home close to midnight....the end of a very long day. I had on a light sweater and felt perfectly comfortable. It was the end of another idyllic day in Denmark.
I think next week for dinner we will have something simple....to make. I was happy with how the meal turned out, But it was pretty labor intensive. I began at 9 this morning and am just sitting down now to relax. I sat some of the time I was preparing, and there was nothing difficult to fix, but there was just a lot to do.
I could have purchased some inexpensive rolls, but I have been given this beautiful new Bosch mixer, and I really want to use it!. I searched the internet for a good recipe for dinner rolls. The one I chose turned out quite well....light and airy and buttery, but alas and alack....when I tasted one I realized I had left out the salt! But several of the YSAs seemed to like them and they were all gone at the end of the evening.
We had Hawaiian Haystacks, which were a hit. That always makes me happy. There is a continuing problem with rice....and two rice cookers. I used them both and they both burned the rice on the bottom....but otherwise it was ok. And I didn't get started cooking rice early enough. We ran out before everyone had eaten, and there was a 10 minute lag time before the next batch was done.
I made fresh peach cobbler for dessert, but by the time I had the meal under control, the cobbler was still in the oven and people were leaving. It was great and most everyone liked it a lot, but I ended up with quite a bit extra.
I think it will take me a little time to learn to gage myself again. We have had several weeks off and I think I got very used to not making meals.
I like to have something for them to eat. They all lead very busy lives and don't often fix themselves a good meal, so it brings my grandma's heart great joy to have something there for them.
I spent some time tonight with a young woman who will be leaving on her mission in a few weeks. I was deeply touched by her testimony of the atoning power of the Savior.....his willingness to help us. She shared a couple of short videos, one a Mormon Message. They both illustrate in beautiful ways what she was saying.
As it turned out, there were about 8 young women who stayed very late to practice a song they will sing for our special Golden Days Sacrament meeting. Their voices were the voices of angels. After the practice they stayed - working on plans for "Golden Days" which starts tomorrow. They all have big parts to play and they have been working on this event for a long time.
I wonder if they will get any sleep tonight.
I know I will!
I think next week for dinner we will have something simple....to make. I was happy with how the meal turned out, But it was pretty labor intensive. I began at 9 this morning and am just sitting down now to relax. I sat some of the time I was preparing, and there was nothing difficult to fix, but there was just a lot to do.
I could have purchased some inexpensive rolls, but I have been given this beautiful new Bosch mixer, and I really want to use it!. I searched the internet for a good recipe for dinner rolls. The one I chose turned out quite well....light and airy and buttery, but alas and alack....when I tasted one I realized I had left out the salt! But several of the YSAs seemed to like them and they were all gone at the end of the evening.
We had Hawaiian Haystacks, which were a hit. That always makes me happy. There is a continuing problem with rice....and two rice cookers. I used them both and they both burned the rice on the bottom....but otherwise it was ok. And I didn't get started cooking rice early enough. We ran out before everyone had eaten, and there was a 10 minute lag time before the next batch was done.
I made fresh peach cobbler for dessert, but by the time I had the meal under control, the cobbler was still in the oven and people were leaving. It was great and most everyone liked it a lot, but I ended up with quite a bit extra.
I think it will take me a little time to learn to gage myself again. We have had several weeks off and I think I got very used to not making meals.
I like to have something for them to eat. They all lead very busy lives and don't often fix themselves a good meal, so it brings my grandma's heart great joy to have something there for them.
I spent some time tonight with a young woman who will be leaving on her mission in a few weeks. I was deeply touched by her testimony of the atoning power of the Savior.....his willingness to help us. She shared a couple of short videos, one a Mormon Message. They both illustrate in beautiful ways what she was saying.
As it turned out, there were about 8 young women who stayed very late to practice a song they will sing for our special Golden Days Sacrament meeting. Their voices were the voices of angels. After the practice they stayed - working on plans for "Golden Days" which starts tomorrow. They all have big parts to play and they have been working on this event for a long time.
I wonder if they will get any sleep tonight.
I know I will!
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Is It Fall Yet?
Ah Fall. "What is that?" - you in Arizona ask. Golden Days.
The day has been clear and sunny. It actually got up to about 68 degrees in the afternoon. Everyone is active and enjoying the warmth and beauty. I have a feeling that when Fall truly gets underway we will be completely blown away by the scenery. It was a perfect day and evening for a light jacket. On one of our walks to a store, I told SK that this day was almost too beautiful...a light breeze was blowing and the contrasts and clear light made everything look glorious.
Food preparation day. We shopped at all the usual places...Metro, Turkish Market Place (This is an interesting little fruit stand basically...indoors, with an interesting variety of fresh produce and canned and packaged foods from exotic places....all at a pretty good discount), Fotex, Netto and Rema1000.
We think we got everything we need for a simple meal tomorrow evening. When I say simple, I mean on the serving table it will be simple....preparation, well let's just say that without Erin and Ethan it may be a long day!
For dinner: Hawaiian Haystacks and fresh dinner rolls (using the Bosch!) and for dessert Peach Cobbler.
I spent several hours at the center today while SK was doing other things. I sat with my computer working on the art talk about Jesus Christ. I have many more slides than I can possibly use in an hour and so it is always a challenge to know what to NOT use. But it is a joy to prepare for.
At home, I worked on putting some things together to take to the center tomorrow morning. We'll carry all of the stuff we need over in the car and then SK will bring the car home and walk over. We'll walk home in the evening when the day and Institute and dinner are over. ..that is unless SK feels up to going at some point to get the car so that we can get all of the stuff home (crock pot etc.).
