We slept deeply and well last night...and it felt good. I awakened in the middle of the night and groggily looked around. I wondered when we had hung those curtains in our apartment....and it felt like a bigger space. I was back in Copenhagen.....until I realized that I was in Gilbert.
Before we went to sleep it rained!!!!!! It smelled divine and it sounded so beautiful as it pelted the trees and rooftops outside. It was a gift.
My suitcase was delayed and to be delivered today....which it was....later in the afternoon. So I was somewhat limited as to what to wear, and makeup. But it all worked out...Melissa brought me a little care bag that had nearly everything I needed. And fortunately, I had a change of clothing in my carry-on.
We went to church at 10 and sat with our family. We were happy to see many dear friends from before we left....we also saw a lot of people that didn't look familiar at all. I am sure that we will spend some time yet getting to know everyone again.
We talked to our bishop just briefly, who said that he has callings for each of us, and that he would talk to us soon about them. It will be interesting to see what we will be doing.
During sacrament meeting, as we sang the hymns, tears came to my eyes as I thought about singing them in Danish, and thought about the wonderful members of the little Amager Branch. It didn't take long to run each one through my mind. I thought about our YSAs who will be meeting at the center in a few hours....first for the student council meeting and then for the monthly last-day-of-the-month YSA sacrament meeting. The emotions swept over me, and my heart yearned to be there.
At the same time, it was a joy to be there among the saints in Gilbert, to sing the hymns in my mother tongue, to understand every word of every talk, and to be able to communicate completely with everyone. AND it was a wonderful thing to be with our family.
We left our building before the block was over to meet with the stake president. We spent about 20 minutes with him....he is a dear man. He asked me to say an opening prayer in Danish!....which I did. We talked in detail about our mission. Then he invited our family in.....all 22 of them. We just barely fit in that little office, but it was a sweet experience to be surrounded by our children and grandchildren.
We talked some more....at length. He asked questions and we answered for him and for our family. He read our release letter from our mission president, and he gave us some sweet council. Then he asked SK to say a closing prayer and pronounce a blessing on the family. It was a very emotional thing for him to do, but it was beautiful.
It is official....our mission is done.
After a light lunch with Peter and Lia, Rebekah and Eliza, we all fell asleep for a very sweet nap. Dinner with the whole family at Erin's was absolutely wonderful. Ethan grilled salmon and it was every bit as good as I remembered! We sat around and visited and finally, walked home under threatening skies. Thunder and lightening rumbled across the sky....a few drops of rain fell. Ethan said this was very unusual weather....another gift to us.
I will bid a fond farewell to you...since "Madsen Mission to Denmark" is officially over. Thank you for being with us throughout our time in Denmark....it has been a grand and wonderful experience.
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Saturday, August 29, 2015
There's No Place like Home
The cool night air, the calm of the early morning city, and the sweet goodbyes from friends are the impressions we have of the last moments of our time in Copenhagen. At 4:30 a.m. President and Sister O'Bryant picked us up for the ride to the airport.
Once there we were met by our dear friends, Lone and Anna, who had come to wish us farewell. We had little time with them as we hurried through the check-in process. They walked us to the stairs up to security. We hugged and bid a tearful goodbye, and then Sister Hamblin, SK, and I dragged our heavy carry-ons up the escalator and walked along to the very long line of people waiting to leave Copenhagen.
As we walked, someone yelled, "Sister Madsen!" and I looked over the railing to see Thea's beautiful, young face smiling up at me. She had just barely made it, and I yelled out "Thea!" but was rushed along to hold our place in line. There was a stairway nearby with a guard at the foot of it. I looked down at her and asked him if I could just go down to hug her, pointing at Thea. The guard smiled and nodded yes. I hurried down the stairs and embraced Thea. She has been a special young friend whom I love.
