Tuesdays may change dramatically after this month, when the center is moved. Up til now, it has been a preparation day of sorts. So running errands, cleaning, making telephone calls and preparing reports, plus attending our Danish class is the order of the cay. If it turns out that the center will be open every night of the week, with the hours from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. then we will be there, and will use Saturday as a preparation day.
We had a new teacher in our Danish course today, and I suspect some people might drop out. She speaks in Danish mainly and she speaks rapidly. If someone asks a question, she answers in Danish, rephrasing it if necessary. She left a few people behind in the dust today, and I don't know if she will soften her touch on Thursday. I enjoyed it today because the pace was faster and I love listening to her Danish. And also because I understood - just barely - what was going on. I am certain that if I had been one of the befuddled ones, I would be thinking it is not so fun.
On the ride home on the bus I noticed a care-worn grandmother looking tired and in a reverie holding a small child on her lap with beautiful golden curls. The little girl was sound asleep sitting up and nestled close to her caretaker. I often see little ones with older people. I think it is not uncommon here because so many women work. It is just a given. There is a marvelous maternity leave for both mothers and fathers, but on the other hand, when that is over, the children are usually put in day-care centers, and whoever can pick them up at the end of the day does, whether parent or grandparent. When we are on the bus between 5 and 7 p.m. we see many sleepy little ones in the company of a tired parent/grandparent.
My heart goes out to them all. I sometimes long to have that time back when my children were little. I sound like every grandmother in the world probably, but I didn't realize what a gift that was. There is very little I have done with my life that compares to the time I spent with them.
It has been a very dark day today....you wouldn't think the days are getting longer! It has been raining on and off. I hear many of the YSAs talk about how depressing this is. I can see how it would be, but just between you and me....I love it. I love wearing a coat buttoned up against the cold. I love the warm scarf around my neck and my gloved hands in my pockets. I love walking all over the place without melting. I love the rain. I even love the dim skies. I must be loony!
On the other hand, Erin sent me a picture of a beautiful Arizona day on our street, blue skies shining brilliantly with not a cloud. My heart lurched when I saw that. My mind flooded with images of our little family. Can't let that happen too often.
We have a big week ahead of us. Tomorrow, we go to the Embassy! What an adventure. I'll let you know how it goes.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Monday, January 6, 2014
Danish is Not Just a Pastry
It was our first Danish class after a 2-week break. Most of the other students that have been with us since the start were there....everyone hanging in there. We heard something interesting today: Languages that are the most difficult to learn to speak are #1 Chinese, #2 Japanese, #3 Danish. That is not the grammar but the pronunciation. Part of that might be the fact that spelling the word doesn't necessarily insure a good pronunciation.
For instance the word byde might look simple to you. It is pronounced beuthah....kind of. Ys are pronounced like the sound you make if you see a dreadful-looking bug.....eeuuuu! Ds in the middle of words sound like a th and an E at the end of a word is "uh." There you have it!
Today we learned about how to tell time...which is another story. You never answer a simple 10:25. You would say (in Danish of course!) five minutes before half hour before 11. Or fem minutter i halv elve. See ... you are now almost fluent!
I had an interesting discussion with a lovely young woman from Japan about her beliefs. She believes in many gods....for everything under the sun...and I guess including the sun. She has great reverence for those who have passed on and told me that a sad thing happening in Japan is that children grow up and move away and there is no one to tend the grave. I told her it is not exactly the same but it seems like we see something similar in America.
I remember every Memorial Day driving to Wellsville, Utah with my family, where my grandma would take charge of cleaning off graves and decorating them with beautiful fresh flowers. While we don't believe our loved ones are there, we nevertheless reverenced them and the lives they lived. But these days, now that my mother's generation is gone, I am not sure anyone regularly goes to cemeteries to take care of graves of dear ones.
We had a nice sized group at Family Home Evening tonight. We had 2 investigators and also a young man who will be getting baptized this month. It is always exciting to have that missionary spirit there. This Thursday, we will have another investigator who has committed to baptism. I can't think of any place better to bring an investigator. We have several recently returned missionaries who like nothing more than to spend time with someone who is interested in the Gospel, and we have several new converts who love to share what they have discovered. Can it get any better than that?
Godnat!
