Ciao! (Italian for Hej Hej!) (Danish for Hello!)

I made chocolate chip cookies this morning...with Nestle's chocolate chips!  Mary was so cute when she came....she unloaded her suitcase, and among other things was this gigantic bag of chocolate chips.....I didn't know they came this big.  72 ounces or 9 cups!  And the cookies were well-received tonight.

Monia, my Italian friend came to the center and showed me once again how to make lasagne.  She has such a gentle and peaceful way about her.  She didn't seem rushed or stressed....she just kind of worked away, explaining how she was doing things.  This time I wrote everything down.

The key will be finding the secret ingredient (bechamel sauce).  It is basically a white sauce with the slightest hint of nutmeg....yes, really.  Here, you just buy it in a little carton or bottle and spoon out what you need.  Every time I tell her about ricotta cheese she giggles in mock horror.  Then she states in no uncertain terms, "No, we don't use that!"

The meal was quite lovely.  She put together a green salad that not only was very pretty, but very tasty.  The salad dressing was simply olive oil and Italian seasoning.  Sliced french bread completed the menu.

It was fun to work with her.  She is returning to Italy at the end of May and she is very much looking forward to it.  She has left the church she has been a part of for 20 years or so, and she will get an apartment and find a job in Italy.  I can tell she is happy and excited about the future.  She is making some positive changes.

I asked her if she is a Christian....she said no.  I asked if she was raised Catholic.  She said yes.  But she added that she has never believed in Jesus Christ.  I have an Italian Book of Mormon that I will give to her in two weeks when she comes to cook again.  I have enjoyed my association with her, and I enjoy her....I love her accent.

Institute class was uplifting.  Jens taught....in English so that we didn't have to get mired down in translating.  So many YSAs can and are willing to translate, but if we get more than a couple of different people translating, the noise gets too distracting.  Jens taught about section 132...the section on marriage.  He did a marvelous mob of teaching.  He asks questions that make you think.

He brought a treat for everyone....Dunkin Donuts!  It just opened at the central train station (about a 10 minute walk from here) and has had long long lines of people wanting to try the newest import.  I can't imagine why on earth anyone would open a Dunkin Donuts in the land that reigns supreme when it comes to pastries.  Later, after class, I served the cookies....SK thought they tasted far better than the 3 donuts he had!!!!

I had some wonderful discussions with YSAs.  They seem so much smarter than I ever did at that age!

Our Erin broke her foot Sunday.  She was in Primary and was hurrying to catch a small runaway from his class who was headed for the busy road outside the church.  One misstep and she fell.  The pain was intense, so Ethan took her immediately to an Urgent Care.  An xray showed that she had perhaps broken a bone.  The little boy fortunately got himself back into the church and into class.

The next day and a doctor's appointment confirmed that she had broken a bone....two bones to be precise.  The day after, she went for a cat scan and found out that she had broken 5 bones and one of them was broken into 20 pieces!  She has gone for second opinions....her foot  has swollen....she had an appointment today with the surgeon.  He wants to operate tomorrow.

That is not only a terrible inconvenience.....but it is painful, frustrating and a little worrisome.  We hope the upshot of all this will be that her foot will be back to normal.  But foot problems don't always work out perfectly.  SK and I will be fasting and praying for her tomorrow.

This is one of those times when I want for all the world to be in Gilbert.

At the Computer

An uneventful day.

I have been at my computer a good amount of time today working on the book for President and Sister Sederholm.  We have about 30 couples I am trying to reach.  They will each email me a paragraph or two about their missions/their appreciation for President Sederholm/themselves and pictures.

In most cases, I cut and paste the text and put it right in to a page on Shutterfly.  Then I download their pictures and plug those in.  In a few instances, either Shutterfly or my computer will not recognize the format it is sent in and that causes some setbacks.

But it is coming together beautifully.  We will do a 12 X 12 book...the largest.  I think it will be a lovely keepsake of their mission.

I took a couple of breaks to go shopping for tomorrow.  I went to Lidl - a little German shop.  Considering it is so small, it is amazing what I find there.  Later, I went to Fotex and a sewing shop. (No....nothing there for the center meal!  Sister Brookes is going to show me how to crochet something I have been wanting to make!)  I think I have everything we will need for the meal.  I actually made two trips to Lidl because the first time, I bought as much as I could possibly carry, and there were some good sale prices on some items we need for the center....so I had to go back later.

It felt good to get out and walk....I love to walk here!  I still hear the chiming of the bells in the nearby churches and the doleful chimes of the Copenhagen city hall.  I take that as a good sign...I think when you get used to a place, you no longer hear things like that.  I still hear the birds, and everything is still a wonder to me.  I can't imagine ever tiring of this beautiful city.

But I am tired enough to sleep tonight.  Big day tomorrow!

Good night.

Home Sweet Home

This morning was dedicated to inspecting missionary apartments.  We left uncharacteristically early (for us) to battle the rush hour traffic.  I have often seen so many bicycles, but am unaccustomed to so many cars trying to travel in the same direction at the same time.

Nevertheless, it is not as bad as the Phoenix rush hour traffic.  It is quite mild in comparison.

The first apartment we arrived at was two young sisters.  We interrupted their breakfast of green smoothies and peanut butter on toast.  They were fresh-faced, beautiful young women....both blonde and blue-eyed.  They are the picture of health....do you suppose it is the green smoothies or just that they are happy and engaged in great work?

Their apartment was immaculate.  The wooden floors fairly shined and the rows of clothing neatly stacked on shelves, books and fliers (about all things of the gospel) orderly on desks and in bookcases, dresses and skirts hanging primly in the open wardrobes, and beds made.....plus the bright sunshine that streamed through the windows all contributed to the general feeling of peace and happiness of that lovely little third-story apartment.

Next we visited two young elders...both of whom must be eighteen or barely nineteen.  Upon entering their apartment, we weren't quite as stunned with the tidiness of the place.  We were rather underwhelmed with it as a matter of fact.  They were both cute as could be, but they needed a little help  and instruction.  We didn't take long with them because they had a meeting they were trying to get to.

One of them followed me around with a pen and paper as I mentioned things they could do to make their place cleaner and more orderly.  I would like to check back on them....but I am not sure when.  I will call them later this week.  The place wasn't dirty, but just somewhat neglected and untidy.  I think they might enjoy it more if it were straightened up.

The last set of elders were older by a year or more.  They looked older, and their apartment rivaled the sisters' in being orderly.  And each one was in a freshly ironed shirt, tie and slacks.  Even their bathroom looked like it was frequently cleaned and their toiletries looked clean and well-ordered.

It always strikes me as so interesting the way people will make their surroundings into a home of sorts.  I like to see how people arrange things and what they choose to put on display.  It seems to me that becomes a part of themselves.  And who doesn't like to be comfortable and at peace in their homes?

We turned in all our bottles from soda pop at the center!  The YSAs come in and leave cans and pop bottles in the kitchen, so we tell them it is a donation to the center.  We shopped for some of the supplies this week....and the bottles brought almost $40.  So that helps enormously.

In the evening, I went visiting teaching.  I love the woman I visit.  She is around 38 or so, and has a lovely apartment that, besides being nicely decorated has a dozen or more plants scattered around her living room.  They are healthy and varied, all one shade or another of green with some blossoms.  She owns her apartment and enjoys the association of neighbors who gather together socially every now and then.