Once there we were met by our dear friends, Lone and Anna, who had come to wish us farewell. We had little time with them as we hurried through the check-in process. They walked us to the stairs up to security. We hugged and bid a tearful goodbye, and then Sister Hamblin, SK, and I dragged our heavy carry-ons up the escalator and walked along to the very long line of people waiting to leave Copenhagen.
As we walked, someone yelled, "Sister Madsen!" and I looked over the railing to see Thea's beautiful, young face smiling up at me. She had just barely made it, and I yelled out "Thea!" but was rushed along to hold our place in line. There was a stairway nearby with a guard at the foot of it. I looked down at her and asked him if I could just go down to hug her, pointing at Thea. The guard smiled and nodded yes. I hurried down the stairs and embraced Thea. She has been a special young friend whom I love.
The elation and love we felt Thursday (our official farewell at the center) night carried us through our preparations all day Friday and Friday night and into the wee small hours of Saturday morning. When we left the apartment,we were hungry still for more time to walk the beautiful streets of Copenhagen and to be with our wonderful YSAs and many other friends that have been a part of our lives.
The air travel from Copenhagen to Paris, from Paris to Salt Lake, and from Salt Lake to Phoenix consisted of standing in long lines and walking long distances through terminals, but the reward at the end of the trip was worth that and so much more. We were greeted at Sky Harbor airport by 22 bright, smiling faces and a chorus of "grandmas" yelling out over terminal three. There were two lovely homemade banners and a poster, as well as colorful t-shirts sporting Danish slogans.
The stress (stress caused by having my heart torn in half....not wanting to leave all of our dear dear friends in Denmark, but wanting so much to be with our family) and fatigue of the last couple of weeks fell away when we saw our precious children and grandchildren. I wrapped my arms around each one and didn't want to let go. They were a beautiful sight! Their voices rang out...their faces beamed.....it was beyond words to at last be there with them.
Let me insert here that a glitch in our schedule got us here two hours earlier than expected. SK's sister Carolyn rescued us from a potentially awkward situation by showing up at precisely the right place and time in the airport. She made critical phone calls to family members which made it possible for them to meet us at the airport at the right time. We had a few brief moments with her and our niece Cindy. What wonderful women!
In Phoenis
After we arrived in Phoenix, we climbed into our kids' cars and came home to Gilbert. The familiar streets, with trees grown two years taller, brought a flood of memories. I took a tour of home, which has been restored completely to its pre-mission state. I wandered through every room. It was just as we left it. It was lovely. It was clean. I was home. Heather planted some vincas at the front door, and a centerpiece of red and white flowers on the kitchen table from Erin completed the bridge from blossom-loving Copenhagen to Gilbert.
Sitting around the kitchen table with my family, laughing and talking over a meal left me wondering if the beautiful years in Denmark had been a dream. But they were real, and I will be eternally grateful for that incredible experience.
And I will be eternally grateful for our sweet family for their love and support and strength and comfort.
Friday, August 28, 2015
Looking Ahead.......
In less than 6 hours, we will be leaving for the Copenhagen Airport. President and Sister O'Bryant will pick us up along with Sister Hamblin, and we'll take that short ride to the airport....the one that seemed like such a very long ride two Octobers ago.
It has been a lovely day....full, but nice. We have of course, been trying to tie up loose ends and pack. We spent a couple of hours with Elder and Sister Parker going over things about the center and about the apartment here, and the YSA program.
We walked to the bank to finalize things with accounts. We visited with Sister Hamblin for an hour or so, and then in the evening, we drove to the pier, where we met Doris and Michael to see their sailboat. The sun was slowly setting as we walked along the plankway to their boat. Doris was so happy and Michael was charming.
The sailboat was quite amazing. It can sleep 6, and uses space so efficiently, that it seemed spacious. We sat together while they made Danish pancakes, which were delicious. They served them with honey from the Canary Islands. How often do you eat honey from the Canary Islands? Note to self (and others): No desserts ever again once we land in the states. It is time to stop eating!!!!!
