I count my blessings instead of sheep.......
This was, indeed, a day of preparation. I am giving the English lesson Thursday evening from the Pearl of Great Price. The topic is Joseph Smith - History. Just throw me in the briar patch!...(to quote Brer Rabbit) I love the prophet Joseph Smith and I love to read about him.
We cleaned, did laundry, went shopping, and prepared otherwise.
Our friends, Elder and Sister Middlemas came in the evening. There is a mission-wide conference tomorrow all day with our area authority Elder José and Sister Maria Teixeira. We heard them speak at Festinord....and are very much looking forward to hearing them tomorrow. All of the missionaries from all over Denmark and Iceland will be there, and many need a place to stay tonight. It is always fun to see friends.
Elder and Sister Middlemas were transferred from a place that had become much beloved to them to a small island out in the Baltic Sea. They have been there for just a few weeks, but they already love it. They serve faithfully and cheerfully wherever they are assigned, and as a result realize great blessings from their service.
Tomorrow night, Elder and Sister Blackham will also stay with us, because on Thursday all of the senior missionaries will have the privilege of meeting with the Teixeiras. So there are some incredible opportunities in the next couple of days to be taught.
Yes....we feel very blessed.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Monday, August 11, 2014
Hello, Goodbye
We left Copenhagen this morning before nine to go to Slagelse, a community about an hour away from here. We met with two young elders who are the zone leaders. Actually, what we did was spend a little time with them and then we inspected their apartment.
The sister missionaries came next. They live in a light-filled apartment on the second story of an old and charming apartment building. It was scrupulously clean and tidy, with little quotes and colorful mormon messages all over the walls. Their front door had been heart-attacked and had little quotes on each in English and some in Danish. SK asked for some tools and made a repair in the apartment and then we took them and the elders to "Pizza Express," a quiet clean and unassuming little restaurant not far from their apartments.
It has the reputation of having the best pizza in town and the best kebabs in Denmark. SK ordered a pizza and I ordered the kebab. The pizza....didn't quite live up to its PR, but the kebab was the best I have ever had. Well, it is the first time I have ever had it, but it was delicious. SK agrees....we have missed out on some good meals here by not trying kebabs earlier.
In the little restaurant, we had to move two tables together so we would all fit. There were only three tables to begin with, and soon the third table was full. A man asked if we were having a meeting and if he could sit at our table and eat his lunch. I (as well as the other 5 missionaries at the table thought that was simply delightful).
He is from Ghana and very friendly. We all introduced ourselves and told him why we were all here in Denmark. He has lived here since he was age 8. He is a religious man and has no interest in changing his Christian religion...so he said. But by the time we all said good-bye, I had watched the elders speak to him about our beliefs and the Book of Mormon, and the Sisters teach him a short version of the Plan of Salvation. The got his telephone number, as well as a promise that he would be happy to have them drop by with a Book of Mormon.
It would have made every one of you very proud of our young people to see how easily they chatted with him, how easily the got acquainted with him and how easily they shared with him our most basic and dearly-held beliefs. That was just downright fun to watch. I hope to hear more good news about him.
Right next to the entrance was a castle ruin which we stopped to look at....built in the 900's!
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Family Home Evening was fantastic, with around 40 in attendance. Great message, great activity and great chocolate cake for dessert.
We said good-bye to Louise our co-chairman. She has been an excellent leader and has done a lot great things for the program. She will soon be on her way to BYU for school. She served a mission in England and was I am sure, a marvelous missionary. It is sad to see her leave, but it will be a great experience for her.
We also said good-bye to Adriana, who has been here for the summer from the U.S. She has been a wonderful addition to our YSAs throughout these months and we are sorry to see her leave. We hope she will be back next summer...we'll see.
Our lives and hearts have expanded so, and getting to know these young people and watching how they live their lives, whether on a mission, in school or just hanging out at the center is a very distinct privilege and blessing.
The sister missionaries came next. They live in a light-filled apartment on the second story of an old and charming apartment building. It was scrupulously clean and tidy, with little quotes and colorful mormon messages all over the walls. Their front door had been heart-attacked and had little quotes on each in English and some in Danish. SK asked for some tools and made a repair in the apartment and then we took them and the elders to "Pizza Express," a quiet clean and unassuming little restaurant not far from their apartments.
