It has been raining much of the day, and so has been rather dark and gray. I have had the windows open and have loved the gentle pitter-patter outside.
I have done some cleaning and some baking. Our Danish class will be here tomorrow, and while there are only four of us for lunch, finding something to fix is a little bit of a challenge. Mette has been having some health problems and cannot eat most foods, so I have been thinking of what I can make that seems special and yet will agree with her.
She is a wonderful person and an incredible teacher, and I enjoy being in our little group immensely.
Sister Reid and Sister Floyd stopped by this afternoon. They live a couple of hours away (by train) and came into Copenhagen so that Sister Reid could take the great and dreadful Danish test. I am sure that she aced it....she speaks Danish very well. Her companion Sister Floyd broke a tooth and needed a diagnosis from the dentist - SK.
He pulled out the flashlight and peered into her mouth...."No, it should be fine until you get back to the States and can see your family dentist," he says. He is called on every now and then to "diagnose" tooth problems....usually a broken tooth or filling. Sometimes he tells them they ought to make an appointment with a dentist here.
While the healthcare system here is very good, and very generous in taking care of people, dental care is not free after the age of 18.....and then it is quite pricey, so it is much better if missionaries can wait until they get home to have their tooth problems fixed.
We sat together and ate a Danish pastry before they took off with their remaining afternoon to see the church with the Christus in it before returning to their home by train.
SK attended a training meeting at the center, and I went to relief society with the Thornes and Sister Hamblin. Deidre gave a talk about Soren Kierkegaard, a Danish philosopher. Deidre is an American living here in Copenhagen, who gave her dissertation on Kierkegaard. She has studied and read extensively and knows a great deal about him.
Her presentation was fascinating as she drew parallels between Kierkegaard and Joseph Smith, and their understanding of divine love. She ended after an hour, and I could have listened far longer.
She said, "Love is not ephemeral or mercurial for Kierkegaard - it is an eternal duty grounded in divine love. This is a rigorous endeavor that ultimately demands everything of us -- it demands ourselves, and only by expending ourselves in love for others, we can become our true selves.
Deidre shared some of his writing about grace versus works, forgiveness and the sacred mission of Jesus Christ to save us. I came away wanting to know more about him.
In a few months perhaps I will be able to take up that study.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Monday, April 13, 2015
To Meet and to Part
Kaye, SK's sister slipped away last night. Our daughter called us to tell us that Kaye had died....while we were expecting it, we didn't think it would come this fast. Since those moments, our minds keep returning to her, her life, her legacy, her loved ones. She faced some tremendously challenging times and she knew pain. She was generous to a fault and kind.
Our morning wasn't very productive as we quietly went through the motions of Monday tasks and preparations.
We arrived at the center at the usual time....worked on a few things there, and welcomed people as they came. We had 4 missionaries and 5 investigators, which is always a good thing. The game was "Battle of the Sexes." Women were on one side of the room and men on the other as questions were asked and each team answered. The questions were clearly weighted one way or the other, as questions either males or females would better be able to answer.
As you might imagine, there was a lot of laughter, competition and good-natured teasing. The women won the game, by the way.
Kasper will be moving to London! He has an exciting job there with a Danish restaurant, he has a place to stay and he is excited. There is even a girl there that he is corresponding with daily. What more could you ask?
We'll be sorry to see him leave...he adds a level of fun and enthusiasm wherever he goes. He has excellent ideas about everything and he is well-grounded in the gospel.
"To meet and to part is the way of life"....says an old Danish proverb.
I heartily agree.....but it doesn't make the partings any easier.
Our morning wasn't very productive as we quietly went through the motions of Monday tasks and preparations.
We arrived at the center at the usual time....worked on a few things there, and welcomed people as they came. We had 4 missionaries and 5 investigators, which is always a good thing. The game was "Battle of the Sexes." Women were on one side of the room and men on the other as questions were asked and each team answered. The questions were clearly weighted one way or the other, as questions either males or females would better be able to answer.
As you might imagine, there was a lot of laughter, competition and good-natured teasing. The women won the game, by the way.
Kasper will be moving to London! He has an exciting job there with a Danish restaurant, he has a place to stay and he is excited. There is even a girl there that he is corresponding with daily. What more could you ask?
We'll be sorry to see him leave...he adds a level of fun and enthusiasm wherever he goes. He has excellent ideas about everything and he is well-grounded in the gospel.
"To meet and to part is the way of life"....says an old Danish proverb.
I heartily agree.....but it doesn't make the partings any easier.
