Enchanting

As much as I would like to see the time slow down here in this beautiful land on this wonderful mission, but today seemed to be extra long - looking back.

We attended our meetings this morning, and amazingly enough, we had nearly 30 visitors.  If you live in a very active young ward, that is probably not too significant.  But in our little branch with 40 to 50 in average attendance, that increased our numbers by quite a few.

We planned on going to Peter Madsen's little home town and place of birth after church....it was the only time we could find to fit that in, but our branch president's wife asked if we would like to go to their home for dinner.

It didn't take long to reply a happy "yes" and find a plan B....which consisted of my going to the center after dinner, and SK, Melissa and Derek going in search of the tiny town.

You may remember that our branch president and his wife are what Melissa has dubbed the King and Queen, since their daughter is Christine - our fairy tale princess, and her husband is the handsome prince.
My sincere thanks to Melissa for the pictures!

Sebastian, Christine and Elliot.

.......and Birk

At Hannah and Henrik's Home

Hannah and Henrik (the king and queen) are missionaries.  They were called from their home ward about 3 years ago to serve in our little branch to support and strengthen the members.  They are both incredible people and we have loved getting to know them.  For the first year we were here Hannah was the relief society president, and now her husband is serving as the branch president, while she is teaching primary.

It was a spur of the moment invitation and she wasn't even sure what she would serve us, but she had also invited Christine and Sebastian over with their two sweet little boys.  When we got there, she already had the chili con carne cooking on the stove, the table set, and had only been home herself about a half hour.

We had a marvelous dinner and of course enjoyed the company of that beautiful family.  After eating, Hannah was kind enough to let us watch the video of Christine and Sebastian dancing at their wedding reception.  It was such a beautiful elegant and graceful dance, I am certain that I held my breath just watching.  She wore a simple and simply beautiful satin wedding gown with a long train, which she held in one hand as they waltzed.  He lifted her with such ease in the turns and she was graceful.....I think I would never tire of watching that.

We saw their wedding invitation and still photos of the reception.  It was every little girl's dream.  We came away feeling as though we were enchanted too.

Sebastian was attracted to Christine in the first place because she was always so happy.  The whole family is happy.  It is plain to see that the source of their joy is the gospel, which they all share willingly with everyone.

I went to the center where about 10 of us gathered for the YSA student council meeting.  Morten, our chairman (and Henrik and Hannah's son) conducted and did an excellent job of outlining the next 6 months of institute and activities, as well as bringing everyone to a consensus.

That was followed by an excellent sacrament meeting with about 20 in attendance.  Our numbers are still down somewhat due to exams.  I had a great visit with Samuel and also with Jennifer.

I would tell you more but I am going to get into bed....tomorrow, I shop! and bake. and try to get myself ready for the zone conference lunch on Tuesday.

Stepping Back in Time

At this moment it is 103 degrees in Arizona.  What?  103 DEGREES!

Meanwhile back in Copenhagen.....

Melissa, Derek, SK and I set out for Frilandsmuseet armed with umbrellas, scarves, gloves and wearing our rain coats layered over sweaters and blouses/shirts.  The skies were threatening.  Heavy black clouds raced across the sky.  The winds whipped at our clothing and hair.

We made a brief detour to the temple.

A short 20 minute drive got us to the front gate.  We entered and found ourselves in another century and place.  Despite SK's firm declarations that "There is nothing there but a bunch of decaying houses," we were enchanted.  We wandered from building to building, taking in everything and oohing and aahing about everything.

Suddenly - and briefly, the rain came down.  Just as suddenly it quit, and at one point the sun came out for awhile.  We each had umbrellas - yet we scurried to safety inside one of the lovely old buildings and watched out the open door.

I believe we walked nearly 3 miles while there.  It was an enchanting spot.  We ate lunch at the little cafe there ....it was filled with people busily engaged in conversations with those around them as they ate.

After lunch, we abandoned Derek and Melissa!  We had to go in search of avocados for Tuesday's zone conference lunch, and managed to find some that will hopefully be ripe in time.  They were lovely big smooth-skinned avocados and they were relatively cheap!  But they are also quite hard.  So I will pray for them to ripen up in a timely manner.

We met up again after they had spent another hour and a half wandering.  I am sure that if you were to see the entire place, it would take much longer.  They had walked another several miles I am sure.

Once again at that point, we parted ways.  They went to Tivoli for the evening, and we went with Mette and Jesper.....I have been looking forward to this little outing....and hated to not be with th e kids for the night.  It sounds like they had a good time.

Handmake battlement....the oldest most continuously used battlement of its kind.

We, on the other hand, walked another 4 miles....bringing the total for SK and me to 7 miles for the day!!!!  It was glorious.  It was our little Danish class and husbands, and a few other temple workers and the stake president and his wife.  And there were also 3 other visitors from America, who just happened to be in Copenhagen for the day and were hoping to find a tour of some sort.  They are LDS and they just happened to find the best of all possible tours.

Jesper and Mette have done a great deal of research and writing about the early Danish saints, and they know a great deal about how the Church was established here.  They know wonderful little stories about the individuals who accepted the gospel, and the first missionaries who served in Denmark. We walked down tree-lined streets, close to the harbor, and through lovely little neighborhoods in Copenhagen.  Although the wind blew and the skies were occasionally dark, it never rained on us.

In fact it couldn't have been more beautiful.  The sun came out shining brilliantly and even favored us with a rainbow.  The whole tour was enlightening and inspiring and humorous and so very enjoyable.  It has been a blessing to spend time with all of those very special individuals.

We all went to dinner together....which here in Denmark is no small time commitment.  It was delightful, and I enjoyed visiting with everyone, but after 2 1/2 hours, I was wanting to get home to spend some time with Derek and Melissa.  We said our goodbyes and came home.

It was so nice to be able to spend some great time with Melissa and Derek.

Living in Glass Houses and Other Trials

When my grandmother was eighty years old, she was given a lovely hand-knit shawl.  She tucked it away in a drawer and steadfastly refused to wear it.  Her reason:  It made her look old.  Shawls were meant for old ladies.  Her daughters were aghast and I was amused.

I have a couple of shawls that I wear when I need an extra layer of warmth.  I feel a touch smug as I think I don't have a problem with looking old!  The sad truth is that I live in a glass house, and there are things other than shawls that I won't wear for the same reason my grandma wouldn't wear a shawl.