The day has been clear and sunny. It actually got up to about 68 degrees in the afternoon. Everyone is active and enjoying the warmth and beauty. I have a feeling that when Fall truly gets underway we will be completely blown away by the scenery. It was a perfect day and evening for a light jacket. On one of our walks to a store, I told SK that this day was almost too beautiful...a light breeze was blowing and the contrasts and clear light made everything look glorious.
Food preparation day. We shopped at all the usual places...Metro, Turkish Market Place (This is an interesting little fruit stand basically...indoors, with an interesting variety of fresh produce and canned and packaged foods from exotic places....all at a pretty good discount), Fotex, Netto and Rema1000.
We think we got everything we need for a simple meal tomorrow evening. When I say simple, I mean on the serving table it will be simple....preparation, well let's just say that without Erin and Ethan it may be a long day!
For dinner: Hawaiian Haystacks and fresh dinner rolls (using the Bosch!) and for dessert Peach Cobbler.
I spent several hours at the center today while SK was doing other things. I sat with my computer working on the art talk about Jesus Christ. I have many more slides than I can possibly use in an hour and so it is always a challenge to know what to NOT use. But it is a joy to prepare for.
At home, I worked on putting some things together to take to the center tomorrow morning. We'll carry all of the stuff we need over in the car and then SK will bring the car home and walk over. We'll walk home in the evening when the day and Institute and dinner are over. ..that is unless SK feels up to going at some point to get the car so that we can get all of the stuff home (crock pot etc.).
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Golden Days Ahead
On the first day of the second half of our mission, I have made some resolutions.
I will take advantage of every good weather day we have to walk and to see beautiful Copenhagen.
I will cut back on the pastries and other non-nourishing food so that I feel as good as is possible.
I will be in bed every night by 12....if at all possible, and up by 8, no matter what time we get in bed.
I will listen to a Danish lesson and speak some Danish every day.
How is that for starters?
We have Golden Days coming up this weekend. The whole city gets involved in kind of a weekend of open houses. Our YSAs also have a Golden Days celebration. It is Friday, Saturday and Sunday. All of Scandinavia is invited, but it is not as big an event as Festinord where around 700 attended. We will have about 200 in attendance.
I have been asked to speak to two of the classes, an hour each. There may only be 4 or 5 in each class, but I was given my own choice of topics, so I will give a slide talk about how Jesus Christ has been portrayed in art.
I have given it a number of times, and enjoy it very much. Since the entire event will be in English, I will fit right in.
So most of this week, in my spare time I will be thinking about the Savior.
It will be a great week.
I will take advantage of every good weather day we have to walk and to see beautiful Copenhagen.
I will cut back on the pastries and other non-nourishing food so that I feel as good as is possible.
I will be in bed every night by 12....if at all possible, and up by 8, no matter what time we get in bed.
I will listen to a Danish lesson and speak some Danish every day.
How is that for starters?
We have Golden Days coming up this weekend. The whole city gets involved in kind of a weekend of open houses. Our YSAs also have a Golden Days celebration. It is Friday, Saturday and Sunday. All of Scandinavia is invited, but it is not as big an event as Festinord where around 700 attended. We will have about 200 in attendance.
I have been asked to speak to two of the classes, an hour each. There may only be 4 or 5 in each class, but I was given my own choice of topics, so I will give a slide talk about how Jesus Christ has been portrayed in art.
I have given it a number of times, and enjoy it very much. Since the entire event will be in English, I will fit right in.
So most of this week, in my spare time I will be thinking about the Savior.
It will be a great week.
Monday, September 15, 2014
Halfway Through
I have to say these past 11 1/2 months have gone soooo fast. And everyone tells me the second half will be even faster. I am already mourning about leaving this place and these wonderful young people behind.
We went to the center today around 10:30 and stayed until 11 p.m. That was a very loooong day. No one came in until after 3, so I got a lot of reading done. I am not sure how often we will be doing that, but the hope is that it will be open from 10 to 10 every weekday. If that is the case, I will be transporting more things over to the center to do....everything but ironing!
We'll also have to get more organized with our off time, so that everything gets done.
I talked with a young woman tonight who is studying at the university. She is taking chemistry and physics. I loved to listen to her express her faith. She is not the least bit concerned if they are taught things that might not harmonize with the Gospel. The bottom line for her: Either science doesn't yet have it quite right or she doesn't understand the Gospel well enough....and neither is cause for concern. She will work it out. Henry Eyring is one of her heroes.
It is that kind of faith that inspires me about these young people.
We walked home across the large city square which was mostly deserted except for a few stragglers, the neon billboards playing to an audience of no one, past Tivoli with lights glowing and sleepy cabdrivers waiting for late-night fares, down the cobblestone streets to our apartment.
Has it really been almost a year since we first came down these streets to this lovely place?
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Welcome is Thy Dawning
What a beautiful Sabbath day it has been today! Our meetings were inspired and inspiring. One of the speakers was one of our YSAs, the stake president's son who came home from his mission nearly 3 months ago.
He is a good young man who loved his mission, and shared several stories of individuals who stepped forward in faith to be baptized or to live a difficult commandment and were blessed. He was emotional as he told about people he has come to love and respect. One man had very little and was without work...and over the course of just a few weeks lost what little he had. But he paid his tithing in faith, and miraculously - wonderful things happened to help him see the Lord's strengthening presence in his life.
I believe those little miracles occur more often than we realize. Life wasn't meant to be easy, but there is always help available if we have eyes to see.
I have had time to do some studying today.....what a blessing!
Here is a small quote from Clayton Christensen's book about the power of everyday missionaries that I enjoyed: ( He was telling about an experience he had with a friend who was investigating the Church)
After reviewing the assignment to be sure Brian understood it, we read Moroni 10:3-5 and said, "Now we want to teach you how to give that prayer in step 7." We pointed to the first sentence of verse 3 and asked, "Brian, why does God want you to take a few minutes before offering this prayer to think about how richly He has blessed you?"
