An Even Fuller Day....(Can You Even Say That?....An Even More Full Day????)

Once again, the YSAs were out early to attend the institute class taught by Jens Andersen.  I estimate that we had over 200....which is astonishing considering that many of them were up until 1 or 2 a.m.....or even later/earlier for that matter.  Many of the young men looked just a little bit rumpled...with hair sticking up in all directions, and many of the young women arrived with wet-just-shampooed hair.  

But all were attentive.  Jens began by asking the question, "What desirest thou?"  We read some scriptures and then he asked us what questions we have been pondering.  At first, there were no questions forthcoming, and then hands went up everywhere.  You might think that some questions might be a little on the trite side, but every single one showed a depth.

"How can I know that I am doing my best?'
"How can I know Heavenly Father loves me?"
"How do I know it is personal revelation and not my own wishes?"
"How do I find motivation to repent?"

There were many others, but I will share just a few things Jens had to say as he taught from the scriptures, and as YSAs volunteered answers.

"The measure of success in my life is if I feel the presence of the Spirit."
"The measure of happiness in our lives is to know who we are and our relationship to God."
"Love is the greatest motivating power in the world."
"We often hear 'Forget yourself and go to work.'  It is equally important to forgive yourself and go to work."

Class was followed by a bite of breakfast, a leadership meeting, a wonderful wonderful devotional where our new mission president and his wife spoke.  They each talked briefly...yet gave dynamic and interesting and spiritual messages.  I know they will be marvelous as they try to fill the very big shoes of the Sederholms.

When the devotional was over, we helped set up 80 round tables and 800 chairs.  We helped set them with goblets, plates, napkins....you get the idea.  That took right up til lunch time.

After lunch we had another leadership meeting, followed by a meeting with our area supervisors from Germany.  In that meeting, we (all senior couples working with YSAs from Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland) shared some of the projects we have worked on.  I wrote as fast as I could and thought it was very exciting to have some great ideas to take back to Morten and Helen, our YSA chairmen.

Tonight was the gala....the crowning event of Festinord, where everyone comes in their finest and dressiest outfits, and they come in dates if possible.  They have a marvelous meal served and then they dance the night away.

I served at one of the serving tables, along with the rest of the seniors.  It was great fun to see all of the beautiful dresses and beautiful young women, as well as the many handsome young men.  I do think Scandinavia has some of the most beautiful people in the world.

SK and I sat down at one of the tables with several of the young people from our center.  That was fun too.  We helped serve dessert.....then I helped clean up while SK went to the dance to take pictures.  Do you have any idea how long it takes to clear 80 tables?  I left after 2 hours and they were almost done, but there was still a fair amount to do.  I wanted to go see the dance, and actually there were several members of the local ward taking care of it.

The dance had as a theme "New York," and had a beautiful New York Skyline along one wall of the arena.  The decorations were incredible.  The music was a little more romantic - there were quite a few couples dancing together...in each other's arms!

By midnight, we left....but the party will go on until 2 a.m.

We have to be back to serve breakfast, and we must check out of our little hotel room before we leave.  So I will sign off with a promise to post pictures sometime in the near future.

For now....I am off to bed!