Strength From Others

Elder and Sister Turpin drove in from Odense this morning.  They are all packed up and ready to fly out early early in the morning.  They will be checking into the Cancer center in Salt Lake City as soon as possible.

They came here and stayed for a couple of hours before going up to Thornes where they will spend the night.  The Thornes dropped by and we all sat and ate Potato Dill soup and hot rolls.  It isn't fancy, but I thought it was kind of comfort food, and they needed a little comfort,

They are a wonderful loving couple who are very close to each other.  In the few weeks they have been here they fell in love with Denmark, Odense, the YSAs there and their mission.  (Who wouldn't?)  It is so hard for them to leave, yet they are planning on returning after her mastectomy.  We will all be praying for them, and praying that it goes well and that they will be back by Spring...a beautiful season here.

SK worked in the temple today....he left before the Turpins got here.  I stayed home so that I could be at the center for anyone who didn't go to the temple with the YSAs.  I fixed a simple light meal using leftovers from Thursday's meal.  We had about 15 come to eat and watch a CES Devotional.  They played games afterwards.

The Turpins walked with me part of the way to the center.  They wanted to find a little souvenir to take to each of their many grandchildren.  I showed them a couple of stores off the beaten path which offer prices a little lower than Strøget.  I hugged them and waved goodbye....I watched them walk away....arm in arm.  I stood there a few moments with a lump in my throat...............then continued on past Tivoli, across the Copenhagen City Hall Square and down the street to the center.

The light of day was dimming, but there was a beautiful cloud-filled sky tinged with pink.  People dressed in varying dark shades were out walking in all directions.  Pigeons were scavenging for scraps of food on the cobblestones.  The bells from City Hall pealed out.  It was cold, but there was no wind which made it heavenly to be out walking wrapped in a warm coat.

I must have spent an hour and a half in conversation with our new young co-chairman of the center....she is replacing Lea.  Helene has thought deeply about the gospel and has a strong sense of who she is and where she is going.  She has strong opinions about so many things.  I love her confidence.

The future is never sure....yet these wonderful young people have come to count on it.  I am glad for their strength and optimism.  I know that will see them through the difficult times that come into every life.

There are difficult times ahead for Elder and Sister Turpin.  Their love for people around them, for their family, for each other and especially for our Father in Heaven will be a great anchor for them.  And doesn't Spring seem like a wonderful time to return to their assignment here?