After a pause Brian answered, "I guess it will help me feel how much God loves me, and how much I love him."
"That's exactly right," we agreed. "So please remember to do this." We then continued reading and paused again toward the end of verse 4, asking, "What does it mean to pray with real intent?'
Brian responded, "I suppose it means I need to be sincere about it."
"Not exactly," I said. "Sincerity is covered in the prior phrase. Praying with real intent means that you need to tell God what you intend to do if He answers your prayer."
Wow! I love that. It changes how I look at that verse.
The great thing about being able to hear others' testimonies and read others' experiences strengthens me and gives new perspectives. I love the fact that spiritually we have the possibility of growing - always. That is exciting.
He is a good young man who loved his mission, and shared several stories of individuals who stepped forward in faith to be baptized or to live a difficult commandment and were blessed. He was emotional as he told about people he has come to love and respect. One man had very little and was without work...and over the course of just a few weeks lost what little he had. But he paid his tithing in faith, and miraculously - wonderful things happened to help him see the Lord's strengthening presence in his life.
I believe those little miracles occur more often than we realize. Life wasn't meant to be easy, but there is always help available if we have eyes to see.
I have had time to do some studying today.....what a blessing!
Here is a small quote from Clayton Christensen's book about the power of everyday missionaries that I enjoyed: ( He was telling about an experience he had with a friend who was investigating the Church)
After reviewing the assignment to be sure Brian understood it, we read Moroni 10:3-5 and said, "Now we want to teach you how to give that prayer in step 7." We pointed to the first sentence of verse 3 and asked, "Brian, why does God want you to take a few minutes before offering this prayer to think about how richly He has blessed you?"
After a pause Brian answered, "I guess it will help me feel how much God loves me, and how much I love him."
"That's exactly right," we agreed. "So please remember to do this." We then continued reading and paused again toward the end of verse 4, asking, "What does it mean to pray with real intent?'
Brian responded, "I suppose it means I need to be sincere about it."
"Not exactly," I said. "Sincerity is covered in the prior phrase. Praying with real intent means that you need to tell God what you intend to do if He answers your prayer."
Wow! I love that. It changes how I look at that verse.
The great thing about being able to hear others' testimonies and read others' experiences strengthens me and gives new perspectives. I love the fact that spiritually we have the possibility of growing - always. That is exciting.
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Just Me and Mary Poppins
It has rained on and off all day. When I awakened, I walked out into the living area and opened the blinds (one of the first orders of business on any given day!). Even before I opened them, I could sense the hush of a drizzly day. With the slats widened to let in the maximum light, the contrasts were subdued and colors were muted. It makes for a cozy feeling....cuddling up under a beautiful quilt, reading by the dim light of the window and the rhythm of the rain.
SK left for the temple and I puttered around here for awhile, and then set out for the center. I timed it. It took 22 minutes. That is a great walk. I wisely took the Mary Poppins umbrella and opened it as soon as I stepped outside the door.
Don't you love to walk under an umbrella in the rain? It was a gentle rain as it pitter-pattered on the surface of that wonderful companion. There were others out walking - with umbrellas, and some disgruntled individuals wrapped up and dripping wet - without. The sounds all around as I walked just made it a joy.
Tivoli was lit up and ready for business but not yet open. I passed the town square with some sort of fair - tents all set up and speakers blaring happy music. As I turned down the street to the center, sounds from the busy square quieted and were replaced my murmured conversations from passers-by.
Then I saw across the street, going about 2 blocks in length, a garage sale! Well...OK a sidewalk sale. It looked like the tenants from a small apartment building decided to have a rummage sale, and there were a bunch of people rummaging. I stopped for a moment and considered it, but realized I had no cash and pressed forward.
I was alone in the center as I cleaned. It really is lovely, and I was wondering if I could possibly transport that lovely kitchen to Gilbert. I spent a couple of hours there...until SK came to get me. Before we left, we wandered through the sidewalk sale, but found nothing. I just love to look!
There has been a little more time to read and study. I have been reading a wonderful book that has opened some scriptures for me and given me a greater understanding of the power of prayer in our lives. I know that prayer is one of the greatest gifts we have.
SK has been working on some remembrances of his father....it has made him nostalgic and emotional. His father was an incredible individual, and it has been a sweet experience for him to remember.
Later in the day we braved the rain again - with Mary Poppins - to shop. We both are almost like children - just to be out in it is a joy.
It is nearing 10 now. I am sitting by the open window and listening to the bells chime somewhere in the night and the light fall of rain. Occasionally there are voices ...people out walking the lake path...in the rain. I guess we are not the only ones who love it,
SK left for the temple and I puttered around here for awhile, and then set out for the center. I timed it. It took 22 minutes. That is a great walk. I wisely took the Mary Poppins umbrella and opened it as soon as I stepped outside the door.
Don't you love to walk under an umbrella in the rain? It was a gentle rain as it pitter-pattered on the surface of that wonderful companion. There were others out walking - with umbrellas, and some disgruntled individuals wrapped up and dripping wet - without. The sounds all around as I walked just made it a joy.
Tivoli was lit up and ready for business but not yet open. I passed the town square with some sort of fair - tents all set up and speakers blaring happy music. As I turned down the street to the center, sounds from the busy square quieted and were replaced my murmured conversations from passers-by.
Then I saw across the street, going about 2 blocks in length, a garage sale! Well...OK a sidewalk sale. It looked like the tenants from a small apartment building decided to have a rummage sale, and there were a bunch of people rummaging. I stopped for a moment and considered it, but realized I had no cash and pressed forward.
I was alone in the center as I cleaned. It really is lovely, and I was wondering if I could possibly transport that lovely kitchen to Gilbert. I spent a couple of hours there...until SK came to get me. Before we left, we wandered through the sidewalk sale, but found nothing. I just love to look!
