Thanks Giving in Denmark

Have you ever had a sugar-dusted Belgian Waffle topped with Nutella, Bananas and whipped cream?  You really ought to give it a try.  We served that tasty treat for Family Home Evening tonight and for the ones who loved it....well...they really loved it.  One is enough to give anyone a sugar high, and several of our young men ate 3 or more.  I hope they didn't make themselves sick.  But they are good.

Our numbers were down a little for some unknown reason.  We had perhaps 25.  School, finals and other things keep people away, but most of our group manages to make it to the center at least a couple of times a month.  We have several busily preparing to leave on their missions soon, and that must take up a lot of time and energy, all the while working and sometimes going to school.

Our spiritual thought tonight was given by a young man who recently returned from a mission in France.  He told about an experience he and a companion had with a Spanish-speaking investigator.  His companion spoke Spanish so they did fine teaching the man, until his companion was transferred.  They had one last discussion scheduled, and the young missionary was concerned about being able to teach him in a language he knew little of.

They fasted and prayed, and the members of the ward did the same.  On the day of the appointment, they went to the investigator's home and taught him in Spanish.  After it was all over, they were astonished as they reviewed what happened.  The spoke and understood Spanish!  But it didn't stay with them.  When they were finished, they could no longer speak Spanish.  He had many wonderful experiences in France and Switzerland.

I visited with him afterward and was so impressed with his faith and steadfastness.  He has only been home a short time, but he is already indexing!  And he sounds genuinely happy to do it.  He told me about several experiences he has had that have inspired and energized him to do more.

He said that when he and his sisters each turned twelve, his father took him to the National Archives where he showed him how to research family names....which he has been doing ever since.  "I could just sit and play video games," he said, "but this is so much more fun!"

I could see why he and his family are all such a happy group of people....all actively engaged in the Gospel in one way or another.

Well....I'm off to cook some potatoes for tomorrow....we have a missionary zone conference....with about 60 in attendance.  We'll cook a thanksgiving dinner for them.  I will be cooking two turkeys, some sweet potatoes, and possibly dressing.  Sister Thorne is in charge, and it sounds like she has everything well-planned out.  The really interesting thing will be getting it there.  The church where we will serve it is at least 30 minutes away from here, and between the Thornes, Sister Hamblin and us....we will be cooking most of the meal here and transporting it to the small building where they will be meeting.  

It is so pleasant NOT to be in charge....