One of the first things on my "to-do" list when we return to Arizona is to find a good doctor specializing in foot problems and see if he can help me.  I could hardly hobble out of bed this morning with both feet in pain.  I waved goodbye to Melissa, Derek and SK as they pulled out to go in search of castles and ghosts.  They did a significant amount of walking today and I couldn't do that.

They visited the famous old fortress/castle known as Hamlet's Castle.  It is quite spectacular....and must surely be haunted....the dungeons and old cold rooms would make a fine place for a ghost to hang out.  They were also going to the Frederiksborg Castle where Carl Bloch's paintings of Christ reside.  I am certain that it is not an exaggeration to say that they probably walked a half a mile or more just to get to the front door of each castle.  And in total, Melissa said they walked over 7 miles.

After Melissa, Derek and SK got home, we walked all of a few hundred steps across the street to a sweet little Turkish restaurant that is excellent.  They stopped at Teresa's bakery today and came home with more pastries.  As much as I love Danish pastry, I don't think I could eat a single bite more.  This is a terrible combination....sitting all day, and eating great food.

I have mostly stayed off  my feet trying to get them ready for the day tomorrow.  We are going to the old Danish village....and it should be enormously fun....but it is a sprawling little village requiring a small hike between houses and I am certain we will put several miles on our shoes by the time we are finished.

In the evening, I am looking forward to going on a walking tour of Copenhagen with our sweet Mette and her husband (she teaches our little Danish class).  It too will be a fairly good walk.  I hated to miss the castles today, but I hope that it will allow me to enjoy tomorrow.

I am wearing some good high quality walking shoes....and it helps....I wear them even in the apartment.  They are not pretty but they help.  I know I will never wear pretty shoes again.  And I have a feeling that it won't be long before I am wearing big clunky black shoes (even with a dress) that will make me look old.....I am not sure I can handle that!  But it would be a choice of keeping them in a drawer or walking......I guess if that is the choice, being able to walk is worth looking old.

The "Danish" Experience

Batch #2 of the Cafe Rio Sweet Pork is in the freezer, and batch #3 is bubbling away in the crockpot. Tomorrow morning it will all be in the freezer, awaiting Tuesday's zone conference, when it will be served.

There was much to be happy about today besides that.  We left first thing in the morning to make the requisite pilgrimage to the Church of our Lady, where Melissa and Derek saw the original - and awe-inspiring Christus.  Most any church member, including every general authority who comes to Denmark makes the trip to see this Christus.  I am always happy to visit this lovely old place.

Do you see Melissa and Derek high up on the second story on the right?

SK and Derek enjoyed the must-try Danish hot dog from a street vendor

We strolled down Stroget and showed them all the old familiar sights, and then over to the parliament building where we rode the elevator and took a flight of steps up to the observation tower.  It is free, as opposed to several other tall buildings where you are charged for the view.  We saw a full view on every side of beautiful Copenhagen and it was amazing.  The wind was pretty powerful so we didn't stay long.

At that point, we separated, so that I could return to our apartment, change, pick up the other things we needed for dinner at the center and get myself and the stuff over to the center.  Melissa has a "fitbit" - a lovely little watch contraption that lets you know how far you have walked/climbed stairs and other activities.  It reported that we had walked nearly 3 miles to that point....so I think a conservative guess is that I walked over six miles today.

Is if that weren't enough for my aging feet, I spent a good deal of the afternoon/evening on them fixing the meal!  But the good news is that dinner was fairly simple and went together fairly fast.  I fixed what we fondly call "chicken stuff" - kind of a white Italian sauce with chicken and pasta.  The YSAs seemed to enjoy it....I made a lot, but it was all eaten.

I was happy to see Sarah there....she has been so busy.  But she is working on perfecting a recipe for chocolate cake, and she brought me a piece of her latest ....which I think is perfect.

We thought we would only have a dozen or so with all the exams and the holiday that just passed, but we had over 30, including our young missionaries, which is quite remarkable.  They pretty much all converge right around 6 and by 7, the tables are put away and everyone is ready for the lesson, which Ulrik gave.  He is a wonderful teacher.  I hope he is given more responsibility to do that.  I think everyone enjoyed it.....and he gave it in English!  We had 4 English-speaking people there.

SK was supposed to teach but he thought no one would be there, and didn't have a lesson prepared ....yet it worked out beautifully.

Meanwhile Melissa, Derek and SK went to see Nyhavn, the picturesque little harbor street, and took the harbor tour.  They came to the center in time for Melissa to make two large pizzookies - which I baked about the time class was over.  She also made some wonderful chocolate fudge sauce to pour over the ice cream, which sat atop the pizzookie.....which, by the way, was a hit.

Theresa, our cute friend who is also a pastry chef...and a very good one!....brought a sampling of some of her favorite bakery goodies.  We came home at 11, and sat down to the table set with these delectable treats, and sampled every single one.  We pretty much agreed that the strawberry "cake" was the best cake we have ever had.  And everything else was amazing.

The best part about tonight was the time spent visiting with Anne Marie, Theresa, Phillip, Benjamin, Nicolai, and Samuel.  We had some very interesting discussions.  They are great young people and I always enjoy talking with them.


 

We would probably call it a pie, but whatever you might call it, it is absolutely exquisitely delicious!

Cooking in the Land of our Dreams

Today was the great and wonderful shopping day.  We started out with the latest and best (for now) Costco Wannabe....Inco.  It is not far from our apartment and is a rambling building with rooms all   over the place.

We had a list of items we needed for the zone conference lunch, the center dinner tomorrow evening and our apartment.  We systematically checked off one at a time or noted the price and passed by.  We were able to get a lot of things there, but like the other Costco Wannabe, the perks of shopping there are mostly to do with selection - not price.

We were thrilled to find tomatillos - among other things.  There is actually a good selection of Mexican food items that we have not found anywhere else.  We crossed off several things on the list, but still had a formidable number of items to get elsewhere.

Our next stop was the Turkish Marketplace....so dubbed by the many missionaries who shop there.  It is a little place way out of the way of most grocery stores....at the end of a short road, behind a gate, and through a parking lot.  From the outside, it looks like the many roadside fruit stands I used to see along the side of the road between Ogden and Brigham City Utah.  When you get near, you realize there is an inside.