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| Yes....this is the mighty CRUD table, covered and ready to serve from. |
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| All views of the main classroom....when set up the chairs number 60. The CRUD table is on the opposite side, the three large windows down the left side. |
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| Looking down the hall from the front door. |
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| Small but lovely kitchen. |
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| View out the kitchen window into the courtyard. |
There has been a little more time to read and study. I have been reading a wonderful book that has opened some scriptures for me and given me a greater understanding of the power of prayer in our lives. I know that prayer is one of the greatest gifts we have.
SK has been working on some remembrances of his father....it has made him nostalgic and emotional. His father was an incredible individual, and it has been a sweet experience for him to remember.
Later in the day we braved the rain again - with Mary Poppins - to shop. We both are almost like children - just to be out in it is a joy.
It is nearing 10 now. I am sitting by the open window and listening to the bells chime somewhere in the night and the light fall of rain. Occasionally there are voices ...people out walking the lake path...in the rain. I guess we are not the only ones who love it,
Friday, September 12, 2014
A Place of Love and Beauty
I wanted to go to the center today to clean up from last night's meal, so I reported to the temple that I wouldn't be there today (they know that our mission with the YSAs comes first). By the time we finished last night, it was late, and my feet and legs were shot , so I didn't sweep and mop. I also hadn't started the dishwasher. It is brand new and I don't want to run it the first time unless I am there.
It also needed to be vacuumed and the bathroom cleaned. I was going to do all that today. SK left to work at the temple around 2, and I finished some things up here, intending to walk to the center around 3. I sat down to read a little...and fell sound asleep!
I awakened at close to 5:00 with a start wondering why I was asleep, what time it was, and where SK was. It took me a little while to get my bearings straight. I got up and walked around for awhile and started some laundry and a batch of cinnamon rolls in the Bosch mixer.
I have got to go to bed earlier!
I finally decided that I was just too tired to go clean today and worked around here instead. SK will be in the temple again tomorrow and so I will go then.
He had a beautiful day in the temple. One of our YSAs will be leaving in December on a mission and received her endowment today. It was the last session and they had to put 10 extra chairs in! SK said that many of the people there were YSAs, and there was a group outside waiting for her when she was done. They are so supportive and loving that way.
But I am so proud of all those sweet young people. They love the temple and realize what a strength it is to them.
And it is a strength to them. I see it. What a sweet blessing!
It also needed to be vacuumed and the bathroom cleaned. I was going to do all that today. SK left to work at the temple around 2, and I finished some things up here, intending to walk to the center around 3. I sat down to read a little...and fell sound asleep!
I awakened at close to 5:00 with a start wondering why I was asleep, what time it was, and where SK was. It took me a little while to get my bearings straight. I got up and walked around for awhile and started some laundry and a batch of cinnamon rolls in the Bosch mixer.
I have got to go to bed earlier!
I finally decided that I was just too tired to go clean today and worked around here instead. SK will be in the temple again tomorrow and so I will go then.
He had a beautiful day in the temple. One of our YSAs will be leaving in December on a mission and received her endowment today. It was the last session and they had to put 10 extra chairs in! SK said that many of the people there were YSAs, and there was a group outside waiting for her when she was done. They are so supportive and loving that way.
But I am so proud of all those sweet young people. They love the temple and realize what a strength it is to them.
And it is a strength to them. I see it. What a sweet blessing!
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Erin and Ethan...Where Are You?
Last Thursday was the first real official meal in more than 2 months! I think I was getting used to not cooking.
And actually, it wasn't a REAL meal, because Anne Marie came up with the menu and prepared a lot of it, and we had 5 YSAs in the kitchen for a couple of hours before doing all kinds of preparation....AND because Erin and Ethan were in the apartment kitchen cutting, chopping, stirring, assembling and generally cooking.
This week...today, was a good dose of reality. I did all the cutting, chopping, stirring, assembling and general cooking. Well, most of it. SK was busy running errands etc, and stepped into the kitchen for awhile to help with chopping basil. He was invaluable in so many important ways, but I was essentially alone in the kitchen.
I started around 9 a.m. and took a break around 2 to shower and clean up. We went to the center where all that was left to do was assemble the salad, make the dressing and bake the ziti and set things out.
It was fairly simple from that point on.
I do believe that I will see about getting a couple of YSAs to come early each week just to help with cutting and chopping and assembling.
The difficulty was that in our small kitchen with small pots, and only 4 burners - everything took longer to do. The stove in the new center is going to be wonderful to use, but it is an induction stove and requires a special type of pan, which we should be getting next week sometime. In the meantime, the stove is unavailable.
But it was all worth it. I think the baked ziti was a grand success. Everyone seemed to love it. We served sliced French Bread and green salad. For dessert Nutella cookies....and they were very well recieved.
I think most everyone likes the new center, although it will take some time to get used to being crowded together in that small place. A lot of people stayed around to visit...no CRUD this evening (it might have had something to do with the fact that the pool table was covered with dishes and food!)
I especially enjoyed a visit with a lovely young woman who has a wonderful testimony and great strength and trust in the Lord. She has a close family and adores her little niece and nephew. I can tell by the way she talks that she will be a warm and loving mother someday....and a supportive and caring wife.
I also enjoyed talking to a young friend who is planning a trip to Arizona!...of all places. She will be with her parents, and they will visit her brother. She has been there before so the 100 degree weather won't be too much of a shock.
It is so interesting to ponder what lies ahead for these great young people. So many good things ahead, yet also some experiences that will require great faith and patience. I have never had greater hope for the future than this last year as I have seen these good YSAs and the young missionaries who serve here.
I think they are unique and uniquely wonderful, but I suspect that they are a part of a great army of incredible people sent to this earth now.