For instance the word byde might look simple to you. It is pronounced beuthah....kind of. Ys are pronounced like the sound you make if you see a dreadful-looking bug.....eeuuuu! Ds in the middle of words sound like a th and an E at the end of a word is "uh." There you have it!
Today we learned about how to tell time...which is another story. You never answer a simple 10:25. You would say (in Danish of course!) five minutes before half hour before 11. Or fem minutter i halv elve. See ... you are now almost fluent!
I had an interesting discussion with a lovely young woman from Japan about her beliefs. She believes in many gods....for everything under the sun...and I guess including the sun. She has great reverence for those who have passed on and told me that a sad thing happening in Japan is that children grow up and move away and there is no one to tend the grave. I told her it is not exactly the same but it seems like we see something similar in America.
I remember every Memorial Day driving to Wellsville, Utah with my family, where my grandma would take charge of cleaning off graves and decorating them with beautiful fresh flowers. While we don't believe our loved ones are there, we nevertheless reverenced them and the lives they lived. But these days, now that my mother's generation is gone, I am not sure anyone regularly goes to cemeteries to take care of graves of dear ones.
We had a nice sized group at Family Home Evening tonight. We had 2 investigators and also a young man who will be getting baptized this month. It is always exciting to have that missionary spirit there. This Thursday, we will have another investigator who has committed to baptism. I can't think of any place better to bring an investigator. We have several recently returned missionaries who like nothing more than to spend time with someone who is interested in the Gospel, and we have several new converts who love to share what they have discovered. Can it get any better than that?
Godnat!
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Mary Poppins Rides Again!
We attended Church today in our little branch. I love that group of people! Every testimony borne was simple and heartfelt and deeply inspiring. I am still wearing the headphones and a woman translates who works for the Church as a translator for Church Magazines. So she is very good. I kind of listen to the speaker, as I listen to the translator.
I feel such a beautiful spirit there....each spoke of different experiences and what they have learned from life and how deeply the Gospel infuses their reaction to life's difficult events. One woman recently was operated on and had rods put in her spinal column and shoulders. They found that she was allergic to the heavy pain-killers and had to work to find something to ease her pain.
She walked slowly to the pulpit using one cane. She spoke simply and beautifully of what she has come through and expressed thanks to our Heavenly Father for His love and help. She was uncomplaining...but rather told of how her faith is stronger than ever. It is further evidence to me of how our faith and gratitude to our Savior can sweeten and deepen even in the worst of trials.
Other dear people spoke of gratitude for eternal families, joy in temple work, and gratitude for the opportunity to be better individuals each day because of the Savior's sacrifice on our behalf. All expressed love for the Savior.
Sunday School was great too....we are starting the Old Testament! I really love Sunday School with its focus on the scriptures. But since we have only a 2 hour block, we only have Sunday School every other week. So I soak all I can up each Sunday School!
It has been a very gray and overcast day, and raining on and off. Rain is predicted throughout the week....and temperatures staying firmly in the 40's! This is highly unusual. SK thinks we brought warmer weather with us. In any case, I am not complaining. I love this weather.
The Mary Poppins umbrella rides again!
I feel such a beautiful spirit there....each spoke of different experiences and what they have learned from life and how deeply the Gospel infuses their reaction to life's difficult events. One woman recently was operated on and had rods put in her spinal column and shoulders. They found that she was allergic to the heavy pain-killers and had to work to find something to ease her pain.
She walked slowly to the pulpit using one cane. She spoke simply and beautifully of what she has come through and expressed thanks to our Heavenly Father for His love and help. She was uncomplaining...but rather told of how her faith is stronger than ever. It is further evidence to me of how our faith and gratitude to our Savior can sweeten and deepen even in the worst of trials.
Other dear people spoke of gratitude for eternal families, joy in temple work, and gratitude for the opportunity to be better individuals each day because of the Savior's sacrifice on our behalf. All expressed love for the Savior.
Sunday School was great too....we are starting the Old Testament! I really love Sunday School with its focus on the scriptures. But since we have only a 2 hour block, we only have Sunday School every other week. So I soak all I can up each Sunday School!
It has been a very gray and overcast day, and raining on and off. Rain is predicted throughout the week....and temperatures staying firmly in the 40's! This is highly unusual. SK thinks we brought warmer weather with us. In any case, I am not complaining. I love this weather.
The Mary Poppins umbrella rides again!