Once past the door, you see a store the size of a normal Circle K, with an interesting selection of exotic foods, canned, packaged, or bottled from all parts of the world.  Their prices are usually much lower than regular stores.  We found several good things there.  They also have a small room of refrigerated items and a small room of fresh fruits and vegetables.  It is a very humble little place, but it is a fun place.

Then of course, there are the requisite grocery stores.

We finished up in the afternoon, and I shredded the first batch of pork, got it in the freezer and began another.  We took everything we will need for tomorrow's meal over to the center, and I made several lists to keep me straight on both meals.  I think I am beginning to have dreams about cooking!

Finally, at 8:30 we went to meet Melissa and Derek's plane in from London.  By the time they came out, it was 9 in the evening!....but it was still light.  They were hungry and so were we, so we headed over to our favorite schwarma place (doesn't exactly sound Danish right?).  Melissa and Derek both loved it.  It too is a very humble little place, but the food is wonderful.

We came home and played a game of Nines, and they taught us a similar but equally fun game named Golf.  We, of course, munched on bakery goodies while we played.

We listened with delight to some wonderful stories about their short stay in England , and then said goodnight.

I believe the tourist season is upon us.  Everywhere we go, it is more crowded.  An interesting thing happens as we see more people.  It is amusing to see how individuals react to our name badges.  Some come close so they can see what they say, some look warily at the badges and us....and then others look at the badges, then our faces, and then greet us with, "Hi Sister Madsen....where are you from?"  It has happened several times in the last few days.

I love it.  They are LDS tourists and happy to see missionaries.  And sometimes we are even able to help with advice or directions.  Isn't that fun?

We met a father and his two adult sons the other day in the Church of our Lady.  It was a dream trip for them all.  Both young men had served European missions and all were descendents of Danes.  They had been to the small town where their ancestors had lived and were on their way home.

It was a little sad though....the real dream trip had included the mother, who passed away a couple of years ago.

Life is truly precious and moves by so quickly.  We are so grateful to have our children come and see the land that has occupied our thoughts and dreams for the last 20 months.  

And it will probably continue to be the land of our dreams long after we have returned to Gilbert.

On the Road Again - Again

Over hill and dale.....past beautiful fields yellow with rapsoile blossoms, through the rain and hail, from city to city, the intrepid senior couple travel to inspect missionary apartments!  Kind of breaks you up, yes?

Actually, except for the fact that it is quite difficult to fit all of these little trips in to what is getting to be a very packed schedule, meeting with the young missionaries is a lovely experience.  We visited two today....the first one was about an hour to the west of us.  (You actually can't go much farther than an hour in any direction without falling into the sea!)

We left our apartment early - around 7 and fortunately were going in the opposite direction of the heavy traffic coming into Copenhagen after a long holiday weekend.  The skies were dramatic with thick roiling black clouds with an occasional glimpse of blue.  The lovely farms with surrounding acres of green and yellow stretch the width and breadth of this island.

We got to the young elders' apartment a couple of minutes after 8.  They were ready for us...two handsome young men as clean and shining as any mother would desire.  Their white shirts were pressed, their hair neatly combed, their cheeks with the blush of youth, their smiles showing beautiful white teeth.  Wow....the combination of the two of them would make any young woman weak in the knees!

Their apartment was as clean and well-organized as any we have seen.  Everything in the kitchen in its place, beds made, floors vacuumed, dishes done and put away....you get the idea.  In the living room, there were shelves with their pamphlets and Books of Mormon ready to be given away and pictures of their favorite temples and favorite scriptures on the walls.  There was a very large white board on one wall with their goals and appointments....it was very detailed.

I looked at them and was amazed at their youth and their energy and their devotion...and their good cheer.  How can you  not love these guys?  I told them to take pictures of their apartment, every room and the view out the windows of the old Danish buildings set amidst a riot of glorious flowers and Spring-green-leafed trees.....and send them to their mothers!  When my children were on their missions, I longed to see the places they lived....you know....it is hard to explain....you just want to know how they are getting by and if they are doing OK.

We traveled back towards Copenhagen to see the young sisters......another set of beautiful young people.  Perhaps it is their beautiful smiles and sparkling enthusiasm for what they are doing that is so attractive.  How can anyone resist them?  We visited with them quickly because they had an appointment, and we were late getting to them.

We offered to take them to their appointment --- it was raining and they would have had to take a couple of different buses.  They were thrilled to get a ride!  They gathered up their supplies and bags, put their coats on and SK and I stood ready to go, but they kind of paused.  I wondered what they were waiting for.  "Do you mind if we say a prayer before we leave?"..one of the cute sisters queried.

Oh of course!  How could I be so thoughtless?  That is what we always do before leaving our apartment, and the young ones do as well.  She said a beautiful prayer in Danish, and we were off.  We dropped them off in a large housing area that was mostly high-rise apartment buildings.  I watched them as we pulled away and said a little prayer that they would be safe....of course they will be.  I know they are watched over by angels, but they seem so young.

We stopped by several stores searching for specific items for next week's zone conference.  This will be our mission president's last zone conference, and consequently - his wife's last.  She wanted to fix something special for lunch and asked what they would like.  The unanimous response came back "Cafe Rio!"

I told her I would be happy to help, and since I was in charge last time, I will take charge this time and give her a little bit of a break.  They are in the throes of moving.  They are going to be living in a hotel the last two weeks of their mission, while the mission home is being made ready for the new mission president.

We found pork shoulder at a very good price and purchased 20 pounds.  I got a third of that started in the crockpot tonight and will freeze it after it is cooked.  We will just warm it up on the day of zone conference....it works very well that way.  My crock pot won't take more than about 8 pounds at a time.

Now I need to do a little planning for the meal on Thursday.  Melissa will be back and is planning on a really lovely meal.  I am torn about that, because they will have so little time to see Denmark, I hate to have her spend a whole day Thursday cooking.  I am thinking we ought to do something easy and simple that can be made Thursday afternoon.  I'll see what she thinks.  She is such a wonderful and efficient cook that it is hard not to want to turn the meal over to her....but there are so many things to see ...I'll let you know what we decide.

Kaerlig Hilsen!  (Best Regards in the best and warmest way)

On a Holiday!

