SENIOR, Senior Couple

Not counting the O'Bryant's, we are now the senior missionary couple in Denmark. Yes.  We inherited this title from the Ottley's who left us a few weeks ago for family and new adventures in Washington State.  Kennewick.  This intrepid couple had served back-to-back missions - first in England as MLS and then here in Denmark as record preservationists.  (They captured over 1 million images at the Kommune!!)   It was time.  We miss their perennial good nature and energetic company.  They were always up for a road trip by bus, train or car, whether it be big museums or small out-of-the-way stops.  Good sports.

Here we are at a sporevejmuseet  -  an indoor and outdoor museum dedicated just to the history of the old trolley cars.

Denmark has a gazillion little museums dedicated to anything old:  houses,  recreated villages,  out-dated industries,  trolley cars,  steam engines.  These unique little sites are filled with historical artifacts and just made for tourists like us who want to experience the real Denmark.  We could always count on three things when poking around with the Ottleys:     1.  We would lose Elder Ottley, eventually,  as he went off on his own, sniffing out every little detail.  Indoors and out.  2.  We would not have to read any signage, because Elder Ottley would read everything.  Every. Word.  3.  We could fish any of the historical details out of his brain by just triggering a key word.  Perfect recall. Sister Ottley knew the drill and trailed along with the rest of us and figured he would turn up eventually for the trip home and a re-cap of our adventure.  Worked the same every time.  Loved it.

Frederiksberg Slot and Have (garden)  This old castle, surrounded by expansive lawns and gardens is now used as a military school right by the zoo in Copenhagen.   It is full of old treasures.

I mean, how do you study military stuff in rooms like these?

Anyway,  Sister Ottley was patient and kind and a good listener.  Elder Ottley could discuss any topic and was a walking encyclopedia.  There was only one down-side to traveling with Elder Ottley.  Geese.  Geese didn't like him.  Never could figure it out,  but when they saw him, they hissed and pranced with necks in the air,  then ran at him with their beaks to the ground.   I didn't realize there were so many geese in Denmark until now.  All the rural museums have them, and that's when we were glad he rambled off by himself.  His most sage advise:   "It is impossible to kick a pigeon."  We have laughed about this many times and I think he is right.  I have tried.  Unfortunately.   We miss the Ottleys and wish them all the best.

We have really felt the Lord's blessings here in the mission this month.  This miracle story is worth hearing.  Our Temple President and his wife were recently released after 3 years of service in the Copenhagen temple.  President and Sister Williams have served over 9 years in Europe as an MTC president in England, Mission President in Denmark and now Temple President.  They were ready to go home for a long rest.  After weeks of packing and farewells, they arrived at the airport early in the morning to catch their flight home.  While standing at the counter, checking luggage, President Williams had a heart attack.  Full cardiac arrest.  Fortunately, there were 3 doctors in the airport as well as airport personnel who administered first aid.  He was rushed to the hospital and eventually had a double by-pass.  Always a very healthy man, he was not prepared for this.  In all, they remained here in Denmark for nearly 3 additional weeks until he was able to travel. The hospital staff were amazed at how well he did and amazed at how many people knew and visited this American.  Sister Williams handed out church pamphlets and cards to all the staff.  What a missionary!  When the Williams left the second time, some of the hospital emergency staff came to see them off and said they generally never get to know how things turn out with the people they work on in the airport, and were thrilled to see him alive and well.  Three weeks ago, they didn't think he would make it.  One man said he felt a particular spirit working on President Williams and was very emotional about it. He has agreed to meet with the missionaries.  The Lord certainly blessed President Williams,  and we are grateful for the hand of the Lord in our lives and the lives of our family.  He is truly there for us in moments of need.

President and Sister Williams

Salt Lake City