It has the reputation of having the best pizza in town and the best kebabs in Denmark. SK ordered a pizza and I ordered the kebab. The pizza....didn't quite live up to its PR, but the kebab was the best I have ever had. Well, it is the first time I have ever had it, but it was delicious. SK agrees....we have missed out on some good meals here by not trying kebabs earlier.
In the little restaurant, we had to move two tables together so we would all fit. There were only three tables to begin with, and soon the third table was full. A man asked if we were having a meeting and if he could sit at our table and eat his lunch. I (as well as the other 5 missionaries at the table thought that was simply delightful).
He is from Ghana and very friendly. We all introduced ourselves and told him why we were all here in Denmark. He has lived here since he was age 8. He is a religious man and has no interest in changing his Christian religion...so he said. But by the time we all said good-bye, I had watched the elders speak to him about our beliefs and the Book of Mormon, and the Sisters teach him a short version of the Plan of Salvation. The got his telephone number, as well as a promise that he would be happy to have them drop by with a Book of Mormon.
It would have made every one of you very proud of our young people to see how easily they chatted with him, how easily the got acquainted with him and how easily they shared with him our most basic and dearly-held beliefs. That was just downright fun to watch. I hope to hear more good news about him.
Right next to the entrance was a castle ruin which we stopped to look at....built in the 900's!
Family Home Evening was fantastic, with around 40 in attendance. Great message, great activity and great chocolate cake for dessert.
We said good-bye to Louise our co-chairman. She has been an excellent leader and has done a lot great things for the program. She will soon be on her way to BYU for school. She served a mission in England and was I am sure, a marvelous missionary. It is sad to see her leave, but it will be a great experience for her.
We also said good-bye to Adriana, who has been here for the summer from the U.S. She has been a wonderful addition to our YSAs throughout these months and we are sorry to see her leave. We hope she will be back next summer...we'll see.
Our lives and hearts have expanded so, and getting to know these young people and watching how they live their lives, whether on a mission, in school or just hanging out at the center is a very distinct privilege and blessing.
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Sunday - A Day of Rest
What a beautiful day it has been!
The weather is ideal. The temperature is perfect. No jacket needed, no sweater, no umbrella. There is a lovely breeze that makes it feel a little cooler than it is.
Today was our day to take the bus. Typically, when we got to the bus stop....it was still 11 minutes away. We walked to the second bus stop and got there before the bus would have. We waited for a few minutes and then caught the bus that stops closest to the church building.
We were without power in the church today! (A change in the way the bills are paid by the Church apparently isn't working - we got a notice from the power company that ours is about to be turned off as well!) All of the windows and doors were open - which brought light and that lovely breeze. We only meet for two hours, and today we all stayed in the chapel for both since the downstairs classrooms would be like caves.
We heard some beautiful messages. Our second hour was from the JFS book about family history and temple work. You would think I would be bored with it at this point in my life, but it seems to inspire me more each time.
SK did some elder's quorum interviews afterward, and so we were late getting home. We got here about 1:30 and needed to leave again for an afternoon dinner with our branch's YSAs. We hurried to the bus stop - about half a mile away, only to discover that the bus we thought would get us there did not go there! We were running out of time, and finally decided to get a cab.
Fortunately, it did not cost too much, and it got us there 5 minutes before we were supposed to arrive, cool, calm and collected. I was grateful, because I felt pretty tuckered out from all of our walking.
We got the strait story about how to get home....which involved 1/3 of a mile to a train station, a smooth and fast train ride to the station close to our apartment, and then another 1/2 mile home.
We enjoyed the dinner and visiting with the three young men who were there. Their humor is dry and so funny. We even enjoyed the walking. We enjoyed the day.
As I write the sound of the wind outside is picking up and is blowing against the blinds throughout the apartment, clanking them against the windows. It carries a bit of a chill. How's that for August 10?
The weather is ideal. The temperature is perfect. No jacket needed, no sweater, no umbrella. There is a lovely breeze that makes it feel a little cooler than it is.