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Saying Goodbye
Thea is a quiet and gentle young woman who teaches our YSA Sunday School class once a month. Her subject today was "Who is my neighbor?" In the New Testament, a man asked the Savior the question when Jesus told him to love God and his neighbor in order to gain eternal life. Thea (all of five feet tall and slender) shared an experience she had this past week.
It was very late and she was on her way home in the metro (train). Besides her, there was another woman and a very drunk and sick man. Thea and the woman conferred how best to help the man...trying the emergency phone number (which didn't work). After a couple of stops the woman got off, and Thea worried about how to help the man....and tried to be of assistance to him. The train pulled into the station where she was to exit, but she stayed on the train until they came to a stop where there was a security guard who would care for the man. Then she got on a train going back to her stop near her home.
I was deeply touched by the simple way she told the story....she wasn't trying to say that she is a saint. She was saying that in that situation, she realized that the drunk was her neighbor. Other comments were made that were tender and full of insight.
I learn so much on Sundays.
At this time, SK's sister - who is just older than he - is dying. We received word earlier in the evening. It hasn't been that long since she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. An infection has raged through her weakened body these past few days, and unable to fight it, she is losing ground fast.
Two of her sisters will be with her through this night and her children will all be there soon.
SK called her and although she was unable to respond, he tearfully expressed his love and appreciation for her, telling her that she would soon be reunited with loved ones, and asked her to tell them hello from him.
Kaye is 76.....and like nearly every human who has led a full life-span - loved and served, and in return was respected and loved. She experienced heart-wrenching grief and great joy. She had a tender heart and cared deeply for people. She loves her family.
She is one of those dear souls who would never have asked "Who is my neighbor?" She already knew the answer.
We will miss her.
It was very late and she was on her way home in the metro (train). Besides her, there was another woman and a very drunk and sick man. Thea and the woman conferred how best to help the man...trying the emergency phone number (which didn't work). After a couple of stops the woman got off, and Thea worried about how to help the man....and tried to be of assistance to him. The train pulled into the station where she was to exit, but she stayed on the train until they came to a stop where there was a security guard who would care for the man. Then she got on a train going back to her stop near her home.
I was deeply touched by the simple way she told the story....she wasn't trying to say that she is a saint. She was saying that in that situation, she realized that the drunk was her neighbor. Other comments were made that were tender and full of insight.
I learn so much on Sundays.
At this time, SK's sister - who is just older than he - is dying. We received word earlier in the evening. It hasn't been that long since she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. An infection has raged through her weakened body these past few days, and unable to fight it, she is losing ground fast.
Two of her sisters will be with her through this night and her children will all be there soon.
SK called her and although she was unable to respond, he tearfully expressed his love and appreciation for her, telling her that she would soon be reunited with loved ones, and asked her to tell them hello from him.
Kaye is 76.....and like nearly every human who has led a full life-span - loved and served, and in return was respected and loved. She experienced heart-wrenching grief and great joy. She had a tender heart and cared deeply for people. She loves her family.
She is one of those dear souls who would never have asked "Who is my neighbor?" She already knew the answer.
We will miss her.
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Heat Wave!
I thought the old city of Brigadoon was surely going to arrive today. The gentle mist that cloaked the entire landscape softened the appearance of trees and buildings, muting colors and sounds. It didn't every completely dissipate, but hovered over the earth throughout the day and evening. But that didn't stop what seemed to be a record warm day......nearly 70 degrees!!!!
This bodes ill.
Last year, two Franz Schwartz paintings traveled all the way to Provo, Utah to be a part of their "Sacred Gifts" exhibition....those, along with several magnificent Carl Bloch paintings and at least one by Heinrich Hoffman from Germany. I could not believe that while I was here in Denmark, paintings by two outstanding artists from Danmark's golden age of painting were at BYU!
We have consoled ourselves by trying - whenever possible - to see the originals. Today we were able to stand in front of the Franz Schwartz paintings. The were wonderful to behold. Art has a power...and good art can speak volumes. "A picture paints a thousand words..." as the saying goes. A picture of Christ done with sympathy and compassion, faith and an acquaintance with Him through the written word and (surely) prayer can be mighty in its power to touch hearts.
Our pilgrimage to see them was made even richer by the grand old churches which housed them, and of course some of the quaint buildings in the surrounding areas.
Since we traveled right by an IKEA, we stopped and trudged the entire 5-mile-long serpentine path through the store. Does anyone ever faint along the way?....or get lost? Oh well....it is still a treat for some mysterious reason. We got some supplies for the center and for our apartment, and the prices there are as reasonable as they get.......except for....