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Silver Linings
Our day today was geared toward dinner with our branch YSAs. We have 22 Young Single Adults on the record in our little branch. Of those 22, I personally know 7. One of those 7 left this week for Provo and the MTC and then on to San Jose California. Of the greater number of 22, there is no valid phone number, address or email to contact 5 of them. Of the remaining 17, 7 did not respond to text messages and/or emails and voice messages inviting them to join us. Of the 10 remaining - one (as I mentioned) just left on a mission, 2 were unable to be here, and there were 4 maybe answers and three yeses.
We went ahead and prepared a dinner for about 10....always optimistic! Starting in the afternoon, we received word from each of 6 of them that they woudn't be able to make it for various reasons. That left us with one young man! I called him and told him what was happening, and told him we would love to have him come to dinner even though he was the only one. He said he would rather wait until we rescheduled. I know he would have been uncomfortable!
So we called our senior missionary neighbors! They were the only ones I could call at the very last minute, explain the situation and invite them to come to dinner. They graciously came over and we all relaxed and enjoyed the evening. One of our senior sisters was unable to come because she has been sick, and that was a disappointment, but otherwise it was really a lovely evening.
We learned some things today. Saturday is the wrong day of the week to do this. People should be invited to come along with someone they know....not just a cold call invitation from a stranger. It has given us some ideas for the future. SK and I have been talking about what it is that we should be doing with our prime directive of "Bringing souls to Christ," and the second very important one of providing opportunities for the YSAs to spend time with each other in meaningful ways.
As each message came in cancelling, we talked more and more about how we can accomplish our goals. I think we came up with some really constructive and positive ideas! We hope to meet with our Stake President soon and talk with him about what his vision is. I am excited about implementing some of the things we want to do.
And it is still the beginning of a new year! What better time to get going?
We went ahead and prepared a dinner for about 10....always optimistic! Starting in the afternoon, we received word from each of 6 of them that they woudn't be able to make it for various reasons. That left us with one young man! I called him and told him what was happening, and told him we would love to have him come to dinner even though he was the only one. He said he would rather wait until we rescheduled. I know he would have been uncomfortable!
So we called our senior missionary neighbors! They were the only ones I could call at the very last minute, explain the situation and invite them to come to dinner. They graciously came over and we all relaxed and enjoyed the evening. One of our senior sisters was unable to come because she has been sick, and that was a disappointment, but otherwise it was really a lovely evening.
We learned some things today. Saturday is the wrong day of the week to do this. People should be invited to come along with someone they know....not just a cold call invitation from a stranger. It has given us some ideas for the future. SK and I have been talking about what it is that we should be doing with our prime directive of "Bringing souls to Christ," and the second very important one of providing opportunities for the YSAs to spend time with each other in meaningful ways.
As each message came in cancelling, we talked more and more about how we can accomplish our goals. I think we came up with some really constructive and positive ideas! We hope to meet with our Stake President soon and talk with him about what his vision is. I am excited about implementing some of the things we want to do.
And it is still the beginning of a new year! What better time to get going?
Friday, January 3, 2014
Ticket to Ride - Where?
I had extra time again today and studied for the test which will be coming up within the next few weeks. I listen to Danish dialogues that are similar to what we might listen to on the tests. There will be several dialogues and then questions about each one. I will have a few seconds to answer each question - orally. It sounds intimidating! I will be speaking to a computer....I am sure it would be easier if I could speak face to face with a real person...maybe not.
But I will rest a lot easier once that test is behind us....unless of course, I am resting in Gilbert Arizona after being escorted out of the country! Which brings me to another interesting point.
My passport has an irregularity on it....one that could prevent me from re-entering the U.S. I can't imagine that it could really happen, but it is curious. When we went to the embassy a couple of weeks ago and explained the situation to the guards, their first question was "Do you need to leave the country right away?"
Their next questions was "Do you have an appointment?" We didn't...we were told we didn't need one. So now we have an appointment next Wednesday. Which brings me back to my original query: What if I were to fail the test, and be asked to leave, and have a passport that wouldn't get me back in my country?
It is all mere speculation, but thought-provoking to me nevertheless!
But I will rest a lot easier once that test is behind us....unless of course, I am resting in Gilbert Arizona after being escorted out of the country! Which brings me to another interesting point.
My passport has an irregularity on it....one that could prevent me from re-entering the U.S. I can't imagine that it could really happen, but it is curious. When we went to the embassy a couple of weeks ago and explained the situation to the guards, their first question was "Do you need to leave the country right away?"