Today was our day to take the bus. Typically, when we got to the bus stop....it was still 11 minutes away. We walked to the second bus stop and got there before the bus would have. We waited for a few minutes and then caught the bus that stops closest to the church building.
We were without power in the church today! (A change in the way the bills are paid by the Church apparently isn't working - we got a notice from the power company that ours is about to be turned off as well!) All of the windows and doors were open - which brought light and that lovely breeze. We only meet for two hours, and today we all stayed in the chapel for both since the downstairs classrooms would be like caves.
We heard some beautiful messages. Our second hour was from the JFS book about family history and temple work. You would think I would be bored with it at this point in my life, but it seems to inspire me more each time.
SK did some elder's quorum interviews afterward, and so we were late getting home. We got here about 1:30 and needed to leave again for an afternoon dinner with our branch's YSAs. We hurried to the bus stop - about half a mile away, only to discover that the bus we thought would get us there did not go there! We were running out of time, and finally decided to get a cab.
Fortunately, it did not cost too much, and it got us there 5 minutes before we were supposed to arrive, cool, calm and collected. I was grateful, because I felt pretty tuckered out from all of our walking.
We got the strait story about how to get home....which involved 1/3 of a mile to a train station, a smooth and fast train ride to the station close to our apartment, and then another 1/2 mile home.
We enjoyed the dinner and visiting with the three young men who were there. Their humor is dry and so funny. We even enjoyed the walking. We enjoyed the day.
As I write the sound of the wind outside is picking up and is blowing against the blinds throughout the apartment, clanking them against the windows. It carries a bit of a chill. How's that for August 10?
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Mary Poppins Rises to the Occasion
The temple was comparatively quiet again today. There were only two sessions, and between them there couldn't have been more than 40 people.....many of whom were workers! But it was delightful.
One of the workers, a woman about my age is Danish. I enjoy her wit and her kindness and her wisdom. She has worked in the Copenhagen Temple since it was dedicated, and besides being the coordinator, she pretty much knows everything about how it is run.
Today was her last day for a week or 2. She is getting married! It is a second marriage for her and for her future husband. I believe they have known each other for a long time and seem very much in love. I am happy for her. In October, when the temple closes for two weeks, they will fly to New York and then drive the Church history tour to Salt Lake. It sounds marvelous.
Two of our young men were workers this morning. They are so cute. And it is a wonderful thing to have their youth, enthusiasm and joy....it increases everyone's energy level I think.
We got done at 2:30 and hurried back to the apartment (as much as you can hurry when you take two buses), changed and hurried back out. We walked about a mile and a half to the site of our new center. We are still concerned about parking. We often cart in all kinds of groceries....we can easily walk the distance from our home, but we can't carry all the supplies when we fix meals.
During our walk, it began to rain....it began to pour water out of the sky! Neither of us have been caught in that kind of cloudburst. We walked the last mile in it. SK didn't have a jacket on (it was probably 66 or 68 degrees) and he carried a little umbrella that basically protected his head. By the time we got there, his shirt was soaked back and front.
Meanwhile, the Mary Poppins was in her glory. She inverted twice, but otherwise I was dry when we got there. SK prefers to have his own umbrella....otherwise he feels that he is in danger of losing an eye or something (He thinks it is hazardous to be near me when I am wielding the Mary Poppins umbrella).
We ducked into the Danish National Museum to get dry.....we walked around looking at thousand-year- old artifacts from the vikings. We visited the gift store (when a museum store is good....it is always very very good....and this one was good.), looked around some more and then waded home. The rain had quieted down to a gentle pitter patter, and neither of us bothered opening up the umbrellas.
The night is coming on....the sound of the rain continues outside the window and sleep is calling.
Happy Birthday Carolyn! Have a happy Sabbath everyone.
One of the workers, a woman about my age is Danish. I enjoy her wit and her kindness and her wisdom. She has worked in the Copenhagen Temple since it was dedicated, and besides being the coordinator, she pretty much knows everything about how it is run.
Today was her last day for a week or 2. She is getting married! It is a second marriage for her and for her future husband. I believe they have known each other for a long time and seem very much in love. I am happy for her. In October, when the temple closes for two weeks, they will fly to New York and then drive the Church history tour to Salt Lake. It sounds marvelous.