The last time we were together she told me about a drink she enjoys....it is simply Danish water that is lightly carbonated.  She had some ready tonight for me to try.  I loved it!  Have I told you how delicious the water here is?  Right out of the tap....it tastes soooo good.  It is relatively inexpensive to buy, and I guess I am just going to have to go get some.

I think it is a sweet experience to be invited into someone's home -- to feel the spirit there, and to catch a little glimpse into what is important and treasured to an individual.

It has been a great day.

Hygge

We took a brisk walk to Vor Frue Kirke (Church of Our Lady) then to a grocery store for a few items.  I have been working on a book for our outgoing mission president....I thought it would be simple, but I think I usually underestimate everything.

It will be a hardcover book...you can get them from any number of online sites, including Costco.  You plug in pictures and text and Bingo!....you have a lovely and personal book that will last for years.  The problem I am having is getting people to submit photos and pictures for their pages and answering emails.  Part of that could be we no longer have a current email.

I was at President and Sister Sederholm's place this afternoon and evening.  (SK manned the center for Family Home Evening....even giving a 15-minute spiritual thought with very little advance notice.....it sounds like it was excellent.)  Sister Hamblin and I took the train out to the city in which they live.  It was about a half hour train ride from the station nearest our apartment.  I truly enjoy riding trains around here.  They are fast, efficient and relaxing.  One of these days, SK are going to get on a train and just ride all over Sjaelland.

I helped prepare the meal to honor Elder and Sister Bailey.  They will be leaving tomorrow morning at 4:30 for their home in Utah.  It was fun to be able to help fix the meal.  I have a feeling though that Sister Sederholm could have handled everything by herself and done it with ease.

I have no idea how often she cooks a meal for 12 to 20 people.  But she says that it is the way she shows people she loves them.  And she does it with flare.  The tables are always beautifully set, and so far, we have never had the same thing twice.  We didn't really start the meal until nearly 4 and served at 6, and there was never a feeling of stress in the kitchen....just calmly getting things assembled and ready.  Of course, it made it much simpler to have someone doing dishes as they were used, and someone peeling and chopping vegetables.

As Sister Hamblin and I puttered around, Sister Sederholm made an Oreo crust, topped it with vanilla ice cream and put it back into the freezer until time for dessert.  She made hot fudge sauce, which she poured over the whipped cream on top of the ice cream.  Yeah.....it was pretty good.  I enjoyed the conversations with the Brookes and the Morgans, both couple work on records preservation.  They spend their days with age-old books, taking images of them which will go onto the internet for all the world to see and use.

After dinner, President Sederholm asked both Elder and Sister Bailey to bear their testimonies.  I was touched by what they said.  They have been here for 18 months.  During that time, they have photographed hundreds of thousands of pages of death records, birth records, census records etc. from the archives of Copenhagen.  They have also been interviewed for magazine articles and TV programs.

Last week they were honored by a reception at city hall, where they were properly thanked by the mayor of Copenhagen, the ambassador from the U.S. and other dignitaries.  It sounds like it was a lovely occasion.  I am sorry that we didn't go.

There are so many amazing things about a mission that I never would have thought of beforehand.  One is all of the new relationships that explode into your life.  We have all of the YSAs, whom we love.  There are also all of the people we have come to know, love, respect and admire in our branch, stake, and community.  We regularly recieve invitations to be a part of social events.  SK and I have not ever been real socialites, but I must tell you that the get-togethers we have attended have enriched our lives beyond measure.

The Danes have a word that doesn't translate into English....Hygge (pronounced hooga).  I have tried to explain it before with little success.  It is like Mette's birthday party.  There were 15 people there....every one of us felt warm and welcome and wanted.  We all sat around the dinner table for nearly three hours enjoying the best food ever and the best conversations ever.  The glow of candlelight warmed the room and twinkled a reflection in the squeaky-clean windows.  I felt warm all over.

A Danish site I found had this to say about it:  Hygge is as Danish as pork roast and it goes far in illuminating the Danish soul. In essence, hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people. The warm glow of candlelight is hygge. Friends and family – that’s hygge too. There's nothing more hygge than sitting round a table, discussing the big and small things in life. Perhaps hygge explains why the Danes are the happiest people in the world?

And then there are the other missionaries....both senior and junior.

We adore the young missionaries.  And I greatly love the other senior missionaries, who have been a great inspiration, comfort and support.  We are all serving in our own unique ways at a variety of assignments.  The seniors are truly great people, who are out here serving because they want to give back to the Lord.

Sister Bailey had a serious bout with cancer before coming to the mission field.  She was left without much of an immune system from the treatment, and she was sick a few times here.  But she generally climbed onto the bus every day to ride across town and then back in the evening, knowing she was coming in contact with a lot of sick people who might be contagious.  I never heard her complain about it.

Elder Bailey mentioned tonight what so many others have said as they neared their departure date:  They know exactly why they were assigned to this mission and to this place.  It is inspiring to hear them say that.....one by one.....they have come to see what their special assignment is, and that it was tailor-made.

We have four months remaining, and I have an idea why I am here now in Copenhagen Denmark at this particular time.  I hope I can testify with certainty at the end of our assignment.  And even if I come to the end of it uncertain about the answers to those questions, I will have to say it was an incredible experience....one I will be grateful for .... forever.

Making Memories

It was rainy and cold today.  I wore my raincoat and it was quite inadequate, but so many of the Danes are out with only sweaters.  I think it is because it is now late April and just out of stubbornness, they refuse to acknowledge that we backslid into winter weather.  With the temperatures of last week, we were all just sure that the cold weather is behind us.

One interesting thing is the beautiful sunshine.  It changes everything.  Not only does the light make everything come alive, but it warms everything.....more so and differently than in Arizona.  The temperature can be 55 degrees and with the sun beaming brightly down, it feels comfortable....even slightly warm.  But on a gray day like today, the chill can go right through you.

Fortunately, we didn't have to be out in the cold that much.....we were in meetings most of the day.  We went to the Amager Branch meetings in the morning.  They were fantastic.  Stake Conference is next week, and so today was fast Sunday.  We heard testimonies from our sweet branch president and his wife, and also Elder and Sister Bailey who will be leaving for the home in Utah on Tuesday morning bright and early. Our mission president President Sederholm visited our branch today and bore his testimony.

President Olsen talked about a small reunion here with the missionary who was instrumental in his family's conversion 50 years ago.  President and Sister Olsen, Elder and Sister Blackham and one other man got together at Hamlet's Castle up north....which is magnificent.  The other man with them converted to the church shortly before the Olsens were.  It was something he said to them about the importance of accepting the Gospel that prompted a serious investigation and visits from the missionaries.

President Olsen said that they loved seeing the beauties of that castle, but actually what they talked about was the many blessings that had come to each one in the fifty years since they were baptized.  Isn't that marvelous?

After the branch meetings, we had a few hours at home before going to the center.  We started out with a planning meeting for the student council.  It was excellent....we had about 15 there.  We went  through the agenda point by point with questions and discussions.  There is enthusiasm which is growing for all that is being planned.  We have some great things coming up which are being carefully planned.

That was followed by our sacrament meeting at the center....we had about 20 or more in attendance.  Everyone who was there must have enjoyed it, because it was excellent.  We had two YSAs speak, and each gave a well-thought out talk.  Six of our young women sang a beautifully arranged hymn.  I thought I was listening to angels.  Their voices blended so well, and of course they looked like angels too.