Their next questions was "Do you have an appointment?" We didn't...we were told we didn't need one. So now we have an appointment next Wednesday. Which brings me back to my original query: What if I were to fail the test, and be asked to leave, and have a passport that wouldn't get me back in my country?
It is all mere speculation, but thought-provoking to me nevertheless!
Thursday, January 2, 2014
The Charm of an Ordinary Day
It has been drizzling on and off most of the day, and it has been lovely to be indoors where it is warm and cheery. The temperature is staying in the 40's mostly, which is warm for Copenhagen this time of year. It is very pleasant if the wind isn't blowing. The pathway around the lake outside is in constant use, and I never tire of looking out at that scene. What is it about water?
Today has been a preparation day. We will begin again - with our Danish class next Monday, and we are barreling down the final lap to the great and wonderful Danish oral test! You may remember that if I don't pass this test, I will be kindly invited to leave. The test covers the laws of Denmark, the history of Denmark, my ability to understand what is being said, my ability to give a simple answer (and an understandable one) in Danish, and my knowledge of Danish vocabulary. Whew!
We will also begin again with a regular schedule at the center with our YSAs. I have missed them and look forward to being with them again starting on Monday for Family Home Evening. We will be having a group of them from our ward/branch over for dinner on this Saturday evening. I hope it turns out well. I am still trying to decide what to serve.
Considering I have never been one to spend unnecessary time in the kitchen or perusing cookbooks for the fun of it, this nearly constant focus on meals -specifically - the meals WE fix, is interesting to say the least. I find that I am enjoying it all though, because I enjoy the young people so much, and everyone here loves to relax around a meal. If you haven't seen "Babette's Feast" before or haven't seen it for awhile, you ought to watch it. It is a lovely little Danish movie that illustrates that delightful social interaction that takes place as people gather together to enjoy a meal.
So I am working on menus, cleaning,washing, ironing (a dozen shirts), working on finances for the coming year, making phone calls and putting away Christmas decorations. I know it sounds pretty dull, but it is great to get it done.
We still look at each other every now and then and say, "We're in Denmark!"
See.....even unremarkable days take on a certain charm.
Today has been a preparation day. We will begin again - with our Danish class next Monday, and we are barreling down the final lap to the great and wonderful Danish oral test! You may remember that if I don't pass this test, I will be kindly invited to leave. The test covers the laws of Denmark, the history of Denmark, my ability to understand what is being said, my ability to give a simple answer (and an understandable one) in Danish, and my knowledge of Danish vocabulary. Whew!
We will also begin again with a regular schedule at the center with our YSAs. I have missed them and look forward to being with them again starting on Monday for Family Home Evening. We will be having a group of them from our ward/branch over for dinner on this Saturday evening. I hope it turns out well. I am still trying to decide what to serve.
Considering I have never been one to spend unnecessary time in the kitchen or perusing cookbooks for the fun of it, this nearly constant focus on meals -specifically - the meals WE fix, is interesting to say the least. I find that I am enjoying it all though, because I enjoy the young people so much, and everyone here loves to relax around a meal. If you haven't seen "Babette's Feast" before or haven't seen it for awhile, you ought to watch it. It is a lovely little Danish movie that illustrates that delightful social interaction that takes place as people gather together to enjoy a meal.
So I am working on menus, cleaning,washing, ironing (a dozen shirts), working on finances for the coming year, making phone calls and putting away Christmas decorations. I know it sounds pretty dull, but it is great to get it done.
We still look at each other every now and then and say, "We're in Denmark!"
See.....even unremarkable days take on a certain charm.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
A Magical Kingdom
We began today somewhat sleep deprived. It was nearly 4 a.m. when we got into bed. But we were up and ready to go at 11. We went with the senior couple from the office to the Queen's castle. Our reason for going was that today's changing of the guard (it normally happens every day at noon) was extra special..as it is every New Year's Day.
It was special because there was a band who marched in precision around the large square which was surrounded by several palaces. The Queen was at home today because her flag was flying. The guard wore uniforms that were designed over a hundred years ago - and they really are picturesque. They are worn only on special occasions. They carry swords that are real...and real antiques. They were part of the plunder when Denmark conquered Austria a few hundred years ago. They also carry loaded rifles, which are not antiques.
