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.