Another young woman should get her mission call this week.  So many of these wonderful young adults are leaving on their missions and we are acutely aware that we may not see them again in this life.  They have been such a mainstay in our lives these past 19 months that it is difficult to think of not seeing them again.

When these young people reach a point of looking back 50 years to this time in their lives, we hope they will remember it as a time of spiritual growth and feeling close to the Lord.  If we have had even the tiniest sliver of influence for good, we would be grateful beyond words.

As it is, they will each hold a place in our hearts and will be remembered as long as we are able to remember.

Grateful for the Sunshine and the Rain

The day that Mary arrived, the weather was absolutely glorious.  The beautiful blue of the sky, the light breeze that made wearing a jacket perfect, the warmth of the sunshine, the flowers just beginning to bud out, the swan on her nest.....that and so much more - all made the day ideal.  And each succeeding day of her visit was similar.  The Mary Poppins umbrella sat dejectedly in the corner the entire week.

Case in point:  SK and Mary in front of the magnificent Frederiksborg Castle.

We took Mary to the airport this morning....the first gray day since she landed.  We took her to the check-in, got her suitcase on its way to Reno, walked her to the security line, said a tearful goodbye, watched as she disappeared around the corner, and then walked to our car ---- in the rain!

Just before leaving for the airport....we coordinated outfits!...not really, but they look like we did.

It has drizzled on and off all day, and even the day seemed to darken earlier than it should have....I guess even the weather has noticed that Mary is gone.

Our outreach committee organized a concert similar to "Music and the Spoken Word" to be presented to anyone interested.  I know David, the young man who had the original idea, and who was the guiding force behind it was hoping for a bigger turnout, but I felt that it was a success in that we had 2 investigators there and 10 missionaries and 10 YSAs....on a Saturday afternoon.

They were able to see what this program is and now they will want to come the next time and bring friends.  The idea is that it is a non-intimidating place to bring friends to just listen to some nice music and hear some uplifting words.  The program was wonderful.

We had several musical numbers...piano, guitar, and singing and combinations of all three.  Three of our newest members shared their testimonies, and I was very much touched by what they said.  I didn't have a translator, but I understood most of what they said. Emilie, who will be leaving in three months for her mission stood and expressed her love of the Lord and the gospel with such grace and ease....she will be an excellent missionary.

Elder Ogden stood and bore his testimony.  As he spoke, he struggled to keep the tears in check.  He expressed his gratitude for the Lord and His atoning sacrifice.  He told about his first week in this country seeing the Christus for the first time in the Church of Our Lady.  The statue is inscribed with the words "Come Unto Me."  The Savior stands with arms outstretched, beckoning us to come, His face gentle and kind....peaceful.  I loved Elder Ogden's message.

When our newest member Aviaja got up, she was full of emotion and had difficulty trying to express herself.  Helene, a co-chairman of the YSAs (and probably about 20 years old)  hurried out to get some tissues for Aviaja, walked to the front of the class and laid them near her.  Then, she walked around the table to where Aviaja stood, looked up at her and put her arm around Aviaja's waist, nodded to her to go on, and stood there until she had finished talking!  It was one of the sweetest things I have ever witnessed.

Helene is about 5 feet tall, blonde, and a math/science major and is very businesslike and efficient.  Aviaja is probably 6 inches taller.  It was incredibly tender to see how responsive and kind Helene was....not considering herself in the least, but just acting out of a desire to strengthen Aviaja.  Once again I learn so much from these young people.  I talk myself out of doing things like that...rationalizing all kinds of reasons not to get up with her.

We have spent the evening at home, getting ready for tomorrow.  We will have Fast Sunday because of stake conference the following week.  As I type, the window is open and I can hear people on the lake path....walking along in the dark...laughing and talking.  I can also hear the gentle sounds of rain hitting surfaces outside.  I love that sound!

The sunshine came for Mary....and I am most grateful for it, but the rain has come for me....

Two Peas in a Pod.....or Wait Up for Me!

SK is remarkable.  At nearly 72 years of age, he feels the aches and pains that come with being "older."  But he hasn't quite realized yet that he is supposed to slow down.  He seems to be able to walk for hours without tiring, and will seldom (as in never) give the excuse of being tired as a reason to not do something.  He gets excited to do new things, and he is eager to explore.

His sister Mary is several years older, and is very similar.  They have been quite a pair this week walking all over Denmark.  When Mary first got here a week ago, we kept her up by taking a long walk - probably at least a couple of miles down cobblestone walkways to see some of the beauties of Copenhagen.  A tumble onto those cobblestones...face first, and even with bruising to hands, knee and hip she happily accompanied us on every sightseeing excursion we came up with.

She and SK together took a couple of different tours without me that must have been several miles.  Yesterday, while I was at the center, they walked through Tivoli, down Stroget - again - and climbed up the Round Tower (circular ramp in a church tower), then down sidestreets before coming home.  They both happily told me all about the paths they had traversed.

I have been utterly astonished all week as she has enthusiastically participated in every activity we have suggested.  She has been unfailingly cheerful and eager to do everything.  From where does she draw such energy?  And did SK and Mary inherit this......or has it been a conscious choice?

There was nothing I did for/at the center yesterday which was difficult, but I came home spent....utterly.  I wrote my post for the day and collapsed in bed.  This morning when I got up I thought we should make this a really great day for Mary's last day here by going to a couple of places in the vicinity.  But at the same time, my body was saying, "Hey!  Take it easy there."

SK had already plotted a course for us....saying it would be short walks (as in less than a mile).  Miraculously, Mary said, "Let's take it easy for awhile and then see how we feel."....which is exactly what we did.  I don't know if she was actually tired, or if she sensed I was, but I was so grateful to for her suggestion.

Later in the day we drove out to Amager, where Mary had ice cream from Ismageriet....an incredible ice cream place.  It is a little place not unlike a small Dairy Queen.  It is probably 50 years old or more.

We stood in line for 15 minutes or so, and then stood in front of the display case drooling over all the flavors.  We finally made our selections and then sat in the warm sunshine basking in the experience.

We all came home, and no one seemed to mind not going out to do any more sightseeing....much as we all love this place.  I think we are pretty much worn out...happily so.

We will take Mary to the airport at 9 a.m. and then it is off to the center.  Sunday will be a YSA day too.  We will attend our block, do home teaching and then to the center for planning meetings and an evening sacrament meeting.  On Monday, we will start the quarterly missionary apartment inspections.  We have quite a few to do next week.  It will be one of those weeks where we will be busy most days.

What a wonderful and delightful week we have had....kind of restful....and kind of not....but wonderful nevertheless.  SK and his sister have had time together like they haven't had since they were kids.  I think it has been very good for them both....and it has been lovely for me to watch them together and to be a part of some of the grand "see Denmark" tours.  And it has been marvelous for me in this great setting to get to know my sweet "sister" better.  She has been a steady and steadying force in the Madsen family for as long as I can remember, and she embodies the best and most beautiful qualities of her mother.

We will always treasure the memories of this week.

Falling Asleep at the Wheel....or Computer

I do believe that I when I wrote last night, I mentioned that today should be simple.

Well, it was simple, but it was a day.  I showered and dressed for the day early so that I could be over at the center by 9 to let workmen in.  After returning home, Mary and I frosted the cookies, with it still taking up the better part of an hour.