Loppemarkeds! Or flea markets. We dropped in on one, and had two finds.....a small reproduction of a painting by P.S. Kroeyer. It is probably 4 X 6 inches and is one of my favorites of his. And some tiny little Christmas ornaments designed by Jette Froelich, who has the most delightful little fairy ornaments in the world....made of feather light material.
I was so fun......I almost forgot the high temperatures!
Friday, April 10, 2015
A Place of Love and Beauty
After missing a few weeks at the temple, I was back, and what a lovely day to be back!
Emilie, one of the bright shining stars of our YSA program went through for the first time today (as she prepares to leave on her mission to Manchester England. She absolutely sparkled with excitement to be in the temple and to be able to serve a mission.
Another one of my favorite young women, Natalie also went through. She is an multi-talented artist and creates wonderful and meaningful works. She also sings and plays the piano, and acts. She is amazing. She and Emilie had the temple preparation classes together and so planned today together as well.
Emilie asked me to be her escort, which just means that I was her companion throughout her experience today. It is what her mother or grandmother might have done....but she is the first member of her family to join the church, so I was the surrogate grandma.
There were 12 YSAs on that session....just there to be supportive to Natalie and Emilie. Afterwards, we were all together in a beautiful part of the temple. I looked across the room at SK and noticed he was getting broken up. It was wonderful to be there with all those young people we love. I wish I could take a snapshot and get everything in it....the colors, the mood, the spirit, the joy, the feeling of kinship. I will have to rely on my memory and unfortunately, it is not that reliable.
We went out the front temple doors there were several there waiting outside....YSAs who do not yet have temple recommends. They had their coats on and were patiently and happily waiting for Emilie and Natalie to come out.
I wish I could have a similar snapshot of that too....but the above photos will have to suffice.
Emilie, one of the bright shining stars of our YSA program went through for the first time today (as she prepares to leave on her mission to Manchester England. She absolutely sparkled with excitement to be in the temple and to be able to serve a mission.
Another one of my favorite young women, Natalie also went through. She is an multi-talented artist and creates wonderful and meaningful works. She also sings and plays the piano, and acts. She is amazing. She and Emilie had the temple preparation classes together and so planned today together as well.
Emilie asked me to be her escort, which just means that I was her companion throughout her experience today. It is what her mother or grandmother might have done....but she is the first member of her family to join the church, so I was the surrogate grandma.
There were 12 YSAs on that session....just there to be supportive to Natalie and Emilie. Afterwards, we were all together in a beautiful part of the temple. I looked across the room at SK and noticed he was getting broken up. It was wonderful to be there with all those young people we love. I wish I could take a snapshot and get everything in it....the colors, the mood, the spirit, the joy, the feeling of kinship. I will have to rely on my memory and unfortunately, it is not that reliable.
We went out the front temple doors there were several there waiting outside....YSAs who do not yet have temple recommends. They had their coats on and were patiently and happily waiting for Emilie and Natalie to come out.
 |
| Just coming out of the temple with Emilie and Mark - a dynamic young man who is happily part of our YSA program. |
I wish I could have a similar snapshot of that too....but the above photos will have to suffice.
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Casseroles, Cookies, and Counting Blessings
Today was not difficult. Slow and steady....I can't escape the idea that it just takes me most of the day to get a meal on for 40. I started with making a double batch of chocolate chip cookies. SK has declared them to be the best in the world. Isn't that funny? How different can one recipe for those tasty tidbits be from one to the next?
I make them much larger than normal, and I use baking powder along with the usual lineup of ingredients, and they are pretty good.
We serve dinner at 6, and so I didn't start the dreaded tuna fish casserole until 4. You may ask, "Since it is so dreaded, why do you make it?"
The answer is that we have had in the kitchen cupboard at the center (since December) a 2-pound sealed foil container of tuna fish. In the freezer, we had a couple of large bags of peas, and I had four containers of mornay sauce....something I have never used. It is a creamy white sauce with a hint of cheese....mostly parmesan.
I made up 6 cups of white sauce with minced onion, added it to the mornay sauce, tuna, peas and noodles, put it in oven-proof 9X13 pans and topped them off with a lot of crushed "sour cream and onion potato chips."
At 6:00, we had all of 4 people there....and I had 3 large pans baking in the ovens.
"Someone tipped them all off," I thought to myself.
