FIRST SUNDAY IN DENMARK

I promise I am not going to write every day, but the first little while takes a lot of explaining.  Church was an adventure.  The little branch is called Amager  (Amire) and is about 20 minutes away.  It's a small, but beautiful red brick building with a chapel and  Relief Society and Priesthood rooms in the basement.  We met some wonderful people  and even though it's a small congregation, we felt a strong spirit there.  Stan spoke Danish with the branch president when he shook hands and was immediately invited to say the opening prayer in sacrament meeting.  In Danish.  Nervous.  Did great.

The songs and prayers were in Danish, but the sacrament talks were interpreted for us at the pulpit.   Stan wanted to go to Danish Sunday school and actually understood the lesson.  I did not.  No surprise there.   Thankfully there was a corner to sit in Relief Society with ANNA who interpreted for us.  Bless.  Even though there was a lot of language confusion for me, the spirit was not at all confusing.  We are excited to help serve in this faithful branch in a small corner of the church's vineyard.

As we finished, a handsome young man came up and invited us to lunch at his home.  His name is Sebastian and come to find out, he is married to the Branch President's daughter, Kristina.   These two beautiful people met as ballerinas.  He retired and runs an American company in Scandinavia, but she still dances for the Danish Royal Ballet as a prima donna.  YES.   She is on maternity leave and will be returning in December.  And apparently they have a flair for hosting 6 extra people to lunch at the drop of a hat!!  The lunch was simple, but beautifully served. (By the way, the seasoning on the chicken was from Turkey where the family  had just vacationed.) Our first real meal in Denmark.  Not only that,  but the couple  has completely remodeled their 3 story home by themselves.  A wonderful, Danish modern home with lots of white walls, sleek furniture and wood floors.

After lunch, we had a dinner appointment at President O'Bryant's home with all the missionary couples in the area.  They have a lovely home quite far out, and the meal was yummy.  We got to know the Danish couple and older Elder who help in the office.  The O'Bryant's youngest son, Thomas who just finished his mission in Twin Falls, Id. is visiting for another week until school starts at BYU Idaho.  We can tell the O'Bryant's will be a wonderful blessing for the Denmark mission.   So a busy, busy day.

Today was also our grandson, Christopher's farewell in Cheyenne.  We feel bad to have missed it but have heard already how wonderful his talk was.  We are so proud that he is serving in the Ft. Lauderdale mission.  He leaves Wednesday for the Mexico MTC.  It will be fun to share missionary experiences.

Branch in Amager.  Notice the roof.  Copenhagen is known for its red tile roofs.

Sebastian and Christina holding Birke and Elliot.  President Olsen and his wife, back.  He is a policeman.

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The home of our hosts, the Michaneks.

President and Sister O'Bryant's welcome dinner for us.  The Thornes, top right are leaving soon and we will be moving next door into their apartment. (After they show us the ropes in the office.)  From top:  Thornes, Brooks, Ottleys, us, Linn Bryner, Warnsdorfs and O'Bryants.