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!