It is a blessing to serve with them in this beautiful land.
And actually, it wasn't a REAL meal, because Anne Marie came up with the menu and prepared a lot of it, and we had 5 YSAs in the kitchen for a couple of hours before doing all kinds of preparation....AND because Erin and Ethan were in the apartment kitchen cutting, chopping, stirring, assembling and generally cooking.
This week...today, was a good dose of reality. I did all the cutting, chopping, stirring, assembling and general cooking. Well, most of it. SK was busy running errands etc, and stepped into the kitchen for awhile to help with chopping basil. He was invaluable in so many important ways, but I was essentially alone in the kitchen.
I started around 9 a.m. and took a break around 2 to shower and clean up. We went to the center where all that was left to do was assemble the salad, make the dressing and bake the ziti and set things out.
It was fairly simple from that point on.
I do believe that I will see about getting a couple of YSAs to come early each week just to help with cutting and chopping and assembling.
The difficulty was that in our small kitchen with small pots, and only 4 burners - everything took longer to do. The stove in the new center is going to be wonderful to use, but it is an induction stove and requires a special type of pan, which we should be getting next week sometime. In the meantime, the stove is unavailable.
But it was all worth it. I think the baked ziti was a grand success. Everyone seemed to love it. We served sliced French Bread and green salad. For dessert Nutella cookies....and they were very well recieved.
I think most everyone likes the new center, although it will take some time to get used to being crowded together in that small place. A lot of people stayed around to visit...no CRUD this evening (it might have had something to do with the fact that the pool table was covered with dishes and food!)
I especially enjoyed a visit with a lovely young woman who has a wonderful testimony and great strength and trust in the Lord. She has a close family and adores her little niece and nephew. I can tell by the way she talks that she will be a warm and loving mother someday....and a supportive and caring wife.
I also enjoyed talking to a young friend who is planning a trip to Arizona!...of all places. She will be with her parents, and they will visit her brother. She has been there before so the 100 degree weather won't be too much of a shock.
It is so interesting to ponder what lies ahead for these great young people. So many good things ahead, yet also some experiences that will require great faith and patience. I have never had greater hope for the future than this last year as I have seen these good YSAs and the young missionaries who serve here.
I think they are unique and uniquely wonderful, but I suspect that they are a part of a great army of incredible people sent to this earth now.
It is a blessing to serve with them in this beautiful land.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
A Normal Wednesday Evening
This day begin with clear blue skies and a cool breeze....it ended with rain and chill. It has been a marvelous day!
Laundry, vacuuming and mopping were the order of the day with a few closets and drawers organized. As a teenager, if someone had told me that I would one day relish a day like today, I would say they were way off base. But here I am enjoying it immensely.
SK spent the better part of his day helping the mission office get cars straightened out, so he wasn't here when it came time to shop for tomorrow. With our handy little cart, I set out for Netto...a sort of discount store. I found a few items I needed, brought them home and then went to Lidl and Fotex. I am pretty sure that I have what I need for tomorrow's meal. I will prepare most of it here in the apartment, because we don't as yet have pots and pans for the induction stovetop.
I will do the baking at the center.
I am asking the usual questions: How many will be there for dinner? Will there be enough? Will they like this new dish? (Baked Ziti)
I'll let you know tomorrow night!
Laundry, vacuuming and mopping were the order of the day with a few closets and drawers organized. As a teenager, if someone had told me that I would one day relish a day like today, I would say they were way off base. But here I am enjoying it immensely.
SK spent the better part of his day helping the mission office get cars straightened out, so he wasn't here when it came time to shop for tomorrow. With our handy little cart, I set out for Netto...a sort of discount store. I found a few items I needed, brought them home and then went to Lidl and Fotex. I am pretty sure that I have what I need for tomorrow's meal. I will prepare most of it here in the apartment, because we don't as yet have pots and pans for the induction stovetop.
I will do the baking at the center.
I am asking the usual questions: How many will be there for dinner? Will there be enough? Will they like this new dish? (Baked Ziti)
I'll let you know tomorrow night!
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
As Sisters in Zion
The grand highlight of this day was a meeting for all girls and women age 8 and above. It was held in the meetinghouse that has been doubling as our stake center near the temple. SK drove me in and I hurriedly found a seat next to our newest member, a sweet young woman who was baptized on Sunday morning.
We visited for a little while, and then because of transmission problems we all changed seats, and I ended up near a wonderful young woman whom I have felt a closeness to since we first arrived in Denmark. We only had a minute to visit before the meeting began.
Elder Bednar and Elder Ballard both spoke, and they were both inspiring. Before they spoke we heard from Sister Kearon (her husband is in the area presidency), Elder Teixeira (the area president), and Elder and Sister Hallstrom. All of the talks were wonderful...every last one.
The meeting was broadcast from Germany to 39 countries throughout Europe. It was historic in that there hasn't been a women's gathering of that size in Europe ever. We who attended were richly rewarded. There were not enough of us to fill the chapel and overflow, but our stake covers all of Sjaelland which is fairly large....it would require a fair amount of travel from those living farthest away...especially on a week night.
But I was deeply touched as I sat there singing with all the sisters. I looked around and realized that a good number of the women sitting there were YSAs! Many of them came by bus and train and would have taken an hour or more each way to be there. They are stalwarts....so good.
The messages we received tonight were about our hearts....about our steadfastness in a troubled world. It was uplifting and encouraging and enlightening.
Before he dropped me off, SK told me to call when I was ready to come home and he would come and get me...and Sister Hamblin and Sister Swena. As soon as the meeting was over, Sister Swena appeared and said, "If we leave right now, we can get the #12 bus home."
