As we were driving home this evening, I asked Tessa if it was still Sunday. In confusion, she questioned what I meant. "It seems like a lot longer ago than this morning that we were in church," is what I was trying to say.
Church was great. We had wonderful speakers, wonderful teachers and excellent messages to chew on. Our fairy tale prince spoke in sacrament meeting. He has been a member of the church for 7 or 8 years now, and his enthusiasm for the gospel and the power of his testimony are strong....with a sweetness that can only come from being close to the spirit.
The lesson in relief society was given by his wife Christine, whose sweet little baby must be over 2 months, maybe even three. I lose track. She talks so fast and with such delight over the message that I gave up trying to listen to her and instead, listened as closely as possible to Anne, our translator. It was about the Book of Mormon....who doesn't love that topic? We had several visitors - all from America. Anne sat surrounded by them - speaking as loudly as she dared without disrupting the Danish speakers.
One thing happened about half way through relief society. Christine asked a question, and was listening to a thoughtful answer from a class member. She glanced at her phone and then bolted from the room. The sister who was speaking looked startled, then continued her comment. A minute later, Christine returned to the room with her baby....he must have started to fuss, and her phone is a monitor - besides doing everything else.
She was greeted with several pairs of outstretched arms. She deposited little Elliot in one pair and then continued with her lesson. Every head turned and every eye watched that beautiful baby. The brief silence was interrupted by one sister, who announced to everyone, "This is our Sunday pastime." Everyone laughed since we all know exactly what she was saying.... that cuddling a little one is something women do, or at least long to do.
After lunch and down time, we went to a suburb a half hour from our apartment. The couple who own it are astonishing. They both work, they both have church responsibilities and their uncommonly large yard was gorgeous. Their home was beautiful. It is about 150 years old with thatched roof (she told us it costs about $150,000.) They have worked on it and have done all kinds of remodeling and updating to it. It looks modern AND charmingly old.
They fixed a meal that was outstanding. We were there a couple of hours, snacking on cheese, crackers, soda pop and fresh red peppers. Dinner had as a main course smoked salmon....the best salmon I have ever tasted. She made homemade bread....yum, and two salads, both of which were wonderful. It was topped off with a dessert, the base of which were meringue cookies made with hazelnuts.
We met a young man who was baptized 5 months ago. He converted to Christianity first and then with that foundation of a belief in Christ became a member of our church. He seems kind and gentle. I wasn't sitting on his end of the table but I wished I could have talked more to him.
That was the evening....we thoroughly enjoyed it. Dinner is an occasion here. A marvelous event. I wonder how I will be able to incorporate these wonderful traditions here.
We have been talking to our children since we got home. We opened a package from home....oh my goodness....chocolate....Cavenaugh's chocolate. I am in heaven! And a beautiful little necklace that says "Gratitude is the key to happiness."
It has been a glorious day. I am so grateful for so many things.....I think I will have to wait to list them!
Wonderful Mother's Day - from a baby in RS to Mrs. Cavenaugh's. Love them both!
ReplyDeleteMarie & George lived across from us in Bountiful - and I know George passed away - and Marie was in their home in No. Ogden - but don't know if she is still around. They moved shortly after we did. Fond memories. Gratitude is a good thing! L&P
How interesting that you know the Cavenaughs. What lovely people. And they make the best chocolate. I imagine that you and I might have more friends in common than we suspect! L&P
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