This week has certainly been devoid of sunshine...but it has had its own kind of beauty. The days have been dark with a hint of the dramatic....as though we are living in an Charlotte Bronte novel. Being out doors in the wind and the rain is exhilarating, but it is being indoors that gives everything a moody quality...but I like to think of it as cozy, because it is so delightful being inside looking out.
Our stake held its Women's Conference today. There was a very small turnout for various reasons...one of which is that our Stake Relief Society President is the wife of our Institute Director...it was their daughter who passed away a couple of weeks ago, and I believe the entire presidency is reeling from that. So many of the things that should have been done during the last 3 weeks or so didn't get done and as a result not many really knew about the conference.
The weather was another factor. But those dear sisters were all there, including the president and her two daughters. They were going through the motions, but I don't know how they are managing to carry on with such things. I spoke briefly with all three and wanted desperately to hug them close and make things right.
I gave my slide talk to a small group of women the first hour and then listened to a lovely presentation the second hour. It was all in Danish, and while I got a lot of it, I also missed a lot of it, and I find myself getting disheartened. I so seldom am in a Danish-only situation and I speak English almost exclusively with the YSAs. I have kind of lost my drive to learn and have really slacked off in the study area. It is isolating to be in a group of people whom you don't understand, and I have been here long enough, that I should know more than I do. I left discouraged.
SK had been in the temple during the morning, so he waited for me to get done and like a true hero whisked me away to see the Fall in the glorious forests around here. We drove around and found some beautiful little country lanes through breath-takingingly beautiful woodlands.
To end out the day, we stopped at a quaint little restaurant, where we had a nice meal. We needed to do some shopping and had planned on stopping at one of our favorite grocery stores on the way back into town, but instead decided to stop close to the restaurant. As we were cruising around the store, a young man (a worker there) approached us with a big smile on his face.....it was one of our YSAs! Right there about 45 minutes away from home in an absolutely random stop. THAT was fun......what are the chances?
Our stake held its Women's Conference today. There was a very small turnout for various reasons...one of which is that our Stake Relief Society President is the wife of our Institute Director...it was their daughter who passed away a couple of weeks ago, and I believe the entire presidency is reeling from that. So many of the things that should have been done during the last 3 weeks or so didn't get done and as a result not many really knew about the conference.
The weather was another factor. But those dear sisters were all there, including the president and her two daughters. They were going through the motions, but I don't know how they are managing to carry on with such things. I spoke briefly with all three and wanted desperately to hug them close and make things right.
I gave my slide talk to a small group of women the first hour and then listened to a lovely presentation the second hour. It was all in Danish, and while I got a lot of it, I also missed a lot of it, and I find myself getting disheartened. I so seldom am in a Danish-only situation and I speak English almost exclusively with the YSAs. I have kind of lost my drive to learn and have really slacked off in the study area. It is isolating to be in a group of people whom you don't understand, and I have been here long enough, that I should know more than I do. I left discouraged.
SK had been in the temple during the morning, so he waited for me to get done and like a true hero whisked me away to see the Fall in the glorious forests around here. We drove around and found some beautiful little country lanes through breath-takingingly beautiful woodlands.
To end out the day, we stopped at a quaint little restaurant, where we had a nice meal. We needed to do some shopping and had planned on stopping at one of our favorite grocery stores on the way back into town, but instead decided to stop close to the restaurant. As we were cruising around the store, a young man (a worker there) approached us with a big smile on his face.....it was one of our YSAs! Right there about 45 minutes away from home in an absolutely random stop. THAT was fun......what are the chances?
Oh Mom, don't feel disheartened. Your mission is to the YSAs, and if you can talk with them, that's what matters! Understanding a lot is exceptional!
ReplyDeleteI have been to many of your presentations, and they are always full of the Spirit, so if any of those ladies attended your class, I'm sure it was balm for their hearts.
I love you.
Thank you my dear....YOU are balm for my heart. Love you.
DeleteYOU? DISCOURAGED? NEVER! You are doing a great work wherever you are and your warm smile speaks volumes. Sure glad that you had a nice drive, nice dinner and ran into a YSA with a big SMILE! L&P
ReplyDeleteYou are always a great cheerleader....thanks so much. L&P
DeleteThese photos are stunning!!!! I love how the leaves completely cover the road. Oh I itch to have been with you snapping photos right beside you! Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteTake heart! You do so many wonderful things with those YSAs that I am sure they love you no matter what language you speak with them. Yes it is frustrating not to know every word, but I am sure the language of the Spirit we all understand. You are loved and prayed for! Hang in there! Big Hug! :)
Oh Kate....you are dear! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteLove you!
Janis