SK and Mary went on some more walking tours today....even hiking up the round tower to see the view of all of Copenhagen.  While they were doing that, I worked on a memory book for President and Sister Sederholm.  I also made one of our favorite dishes - baked ziti - for SK, Mary and me.  We'll eat it tomorrow.  I had thawed the sausage and didn't want it to go to waste.

I was missing a key ingredient and had to stop cooking and hurry over to the nearest grocery store before I could get it all finished up.  Then I walked to the center.  I pulled the smaller cart, and it was heavy.  It was loaded down with stuff I needed for the meal.

From the time I got there til the time we served dinner, I was just quietly working on everything to get the food ready.  None of it was difficult....just time consuming.  It all came together right on time, and we ended up serving 20 people or possibly a few more.  We had chicken stuff....made with Good Seasons Italian Seasoning mix.   It was a hit!  I even had a few ask for the recipe.

I hated to tell them the secret to that recipe is the Good Seasons....obtained only in the States and delivered personally by a sweet sister, or mailed here.  It has long been a favorite of our family's.  I steamed some fresh broccoli and put nothing on it, not even salt and pepper.  It was all eaten, every bite of it.  Most had it on top of the baked potato and chicken stuff.

I managed to get the kitchen pretty much clean before we went to class.  After class, our returned missionary, fresh from the stake president's office, came to the center.  Everyone was thrilled to see her.  She must have felt like a celebrity.

Her cute mother brought cholocate cake, fresh fruit and ice cream, and of course I brought the carrot cake cookies.  After socializing over refreshements, several began practicing for musical numbers for our little concert on Saturday, and others began playing board games.

SK came and got me around 11, and then SK, Mary and I played a game called Nines.  It is a great little game that is easy to learn and easy to play, so you can visit a lot while you play.  It was a wonderful evening......

I think I had better sign off before I fall asleep sitting in front of the computer    -   again.

Anticipating An Easy, But Long Day

Last night I dreamt I went to Frederiksborg again.  Sorry to all of you Du Maurier fans out there....I couldn't resist.  This morning I did go to Frederiksborg Castle again.

I arose and began making preparations for the dreaded and delightful and delicious carrot cake cookies.  By the way, thanks for the suggestion to make only one batch...I did.  I also needed to shop for tomorrow's meal.  I am trying to keep up the reading schedule on the Book of Mormon, reading 6 chapters a day....and I am trying to put together a book for our outgoing mission president and his wife.  And I had visiting teaching in the evening.

SK and Mary were going to Frederiksborg Castle....a 45-minute drive north of here.  SK talked me into going.  I slapped on some makeup, combed my hair and away I went with them, trying to get preparations for tomorrow out of my mind!  I managed very nicely thank you.

Spring has not quite worked its magic on the grounds yet....the trees are just beginning to show signs of green and the little leaf buds are peeking out of the branches.  There are a few hardy flowering shrubs and trees that couldn't wait for everyone else and exploded with their own spectacular foliage.  Everything has been carefully maintained through the winter, and at some point has also been expertly pruned.

The castle is an imposing sight and approaching it is spectacular.  Simply walking to the castle from the parking lot is a small hike of sorts.  Add to that the walk through, and you have your required amount of exercise for the day.  But you get the prize if you  trek through the grounds and gardens and up the hill to the quaint little cafe.  You also get a great little Danish lunch of open-faced sandwiches on rye bread.

The high today was 61.  In Gilbert Arizona, 61 degrees deserves a warm jacket and possibly boots.  In Copenhagen, people are out in shorts and tees.  I was out in my jacket and happy to have it against the wind.  I was even happy for it in the cool interior of that great building.  I love that place!  The chapel is magnificent, the Carl Bloch paintings deeply moving, and the Great Hall fit for a king....or queen as the case may be.

There was a special exhibit today of the queen's dresses since she was an infant...her christening dress plus 40 or more dresses for special occasions.  Not special occasions like you and I go to, but serious events when she hangs out with the leaders of the world.  There were screens throughout the exhibit showing videos of her wearing different outfits for the last 50 years.  She looks like a queen....and always has.  She is tall, slim, blond with queenly bearing.  She was beautiful as a princess at her wedding, wearing a timelessly elegant white gown with little embellishment, except for a very long regal train.

When we got home I mixed up the cookie dough while SK and Mary went shopping for the needed supplies for tomorrow.  They got everything necessary....and did a great job!  Except SK just wanted to get it done, and didn't want to get much into comparison shopping!

I walked to the central train station, and after a bit of bumbling (I do that a lot), got on and off one train that would have taken me to northern Jutland, and then found my way to the right train going to Amager.

I met Sarah, a beautiful young law student from New Zealand.  She has lovely long dark hair, hazel eyes (I believe), and is a willowy 5'7".  I meet her in the largest mall in Scandinavia across the street from the dorm room she shares with a couple of other young women, who are also attending school here.

We sat together for an hour and just talked.  She told me about her home and family in New Zealand, and some of her hopes for the future.  It was immensely fun just to listen and also be able to share some of my hopes for the future.  She listens carefully and then asks questions to know more.  What a nice conversationalist she is.

One cute thing to happen was that when we finished our hamburgers, I gave her the V.T. lesson.  I asked her what she thought guile was.  She thought for all of 2 seconds and then said, "Well....to beguile is to deceive or lead astray."  I said, "You read the lesson!!!!"

She laughed and answered, "Yeah, I went visiting teaching just before I came here."  But this was especially cute....she said, "But please go ahead, I would love to hear your perspective on it."  So I barreled ahead, giving her a third time today to discuss integrity and guilelessness.

She walked me to the correct train track, thereby saving me from further bumbling and I came home.  I spent the next couple of hours baking the cookies.  They take nearly 15 minutes a batch to bake and must be watched because if they are taken out too soon they are too soft and fall apart, and if they stay in too long, well....you know what happens then.  They burn.

Even with just one batch I think I will have nearly 80 cookies, and they are rich.  Since they are sandwich cookies with a good dose of cream cheese frosting in between, one is usually enough.

One of our young missionaries from Denmark returned from her mission at Temple Square this week.  We are looking forward to seeing her.  Shortly after we arrived in Denmark, she left for Utah, and we had the wonderful opportunity to attend her open house.  We knew few people, and were unfamiliar with customs and foods here.  But we enjoyed it immensely, and now she is home!  We are having an open house of sorts at the center after Institute....and that is what I am making the cookies for.

Tomorrow morning I will frost them, and then begin preparing the evening meal

I think it will be comparatively simple and easy to put together.  I know what you're thinking...."That's what she says beforehand, but the reality always seems different.  It's ok...it'll all turn out fine.  I'll let you know all about it.

Good night.

Golden Age

Mary has brought with her the most glorious weather imaginable!  We have had sunshine and clear skies, warm temperatures and cool breezes since she arrived.  With anticipation I open the blinds each morning and am greeted with near-blinding light from the sunrise.  Ah....it makes you glad to be alive!

We set out for Odense - home of Hans Christian Andersen.  We traveled over the landscape of varying greens and the first shy blossoms of Spring......over the bridge and past the lovely old lighthouse, and into that beautiful city.

We walked through the museum, then over the cobblestone sidewalks to peer into the windows of his childhood home, a beautiful old yellow structure that has all the charm of his fairytales.  We walked down the walking street, and finding a favorite store, we trooped through.  As we were strolling among the aisles, we heard a cheerful young voice say, "Elder and Sister Madsen....what are you doing here?"

