Great Prayer Day

My days at home are quiet.

For years, as I have worked around my home (cooking, cleaning, working on projects on the computer or planning and preparing a wide variety of tasks for myself or my family) I have had music playing or talk radio or inspirational talks.  I have loved those welcome sounds to accompany me through my days.

When SK retired, a few months before we came on our mission, this became one of the many new adjustments we made as we began to spend more time together than any other time in our marriage.  He grows weary of the constant noise, and eventually, I just quit having anything playing.

I have not particularly missed it here in Denmark where we usually have something to do and somewhere to go that keeps me focused.  But today has been a long day.

It was a free day.  So I have been doing laundry and ironing and cleaning.  I enjoy days like that.  But it has been very quiet.  SK has been engrossed in reading or other things.

Our hearts are occupied with thoughts of Erin and the operation on her foot.  We have been fasting for her.  Funny how much time opens up when you are not preparing, eating and cleaning up meals.

In the middle of the afternoon we took a break and walked over to Tivoli.  It was the first time for me during this new Spring season.  The flowers are magnificent.

Yes...this fellow was strutting, but you notice the female was walking by without even so much as a glance in his direction.

We stood and watched a couple of the thrill rides.  I don't get it.  I guess I am getting old.  They just look horrifying to me.

I called my sweet friend Doris today.  I am sooo very happy to report that she is doing well and is happy.  She and Michael will come to dinner in a couple of weeks and I will invite a couple from our little branch as well.  Alejandra is from Chile and Claus is from Denmark, and they are similar in age.  I would love it if they could develop a good friendship.  That would help Doris a lot.  She is such a kind and loving woman.

Today is a holiday in Denmark....Great Prayer Day.  I was told that it came about because someone thought there were too many holidays and consolidated them into one ...  great....holiday called "Great Prayer Day."  I don't think anyone feels like it is the day to pray their mightiest prayers....it is just a day off.

But for us it was a day of heartfelt prayers.  We have been praying for Erin .. who was operated on today - she broke her foot....broke 5 bones, one of which was shattered into 20 pieces.  The surgeon who operated took the pieces out and put them together like a jigsaw puzzle and then put them back into her foot.  He said he was amazed that it went back together so well.  Isn't that wonderful?  I know he had heavenly help.

We just spoke to her.  She is already back home and very sleepy.  She couldn't keep her eyes open for over a couple of seconds.  She came through the operation very well.  I am sure that she will have some difficult days immediately ahead, and painful ones.  But I am equally sure that she will have the help of angels....on both sides of the veil, for whom I am so very grateful.

Great Prayer Day has been aptly named.  Our prayers ... as we retire to our bed ....are now great prayers of gratitude.