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We'll go back on a normal day when they have on their normal day uniforms. I would love to take the grand tour of the castle if possible. Today we took a bus to get there and then stood in the square for about 2 hours.....and it was cold and gray! We talked to a wonderful Danish couple who stood beside us for part of the ceremony. They told us some of the history and explained some of the things we were watching. The average Dane is so nice!!!! He took our picture.
Their son is in the guard, and it is an elite unity as you can imagine. They are charged with guarding the Queen. They stand stiff and quiet, and are not supposed to say anything, but if you ask something, and they feel like being nice, they will answer you out of the corner of their mouths....like a bad ventriloquist.
We know this because one of our YSAs is in the Queen's Guard. He has the bearing of a soldier and he is very happy to have been selected to serve in the guard. We saw him and the four of us yelled, "There is Kasper!" I am sure he heard, but he was in formation with about 60 others and couldn't look right nor left.
Afterwards we wandered down the street to Nyhavn....the fun little street on the pier where all the colorful buildings are hooked together. We went into a little basement shop, "Hans Christian Andersen Shop." It was clearly a souvenir shop, but soooo fun. I sat and listened to Hans read one of his fairy tales.
We stopped at a fun little Danish restaurant and had a late lunch. Restaurants around here are interesting....knowing that eating is a social experience, the waiters basically desert you for long periods of time. When you need something, like more water or dessert or a check, you have to hunt them down. Since there is no tipping here, it is not an annoyance to them if you sit at the same table for two hours.
We walked home through debris-scattered roads, littered with the remnants of thousands of fireworks and trash from crowds. I am certain it won't be long before all of that is swept up.
Today is the beginning of a brand new year. 2014. Don't you love New Year's Day? It is such a great time to look back and look forward. I am looking forward to seeing how this new year unfolds.
Happy New Year!
It was special because there was a band who marched in precision around the large square which was surrounded by several palaces. The Queen was at home today because her flag was flying. The guard wore uniforms that were designed over a hundred years ago - and they really are picturesque. They are worn only on special occasions. They carry swords that are real...and real antiques. They were part of the plunder when Denmark conquered Austria a few hundred years ago. They also carry loaded rifles, which are not antiques.
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| When the Danish flag with the symbol of the Queen is flying, that means she is home, and in residence. |
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| If you look really really close, you can see a little heart on the side of the little red guard house! These guys are serious about their jobs, but that little heart is cute. |
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| SK is very happy to wear his hat, so the next thing we will persuade him to wear is a warm scarf. I have on my heavy duty one and then a lighter weight one. |
We'll go back on a normal day when they have on their normal day uniforms. I would love to take the grand tour of the castle if possible. Today we took a bus to get there and then stood in the square for about 2 hours.....and it was cold and gray! We talked to a wonderful Danish couple who stood beside us for part of the ceremony. They told us some of the history and explained some of the things we were watching. The average Dane is so nice!!!! He took our picture.
Their son is in the guard, and it is an elite unity as you can imagine. They are charged with guarding the Queen. They stand stiff and quiet, and are not supposed to say anything, but if you ask something, and they feel like being nice, they will answer you out of the corner of their mouths....like a bad ventriloquist.
We know this because one of our YSAs is in the Queen's Guard. He has the bearing of a soldier and he is very happy to have been selected to serve in the guard. We saw him and the four of us yelled, "There is Kasper!" I am sure he heard, but he was in formation with about 60 others and couldn't look right nor left.
Afterwards we wandered down the street to Nyhavn....the fun little street on the pier where all the colorful buildings are hooked together. We went into a little basement shop, "Hans Christian Andersen Shop." It was clearly a souvenir shop, but soooo fun. I sat and listened to Hans read one of his fairy tales.
We stopped at a fun little Danish restaurant and had a late lunch. Restaurants around here are interesting....knowing that eating is a social experience, the waiters basically desert you for long periods of time. When you need something, like more water or dessert or a check, you have to hunt them down. Since there is no tipping here, it is not an annoyance to them if you sit at the same table for two hours.
We walked home through debris-scattered roads, littered with the remnants of thousands of fireworks and trash from crowds. I am certain it won't be long before all of that is swept up.
Today is the beginning of a brand new year. 2014. Don't you love New Year's Day? It is such a great time to look back and look forward. I am looking forward to seeing how this new year unfolds.
Happy New Year!
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