Two of our young men were workers this morning. They are so cute. And it is a wonderful thing to have their youth, enthusiasm and joy....it increases everyone's energy level I think.
We got done at 2:30 and hurried back to the apartment (as much as you can hurry when you take two buses), changed and hurried back out. We walked about a mile and a half to the site of our new center. We are still concerned about parking. We often cart in all kinds of groceries....we can easily walk the distance from our home, but we can't carry all the supplies when we fix meals.
During our walk, it began to rain....it began to pour water out of the sky! Neither of us have been caught in that kind of cloudburst. We walked the last mile in it. SK didn't have a jacket on (it was probably 66 or 68 degrees) and he carried a little umbrella that basically protected his head. By the time we got there, his shirt was soaked back and front.
Meanwhile, the Mary Poppins was in her glory. She inverted twice, but otherwise I was dry when we got there. SK prefers to have his own umbrella....otherwise he feels that he is in danger of losing an eye or something (He thinks it is hazardous to be near me when I am wielding the Mary Poppins umbrella).
We ducked into the Danish National Museum to get dry.....we walked around looking at thousand-year- old artifacts from the vikings. We visited the gift store (when a museum store is good....it is always very very good....and this one was good.), looked around some more and then waded home. The rain had quieted down to a gentle pitter patter, and neither of us bothered opening up the umbrellas.
The night is coming on....the sound of the rain continues outside the window and sleep is calling.
Happy Birthday Carolyn! Have a happy Sabbath everyone.
Friday, August 8, 2014
A-Musings
There were no YSA activities today or this evening, so SK and I worked at the temple. We left our apartment about 1 in order to catch the buses needed to be there by 1:45. It was a little close today so tomorrow we will leave an hour early. (I am working for Sister Hamblin tomorrow because she can't be there.)
Today was a very unusual day. The first three sessions were cancelled because no one came! The last session of the day consisted of at least half temple workers. They kept us busy, but there was also time to sit and ponder, and to enjoy the peace and quiet.
Today is the last day of summer vacation, and school starts on Monday, so people are shopping and getting ready to begin the new school year. I guess that temple attendance is way down on the list at a time like this.
When we got out of the temple in the evening, it was still light and the weather was perfect. As we neared the bus stop...it cruised by! So we began walking and ended up walking home...which felt good. SK thought it was too hot but I thought it was perfect
The style of clothing in the summer continues to amuse and amaze me. Young men often go shirtless with just a pair of shorts. Young women wear short shorts and all kinds of brief tops. Sometimes I wonder if they forgot to change from their nighties. It is pretty much the norm though and I guess people get used to it.
I gives me such a sense of respect for our young men and women. They are beautiful young people and they don't seem to mind wearing more modest clothing. And they look so good!
I saw two YSAs...a young man and a young woman at the temple. I thought it was great that they went to the temple together. It wasn't a date...just two friends. No matter the pretense, it had to be a nice evening for them both. I'll bet they went for ice cream afterwards!
These summer nights are beautiful.
Today was a very unusual day. The first three sessions were cancelled because no one came! The last session of the day consisted of at least half temple workers. They kept us busy, but there was also time to sit and ponder, and to enjoy the peace and quiet.
Today is the last day of summer vacation, and school starts on Monday, so people are shopping and getting ready to begin the new school year. I guess that temple attendance is way down on the list at a time like this.
When we got out of the temple in the evening, it was still light and the weather was perfect. As we neared the bus stop...it cruised by! So we began walking and ended up walking home...which felt good. SK thought it was too hot but I thought it was perfect
The style of clothing in the summer continues to amuse and amaze me. Young men often go shirtless with just a pair of shorts. Young women wear short shorts and all kinds of brief tops. Sometimes I wonder if they forgot to change from their nighties. It is pretty much the norm though and I guess people get used to it.
I gives me such a sense of respect for our young men and women. They are beautiful young people and they don't seem to mind wearing more modest clothing. And they look so good!