I love Doris We met her soon after we arrived here...when we enrolled in our Danish class. She is a wonderful woman and I have so enjoyed knowing her. She and Michael will get married on February 6. That is wonderful. They promised they will come and visit.
Throughout the day, we have been recalling last night. It was such a bittersweet experience...the conversations we had with all of the young people we love so much....I have been replaying them in my mind. I decided that when I get on the plane (if I don't fall asleep), I will write down everything I can remember from that whole evening......every conversation with every YSA. That will be a nice way to spend some of our flying time.
We will leave from here somewhere around 7....go to Paris, and from there to Salt Lake, and finally home to Phoenix. It will take 22 hours from the time we close the door on this apartment until we step off the plane in the Valley of the Sun.
We were up very late last night. Something incredibly sweet happened, the memory of which will stay with me as long as I have a memory. All of the YSAs had said goodbye and left. We were tidying up, when the doorbell rang. It was one of our dear young adults....someone who had come to talk with us a little more.
For an hour or so, we sat there talking, and sharing experiences, testimony, and wonderful news. It was one of those very precious experiences that warmed me from my head to my toes. If we had been in a hurry to leave, we would have missed those special moments in time. I don't know why it is exactly, but some of our very best and most cherished moments with YSAs have been in the wee small hours of the morning at the center.
In the past nearly two years, our lives have expanded dramatically to encompass relationships with so many incredible people. I looked at SK a few times today, and thought, "We have shared an amazing experience......I have seen so many new strengths in him....and been so grateful for him.
The question tickling me now is.....what does the future hold for us?
It has been a lovely day....full, but nice. We have of course, been trying to tie up loose ends and pack. We spent a couple of hours with Elder and Sister Parker going over things about the center and about the apartment here, and the YSA program.
We walked to the bank to finalize things with accounts. We visited with Sister Hamblin for an hour or so, and then in the evening, we drove to the pier, where we met Doris and Michael to see their sailboat. The sun was slowly setting as we walked along the plankway to their boat. Doris was so happy and Michael was charming.
The sailboat was quite amazing. It can sleep 6, and uses space so efficiently, that it seemed spacious. We sat together while they made Danish pancakes, which were delicious. They served them with honey from the Canary Islands. How often do you eat honey from the Canary Islands? Note to self (and others): No desserts ever again once we land in the states. It is time to stop eating!!!!!
I love Doris We met her soon after we arrived here...when we enrolled in our Danish class. She is a wonderful woman and I have so enjoyed knowing her. She and Michael will get married on February 6. That is wonderful. They promised they will come and visit.
 |
| They are very much in love. Michael is a good man and so kind. |
Throughout the day, we have been recalling last night. It was such a bittersweet experience...the conversations we had with all of the young people we love so much....I have been replaying them in my mind. I decided that when I get on the plane (if I don't fall asleep), I will write down everything I can remember from that whole evening......every conversation with every YSA. That will be a nice way to spend some of our flying time.
We will leave from here somewhere around 7....go to Paris, and from there to Salt Lake, and finally home to Phoenix. It will take 22 hours from the time we close the door on this apartment until we step off the plane in the Valley of the Sun.
We were up very late last night. Something incredibly sweet happened, the memory of which will stay with me as long as I have a memory. All of the YSAs had said goodbye and left. We were tidying up, when the doorbell rang. It was one of our dear young adults....someone who had come to talk with us a little more.
For an hour or so, we sat there talking, and sharing experiences, testimony, and wonderful news. It was one of those very precious experiences that warmed me from my head to my toes. If we had been in a hurry to leave, we would have missed those special moments in time. I don't know why it is exactly, but some of our very best and most cherished moments with YSAs have been in the wee small hours of the morning at the center.
In the past nearly two years, our lives have expanded dramatically to encompass relationships with so many incredible people. I looked at SK a few times today, and thought, "We have shared an amazing experience......I have seen so many new strengths in him....and been so grateful for him.