As people came through the door and sniffed at the scents from the kitchen expectantly, most inquired, "What's for dinner?" I waited with baited breath for the crestfallen face when I answered "Tuna with Pasta." (That title is worlds better than "Tuna Casserole" but I should have taken it up several notches from that humble name to something like "Palate Pleasing Pasta with Parmesan and Potato Chips." Or how about "Absolutely Awesome Albacore." I'm telling you...the name means everything.
As usual, by fifteen minutes after, we had 15 and by 6:30 several more. When class started at 7, we had a roomful.
As people dished up their plates, there was no sniveling. They disappeared into the larger room with their plates, and there were no howls of displeasure. Before long they came back....for seconds!!! Then one cute young guy asked me for the recipe!!!!
Once again, my simple prayer of "Please let it taste good to them" was answered.
Institute class was excellent. We had two young elders in there with a newly-baptized young man who had some good questions. We had great conversations about several gospel topics. I was impressed with the answers from the missionaries. They show a great depth of study and thought. I never cease to be amazed at these very young men and women. I marvel at the insights they share, and at the youthful enthusiasm.
One elder talked about how much the gospel means to him....and said the kindest and most loving thing he could do for anyone is to give them that beautiful gift. I love these young people, and this mission has given me more than ample opportunity to see the caliber of missionaries that are serving.
On another note, Monia...my Italian friend called! I love that lady. She has determined to return to her home in Italy (after being gone over 10 years or more). She says that she needs to "build up her life and Denmark is not the place to do that." She is going to come to see us before she leaves, and I would like very much to give her an Italian Book of Mormon with my testimony in it (and anyone else's who happens to speak and write Italian!).
The gospel is a strong anchor to me ....it gives my life meaning and depth. It brings me great joy, and I am deeply grateful beyond words for it and for the atoning sacrifice of our Savior. I am thankful that our children's homes are built around gospel principles, and that our grandchildren are being raised with that foundation. I know that is where happiness lies.
How can I not share that with others?
I make them much larger than normal, and I use baking powder along with the usual lineup of ingredients, and they are pretty good.
We serve dinner at 6, and so I didn't start the dreaded tuna fish casserole until 4. You may ask, "Since it is so dreaded, why do you make it?"
The answer is that we have had in the kitchen cupboard at the center (since December) a 2-pound sealed foil container of tuna fish. In the freezer, we had a couple of large bags of peas, and I had four containers of mornay sauce....something I have never used. It is a creamy white sauce with a hint of cheese....mostly parmesan.
I made up 6 cups of white sauce with minced onion, added it to the mornay sauce, tuna, peas and noodles, put it in oven-proof 9X13 pans and topped them off with a lot of crushed "sour cream and onion potato chips."
At 6:00, we had all of 4 people there....and I had 3 large pans baking in the ovens.
"Someone tipped them all off," I thought to myself.
As people came through the door and sniffed at the scents from the kitchen expectantly, most inquired, "What's for dinner?" I waited with baited breath for the crestfallen face when I answered "Tuna with Pasta." (That title is worlds better than "Tuna Casserole" but I should have taken it up several notches from that humble name to something like "Palate Pleasing Pasta with Parmesan and Potato Chips." Or how about "Absolutely Awesome Albacore." I'm telling you...the name means everything.
As usual, by fifteen minutes after, we had 15 and by 6:30 several more. When class started at 7, we had a roomful.
As people dished up their plates, there was no sniveling. They disappeared into the larger room with their plates, and there were no howls of displeasure. Before long they came back....for seconds!!! Then one cute young guy asked me for the recipe!!!!
Once again, my simple prayer of "Please let it taste good to them" was answered.
Institute class was excellent. We had two young elders in there with a newly-baptized young man who had some good questions. We had great conversations about several gospel topics. I was impressed with the answers from the missionaries. They show a great depth of study and thought. I never cease to be amazed at these very young men and women. I marvel at the insights they share, and at the youthful enthusiasm.
One elder talked about how much the gospel means to him....and said the kindest and most loving thing he could do for anyone is to give them that beautiful gift. I love these young people, and this mission has given me more than ample opportunity to see the caliber of missionaries that are serving.
On another note, Monia...my Italian friend called! I love that lady. She has determined to return to her home in Italy (after being gone over 10 years or more). She says that she needs to "build up her life and Denmark is not the place to do that." She is going to come to see us before she leaves, and I would like very much to give her an Italian Book of Mormon with my testimony in it (and anyone else's who happens to speak and write Italian!).