We turned and saw a handsome young blonde man with a million dollar smile.  It was Nicholas, who has come into Copenhagen often to join everyone at the center.  It was wonderful to see him.  We talked a little while....he was there to buy his aunt (or someone close) a birthday gift.  He walked along with us to the checkout.  Have I mentioned how much we love these young people?  His countenance was as bright as the beautiful outdoor sky.

We parted and then SK, Mary and I walked til we found the early childhood home of Andersen, which was charming.  By this time, we were enchanted with the stories of his life.  His stories have held great meaning to people the world over.  It appears that he achieved fame and later fortune during in his lifetime....he was admired, respected and loved.  Yet he lived life largely alone.

Mary ....and SK doing his impression of .....well....somebody not too bright.

During the course of his years, he fell in love at least 3 different times, and each time that love was not returned.  He never married, but longed to have a long-lasting and tender relationship with a woman.

Andersen was a part of what is considered the Golden Age of Denmark, closely related to the romantic period in Europe.  It was the first half of the nineteenth century.  The famous philosopher Soren Kirkegaard wrote during that time, and numerous artists painted and sculpted, including Carl Bloch, Franz Schwartz and Bertel Thorvaldsen.

Ten minutes from the Hans Christian Andersen Museum was the Church of Saint Hans, where Carl Bloch's altarpiece of "Gethsemane" hangs.  This is the third time I have been able to visit that church, and it gets better each time.  It is like visiting an old and valued friend.  The painting touches my heart and leaves me in awe.

Mary LOVED this church and painting.

This beautiful little country has contributed much to the world, especially from the Golden Age.  What a blessing it is for us to be able to see a small portion of them.

Family Home Evening

Weather simply does not get any better than it did today in Copenhagen....and all of Denmark I believe.  The sun lights everything with a clarity that is breathtaking.  The sky is a brilliant blue...cloudless....and beautiful.  There was a slight breeze that was cool, and otherwise the temperatures, which were in the high 50's or low 60's, were perfect.

When I set out for the center, I wore my lightweight rain coat and a scarf around my neck.  Halfway there, I took off the scarf, and if I hadn't been carrying other things, I would have taken my jacket off! I had to pass by Tivoli and the main train station, and there were people everywhere.  Some were dressed similar to me, others were in heavier coats, and still others were in shorts, flipflops and t-shirts.

Once there I did some cleaning (the center is being used more and more these days...a young married class, a mission prep class and various and sundry other meetings), and then visited with several of the young people as they came in.  Kasper and Benjamin came tonight.  Kasper said it would be his last time since he will be in London most of the week, and as of the first of the month will be living there permanently.

Benjamin is moving too...out of Amager, so he will still be coming to the center, but he will not be in our little branch anymore.  I hate to see that happen.  We have a small group of YSAs, but they have been such a great group to meet with and we have lost 4 in the last couple of months and will be losing another soon....she will be returning to her home in New Zealand.  I think that will leave us with 3 YSAs!

The missionaries gave the message this evening, and then we played round two of "Battle of the Sexes) where the women are on one team and the men on the other.  It was just as funny as last week, only this time, each team was shown a closeup of an object and they had 3 tries to guess what it was...each time the camera moved out and gave a larger view, exposing more of the object.  Once more, the men won!  There were some very hard to guess ones, like the wheels on a grocery cart, or the speaker on a cell phone.

The game was over before 8 and then there was a lot of laughter, visiting and various and sundry games.  Some practiced some music for the concert Saturday.  I hope it is a success.  Our outreach committee is planning a "Music and the Spoken Word" concert as a low-key way to introduce people to the church.  We have 6 musical numbers planned and very short inspirational talks in between.  I think it will be excellent....I just hope we have an audience.

SK and Mary went on a little sightseeing tour.  They were able to see one of the commercial replicas of an old village in 18th century Denmark.  In the literature we read, it sounded a lot like Williamsburg.  From what SK said, it wasn't quite like that, but Mary was delighted with it.  So I think they had a grand time.  I am sure that even if it wasn't what they expected, they had a wonderful time just being together and visiting.  I know this time is important.  With Kaye's recent death, just talking about family and shared memories is strengthening.

What better way to spend Family Home Evening.....than with Family?

New Again

It seemed that sacrament meeting, Sunday School and Relief Society were all especially good this morning.  Caleb, (age 10) with scrubbed face and combed back hair spoke....in Danish.  He read the entire talk and gave an excellent one at that.  His father married Mona, our relief society president nearly 3 years ago, and brought his 4 children here.  With her two little girls, they have a combined family of 6, and while they have had some struggles in the melding process, it appears that they are doing great.

He talked about how examples in the scriptures can help each of us in this life with whatever problems arise.  I appreciated his thoughts and applications.....and his courage.....and his Danish!!!!

Thomas W - a member of our branch presidency gave a wonderful talk as well.  And our stake patriarch spoke about the Atonement and its meaning in our life.  I loved the application and the doctrine.  The idea that we can become renewed and refreshed and as good as new again through the Atonement is comforting.

After the block, we had SOS which in English basically means Proxy Picnic.  We all met in the multipurpose room downstairs and shared sandwiches while we worked on family history.  I told SK today that we need to find some Madsen ancestors to do the work for here in Copenhagen before we return to the States!

We made a quick trip home to change clothes, and then set out to show Mary the little village of Torslunde where Peter Madsen (SK and Mary's great grandfather was born, and we believe was raised.  It is lovely and the old church in nearby Kundby where SK thinks Peter was christened was majestic and imposing set against the rolling hills and sleepy cottages.

Mary and SK found a gravestone that said "Madsen" so they are taking a closer look.

I once asked a resident of Sedona if he ever got up in the morning and went outside without noticing the magnificent and towering red rock mountains surrounding his home town.  He thought a moment and said, "Sometimes."

I have loved being in this beautiful country and have taken great delight in drinking in the sights of green fields, old sod-roofed buildings, lovely forests and ancient castles.  Even a drive down any one of the city's streets is a visual treat.

But having someone we love here and sharing all of these sights with her makes everything fresh again in my eyes.  I find myself imagining what it looks like to her.  And then I fall in love with Denmark all over again.  She has been utterly delighted with everything we have seen and has taken at least as many pictures as I have!

Tired From Having a Grand Time

Flea Markets never appealed to me.  Garage sales have held some interest for me.  Mostly, the thoughts of rummaging through old things has never been high on my list of things to do.  But there is something positively scintillating about the loppemarkeds (flea markets) and the genbrues ("used stores").  Mary, SK and I traveled about a half hour outside of Copenhagen this morning to go to a reputed "fantastic loppemarket."

It wasn't - fantastic.  It was OK....it was so-so....it was ho hum.  Frankly, I was disappointed.  We were excited to take Mary to this marvelous outdoor rummage sale, but alas, there wasn't much to it.  Someone explained that it won't get to be "marvelous" until full-scale tourist season arrives, and then it will be worth the drive.

Actually, it was worth the drive anyway.  The loppemarked was right next door to one of the most famous and beautiful old churches in Denmark, dating back centuries.  We enjoyed prowling around that ancient structure, reading plaques and pausing in reverent tones to ponder the centuries represented there.

We also thoroughly enjoyed prowling around the stalls of things for sale.  The day was clear and absolutely gorgeous and the city we were in is nearly ready to take the full-scale head-long jump into Spring.  Mary loved it.

So did I.