Yes....he is 71 going on 16!  SK was in his glory today competing with our team to see who would walk home with the coveted first place.

That is indeed a pogo stick!

He managed 39 hops before losing his balance.

Elder Johnson bested him....he got 131 in.

As you can see ... these were serious competitions which required skill and precision.

It was cool and misty as we set out in the car for a lovely park in Amager.  It was our annual ward outing today, and we had a lovely turnout.  There were activities and visiting and - of course - food!

Our little branch has the best times together....

Later in the day, Family Home Evening was sparsely attended.  We had not even a dozen people there. This is the last holiday for awhile, and people want to take advantage of the long weekend to do something fun....so it isn't uncommon for YSAs to be with their families on this day.

The holiday is known as
Whit Monday, or Pentecost Monday, and is a Christian holiday. It is the day after Pentecost, also known as Whit Sunday or Whitsunday, which commemorates the descent of the Holy Ghost upon the disciples of Jesus Christ, according to the New Testament of the Bible....(timeanddate.com)

I am not sure how many people actually celebrate it as such, but it is widely known as Pentecost Monday.  Stores and businesses are closed, and no mail is delivered.

A great day for a party!

Anyone for a Marathon?

Melissa and Derek are getting the full missionary experience.  We all trudged over the cobblestone sidewalks in our Sunday clothes to get to the "Grand Central" station to catch a bus to church.  We would have waited for the bus on the first leg of our journey to attend our meetings, but we weren't sure how long we would have to wait for it....so the best course was to walk.  We hurried as fast as our shoes would let us go....and we were all in flats!

There was a marathon going through the city, and so parts were sealed off.  Fortunately, our bus route was not affected.  When we did get on the bus, it was a straight shot to the church (with a block or so walk).  I jumped the gun however, and pushed the button prematurely to have the bus driver stop at the next stop.  He stopped...and no one got off.  A stern voice came over the intercom scolding us in Danish "Don't push the button unless you intend to get off!"

We were careful to get off the next stop.

There were 19 visitors in Church today!  Besides Melissa and Derek, there were several older couples plus the two missionary couples bound for Iceland at the beginning of the week.  With an average attendance of 40 to 45, that is significant.

I got up to introduce myself to 2 couples who had just come in.  Melissa said, "That one lady sure looks familiar!"  She didn't look familiar to me.  I introduced myself, and what followed was the oh-so-familiar conversation every LDS has where ever he is in the world.
"Where are you from Sister Madsen?"
"Gilbert, AZ"
"Oh my son lives there."
"What is his name?.....we have a LOT of stakes there, but you never know..."
"Ben Dodge."
"WHAT.....He is in our ward!"

Melissa and Derek went to talk to them.  Melissa had delivered a meal to Ben and Sonya a little while ago, and his mother was there, so she had a very nice conversation with them.  That just seems so unlikely.....but things like that happen often.

While we were waiting for Derek and Melissa to get off the plane, a young woman sat staring at me....I smiled at her and then she motioned to my badge.  "I'm a member too." she mouthed.  Isn't that fun?  We visited with her while waiting.  She is just touring around.

The sacrament meeting talks were exceptional.  I felt the spirit as each spoke and was touched with the strength of their words.  I love this little branch.  Theresa and Anna, sisters, have moved into the branch, and bring much strength to our YSA program.  With Kasper and Benjamin gone, and a couple of others as well....our group has dwindled.

SK gave the lesson, and led a great discussion about how the Lord invites us to pray...and to be persistent in our efforts....which nearly all go rewarded.

Relief Society was also wonderful.  Melissa was delighted to meet the fairy-tale princess ballerina, because for one thing, she gave the lesson.  I call Christina that because she has had a beautiful career as a graceful ballerina, starring in many ballets and dancing the lead role in several ballets for the queen.  Now, with two small children, her life seems more charmed than ever.  She is (as the fairy tales report of princesses) as good as she is beautiful.  And her husband seems so in sync with her in living good lives devoted to the gospel.

We hurried home afterward....taking the bus to the train station and then nearly running over the rough sidewalks.  We had an hour for Melissa to frost the mint brownies for me to take to the YSA dinner, and for me to make them a bite of lunch.

Once more, carrying the brownies, we raced over the cobblestones to the train station where we all boarded a train for the airport.  SK and I quickly got off when we realized it didn't stop where we needed to be to get to the dinner.  We hastily said our goodbyes to Melissa and Derek - hoping they would be able to get to the airport and negotiate their way through to their gate for London, where they will stay until Wednesday night.

We found our train, got on and then off at the correct stop, and walked as quickly as possible to our appointment.  The Valgrens served all the YSAs - and us an incredible and delicious dinner.  Joakim, their oldest son and one of our YSAs grilled hamburgers, made the buns, and also grilled some excellent chicken.  In case you are wondering where he gets his talent, he is Kasper's brother....and their mother is a wonderful cook.

After dinner and a great message from the young missionaries, SK and I walked to the train stop and came home.

We worked on the calendar for the next two weeks, which are going to be very full.

What a lovely Sunday.  I'm going to read my Book of Mormon and go to bed!
Good night.

Melissa And Derek Arrive!

Late in the afternoon, we just happened to be hanging around the Copenhagen Airport, and much to our wonder and suprise, Melissa and Derek came through the doors from the gates!  I waved my Danish flag, and tried to take some pictures, but I don't think a single one turned out.

We hugged and laughed and hugged some more....and SK got teary-eyed.  What a delight.

Derek was on the other side taking pictures!

We boarded the train for the central train station and were there practically before we had fully settled into our seats.  From there, we walked home past all of the buildings and stores that are now so familiar to us, past the lake and the swans, and down Vodroffsvej to our apartment.  Melissa and Derek have seen pictures for the last 20 months, and Melissa was tickled to see it "live."

By then, everyone was ravenous, so we walked halfway around the lake to the planetarium - a landmark of sorts (Tycho Brahe Planetarium).  Yes....really.  We went to the planetarium to eat.  We have heard for a long time that the restaurant there is very good, and we walk past it all the time when we walk around the lake.  One entire side is windows that look out over the lake and beyond to the apartment building where we live.  We had a ring-side seat for the evening swim of all the ducks and geese and swans, and for all of the people out on the lake path.