The gospel is a strong anchor to me ....it gives my life meaning and depth. It brings me great joy, and I am deeply grateful beyond words for it and for the atoning sacrifice of our Savior. I am thankful that our children's homes are built around gospel principles, and that our grandchildren are being raised with that foundation. I know that is where happiness lies.
How can I not share that with others?
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Please Step to the Back of the Class
After several weeks of absence, I went to my Danish class today. My mind has not been on Danish! There are times when I go several days and never use a word of Danish. It is something that has to be listened to and spoken every day in order to progress.
Our teacher Mette is amazing, and I wonder how I would be with this language right now if I had been attending a class with her 3 times weekly since we first landed in Copenhagen. She has us reading aloud, translating from English to Danish, and Danish to English, writing down what she reads to us, and conversing in Danish.
When we first arrive, we sit down together and eat a simple lunch, while we talk about subjects of Mette's choosing. Conversation is somewhat less than complex, yet we are all trying (with a focus as intense as we can summon) to understand and communicate. After lunch, Mette puts us through the paces.
She asked us which conference talks we enjoyed most. I know which ones I enjoyed most, and I remember the gist of what was said, but it was quite a struggle to express that in Danish! The other two managed to share better than I did.
Today, we ended with a story. Mette began the story and we each in turn added a sentence (from our own imagination) which furthered the tale. The other two ladies did a great job carrying on the simple story line....but each time it was my turn, I sat there umming and uhhhhing and generally feeling like a dunce. Oh well. Tomorrow is another day. I can live with being the dumbest in the class. It is the least of my inadequacies!
After class, SK and I did some shopping for tomorrow. One of the young women brought about 10 cans of tuna for dinner several months ago, and I keep thinking it is time to use them. I have always liked tuna fish casserole, and SK thinks it is OK and will eat it, but he always wondered if I was upset with him when I fixed it!!!! He thought it must have surely been retribution for some perceived wrong. ---And so of course, I am wondering if people will come tomorrow night and say, Oh no! Not that!
I will use my own white sauce with a little bit of onion, a little bit of parmesan and topped with crushed potato chips. What do you think?
After our great and wonderful shopping trip, we walked to our favorite park....about a mile from here. We haven't been there in months and we were curious how much of Spring has touched it. It is getting there. We figure 2 weeks and it will be in full-swing. That is just about right for a special guest who will be here then.
Do you think I might convince the rotter to lay low?
Our teacher Mette is amazing, and I wonder how I would be with this language right now if I had been attending a class with her 3 times weekly since we first landed in Copenhagen. She has us reading aloud, translating from English to Danish, and Danish to English, writing down what she reads to us, and conversing in Danish.
When we first arrive, we sit down together and eat a simple lunch, while we talk about subjects of Mette's choosing. Conversation is somewhat less than complex, yet we are all trying (with a focus as intense as we can summon) to understand and communicate. After lunch, Mette puts us through the paces.
She asked us which conference talks we enjoyed most. I know which ones I enjoyed most, and I remember the gist of what was said, but it was quite a struggle to express that in Danish! The other two managed to share better than I did.
Today, we ended with a story. Mette began the story and we each in turn added a sentence (from our own imagination) which furthered the tale. The other two ladies did a great job carrying on the simple story line....but each time it was my turn, I sat there umming and uhhhhing and generally feeling like a dunce. Oh well. Tomorrow is another day. I can live with being the dumbest in the class. It is the least of my inadequacies!
After class, SK and I did some shopping for tomorrow. One of the young women brought about 10 cans of tuna for dinner several months ago, and I keep thinking it is time to use them. I have always liked tuna fish casserole, and SK thinks it is OK and will eat it, but he always wondered if I was upset with him when I fixed it!!!! He thought it must have surely been retribution for some perceived wrong. ---And so of course, I am wondering if people will come tomorrow night and say, Oh no! Not that!
I will use my own white sauce with a little bit of onion, a little bit of parmesan and topped with crushed potato chips. What do you think?
After our great and wonderful shopping trip, we walked to our favorite park....about a mile from here. We haven't been there in months and we were curious how much of Spring has touched it. It is getting there. We figure 2 weeks and it will be in full-swing. That is just about right for a special guest who will be here then.
Do you think I might convince the rotter to lay low?
 |
| Breathtaking right? |
 |
| Do you see the small buds on the tree branch right in front? |
 |
| We passed a little shop with this little lemon tree bravely putting forth a crop of fruit that seems to overwhelm it. SK is channeling Vanna White. |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)