Later in the day, I went to Mette's birthday party.  Both SK and I were invited, and we felt like the best thing to do was for one of us to go to the party and one to be with Mary.  I would have enjoyed the evening with Mary, but since I am closer to Mette than Stan....I went to her party.  SK and Mary went grocery shopping and relaxed at home.  But first they took me to the party.

I can honestly say that I have never been a part of an evening quite like that.  There were 15 of us there.  They had rearranged their living room so that two tables end to end could fit.  The tables were beautifully set.  The meal that was served was amazing....delicious and varied foods filled the surface of the table.

The conversations during the meal were warm and friendly. Mette and Jesper are sweet hosts who made everyone feel comfortable.  Mette introduced each one of us, telling what our relationship with her is.  After we were utterly filled with delightful food, at Janet Williams' suggestion, we went around the table and each told something we liked about Mette.  I loved everything that was said and was deeply touched by the their tributes..every one of them well-deserved.

The spirit there and the sweet joy that seemed to permeate everything was edifying in a way that I can't even begin to describe.  I wonder if I am even capable of preparing and serving a meal to people I love like that one.  It is not the meal itself, but the way it was served, the manner in which we were welcomed and the kindness shown to each of us.  It makes you feel significant to be treated as if you are the most important guest who could possible be in attendance.

I don't know if I am capable enough to do that.....but I think I will try.

Pictures will follow soon.

Meeting and Parting

We have been anticipating Mary's arrival here for months.  She is SK's sister and has had her ticket for a long time.  We drove out to the airport this morning, parked and then went in to the terminal and stood in a long line of people awaiting visitors.  There is only one exit for all the incoming flights and so everyone goes through a pathway lined with happy people, some waving Danish flags and grinning from ear to ear, each looking eagerly for their special one(s) to come through the door.

SK was like a little boy as he waited....checking his watch, wondering if she had somehow gotten past us, hoping the trip had gone well for her.  Finally, she came through scanning the crowds for a familiar face.  It was so fun to watch them when they first saw each other.  I would have taken a picture, but I was too excited about the moment to remember.

We came back to the apartment, brought Mary's luggage in (and opened it up....she had some beautiful gifts for us that brought oohs and aahs and squeals of delight), and then set out on foot for Vor Frue Kirke where the Christus and Twelve Apostles sculptures are.  We sat in awe and reverence pondering the beauty of the special place.

Pressing forward, we headed out to the Walking Street and walked the length of it to Nyhavn.  Mary thought it was beautifully quaint and loved it....until the attack of the dreaded cobblestone sidewalks. We three were walking along and drinking in the sight of the lovely old buildings nestled along the harbor, and her foot caught on a stone and she was down before I could react.

Several compassionate men were there immediately to help.  We pulled her to her feet...her forehead and cheek were dark red and I was sure they would turn ugly blue and purple.  She had chipped a very small piece out of one of her front teeth.  Both hands and wrists were banged up and I suspect one of her knees will be bruised and sore. (I  am happy to report that by the time we ate dinner, her lovely face didn't look too much worse for the fall.  She has a small bruise under her eye and a small bump over her eyebrow....no black eyes or open wounds.)

We sat on a bench for a few minutes, while I worried about how badly she had hurt herself.  SK got us tickets for the harbor tour and then left for the temple, where he worked with the YSAs in the baptistry.  We had 15 there!

Mary insisted that we be one our way so that we didn't miss a thing.  She is a real stoic.  We saw everything you can see from the boat, including the Little Mermaid.  I think it was good for her to sit for awhile.  Then we got off and did quite a bit more walking (we headed for the Hans Christian Andersen souvenir shop - which was closed!!!), and it seemed to get colder and more windy.  So after a fair walk we took a bus the rest of the way home.

When SK got home, we all three had feijoada (Mary loved it!) and visited for while.

  At 10:00 our time, we were able to watch Kaye's funeral services (SK and Mary's sister) in Utah.  She is the sister who is between them in age, and she passed away this last week......their hearts are tender from this loss.  Our three daughters were all there and had their telephone on for Facetime (so we were able to see and hear it in real time).  It was held in a mortuary, and it was a wonderful tribute to a dear lady from her family.  What a blessing it was for us to be able to be a part of that sweet goodbye to her.

It was a full day, and a beautiful one...

Feijoada!

Well....it wasn't a difficult dinner.  As dinners go, it was fairly easy.  It is a dish....THE national dish of Brazil.  We fixed rice....we fixed black beans with meat, onions and garlic....and we fixed tomato, onion and jalapeno salsa to top it off.  I thought it was quite good.

According to SK, it was a success....he was out with everyone as they ate.  But one young man didn't like it at all....taking one bite and saying that he couldn't eat it.  That is OK.  I know him well, and love him, and he is honest...and sometimes a tease.  But there were several who were very enthusiastic about it, and that of course is always nice.  Some of them are just so kind and complimentary, that I always feel like must have done something wonderful....they are just plain nice.

Funny....it is so good and kind of exotic (from Brazil and all), and they were more excited about the tuna fish casserole!!!!

It is late...we got out late.  We had a visitor from another country who has run out of money and needed some help.  So we called the Bishop here in town who would take care of that.  He came over and spent time with this young person and then did what he could to help.  In the meantime, we were there until nearly midnight.

But what a grand day it has been!

Mette, our Danish teacher planned a surprise trip for the four of us in our Danish class.  She told us to wear good walking shoes and a warm coat.  Janet drove us across town and found a parking place close to some old old old navy housing...which is still being used as housing!  There were many people all walking, bicycling, or driving in the direction Mette took us.  We walked and walked until we rounded a corner and saw a large crowd standing at the end of the street.

This is old navy housing from the 1600s.

We stood waiting expectantly with everyone else...sandwiched in like a can of sardines.  At one point Janet wanted to move to another area for a better view, but the crowd was so thickly packed together, we couldn't get through!  After a short wait, we were pushed along with everyone else, like water in a river rushing towards a larger one.  We found ourselves in the middle of the  courtyard of the queen!

Eventually, she came out onto her balcony, along with the rest of the royal family.  They stood and waved, and then finally disappeared into the castle.

It was grand fun.

Mette and me!

The queen turned 75 today..she came out in turquoise and waved.  Her family are on either side.

Cousins and other family members of the royal family

Our intrepid group walking along the harbor to our car.

The First of Many Lasts

Potato soup.  Boring....right?  I felt bad serving my guests potato soup today, but I wanted to serve something that would agree with Mette.  Right now, or at least until the doctors can find some answers for her, potato soup is fairly safe.

Our Danish class was a lot of fun.  We are reading and translating 3 different children's books that are classics in any language, and I am enjoying them more and more.  We scheduled out the rest of our classes together....up through the evening of June 23, which will be the last.  Sister Hoge will be leaving shortly after that, and SK and I will be saying goodbye to Denmark in August.

It seems kind of funny to be on the last lap here.  I knew it was coming.....I saw it coming as the days, weeks and months raced by.  But here we are sprinting toward the finish line.

After the Danish class, SK and I went to the mission office to have our quarterly interview with President Sederholm.  He is amazing.  He sits and talks to us as if he has nothing else in the world to do.  We talked about the YSAs, about the apartment, parking, missionary apartment inspections etc.  We covered everything.

He was complimentary, sharing some kind things members had said.  He bore his testimony....strong and touching.  Both SK and I were teary.  He shared with us that the church in Denmark is on a steady rate of growth....each quarter doing better than the last.  We can feel the spirit of the hastening of the work.