It was lovely.....with fresh flowers and linen table cloths.  The man who seated us graciously welcomed us.  Melissa picked up on the fact that he wasn't speaking English or Danish.  She thought he was speaking Spanish and I kind of thought it was Italian.  When we asked where he was from, he said that one parent was from Spain and the other from Italy....bingo!

The meal was so good, Derek declared that if he didn't have another meal in Denmark, he was absolutely happy with what he had tonight.  We were all very pleased with what we ate.

With a little sunlight left, we walked around the lake and introduced Derek and Melissa to our  newest fuzzy little residents, the baby swans - 6 of them!  Then we continued on to a small park in the middle of town that appears to be putting its best foot forward for our guests.  It was decked out in blossoms and rich yellow-green foliage.  We strolled around and then headed out to one of the main thoroughfares - Gamle Kongevej - to make our way home.

 

No first day in Copenhagen is complete until you have seen the view from the roof!

Wonder of wonders! - at nearly 9 p.m. we walked by a little ice cream shop - and it was open!  Not only was it open, but it was open (the front door was opened wide, practically screaming at us to come and have ice cream.  Now it was Melissa's turn for the superlatives.....she was convinced that there could not possibly be better ice cream anywhere on our fair island.  She may be right, but we will let her have a taste test later on in the week.

Upon arriving back home, we pulled out a small Danish pastry to be sampled before bedtime.  We were all stuffed, but both of them LOVED it.  What's not to love about a Danish pastry?

We visited for awhile until Derek's eyes began to glaze over.....a day and a half without sleep is pretty tough. Melissa made it a little longer, but I know she hasn't had much sleep either....getting her children ready to be without her for over a week - must have been exhausting......throw in a little jet-lag and anyone would qualify for a very long long night's sleep.

And guess what was lurking in Melissa's suitcase?

It is almost turn-into-a-pumpkin time....I have five minutes before midnight....I can hear all the fireworks at Tivoli....and sleep is calling.

Let There Be Light

Two new missionary couples arrived today.  They will stay for three days and then fly out to Iceland.  They will serve as member support there.  There is currently only one couple there, and they are Danish missionaries!  They are the Blackhams....both tremendous people....and missionaries.

They have served in two different cities here, one with the YSAs, and one helping strengthen the wards and branches....both of which they are exceptional at.  Our missionaries in Iceland left, and without replacements coming in time, our president sent Elder and Sister Blackham there to hold the fort down until reinforcements could arrive.

That is pretty spectacular since they speak an entirely different language there, and I am certain that the Blackhams just said yes and left....and have probably had a significant influence on the people there already.

The new couples both seem very dynamic and eager to serve.  They had a wonderful experience in the MTC, and they have been studying about Iceland.  I am sure they will be able to handle the cold and snow, and the darkness of the winter months.  But the lack of light can be difficult to bear.

One of our senior missionaries in town told me that this past winter was very difficult for him because he found the darkness to be very oppressive.  The short daylight hours were often gray and dim, and the cold, wind, snow and ice increased his sense of near claustrophobia.

Most missionaries usually discover that vitamin D is enormously helpful, as well as staying active.

As is their custom, President and Sister Sederholm served dinner to them and to all of the other senior couples in the area.  Sister Sederholm is an excellent cook and eating at their home is always a treat.  This evening she served 18 people.  I marvel that she does it with such seeming ease and flair.  Shes says that she enjoys it.

I am not real sure, but I think I enjoy cooking too.  I enjoy fixing meals for people who enjoy eating!  For instance, I enjoy cooking for several young people at the center, who always seem so grateful for my efforts, and who express it.  I think of them while I cook, and it makes me very happy....and I try hard to make it nice for them.

After dinner, President Sederholm asked the four new missionaries to each bear their testimonies.  This is always a very spiritual time.  They each spoke movingly of their love for the Savior and for what He has done for them personally, as well as for all people everywhere.  They expressed gratitude for the opportunity to give back to the Lord by serving.

We have felt that way too....but like our new missionaries, we have discovered that it is impossible to ever give back enough.  For even the puniest little effort, the Lord blesses us abundantly in return.

Being here in Denmark is blessing enough.....the lilacs are blossoming, flowering trees are dripping with beautiful blooms, flowers of every kind and color peep out from under trees, behind walls and in window boxes.  Spring is glorious here.

Do you think the glories of Springtime have anything to do with the darkness of winter?

Trying to Focus

First of all....let me share pictures with you of the cute missionaries, so that you recognize that they are - indeed - cute!

I always come away from our time with the young missionaries so happy for the opportunity.  In unguarded moments, they occasionally give away a sense of optimism for the future.  I love that in them.

Today was typical.  The focus of the entire day was the center at 3.  SK went to 3 different stores on his own and on his own feet....walking.  He found all of the necessary ingredients and did quite well on the price.  On one of his forays, he came back drenched in a Spring downpour.  But he survived quite nicely and with a smile on his face.

While he was out and about in the beautiful city, I sat on the couch (!) and prepared the lesson for today.  I thought it was very interesting and full of all kinds of side notes to discuss.  I was actually looking forward to it.

At three we went to the center and immediately set about making 3 gallons of chili.  We had a couple of hours to let it simmer.  I poured about 3/4 of a cup of chili powder in it, and yet it had hardly any bite to it.  We have not yet found local chili powder that is anything but mild.  But it turned out to be quite tasty.  I threw all kinds of things in trying to make it taste good.....and we have several spices in the center cupboard.  Thankfully, all of the additional items didn't ruin it.  (It is hard to ruin chili unless you put awful seasonings in.  Everyone has a favorite recipe.)

We had enough and to spare.  A lot of people filled up their cups (we have large cups we use as soup mugs) more than once and we watched the level of the chili in the pot go down.  But by the time the evening was over, there was still maybe a half gallon left, which I sent home with various YSAs.

We had no English speaking people tonight, so even though I was prepared to teach, what I did with the lesson was "forsake it." It  was about D&C 135 and 36.  They are both meaty lessons and I was prepared to give a lesson about them.

On Sunday, we are having the two Danish stake presidents, the mission president and a general authority meet at the center for a lengthy meeting, so I wanted to leave it clean.)    After class I served cake.  American cake is definitely different than Danish cake.  It is softer and less dense and lighter. Strawberry shortcake....yes!

