The day was well-spent though. Laundry and organizing were done at the outset, then we headed over to a little museum that we have wanted to see for a long time. It is the Danish Jewish Museum. We especially liked the WWII exhibit. Legends have grown from the stories about the Danes and their aid to the Jewish people during the war.
At the heart of the matter though is that 99% of the country's Jews were saved......which is true of no other country. I want to read more about it, but the exhibit was inspiring. Of course there were unhappy stories, but at least half who escaped by boats manned by Danish fishermen to Sweden, came home to their own homes which had been taken care of by their neighbors until they returned. (Forgive me Lia for that run-on sentence)
I was touched by the display case of plaques and certificates of appreciation from groups in the U.S. and Israel. I also loved the letters to the queen from school children in America.
There were several hundred "hidden" children, whose parents escaped to Sweden. They were left in the care of Danes, until their parents returned. In some cases, they stayed close to their host families for the rest of their lives.
I made a large batch of cinnamon rolls for the center....frosting them with maple frosting....SK's favorite. It makes me happy to fix something they really enjoy....and they really did enjoy those.
Our institute lesson was taught by David, a great young man who served his mission in Arizona! I told him he couldn't possibly love Arizona the way I love Denmark.....he laughingly disagreed. He did a wonderful job on the lesson. His questions elicited thoughtful comments from the YSAs...and once again made me realize how exceptional they are.
Early in the evening, a few young adults came, and I had some great conversations with them. When it was over, we had some more really wonderful gab sessions. I love these young people, and so enjoy our visits. When I visit with them in the kitchen, it is comfortable.
Those times may well be the best part of the whole mission.
They are wonderful!! And it was fun to have David come visit. Hopefully he comes again!!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! He is a great young man. Love you.
DeleteWhat a wonderful story about the saving of the Jews by the Danes. We are all children of God - and all have the Spirit of Christ. This is just one of those examples of how good people treat each other - even to taking their children in. Loved those letters from the children.
ReplyDeleteAs for the cinnamon rolls with the maple frosting...who wouldn't love them. You always rave about the lessons and the good young people. They are a blessing to all of us. Take care - and let me know when you have your homecoming"" talks. Hope I can be there. L&P PS I go to Brookings, OR to see my mother on Mon-Sat - so that should be good.
As of now, it is September 13, although I can't remember the time....and you know that we will each have ten minutes or less. But I wold love to see you! L&P
ReplyDeleteEven after visiting twice, we could have easily spent two more weeks there and still not seen everything I'd like to see! I guess we'll just have to plan on a third visit!
ReplyDeleteI feel the same....there is so much to see. What a grand place!
DeleteThe Hamberlins will be joining the party to go to Denmark. Name the date! I'll be there!
ReplyDeleteWow....that sounds like a party indeed! I can hardly wait....
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