We knew this would be our last interview with him since he will be leaving the first of July.  We talked about how much we all love Denmark and the people here.  He knew exactly what he meant when he said it left an awful feeling in the pit of his stomach to think about leaving all of this.  He is excited - as we are - to be home again with our families.  But to leave this place, these people....that is hard.

On the way out, we peeked in to say hello to Sister Hamblin in her little office.  She will be working on our travel plans very soon.  She arranges most of the travel in the mission, and according to her, we are next (she and us) to be scheduled to leave.

I guess from this point on we will be experiencing the "last" of a lot of things.

I think the trick will be enjoying each thing as though it were our first...savoring every moment.

Great Danes

It has been raining much of the day, and so has been rather dark and gray.  I have had the windows open and have loved the gentle pitter-patter outside.

I have done some cleaning and some baking.  Our Danish class will be here tomorrow, and while there are only four of us for lunch, finding something to fix is a little bit of a challenge.  Mette has been having some health problems and cannot eat most foods, so I have been thinking of what I can make that seems special and yet will agree with her.

She is a wonderful person and an incredible teacher, and I enjoy being in our little group immensely.

Sister Reid and Sister Floyd stopped by this afternoon.  They live a couple of hours away (by train) and came into Copenhagen so that Sister Reid could take the great and dreadful Danish test.  I am sure that she aced it....she speaks Danish very well.  Her companion Sister Floyd broke a tooth and needed a diagnosis from the dentist - SK.

He pulled out the flashlight and peered into her mouth...."No, it should be fine until you get back to the States and can see your family dentist," he says.  He is called on every now and then to "diagnose" tooth problems....usually a broken tooth or filling.  Sometimes he tells them they ought to make an appointment with a dentist here.

While the healthcare system here is very good, and very generous in taking care of people, dental care is not free after the age of 18.....and then it is quite pricey, so it is much better if missionaries can wait until they get home to have their tooth problems fixed.

We sat together and ate a Danish pastry before they took off with their remaining afternoon to see the church with the Christus in it before returning to their home by train.

SK attended a training meeting at the center, and I went to relief society with the Thornes and Sister Hamblin.  Deidre gave a talk about Soren Kierkegaard, a Danish philosopher.  Deidre is an American living here in Copenhagen, who gave her dissertation on Kierkegaard.  She has studied and read extensively and knows a great deal about him.

Her presentation was fascinating as she drew parallels between Kierkegaard and Joseph Smith, and their understanding of divine love.  She ended after an hour, and I could have listened far longer.

She said, "Love is not ephemeral or mercurial for Kierkegaard - it is an eternal duty grounded in divine love.  This is a rigorous endeavor that ultimately demands everything of us -- it demands ourselves, and only by expending ourselves in love for others, we can become our true selves.

Deidre shared some of his writing about grace versus works, forgiveness and the sacred mission of Jesus Christ to save us.  I came away wanting to know more about him.

In a few months perhaps I will be able to take up that study.

To Meet and to Part

Kaye, SK's sister slipped away last night.  Our daughter called us to tell us that Kaye had died....while we were expecting it, we didn't think it would come this fast.  Since those moments, our minds keep returning to her, her life, her legacy, her loved ones.  She faced some tremendously challenging times and she knew pain.  She was generous to a fault and kind.

Our morning wasn't very productive as we quietly went through the motions of Monday tasks and preparations.

We arrived at the center at the usual time....worked on a few things there, and welcomed people as they came.  We had 4 missionaries and 5 investigators, which is always a good thing.  The game was "Battle of the Sexes."  Women were on one side of the room and men on the other as questions were asked and each team answered.  The questions were clearly weighted one way or the other, as questions either males or females would better be able to answer.

As you might imagine, there was a lot of laughter, competition and good-natured teasing.  The women won the game, by the way.

Kasper will be moving to London!  He has an exciting job there with a Danish restaurant, he has a place to stay and he is excited.  There is even a girl there that he is corresponding with daily.  What more could you ask?

We'll be sorry to see him leave...he adds a level of fun and enthusiasm wherever he goes.  He has excellent ideas about everything and he is well-grounded in the gospel.

"To meet and to part is the way of life"....says an old Danish proverb.
I heartily agree.....but it doesn't make the partings any easier.

Saying Goodbye

Thea is a quiet and gentle young woman who teaches our YSA Sunday School class once a month. Her subject today was "Who is my neighbor?" In the New Testament, a man asked the Savior the question when Jesus told him to love God  and his neighbor in order to gain eternal life.  Thea (all of five feet tall and slender) shared an experience she had this past week.

It was very late and she was on her way home in the metro (train).  Besides her, there was another woman and a very drunk and sick man.  Thea and the woman conferred how best to help the man...trying the emergency phone number (which didn't work).  After a couple of stops the woman got off, and Thea worried about how to help the man....and tried to be of assistance to him.  The train pulled into the station where she was to exit, but she stayed on the train until they came to a stop where there was a security guard who would care for the man.  Then she got on a train going back to her stop near her home.

I was deeply touched by the simple way she told the story....she wasn't trying to say that she is a saint.  She was saying that in that situation, she realized that the drunk was her neighbor.  Other comments were made that were tender and full of insight.

I learn so much on Sundays.

At this time, SK's sister - who is just older than he - is dying.  We received word earlier in the evening.  It hasn't been that long since she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  An infection has raged through her weakened body these past few days, and unable to fight it, she is losing ground fast.
Two of her sisters will be with her through this night and her children will all be there soon.

SK called her and although she was unable to respond, he tearfully expressed his love and appreciation for her, telling her that she would soon be reunited with loved ones, and asked her to tell them hello from him.

Kaye is 76.....and like nearly every human who has led a full life-span - loved and served, and in return was respected and loved.  She experienced heart-wrenching grief and great joy.  She had a tender heart and cared deeply for people.  She loves her family.

She is one of those dear souls who would never have asked "Who is my neighbor?"  She already knew the answer.

We will miss her.

Heat Wave!

I thought the old city of Brigadoon was surely going to arrive today. The gentle mist that cloaked the entire landscape softened the appearance of trees and buildings, muting colors and sounds.  It didn't every completely dissipate, but hovered over the earth throughout the day and evening.  But that didn't stop what seemed to be a record warm day......nearly 70 degrees!!!!

This bodes ill.

Last year, two Franz Schwartz paintings traveled all the way to Provo, Utah to be a part of their "Sacred Gifts" exhibition....those, along with several magnificent Carl Bloch paintings and at least one by Heinrich Hoffman from Germany.  I could not believe that while I was here in Denmark, paintings by two outstanding artists from Danmark's golden age of painting were at BYU!

We have consoled ourselves by trying - whenever possible - to see the originals.  Today we were able to stand in front of the Franz Schwartz paintings.  The were wonderful to behold.  Art has a power...and good art can speak volumes.  "A picture paints a thousand words..." as the saying goes.  A picture of Christ done with sympathy and compassion, faith and an acquaintance with Him through the written word and (surely) prayer can be mighty in its power to touch hearts.

Our pilgrimage to see them was made even richer by the grand old churches which housed them, and of course some of the quaint buildings in the surrounding areas.

Since we traveled right by an IKEA, we stopped and trudged the entire 5-mile-long serpentine path through the store.  Does anyone ever faint along the way?....or get lost?  Oh well....it is still a treat for some mysterious reason.  We got some supplies for the center and for our apartment, and the prices there are as reasonable as they get.......except for....