I thought that would be good and then I wouldn't have to bother SK. So we hurried outside into the night. I had gone about 5 feet and realized it was raining, so I quickly put up a small (very small) umbrella that I sometimes carry just in case. We ran, and as we ran the intensity of the rain increased. By the time we got to the bus stop it was torrential! Sister Hamblin appeared out of nowhere and we all huddled together waiting for the bus.
Soon it came and we scrambled aboard. We were all pretty wet. I hadn't worn a raincoat...just a sweater. Sister Swena only had a light cloth coat, but Sister Hamblin was well-prepared with a raincoat and an umbrella....so she wasn't quite as soaked.
Normally, the walk home from the bus stop would have been a pleasant 4 block walk, but tonight I called SK and asked if he would come and get us. He got there right away....and just walking from the apartment to the car drenched him!
We got home in good order....my wet clothes are hanging up to dry...and my purse is also drying out.
Between the rain and the wonderful meeting, it was a great evening! I still hear the pitter patter of the raindrops outside my open window. There is also a goose out there somewhere who scolds someone every minute or so.
You would almost think we were in Gilbert, Arizona! (except for that noisy goose)
We visited for a little while, and then because of transmission problems we all changed seats, and I ended up near a wonderful young woman whom I have felt a closeness to since we first arrived in Denmark. We only had a minute to visit before the meeting began.
Elder Bednar and Elder Ballard both spoke, and they were both inspiring. Before they spoke we heard from Sister Kearon (her husband is in the area presidency), Elder Teixeira (the area president), and Elder and Sister Hallstrom. All of the talks were wonderful...every last one.
The meeting was broadcast from Germany to 39 countries throughout Europe. It was historic in that there hasn't been a women's gathering of that size in Europe ever. We who attended were richly rewarded. There were not enough of us to fill the chapel and overflow, but our stake covers all of Sjaelland which is fairly large....it would require a fair amount of travel from those living farthest away...especially on a week night.
But I was deeply touched as I sat there singing with all the sisters. I looked around and realized that a good number of the women sitting there were YSAs! Many of them came by bus and train and would have taken an hour or more each way to be there. They are stalwarts....so good.
The messages we received tonight were about our hearts....about our steadfastness in a troubled world. It was uplifting and encouraging and enlightening.
Before he dropped me off, SK told me to call when I was ready to come home and he would come and get me...and Sister Hamblin and Sister Swena. As soon as the meeting was over, Sister Swena appeared and said, "If we leave right now, we can get the #12 bus home."
I thought that would be good and then I wouldn't have to bother SK. So we hurried outside into the night. I had gone about 5 feet and realized it was raining, so I quickly put up a small (very small) umbrella that I sometimes carry just in case. We ran, and as we ran the intensity of the rain increased. By the time we got to the bus stop it was torrential! Sister Hamblin appeared out of nowhere and we all huddled together waiting for the bus.
Soon it came and we scrambled aboard. We were all pretty wet. I hadn't worn a raincoat...just a sweater. Sister Swena only had a light cloth coat, but Sister Hamblin was well-prepared with a raincoat and an umbrella....so she wasn't quite as soaked.
Normally, the walk home from the bus stop would have been a pleasant 4 block walk, but tonight I called SK and asked if he would come and get us. He got there right away....and just walking from the apartment to the car drenched him!
We got home in good order....my wet clothes are hanging up to dry...and my purse is also drying out.
Between the rain and the wonderful meeting, it was a great evening! I still hear the pitter patter of the raindrops outside my open window. There is also a goose out there somewhere who scolds someone every minute or so.
You would almost think we were in Gilbert, Arizona! (except for that noisy goose)
Monday, September 8, 2014
Good Day Sunshine
The day dawned with brilliant clear blue skies and sunshine, so SK and I set out walking to find large mugs....you know cups with handles. As the weather turns cold, soup is easy to fix and comforting to the body and soul. Since we are in a situation where most will be holding their dishes on their laps to eat, we thought the little bowls we now have simply will not make it. A handle is in order....hence the mighty mug!
We walked some distance to check two places that have such things for very reasonable prices, but found nothing that will do. We returned home and drove to IKEA, where, after a lengthy and circuitous journey through the store - twice - we left empty handed.
We were also looking for bins to organize the drawers. We have a lot of utensils and the drawers are deep. To get the most use from the drawers we thought we need something that will stack nicely and be easy to move. We struck out on that too.
We went to the center to assess the situation again, and decided that we could get along without the bins, but we do really need those bowls. Tomorrow, we'll check our Costco wannabe and perhaps some genbrue stores (used, as in Deseret Industry).
In the afternoon we walked to the center...well we took a bus that let us off almost as far away as our apartment is from the center! We walked maybe a half of a mile which isn't bad ..and we weren't carrying anything but the MP umbrella, so we made it in good time.
We did some organizing and cleaning up before anyone got there. It wasn't long before one young man came and cajoled us into playing Trivial Pursuit. Hey! I like that game as much as the next person and I do OK with it. I am not a genius, but I get a few answers right.
The problem with the Trivial Pursuit game we played today was that it was in Danish, and the questions related to Denmark mostly. It turned out to be funny though, and the one question I got right was the Elvis Presley song "Can't Help Falling in Love With You.
We had our missionary committee with the YSAs at 6:30, which was very productive, and then our Family Home Evening. The message was given by 2 full-time young elders. He talked about repentance. I didn't have a translator, but I understood most of it....it was a wonderful message about turning our hearts and minds to God.
He talked about his father who has had a problem with pornography. He told what a trial it was for the family. He said his father is coming back and putting the problems behind him of pornography. He showed us a video from the Church about it, and then bore a powerful and sincere testimony about the power of repentance and the light of a new dawn when we repent. His father was the man in the video, and this elder's mother was in it as well. It was inspiring.
I had a wonderful visit with a beautiful young woman who has been a member for some time. She has a firm sense of the gospel and what it is. She is beautiful and kind and has a depth to her testimony that is inspiring. She loves the Gospel and wishes she could share her joy with everyone. She is amazing.