I saw two YSAs...a young man and a young woman at the temple. I thought it was great that they went to the temple together. It wasn't a date...just two friends. No matter the pretense, it had to be a nice evening for them both. I'll bet they went for ice cream afterwards!
These summer nights are beautiful.
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Cookies, Class and CRUD
We will still not be cooking a meal throughout the month, and I know it sounds crazy, but I miss it. I don't miss the cooking and the worrying, but I do miss having a warm meal to serve these guys. I love them. And it is just a grandmother thing to do....when your grandkids come to see you, you feed them something good.
So I made some white-chocolate almond cookies and they disappeared pretty quickly. I brought all the ingredients with me and mixed them up here, and baked them. Fortunately the day was night as hot as preceeding days have been and having the oven on didn't throw too much heat into the room.
I gave the lesson in English tonight to anyone interested in or needing it in English. We had a German girl here who will be working as an au pair for several months so we will see her again. There was also a young friend of mine from America who is studying and teaching here at the university. She is wise and contributes good things. The other four were Danes. I was so grateful for two of them who made some very insightful comments and contributed to the discussion greatly.
Two of the young people sat texting each other the entire lesson!!!! It was a young man and a young woman and frankly I was disappointed that they would be so rude in such a small setting. They were clearly texting each other since they would giggle and look across at each other. Well...I don't like to get in the way of young love. I didn't say anything. I wouldn't want to embarrass them. But it was distracting to say the least.
As I type there is a very loud game of CRUD going on and I so enjoy the happy sounds. There is much laughter and good-natured yelling. They love that game. We had a good sized group here tonight...probably 30 or so.
We have a young woman here tonight who hasn't been here for some time and I am so grateful to see her. I miss them when they leave....and we have several of my very good young friends who will be leaving for other parts of the world this month. Some will leave on missions, others to school, and others for work. It doesn't seem fair that they steal my heart and then leave!
It is nearly dark! And it is not quite 10. The days are getting shorter, and the nights a touch cooler this week.
I think I'll go see if there are any cookies left. :-)
So I made some white-chocolate almond cookies and they disappeared pretty quickly. I brought all the ingredients with me and mixed them up here, and baked them. Fortunately the day was night as hot as preceeding days have been and having the oven on didn't throw too much heat into the room.
I gave the lesson in English tonight to anyone interested in or needing it in English. We had a German girl here who will be working as an au pair for several months so we will see her again. There was also a young friend of mine from America who is studying and teaching here at the university. She is wise and contributes good things. The other four were Danes. I was so grateful for two of them who made some very insightful comments and contributed to the discussion greatly.
Two of the young people sat texting each other the entire lesson!!!! It was a young man and a young woman and frankly I was disappointed that they would be so rude in such a small setting. They were clearly texting each other since they would giggle and look across at each other. Well...I don't like to get in the way of young love. I didn't say anything. I wouldn't want to embarrass them. But it was distracting to say the least.
As I type there is a very loud game of CRUD going on and I so enjoy the happy sounds. There is much laughter and good-natured yelling. They love that game. We had a good sized group here tonight...probably 30 or so.
We have a young woman here tonight who hasn't been here for some time and I am so grateful to see her. I miss them when they leave....and we have several of my very good young friends who will be leaving for other parts of the world this month. Some will leave on missions, others to school, and others for work. It doesn't seem fair that they steal my heart and then leave!
It is nearly dark! And it is not quite 10. The days are getting shorter, and the nights a touch cooler this week.
I think I'll go see if there are any cookies left. :-)
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Not Really a Normal Day....What IS a Normal Day Anyway?
We started our day with a road trip! We went to a little town about 2 hours away to inspect a missionary apartment of two young elders. We have traveled this road before, but it is a lovely route with gently rolling hills and beautiful little farms.
We arrived at the town at 11 and spent some time with the elders. They were so cute and I loved visiting with them. We went over the whole check list with them, making suggestions here and there. They are both from Utah and each looks like the proverbial boy next door. Their apartment looked pretty good....they had even baked cookies yesterday - most of them were gone.....and the oven was clean!
They took us on a tour of the "church" which was on the first floor of their apartment building. With just 20 in their branch, the church is very functional and nice.
