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?
The glories of spring come - I think- because that is when Christ was born - and when He was resurrected. The darkness that surrounds us during the winter months can remind us of what Christ went through - just for us. It is always darkest before the dawn. It will be a beautiful time when He comes again. L&P
ReplyDeleteYes...indeed. It is just getting there from here. L&P
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