About 11:00. we walked home from the center. It was nice and cool with people wrapping their sweaters around them, Walking Street was already closing down, but Tivoli and the trains were still full of people with places to go.
I have a place to go too....bed! Good night.
We walked some distance to check two places that have such things for very reasonable prices, but found nothing that will do. We returned home and drove to IKEA, where, after a lengthy and circuitous journey through the store - twice - we left empty handed.
We were also looking for bins to organize the drawers. We have a lot of utensils and the drawers are deep. To get the most use from the drawers we thought we need something that will stack nicely and be easy to move. We struck out on that too.
We went to the center to assess the situation again, and decided that we could get along without the bins, but we do really need those bowls. Tomorrow, we'll check our Costco wannabe and perhaps some genbrue stores (used, as in Deseret Industry).
In the afternoon we walked to the center...well we took a bus that let us off almost as far away as our apartment is from the center! We walked maybe a half of a mile which isn't bad ..and we weren't carrying anything but the MP umbrella, so we made it in good time.
We did some organizing and cleaning up before anyone got there. It wasn't long before one young man came and cajoled us into playing Trivial Pursuit. Hey! I like that game as much as the next person and I do OK with it. I am not a genius, but I get a few answers right.
The problem with the Trivial Pursuit game we played today was that it was in Danish, and the questions related to Denmark mostly. It turned out to be funny though, and the one question I got right was the Elvis Presley song "Can't Help Falling in Love With You.
We had our missionary committee with the YSAs at 6:30, which was very productive, and then our Family Home Evening. The message was given by 2 full-time young elders. He talked about repentance. I didn't have a translator, but I understood most of it....it was a wonderful message about turning our hearts and minds to God.
He talked about his father who has had a problem with pornography. He told what a trial it was for the family. He said his father is coming back and putting the problems behind him of pornography. He showed us a video from the Church about it, and then bore a powerful and sincere testimony about the power of repentance and the light of a new dawn when we repent. His father was the man in the video, and this elder's mother was in it as well. It was inspiring.
I had a wonderful visit with a beautiful young woman who has been a member for some time. She has a firm sense of the gospel and what it is. She is beautiful and kind and has a depth to her testimony that is inspiring. She loves the Gospel and wishes she could share her joy with everyone. She is amazing.
About 11:00. we walked home from the center. It was nice and cool with people wrapping their sweaters around them, Walking Street was already closing down, but Tivoli and the trains were still full of people with places to go.
I have a place to go too....bed! Good night.
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Join In the Joy
We missed attending church today in our little branch. We were sorry to miss that very important meeting. Our branch president was released. He is a dynamic and cheerful and energetic man who has been a very capable leader. And he is a very good man. We have enjoyed being in his branch so very much.
The new branch president was his counselor. He is a policeman of 30 years and is also one of the finest men I have ever met. He is unfailingly kind and thoughtful. Comments that he has made lead me to believe that he is a great student of the scriptures and strives to live the gospel in every aspect of his life.
We missed it because we attended a baptism of a young lady in another ward. She does not live here...she was visiting to see a doctor. She had undergone jaw surgery a few weeks ago and was here to have it checked. She was sitting on a park bench praying to the Lord for help to find the truth. About that same time, two young elders approached her. They have been teaching her for 2 weeks! She was baptized this morning because on Tuesday she will return to her home in Greenland where there are no missionaries or wards or branches. She will continue the new member lessons by skype.
The baptism was beautiful. She is a dear young woman and has embraced the gospel with great joy. We stayed for sacrament meeting, since she was confirmed there. Then it only seemed natural to go to the YSA Sunday School class and finally relief society. We finally got home around 3 after a wonderful morning. Later, the Thornes told us what we had missed at our branch.
We went over to the Thorne's apartment to play Nines with them and Sister Swena and Sister Hamblin. It was a nice relaxing end to our day.
Our thoughts keep going to Erin and Ethan, and one of us will say out of the blue, "Wasn't that fun when.....?" Our hearts are filled with gratitude for this beautiful country, this wonderful mission, the experiences and opportunities that have come to us here, and for the blessing of having them come to visit.
It has been a sweet Sabbath day.
The new branch president was his counselor. He is a policeman of 30 years and is also one of the finest men I have ever met. He is unfailingly kind and thoughtful. Comments that he has made lead me to believe that he is a great student of the scriptures and strives to live the gospel in every aspect of his life.
We missed it because we attended a baptism of a young lady in another ward. She does not live here...she was visiting to see a doctor. She had undergone jaw surgery a few weeks ago and was here to have it checked. She was sitting on a park bench praying to the Lord for help to find the truth. About that same time, two young elders approached her. They have been teaching her for 2 weeks! She was baptized this morning because on Tuesday she will return to her home in Greenland where there are no missionaries or wards or branches. She will continue the new member lessons by skype.
The baptism was beautiful. She is a dear young woman and has embraced the gospel with great joy. We stayed for sacrament meeting, since she was confirmed there. Then it only seemed natural to go to the YSA Sunday School class and finally relief society. We finally got home around 3 after a wonderful morning. Later, the Thornes told us what we had missed at our branch.
We went over to the Thorne's apartment to play Nines with them and Sister Swena and Sister Hamblin. It was a nice relaxing end to our day.
Our thoughts keep going to Erin and Ethan, and one of us will say out of the blue, "Wasn't that fun when.....?" Our hearts are filled with gratitude for this beautiful country, this wonderful mission, the experiences and opportunities that have come to us here, and for the blessing of having them come to visit.
It has been a sweet Sabbath day.
Saturday, September 6, 2014
To Meet and to Part.....