The question tickling me now is.....what does the future hold for us?
Thursday, August 27, 2015
That Was Hard
It is 2:11 a.m. as I begin this post. I am exhausted, and wondering how we will ever get through the next 48 hours. At the same time, I am kind of wired.
We served Cafe Rio Burritos.....and I would say they were a hit. It is a huge undertaking, and - as usual - I was a little optimistic about how well it would all come together.
If Elder and Sister Parker hadn't been there, it would have been a big flop. They stayed right in the kitchen with me from 3 until we served the meal and beyond. I think they probably sat down to eat at 6:30. They were both wonderful, chopping, washing , slicing, rolling burritos, the whole bit. Elder Parker is just as effective....if not more ....as anyone else I have seen. My heart is full of gratitude tonight for their kind and efficient help. I didn't get a chance to tell them, so I hope I have the opportunity tomorrow.
Philip also helped in a big way....he got there at 5 or so, and worked hard right up until we ate. Afterwards, there were several slaving away in the kitchen trying to bring order and clean back.....Parkers and Helene foremost among them. And I am so grateful.
People trickled in from about 5:30 until after 7.....by the time we took a count, I believe we had around 50 YSAs there. I was overcome as I looked at each one. They always come in through the door laughing or talking.
Tina, the mother of Louise, our co-chairman with Morten the first year we served, came in and brought us a gift as a goodbye. What a kind thing to do! Thomas, our high councilor came in to say goodbye as well....he is an awesome man and has been wonderful to work with.
I think I hugged nearly everyone. I didn't want to let them go.
After dinner, I gave the slide talk about Christ in art....something I have never tired of. They sat through the entire thing....and I know many of them were short of sleep, and probably had homework. They are kind like that.
After my talk, Jonas and Maria got up and presented us with the pictures they took Monday. They are large and on canvas, so that I can take them to a framer in Arizona and have them wrapped around a frame. I can hardly wait. Jonas and Maria had me in tears....they paid us such a lovely tribute.
And the tears came throughout the evening, as our dear sweet friends said good bye.
That was hard.
We served Cafe Rio Burritos.....and I would say they were a hit. It is a huge undertaking, and - as usual - I was a little optimistic about how well it would all come together.
If Elder and Sister Parker hadn't been there, it would have been a big flop. They stayed right in the kitchen with me from 3 until we served the meal and beyond. I think they probably sat down to eat at 6:30. They were both wonderful, chopping, washing , slicing, rolling burritos, the whole bit. Elder Parker is just as effective....if not more ....as anyone else I have seen. My heart is full of gratitude tonight for their kind and efficient help. I didn't get a chance to tell them, so I hope I have the opportunity tomorrow.
Philip also helped in a big way....he got there at 5 or so, and worked hard right up until we ate. Afterwards, there were several slaving away in the kitchen trying to bring order and clean back.....Parkers and Helene foremost among them. And I am so grateful.
People trickled in from about 5:30 until after 7.....by the time we took a count, I believe we had around 50 YSAs there. I was overcome as I looked at each one. They always come in through the door laughing or talking.
Tina, the mother of Louise, our co-chairman with Morten the first year we served, came in and brought us a gift as a goodbye. What a kind thing to do! Thomas, our high councilor came in to say goodbye as well....he is an awesome man and has been wonderful to work with.
I think I hugged nearly everyone. I didn't want to let them go.
After dinner, I gave the slide talk about Christ in art....something I have never tired of. They sat through the entire thing....and I know many of them were short of sleep, and probably had homework. They are kind like that.
After my talk, Jonas and Maria got up and presented us with the pictures they took Monday. They are large and on canvas, so that I can take them to a framer in Arizona and have them wrapped around a frame. I can hardly wait. Jonas and Maria had me in tears....they paid us such a lovely tribute.
And the tears came throughout the evening, as our dear sweet friends said good bye.
That was hard.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)