While everyone was eating their cake, we visited about all kinds of lovely things.

They truly are great young people.  Such a nice day.

It is Late!

You really must forgive me....I am awful company this evening and I can hardly wait to get into bed.   I have been working on the book, and must get it ordered today.

I was up very very early....we drove an hour away to inspect one apartment and then another 35 minutes to get to another one.

We had our Danish class this afternoon, and I enjoyed it....I did my visiting teaching to a wonderful woman....I so enjoy our visits.  She is interesting and fun and kind and sweet....did I mention talented?

It has been a beautiful day....and perhaps another day I will share some of the nice details of this day, but it is time to order the book and go to bed.

I have cakes to bake and a dinner to make and a lesson to ......what rhymes with bake and make?

Good Night......

On the Road Again

We are inspecting missionary apartments.  We have quite a few to do, and while we are trying to spread them out over the quarter each time, schedules are such that we are beginning to feel crunched. Today, we inspected only two, but it took an hour to get to the first one, and then a half hour to the second.  So travel time and inspection time and it ends up taking up a good chunk of the day.

But as dull as it may sound, it is absolutely delightful to meet with these young people and get to know them just a little bit.  As my father used to say, "It makes you glad to be alive."  We have a lengthy checklist of things to inspect....everything from "Any faulty wiring?" to "Do you know where your fire extinguisher is and does it work?"

We look at their freezer to see if it needs defrosting, and their oven to see if it is being kept clean.  We ask if their vacuum works, if they know how to change the bags....and if they DO change the bags.  We check to see if their appliances are all working.

We inquire if they are keeping apartment regulations, if they are being good stewards with utilities and water, if they wash their shower curtain regularly.  We look at the shower and the toilet and if necessary instruct about products that will help keep them clean.  You get the idea.

We have seen a lot of apartments and we have met quite a few young individuals...every one unique...and every one with a story to tell about his life and what brought him on a mission to Denmark.  These are good young people.  And they are trying to do what is right, and most often they are experiencing real joy along the way....punctuated with discouragement and disappointment.

We had a grand time.  We will see a more apartments an hour from here tomorrow morning and next Monday and Tuesday.  Then we will begin again in June, and in July and August.  It probably doesn't sound like much, but it does add to the busy-ness of our weeks, which seem to be getting fuller.

After returning home, I walked to the central train station where I took the train out to Amager. I visit taught a marvelous young woman from New Zealand.  She is so interesting and so cute.  She is one of our YSAs - at least for 2 more months when she finishes up her studies here.

We talked at length about her time here in Europe and her future.  I love the courage of these young people.  I don't remember what I was like at her age, but I am positive that I wasn't so wise nor so brave.

Still working on that book.  It has got to go to the printer by tomorrow.....so I am just going to have to send it as is.....I am still missing entries from 2 out of the 33 couples who have served with him.  That isn't too bad, but I wish I could have had 100%.  I do have a very secret advantage....don't tell a soul....but I have an editor who is at this very moment working her magic on what I have put together.
Isn't it lovely to have someone come after you and make your work look good?

There is a gospel talk there.

Monday....and a Rainy Day.....I'm in Heaven!

Sister Sederholm has been keeping a blog since she arrived here nearly three years ago, and it is almost entirely pictures!!!!  I have been downloading pictures of senior couples - during every bit of spare time I had, to supplement the pictures I have received for the book.  There are two couples that I have not heard from, and I am afraid that I will just have to order the book without their input, but pictures only.

I don't know what to do beyond that, because we are right out of time.  I have to have the book to present to him on June 19, and that is barreling down the pike towards us.  We have got to get it ordered right away.

I am also still trying to catch up with the Book of Mormon challenge.  You only read 6 pages a day....which I will do when I have read the 50 pages that I have fallen behind on.  But there are other ways too that I need to spend time on....I have the lesson for Thursday evening.  All those things take time.

We had a grand turnout for Family Home Evening tonight.  Ulrik gave a superb lesson.  He is quite handsome and just as nice as he is handsome!  He asked many good questions and got many great answers.  I sat at the back of the room while he talked.  I watched as he asked questions, and watched as individuals raised their hands to answer.  A lot of people made comments and they were insightful and faith-filled.

It struck me that this is the way it should be....excellent lessons taught by YSAs  and very very thoughtful answers from the group.  I don't know, maybe it is like that all over the world, but I really think these young people are a cut above.

We had 3 young people who are being taught by the missionaries....all really nice individuals.
Plus it is always so nice to have the young missionaries with us.  We played a game of charades of sorts....I even drew a picture of Jerusalem....and they guessed it immediately.

Before it all started, I had a great discussion with a tall, fair and handsome young returned missionary.  He always teaches me something (he never tries, but he is so interesting, in the course of a normal conversation, I always learn something!).  Tonight, he told me about a special day in the beginning of May that is called:

5 May - Denmark's Liberation 

After having been occupied by Germany since 9 April 1940, Denmark became free again on 5 May 1945. When the liberation was announced in the 8.30pm BBC broadcast on 4 May 1945, many Danes spontaneously placed lit candles in their windows. This became a custom that is still kept up by many Danes.

His  family always puts a candle in the window.....they (like so many here) are fond of candles and the atmosphere they bring.  I would really like to do that in Arizona.....just light a candle in the window.  Isn't that a great way to commemorate a holiday....and what a simple yet fun way to celebrate.  

 I also spent some time with a young man who will be leaving on his mission to England in 2 months. Many men in his extended family have served where he will be, and he is understandably excited about going out.  He seems very mature and he is easy to talk to and he is knowledgeable.  I am positive that he will do very well.

Our cute co-chairman (woman), Helene is in the throes of exams....as are many of the YSAs, but she is not discouraged....just so tired from keeping late-night hours studying.  I am so glad I don't have to do that anymore!  But I enjoyed a few minutes with her, as well as a cute young returned sister missionary from Temple Square.  She fixed the refreshments tonight....a very Danish dessert which I really like....sweetened sour or buttermilk with little cookies in it.  SK turns green at the thought of anything soaked in milk, but I love to dip cookies so this was right up my alley.  Yum!