We stayed up very late last night....we just couldn't let go of the week with Erin and Ethan. It was such a grand week and it flew by, as we expected it would. But it is still so hard to have it over.
We were up early to be ready to leave for the church where our missionary conference was held. Erin and Ethan got up to say good-bye. We had a prayer together and tearfully hugged. It was so hard to part.
We had a week together like we have never had before. When Ethan was in school years ago, we all lived together for a year. He was very busy with school and Erin was very busy with little ones, and SK and I were both quite involved with our own lives. Here in this magical country, we spent time together seeing so many wonderful sights and talking....talking....talking....catching up on everything we could. It was an amazing luxury. Even all the time we were together shopping and preparing food for Thursday had a closeness of its own.
We have been so very grateful for the opportunity we had of spending that time with them....glad that it worked out like it did. Our mission president gave us permission to leave Copenhagen and see some of the beautiful areas of the world here, and that was wonderful. When you share something you love so much with people you love so much....it is a very special joy.
We were able to take care of our responsibilities at the center, and are now ready to spend more time there beginning with the new week. Our Institute Director would like to have it open 5 days a week, which will be good.
The church where our mission conference was held is by the temple, and coincidentally by the old center. We were to gather on the temple steps for a picture first, and then walk over to the church.
We parked a couple of blocks away, and even as we drove along the street we saw young men in suits and young women dressed up, all wearing the characteristic black name tags. There was an enthusiasm and energy that we could sense even from the car.
We walked to the temple and saw dozens more. Missionaries young and old were summoned from all over the mission for this very special occasion. Many were carrying the small suitcases they brought to stay the night last evening so they would be ready bright and early to be spiritually fed.
We assembled in the chapel at the church by 8:40 and sat quietly listening to incredible prelude music played by an excellent young missionary pianist. At 9:15 Elder and Sister Bednar, Elder and Sister Hallstrom (of the Presidency of the Seventy), and Elder and Sister Kearon of the Area Presidency entered the small room and everyone quietly stood in respect.
The meeting was -indeed - a spiritual feast...with those six speaking. Elder Bednar had the lion's share but conducted a lengthy give and take between the missionaries and the individuals on the stand. I am certain that it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most of us to be in such a small setting (no more than 150 of us....probably closer to 120). We listened and many were able to ask questions that were respectfully and satisfyingly answered. All of the music was wonderful.
One of the senior sister missionaries will be returning home at the end of the month. She and her husband have been here nearly 2 years now, and she is eager to see her family. She is in the process of clearing out their apartment and was kind enough to offer me her Bosch mixer!!!!
I can hardly wait to make cinnamon rolls and regular rolls for dinners and other occasions. I have been mixing them by hand, and while it is a great way to work out frustrations :-), I can only make so much at a time. This will save a ton of money and time.... and who doesn't love homemade bread, or at least the smell?
I'll slip into sleep tonight dreaming about the last week with our dear Erin and Ethan...
We were up early to be ready to leave for the church where our missionary conference was held. Erin and Ethan got up to say good-bye. We had a prayer together and tearfully hugged. It was so hard to part.
We had a week together like we have never had before. When Ethan was in school years ago, we all lived together for a year. He was very busy with school and Erin was very busy with little ones, and SK and I were both quite involved with our own lives. Here in this magical country, we spent time together seeing so many wonderful sights and talking....talking....talking....catching up on everything we could. It was an amazing luxury. Even all the time we were together shopping and preparing food for Thursday had a closeness of its own.
We have been so very grateful for the opportunity we had of spending that time with them....glad that it worked out like it did. Our mission president gave us permission to leave Copenhagen and see some of the beautiful areas of the world here, and that was wonderful. When you share something you love so much with people you love so much....it is a very special joy.
We were able to take care of our responsibilities at the center, and are now ready to spend more time there beginning with the new week. Our Institute Director would like to have it open 5 days a week, which will be good.
The church where our mission conference was held is by the temple, and coincidentally by the old center. We were to gather on the temple steps for a picture first, and then walk over to the church.
We parked a couple of blocks away, and even as we drove along the street we saw young men in suits and young women dressed up, all wearing the characteristic black name tags. There was an enthusiasm and energy that we could sense even from the car.
We walked to the temple and saw dozens more. Missionaries young and old were summoned from all over the mission for this very special occasion. Many were carrying the small suitcases they brought to stay the night last evening so they would be ready bright and early to be spiritually fed.
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| We all stood together for a picture on the steps of the temple...I will get a copy of the official one from Sister Sederholm. I broke away immediately after they snapped it so I could get my own. You'll have to take my word that I was there! |
We assembled in the chapel at the church by 8:40 and sat quietly listening to incredible prelude music played by an excellent young missionary pianist. At 9:15 Elder and Sister Bednar, Elder and Sister Hallstrom (of the Presidency of the Seventy), and Elder and Sister Kearon of the Area Presidency entered the small room and everyone quietly stood in respect.
The meeting was -indeed - a spiritual feast...with those six speaking. Elder Bednar had the lion's share but conducted a lengthy give and take between the missionaries and the individuals on the stand. I am certain that it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most of us to be in such a small setting (no more than 150 of us....probably closer to 120). We listened and many were able to ask questions that were respectfully and satisfyingly answered. All of the music was wonderful.
One of the senior sister missionaries will be returning home at the end of the month. She and her husband have been here nearly 2 years now, and she is eager to see her family. She is in the process of clearing out their apartment and was kind enough to offer me her Bosch mixer!!!!
I can hardly wait to make cinnamon rolls and regular rolls for dinners and other occasions. I have been mixing them by hand, and while it is a great way to work out frustrations :-), I can only make so much at a time. This will save a ton of money and time.... and who doesn't love homemade bread, or at least the smell?
I'll slip into sleep tonight dreaming about the last week with our dear Erin and Ethan...
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