Tender Mercies and Other Stories

I am not sure SK slept much last night....looking for news about Erin and Ethan and the children.  They flew out of Phoenix yesterday on Southwest Airlines, a full five hours later than they were supposed to.  Their flight was delayed because something was going on in Newark (where they were supposed to land) and they were told they could not land there.

This put Erin and Ethan in a terrible situation, because they had arranged it so they would have a layover in Newark of several hours before boarding an SAS airliner for Copenhagen.  Instead of sitting in Newark, they sat in Phoenix.....trying every way possible to get to Newark before their SAS plane was to leave.

SAS told them that if they missed the flight, they would not be refunded the fares they paid, only taxes.....even if they missed it because of the airlines or the airport.  SAS said they could get them to Copenhagen on Saturday for a  mere six thousand dollars more.

The stress was great, but finally they decided to wait in the airport and pray for a miracle.  That is what happened...a series of miracles.  Many dear friends and family were praying for them.  People helped in unexpected ways.  They finally got on their flight, and it landed in Newark only 45 minutes before the SAS was to leave.  They had been told, the minimum to pick up luggage, get it through customs and checked into another airline was an hour.

But people helped them all along the way.  What seemed like an impossible task was accomplished and they all boarded the flight to Copenhagen with all their luggage in the nick of time.  Ethan and Andrew, who had stayed behind to check the luggage, ran the long long distance to get to the gate where the plane was.  Practically the whole concourse had shut down, and they didn't even see people there.

They were the last to board.  There were many stories of people who helped in unexpected ways.

They were all understandably tired and still somewhat stressed from the day and night.  But it was so glorious to see them come out of the airport, smiling and delighted to be here.

We all boarded the train at the airport, rode it into the main train station and then walked home, dragging the suitcases behind us.  Everyone in the city here carts suitcases around, so we didn't look unusual.  The weather was putting its best foot forward with enough of a breeze to mess up hair and cool us down, but not enough to be obnoxious.

We had a quick lunch, then I went to the center to finish up the Wilford Woodruff lesson and wait for YSAs to show up.  SK and the family walked up the lake to take a little boat out to paddle around with the swans.....and sometime later did the quintessential tourist-in-Denmark thing....had a hot dog! They are really very good, and should not be missed.  I got home at 11:30 and there wasn't a sound among them.....I think they are all lost in sleep.

When the family got there, all the swan paddle boats were out (see in the background?), so they got just an ordinary little board that had to be paddled.....but they enjoyed it.

Lauren and Ben surveying the lake....while a few curious swans perk up their ears  (alright....I guess they don't have ears!.....it just "sounded" good.)...they no doubt were expectant that Lauren and Ben were there to feed them.

My evening was wonderful.  I truly enjoyed reading the lesson and studying it.  What an amazing man Wilford Woodruff was!  I am very impressed with his attitudes towards life and his resiliency. I want to be more like him.

During the evening I visited with some of the dearest young people.  I gave out portions of the lesson and asked the YSAs to look them over and then share what they learned with the rest of us.  I learned a lot from those great young people.  I am continually amazed at how much they know.  They seem too young to be so wise.

I loved being at the center tonight and watching everyone interact.  I feel so blessed.

I know that Erin and Ethan will have a great week.  This is such a beautiful place, so full of history and wonderful things.  I am looking forward to seeing this land through 9-year old Ben's eyes, or 11-year old Anna's.  It makes it all seem new to me again......and that is a good thing.