After we finished the apartment inspection, we took them to McDonald's and had lunch. They work in a small branch and go to members' homes 2 or 3 times a month for dinner. Otherwise they do their own cooking. I think they were delighted to have a hamburger and fries.
I thought of my nephew who served in Mesa and Gilbert Arizona. The first week he arrived, I believe he said they were served steak twice and lobster once and who knows what the rest of the week. I think our ward makes sure the missionaries have a dinner appointment every night of the week with families.
We watched them walk away and I was overcome with several emotions.....one, of love and admiration for these young men who give up two years of their lives to serve....two, that they are here in this town with no other missionaries or mission leaders and must look after everything themselves....and three, that they have learned the language, keep their apartment up, do their own laundry and cooking and they are happy. What parent wouldn't want that for their children?
At the same time, I thought they seemed so young, and I wished I could somehow take care of them and keep them safe.
We got home later in the afternoon and worked around the apartment. Elder and Sister Thorne, Sister Hamblin and Sister Swena organized a senior outing for this evening, so we went along to Bakken, which is about 10 km north of Copenhagen. It opened in 1583 and is the world's oldest operating amusement park. It is set in a magnificent forest. It has what seemed like dozens of cafes, restaurants, ice cream stands, candy shops and game booths like skee ball. It also has a lot of rides. Unlike Tivoli, it has no entrance fee.
We rode two different trains to get there and then took a horse and carriage ride into the park. We walked around for awhile, played skee ball and a few other games, had some ice cream and then retraced our steps home.
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We talked with a great couple from Romania on the train and Sister Hamblin gave them a Book of Mormon. They seemed happy to get it. Perfect ending to a great day.
We arrived at the town at 11 and spent some time with the elders. They were so cute and I loved visiting with them. We went over the whole check list with them, making suggestions here and there. They are both from Utah and each looks like the proverbial boy next door. Their apartment looked pretty good....they had even baked cookies yesterday - most of them were gone.....and the oven was clean!
They took us on a tour of the "church" which was on the first floor of their apartment building. With just 20 in their branch, the church is very functional and nice.
After we finished the apartment inspection, we took them to McDonald's and had lunch. They work in a small branch and go to members' homes 2 or 3 times a month for dinner. Otherwise they do their own cooking. I think they were delighted to have a hamburger and fries.
I thought of my nephew who served in Mesa and Gilbert Arizona. The first week he arrived, I believe he said they were served steak twice and lobster once and who knows what the rest of the week. I think our ward makes sure the missionaries have a dinner appointment every night of the week with families.
We watched them walk away and I was overcome with several emotions.....one, of love and admiration for these young men who give up two years of their lives to serve....two, that they are here in this town with no other missionaries or mission leaders and must look after everything themselves....and three, that they have learned the language, keep their apartment up, do their own laundry and cooking and they are happy. What parent wouldn't want that for their children?
At the same time, I thought they seemed so young, and I wished I could somehow take care of them and keep them safe.
We got home later in the afternoon and worked around the apartment. Elder and Sister Thorne, Sister Hamblin and Sister Swena organized a senior outing for this evening, so we went along to Bakken, which is about 10 km north of Copenhagen. It opened in 1583 and is the world's oldest operating amusement park. It is set in a magnificent forest. It has what seemed like dozens of cafes, restaurants, ice cream stands, candy shops and game booths like skee ball. It also has a lot of rides. Unlike Tivoli, it has no entrance fee.
We rode two different trains to get there and then took a horse and carriage ride into the park. We walked around for awhile, played skee ball and a few other games, had some ice cream and then retraced our steps home.
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| I love this little bicycle logo which is everywhere. |
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| SK sat up front with the driver. Elder and Sister Thorne are looking at the beautiful forest. |
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| Elder Thorne and Elder Madsen trying to decide what to do, Sister Hamblin looking on in amusement, and Sister Swena taking pictures! |
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| Skeeball!!! |
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| Not a great picture, but this is a small herd of reindeer! You can only see their antlers. |
We talked with a great couple from Romania on the train and Sister Hamblin gave them a Book of Mormon. They seemed happy to get it. Perfect ending to a great day.
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