One young man stayed after everyone left to help us put up the chairs and clean up.  He is always pleasant and helpful and he has a wonderful head of thick dark red hair.  (I know women who would kill for that hair...well not really....but you get the idea.)  He is being taught by the missionaries and I think he fits in so well with the group.  I like him.....and hope he stays with us at the center.

SK and I walked home in the rain with the Mary Poppins opened as big as possible, but nevertheless holding on to the brim, lest the wind invert it.  I thought it was great fun.  SK didn't.  He got home and his pants and shoes and socks were wet.

But now he is warm and dry.....and sleeping to the sounds of the rain.....I'll will be doing the same very soon.

Doing What I Do Best

It is not sitting on the couch, although I am very good at that.  No, what I do best is be an appreciative audience for people who have the gift of music.  That is my particular talent.  I believe I have mentioned it before.

My father was also gifted in this way.  He loved nothing more than sitting in his recliner at the end of the day listening to my mother play the organ.  His whole body relaxed and caught up in the beauty of her music.  My sister can bring that kind of response as well.

After a wonderful day of gospel messages at church, we traveled to our stake center in the evening for the Spring Concert.  (It is indeed Spring, although the rain, hail, wind and cold made me think otherwise.)  It lasted for over an hour and a half.  It was a lineup of musical numbers from individuals and ward choirs from all over the stake.

In between the musical numbers, a brother from the stake gave short inspiring messages about the particular songs or about life in general.  During the musical presentation, beautiful images were flashed on a large screen at the front of the chapel.  The combination brought the tears more than once.

We have a young elder who is gifted at arranging and playing musical numbers.  He arranged "If You Could Hie to Kolob," - which was hauntingly beautiful.  I felt like my dad....I went limp just listening.  The images on the screen were actually slow-motion videos.  They were short scenes of a family.  They were masterfully done to give a sense of nostalgia.

There were several children - siblings - living on a farm in years gone by.  In one scene, a father stands with his arms out and his son races into the embrace and is picked up and swung around.  In another, his three children all run, clamoring to him and he somehow embraces them all....like a mother hen.  In yet another, two little boys are racing through a wheat field toward their home.  Each one just made me happy.

Our fairy tale prince - the one who can do anything was responsible for all the technical wizardry, as well as the images that played across the screen with perfect timing.

As I sat there, I looked around the packed chapel and at the people performing and my heart swelled with love for them.  The first song was sung by Kasper's father....he has a marvelous deep voice and sang a beautiful song that is dear to the hearts of Danes.  The last song was song by Thomas Kofod with 4 of the young sister missionaries.  They sang "Come Thou Fount."  If you haven't heard him sing, you are really missing out.

Five of our YSA women sang a lovely medley of two hymns without accompaniment.
Sissel, one of our very talented YSAs arranges the hymns and organizes the practices and then coaches everyone through it.  I am not sure what she does, but they always sound (and look) like a choir of angels.

One very sweet thing was the presence of the young missionaries.  The program would have been sadly lacking without them.  In two ward choirs, the young voices were the mainstay of the groups. One young elder and one young sister were the pianists for several numbers.  One sister was the violinist accompanist.  They all looked so beautiful and happy as they participated. (I'll deny it if you tell the young elders I called them beautiful!  ...but I mean beautiful as in clean and neat and brightly shining).

The whole thing was done to perfection.  I will go to bed humming "Come Thou Fount."

No....I'll go to bed thinking and reliving that beautiful performance.....listening in my mind and heart....doing what I do best.

The Kindness of Friends

I fry chopped onions and garlic, add tomatoes and tomato paste, ground beef and sausage and seasonings and let it simmer for a few hours.  I boil pasta, drain it and put it in a large serving bowl.  I make garlic bread, and perhaps a green salad.  Everything is out on the counter and people pick up a plate and dish up some spaghetti, salad and bread.  Each grabs a napkin and some utensils, and then gets himself a drink.

Dinner at the Madsens.

I am learning here about how to be a gracious host.....and that begins with setting the atmosphere.  I am seeing a pattern here, and I love it.  But I am not sure I can duplicate what I have seen.

Doris and Michael invited us to dinner for his birthday tonight.  We were to be there at 6.

We took the bus across town and then walked maybe half a mile to their apartment.  We got there at 5:50, so we stood outside in the rain under our umbrella....boy that is pleasant.....I love it.  I am going to take the Mary Poppins umbrella home just in case it rains at some point in Gilbert after August 29.

We rang the doorbell close to 6 and were warmly welcomed in.  Doris was bustling about the kitchen with her friend.  Michael put a small platter of nuts and pretzels out.  We visited for a few minutes before his mother, aunt and brother arrived.  At that point Michael fixed everyone a drink and made SK and me a non-alcoholic drink that was very tasty.

We sat and visited for over an hour.  I used more Danish tonight than I ever have.  I had to.  Michael's aunt spoke very little English, and I guess it was a mutual decision that my poor Danish was a better way to communicate.  In the meantime, SK talked to Michael's mother, who seemed surprised as well as delighted to be able to talk to him.  They chatted away about all kinds of things, and I was as enchanted as she was to hear him talk.  He was quite entertaining, and I was grateful that I didn't have to talk very much.  At one point, there were conversations going on in Danish, some in English and some in Spanish.  (I even contributed some to the Spanish!)

I talked more to Michael's brother, who, like all younger Danes spoke fluent English.  Both men are in their thirties.  Michael was born in 1976......someone else I know (very well) and love (and has a broken foot) was born that year....a very good year.

Michael lit the candles and we were all shown to our seats at a beautifully set table.  The goblets were filled (Doris called earlier in the week to see what we can drink, and so had Fanta and water for us), and the first course of Cerviche was brought out.  Each plate had everything artfully arranged.  It was delectable white fish in a very flavorful and light sauce served over a bed of lettuce with slices of sweet potato and zucchini.  It had been cooked in lemon and cilantro.  It was sooooo good!  I could have ended the meal right there and been enormously happy.

Doris cleared the table....and we talked some more.  About a half hour later she served each of us a plate with a chicken thigh, sliced white potatoes in a very unusual and excellent white sauce, and a lovely little mound of delicately seasoned rice...perfectly shaped.

