Jeg Taler (Lidt) Dansk!

Elder and Sister Turpin are leaving for Utah on Saturday morning.  They have not been here in Denmark for even a month.  She discovered a lump in her breast a couple of weeks ago, and it seemed to be growing.  A hurried visit to a doctor, a biopsy, a diagnosis of malignant and a recommended mastectomy, hurried consultations with Church leaders all lead to arrangements to fly home and go the Huntsman Cancer Center in Utah where she will be close to her family.

It must be devastating.  Everyone is hoping and praying that the treatment will be minimal and that she will be able to return to Denmark soon to continue with their mission.  I am certain that somewhere there is a figure....a percentage of missionaries who will have to return to their homes because of health.  I think perhaps senior missionaries' percentages may be a little higher (but I wouldn't bet on it).

I believe that most senior missionaries arrive in the mission field with a little more expectation that it won't be easy, as well as a seasoned outlook on life.  I think most of us have learned how to cope with being sick from time to time, and with the aches and pains that come from aging....but no one expects to leave early.

We will be praying for her.

This was a "Danish class" day.  We met at 12:30 here in our apartment, had lunch (baked ziti - thanks Erin!) and then worked on our language skills....or in my case - lack of them.  Mette, our cute teacher is so very patient.....she puts us through the paces.  She has us read aloud. She has us translating what we read. She has us write what we hear, spell what we hear and translate what we hear.  She has us writing little stories.  These are all wonderful to help with us hearing and speaking this very difficult language.

But it is fun, and the other ladies are all great company.  It is fun to gather for lunch and attempt small talk in our rudimentary Danish.  They are all temple workers so we have that in common.....and it actually IS fun to play with people my own age!  (Metta is the youngster.)

If you look carefully, you will see SK in the mirror in the hallway trying to snap this picture.  The temple matron - Janet Williams is on the far left....Pam Hoge on her right.  Kayla Hansen on the left on the other side of the table, then Mette our fearless (and endlessly patient) instructor, then me.