Planning Ahead

Life continues normally here.  It almost seemed like there were more people out riding bicycles and walking than usual, but everyone was busy trying to get somewhere.  We were too!  It was really cold today.....probably about 33 degrees, but it felt much colder.  It was probably that icy wind from the sea that blows right through me and all the layers of clothing.

We took a ride out to IKEA this morning in search of cheap bins to keep flour and sugar in at the center.  We struck out, but as luck would have it, McDonalds was right next door and we thought a hamburger sounded good.  I know what you are thinking:  "What are they thinking?....Hamburger sounds good?  yes....but McDonalds hamburger sounds good??......No."

Chalk it up to the cold weather and hunger.  We each got a deluxe hamburger, french fries and a soft drink....thirty dollars later, we decided that we would not darken a McDonald's doorway here in Denmark again.  There are too many other great places with good food for less than that.

We walked to the center, and even I was cold.  We were grateful to arrive and enter the center where the heaters were working beautifully.  It took lesson material to work on and Danish homework as well, but we are seldom alone for long there.  One of the YSAs arrived soon after we did and I sat with her and talked for a long time.

She has been sick and unable to come but I hope that will all be better soon.  Our numbers were down this evening, perhaps because of the cold weather, or perhaps because of the shootings over the weekend, or perhaps sickness or school or work.  Who knows?

But the ones who were there had a grand time.  There was a brief message about the month's theme (marriage) and then a "speed-dating" activity.  The room loudly buzzed with all the animated conversations going on.  I think there were several who may have been a little uncomfortable with that, but once they sat down across from someone and began asking and answering questions, everyone seemed to do just fine.

I had a great conversation with a guy who returned from a mission in Mesa Arizona a year ago.  He is so very nice and kind and handsome....I know some lucky girl will be very blessed to marry him.  He absolutely loved his mission and the missionary work.  I can tell he was excellent.  Since returning home to Denmark he has gone out many times with the full-time elders here.  He says he stops people on the street and tells them he has 2 friends right here who would love to share a special message with them.

He is heading up the outreach committee....and he has some tremendous ideas for helping people to join us at the center and in church.  One of his ideas that I love is having a monthly Sunday night fireside that will be 80% music and 20% inspirational messages.  We will invite all the YSAs to come and participate and bring a friend.  I think it has marvelous potential.  Let's see....is there anyone I know that could give us some helpful suggestions....Melissa and my dear sister????

One of his very favorite foods from Arizona was biscuits and gravy!!!!  Melissa....I hope you don't mind, but I kind of promised him that when my daughter came to visit, we would have him come to a biscuits and gravy dinner.  He would think he was in heaven.

We ended up staying until midnight just talking.  I love those conversations....mostly because I love these young people.  Many face much uncertainty in their lives, but nearly all are trying to live up to the truths they know, and they are facing the future with faith.

A very cold walk to the bus stop and then a 10-minute wait for the next bus left us both shivering.  I am sitting here under a warm fuzzy quilt...if it weren't so late I would be sipping hot chocolate!

As it is.....I think I'll just say goodnight and tuck myself into a warm bed.