We ate and talked and laughed.  She cleared up the plates and we relaxed some more, talking about all kinds of things.  Around 10:00, she brought out a dessert that looked and tasted a little like flan....but better than any flan I have ever had.  It was truly delicious....a melt in your mouth marvel.  After we ate that, Michael brewed up some coffee for everyone and made sure the water pitcher was there by us.  We stayed at the table with everyone else, and around 10:30 began to wonder if it was time to make our exit.

About that time Michael brought out a layer cake that he had made.  It was a boysenberry confection between thin layers of yellow cake and topped with chocolate ganache and whipped cream.  I was already full, but I managed to eat a good-sized piece and enjoyed every bite.  He told us that he normally puts a kind of alcoholic drink in the boysenberry stuff, but put something else in so that we could eat it.

We stayed until about 11:30 and then gave them profuse thanks for a wonderful dinner and evening.  We hugged them, donned our coats and scarves, grabbed the Mary Poppins and walked back to the bus stop (we actually ran the last block when we saw the bus approaching....and we made it!...what luck at that time of night).

We got home a little while ago, and here we are again, the night owls of the Denmark Copenhagen Mission.

 Doris was the dear friend I spent some late-night hours with a few weeks ago who was having some mighty struggles with panic and anxiety.  She was able to get some help from the medical system here which has been very impressive in their response and assistance.  She is doing so well now.

I wish I could adequately share with you what a sweet experience that was. I know Doris and Michael worked yesterday and all day today.  She and her friend, Christine were on their feet cooking and preparing nearly the whole time we were there.  They served each plate with such joy and delight.  They served all of us as though we were royalty.  Isn't that incredible?

Doris is familiar with us and knows we always wear our badges, but at first, all of the others looked at our badges uneasily...probably concerned that we were going to turn the evening into an uncomfortable time for all.  And I think the perception of us is that we give hard sells similar to an Amway salesman.

And while I would absolutely love being able to share what is the core of our lives....about the Savior and the whole great wonderful Plan of Happiness, tonight was not the time or place.  Maybe I will still have that opportunity someday.  I would love to share it because it works...it brings joy and peace.

What we did share tonight was friendship and enjoyable time getting to know each other.  I love Doris, and the more I get to know Michael ...the more I love him.  Probably for the same reasons I love Ethan, Derek T and Peter.....because they love my daughters.....love them tenderly.

His mother and aunt and Christine - what wonderful people.  I feel profoundly blessed to have these opportunities to meet and get to know remarkable individuals.

My life has expanded more than I ever thought possible.  ( My waist as well....but we'll talk about that at another time!)

The Sloth, or "Taking it Easy"

A sloth is a very slow-moving creature who does little.

I have been a sloth today.

SK went to the temple, and fortunately for me, they had plenty of workers, so I was not needed.  I was most grateful, because every so often one needs a sloth day.

I did not walk anywhere....I did not go out the door.  It was a glorious day, and I enjoyed it from the vantage of the couch in the loft.

I read the Book of Mormon, I read the Liahona, I read emails.  I wrote letters of thanks to be mailed tomorrow morning.  I wrote emails to very special individuals.  I caught up on my 5-year journal.  (each page holds 5 entries for the same day of the year, but different years.  For instance, today's entries go on a page with entries for May 15 2014,  May 15 2013, May 15 2012).

And I did some light cleaning.

And I worked on the book for our mission president.

I prayed.

You mothers of young children....I promise you days like that sometime in the future.

Kaere Venner - Part 2

What a sweet sweet day!  I want to remember this day always.

Monia (my friend from Italy, whom I met in our Danish class last year) came for the third time to cook for us at the center.  She came two weeks ago and made lasagne, and was there also in November preparing lasagne for us.

She is such a nice person.....I have just loved getting to know her.  She told me last month that she is ready for changes to occur in her life.  She is returning to Italy after living away from it for at least ten years...maybe even 20.  She is making changes in career, in country and has left the church she has been attending.

She came tonight and made stuffed peppers (she told me what it is in Italian and it sounded much prettier than stuffed peppers, but I can't remember what it was and I couldn't spell it if I could remember!).  They were so easy....and so good.

We cut the peppers in half and scooped out the seeds.  She beat up eggs, added a ton of salt and pepper, raw bacon and parmesan cheese.  She baked them at 400 degrees for a half hour or a little more and they were awesome!  She tossed a green salad together with Italian Seasoning and Olive Oil, we sliced some bread and voila!  a magnificent meal.

Isn't she pretty?

 

We had no idea how many would be there since it is a holiday...an unapologetic Christian holiday....Ascension Day.  I am not sure anyone actually celebrates the day Christ ascended, but everything is closed, so everyone gets a holiday.  We ended up with maybe 20, which is quite a bit lower than usual, but it was a good group and I enjoy being with them.

I taught the lesson, so as soon as the meal was over I started the clean-up in the kitchen and Monia helped me.  The Spirit whispered, so I sat down with her and told her how much I love the Book of Mormon and why it is precious to me.  I gave her an Italian copy of it with a letter inside with my testimony.

She smiled and then she held it close to her and thanked me with genuine appreciation.  She exclaimed, "I will read it!"  I was so happy that she reacted that way.  She has become a valued friend and I wanted to share it with her.  She was raised in the Catholic church but hasn't believed in Jesus Christ.  She left after dinner.

Please pray that she will read it and feel the power in her life of its messages.

Everyone was great in participating in the lesson and then we had a chocolate cinnamon cake....it was the first time I had made it and it wasn't bad....but it wasn't wonderful.

One by one, YSAs said goodbye and left for home or other places.  At 10:00 SK and I found ourselves alone!  We had a lot of cleaning up to do, but we were amazed it was so early.  We washed up all the dishes and vacuumed, cleaned the bathroom and swept.

Just as we were getting ready to leave, a young man came rushing in to get something he had forgotten.  He and I began talking about various things, and before we knew it an hour had elapsed.  He has been home from his mission for several months and is negotiating his way through education, ward and family responsibilities and some challenges to his faith.

He is good and he is very wise and he is close to the Lord.  He thinks deeply.  The time I spent with him was choice, and inspired me.  I wish I could wave a magic wand and make life easier.  But as I listened to him, I realized that his searching for answers and his faith are contributing to his strength.
I am so glad that I had that time with him and Monia tonight.  My faith is strengthened by their goodness.  And I can see with both of them, how the Lord answers prayers.

It reinforces to me how much the Lord loves His children.