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.