Rushing By!

There is something so wonderful about staying under a down comforter on a cold dark morning.  But you can only do that so long before the day beckons.  It never got very light today, and this old city makes it seem alright.  

We took the Mary Poppins umbrella with us when we left.  I went to my Danish lesson with my temple friends, and SK went to the center to have lunch with various people here who work for the Church.  He had a great time, and I had a great time.

Mette, our teacher is pushing us to speak more and read more, and it is difficult, but I am so glad for the opportunity to learn with friends who are all at about the same level I am.  I know they're not snickering about my pronunciation or translation or my dumb questions.  That helps a whole lot!

In the evening, we got take-out kebabs from Amager and brought it home.  Elder and Sister Thorne and Sister Hamblin came over to eat.  They are soooo good!  Then we just sat there at talked for a couple of hours.  It is a nice thing to share each others' lives like that.  Most of the week we go our separate ways and seldom talk.

Tonight we also had to coordinate schedules and especially the car schedule.  This month is enormously busy and there are some things you just have to have a car for.  Elder Thorne will pick up a new missionary couple at the airport who will be arriving Friday.  They will come here and stay with us until Wednesday.

It is certainly interesting to anticipate a visit like that.  We have had several couples come and stay with us when they first arrive in Denmark.  Suddenly there are two people (whom you have never met) sharing your living space...kitchen and bathroom.  So far, everyone has been very gracious and accommodating.  But I always face the experience with a little bit of apprehension.

They will be working with YSAs in another part of Denmark so they will follow us around until they leave.  This is a good time for that because we have a temple day, activity and dinner on Saturday...which will probably take most of the day.  We have a YSA activity on Sunday evening and then of course Monday is Family Home Evening.  They will be able to see a lot of the goings-on at the center.

We coordinated the car for the rest of the month.  The Thornes will be driving up to the north of Jutland later in the month and we need to drive south to inspect 3 missionary apartments.  And life would be easier if we have the car for other things.  Sometimes facing bus/train rides that amount to a couple of hours each way can be daunting.

But we are grateful to have a car some of the time....grateful that the public transit system is so accessible and grateful to be in this beautiful city.....and so grateful for this special time of the year when thoughts more easily turn to the Savior and His love for us.

Tomorrow will be the 14th month anniversary of arriving here.  It can't possibly be a year since we first celebrated Christmas in Copenhagen.