Loppemarkeds!  Or flea markets.  We dropped in on one, and had two finds.....a small reproduction of a painting by P.S. Kroeyer.  It is probably 4 X 6 inches and is one of my favorites of his.  And some tiny little Christmas ornaments designed by Jette Froelich, who has the most delightful little fairy ornaments in the world....made of feather light material.

I was so fun......I almost forgot the high temperatures!

A Place of Love and Beauty

After missing a few weeks at the temple, I was back, and what a lovely day to be back!

Emilie, one of the bright shining stars of our YSA program went through for the first time today (as she prepares to leave on her mission to Manchester England.  She absolutely sparkled with excitement to be in the temple and to be able to serve a mission.

Another one of my favorite young women, Natalie also went through.  She is an multi-talented artist and creates wonderful and meaningful works.  She also sings and plays the piano, and acts.  She is amazing.  She and Emilie had the temple preparation classes together and so planned today together as well.  

Emilie asked me to be her escort, which just means that I was her companion throughout her experience today.  It is what her mother or grandmother might have done....but she is the first member of her family to join the church, so I was the surrogate grandma.

There were 12 YSAs on that session....just there to be supportive to Natalie and Emilie.  Afterwards, we were all together in a beautiful part of the temple.  I looked across the room at SK and noticed he was getting broken up.  It was wonderful to be there with all those young people we love.  I wish I could take a snapshot and get everything in it....the colors, the mood, the spirit, the joy, the feeling of kinship.  I will have to rely on my memory and unfortunately, it is not that reliable.

We went out the front temple doors there were several there waiting outside....YSAs who do not yet have temple recommends.  They had their coats on and were patiently and happily waiting for Emilie and Natalie to come out.

Just coming out of the temple with Emilie and Mark - a dynamic young man who is happily part of our YSA program.

I wish I could have a similar snapshot of that too....but the above photos will have to suffice.

Casseroles, Cookies, and Counting Blessings

Today was not difficult.  Slow and steady....I can't escape the idea that it just takes me most of the day to get a meal on for 40.  I started with making a double batch of chocolate chip cookies.  SK has declared them to be the best in the world.  Isn't that funny?  How different can one recipe for those tasty tidbits be from one to the next?

I make them much larger than normal, and I use baking powder along with the usual lineup of ingredients, and they are pretty good.

We serve dinner at 6, and so I didn't start the dreaded tuna fish casserole until 4.  You may ask, "Since it is so dreaded, why do you make it?"

The answer is that we have had in the kitchen cupboard at the center (since December) a 2-pound sealed foil container of tuna fish.   In the freezer, we had a couple of large bags of peas, and I had four containers of mornay sauce....something I have never used.   It is a creamy white sauce with a hint of cheese....mostly parmesan.

I made up 6 cups of white sauce with minced onion, added it to the mornay sauce, tuna, peas and noodles, put it in oven-proof 9X13 pans and topped them off with a lot of crushed "sour cream and onion potato chips."

At 6:00, we had all of 4 people there....and I had 3 large pans baking in the ovens.

"Someone tipped them all off,"  I thought to myself.

As people came through the door and sniffed at the scents from the kitchen expectantly, most inquired, "What's for dinner?"  I waited with baited breath for the crestfallen face when I answered "Tuna with Pasta."  (That title is worlds better than "Tuna Casserole" but I should have taken it up several notches from that humble name to something like "Palate Pleasing Pasta with Parmesan and Potato Chips."  Or how about "Absolutely Awesome Albacore."  I'm telling you...the name means everything.

As usual, by fifteen minutes after, we had 15 and by 6:30 several more.  When class started at 7, we had a roomful.

As people dished up their plates, there was no sniveling.  They disappeared into the larger room with their plates, and there were no howls of displeasure.  Before long they came back....for seconds!!!  Then one cute young guy asked me for the recipe!!!!

Once again, my simple prayer of "Please let it taste good to them" was answered.

Institute class was excellent.  We had two young elders in there with a newly-baptized young man who had some good questions.  We had great conversations about several gospel topics.  I was impressed with the answers from the missionaries.  They show a great depth of study and thought.  I never cease to be amazed at these very young men and women.  I marvel at the insights they share, and at the youthful enthusiasm.

One elder talked about how much the gospel means to him....and said the kindest and most loving thing he could do for anyone is to give them that beautiful gift.  I love these young people, and this mission has given me more than ample opportunity to see the caliber of missionaries that are serving.

On another note, Monia...my Italian friend called!  I love that lady.  She has determined to return to her home in Italy (after being gone over 10 years or more).  She says that she needs to "build up her life and Denmark is not the place to do that."  She is going to come to see us before she leaves, and I would like very much to give her an Italian Book of Mormon with my testimony in it (and anyone else's who happens to speak and write Italian!).

The gospel is a strong anchor to me ....it gives my life meaning and depth.  It brings me great joy, and I am deeply grateful beyond words for it and for the atoning sacrifice of our Savior.  I am thankful that our children's homes are built around gospel principles, and that our grandchildren are being raised with that foundation.  I know that is where happiness lies.

How can I not share that with others?

Please Step to the Back of the Class

After several weeks of absence, I went to my Danish class today.  My mind has not been on Danish!  There are times when I go several days and never use a word of Danish.  It is something that has to be listened to and spoken every day in order to progress.

Our teacher Mette is amazing, and I wonder how I would be with this language right now if I had been attending a class with her 3 times weekly since we first landed in Copenhagen.  She has us reading aloud, translating from English to Danish, and Danish to English, writing down what she reads to us, and conversing in Danish.

When we first arrive, we sit down together and eat a simple lunch, while we talk about subjects of Mette's choosing.  Conversation is somewhat less than complex, yet we are all trying (with a focus as intense as we can summon) to understand and communicate.  After lunch, Mette puts us through the paces.

She asked us which conference talks we enjoyed most.  I know which ones I enjoyed most, and I remember the gist of what was said, but it was quite a struggle to express that in Danish!  The other two managed to share better than I did.

Today, we ended with a story.  Mette began the story and we each in turn added a sentence (from our own imagination) which furthered the tale.  The other two ladies did a great job carrying on the simple story line....but each time it was my turn, I sat there umming and uhhhhing and generally feeling like a dunce.  Oh well.  Tomorrow is another day.  I can live with being the dumbest in the class.  It is the least of my inadequacies!

After class, SK and I did some shopping for tomorrow.  One of the young women brought about 10 cans of tuna for dinner several months ago, and I keep thinking it is time to use them.  I have always liked tuna fish casserole, and SK thinks it is OK and will eat it, but he always wondered if I was upset with him when I fixed it!!!!  He thought it must have surely been retribution for some perceived wrong.   ---And so of course, I am wondering if people will come tomorrow night and say, Oh no!  Not that!

I will use my own white sauce with a little bit of onion, a little bit of parmesan and topped with crushed potato chips.  What do you think?

After our great and wonderful shopping trip, we walked to our favorite park....about a mile from here.  We haven't been there in months and we were curious how much of Spring has touched it.  It is getting there.  We figure 2 weeks and it will be in full-swing.  That is just about right for a special guest who will be here then.

Do you think I might convince the rotter to lay low?

Breathtaking right?

Do you see the small buds on the tree branch right in front?  

We passed a little shop with this little lemon tree bravely putting forth a crop of fruit that seems to overwhelm it.  SK is channeling Vanna White.