August 13-27

These last 2 weeks have been really busy. Hilary left for BYU on Monday the 13th. She helped out so much and it was great having her here for the first month. We are sure going to miss her. Now I have a confession about the blog. Yes, I am the one who has been writing about the experiences we are having here but once I had finished I would hand it off to Hilary and she would make it just a bit more lively. So now the true test comes to see if I can make my writing interesting. I may have to call on Jarom and Heather to help.
Jarom and Heather started school on Wednesday the 15th. Getting them to school was a new experience. We live about a 20 minutes by car from their school without a lot of traffic. We left for school 45 minutes before it started, we hit rush hour traffic on the out skirts of Copenhagen and then within the city there were, as Jarom calls it, flocks and flocks of bikes. We finally arrived at their school 5 minutes before it started and could not make a right turn into their school because of so many people riding bikes. After sitting through the light changing from green to red 3 times, Jarom and Heather finally decided they better jump out of the car and make a mad dash to school. It is different driving here, you cannot make right turns on a red light and bikes have the right of way. We decided after a few days of driving to school that the train was a better form of transportation. It gets them there faster and we don't have to worry about hitting a biker.
On Sunday the 19th, we left the house at 7:30am to attend church in Odense. Shawn and I were asked to speak in both wards they have there and Jarom and Heather spoke in 1 of the meetings. I think the Danish members are going to get tired of hearing from me and the kids and just ask Shawn to speak. At least that is what we are hoping for. After the second meeting we hurried back to Copenhagen for a fireside where we listened to Elder Groberg speak. Such a busy Sunday! Shawn and I retuned around 9:30pm ready to go to sleep.
On Tuesday, the 22nd, we had our first group of missionaries arrive from the MTC; Elders Nordfelt, Lindstrom, Strong and Vandenberghe. After a very long flight they were really tired but excited to be in Denmark. The Assistants, Elder Bailey and Elder Pierson, took them out to do some street contacting and sightseeing. Church of My Lady and Frederiksborg Castle were two of the places they got to see. After that they came back to the mission home where I fixed them dinner and we had a testimony meeting and then they were more than ready for bed.
On Wednesday the new elders met their new companions and were off to their new areas. Three Elders, Elder Feil, Elder McCleary and Elder KLC, completed their missions, had their departing interviews and departed for the mission home for dinner and testimony meeting. We enjoyed having new Elders and Elders returning home in our home on two different nights. What a special spirit they bring.
On Thursday, we took two of the departing Elders to the airport to return back to their homes. Elder McCleary's parents came to pick him up at the mission office. I even shed a few tears to see parents and son reunite, it brought back lots of memories.
On Friday Shawn left for Iceland for his monthly visit. He hardly had time to breath, he went from the airport to interviews to zone conference to more interviews to church to fireside back to airport. Wow! What a weekend. He had a wonderful time but was spiritually and physically drained. This next week looks to be not so busy but only time will tell.

Hilary on her way back to BYU.

4 new Elders

3 Elders on their way home.

The new Elders and their companions in front of the Temple.

Week of Aug. 5th

This week was full of new opportunities, new experiences and new . . . . Royal titles? That's right, this week Shawn and I were dubbed a King and Queen; or else we would have been if we were living in the time before the world wars. Either that or we would have been servants and I prefer to look at the glass half full. On Friday and Saturday we were in Frankfurt, Germany for a new mission presidents training. We stayed in a beautiful hotel that at one time was a palace for the royal family. They spoiled us with all the food and accommodations; so even if we really weren't dubbed as King and Queen we sure were pampered as if we were. It was fun to see some of the mission presidents and their wives that we got to know in the MTC. It was sure nice having Hilary here so Jarom and Heather were able to stay at home with her. Returning home was a little bit scary because teenagers home alone never results in anything good, but we were pleasantly surprised to return home to nothing broken.
On Tuesday Shawn and I traveled to Århus for a zone training meeting and to another one on Thursday in Copenhagen. It was good to see all the missionaries again and see how excited they are to see each other.
On Friday we took Jarom and Heather to an open house at their new school. Well, new might be too strong of a word, more like used school. It is a school you would find in a used school lot rather than at a dealership where only new schools are sold. You can tell the building used to be an old office building. But once you get on the inside it is actually quite nice. At this new student orientation that they attended they both were able to meet some students and take a tour of the school.
On Sunday we attended Stake Conference in Herning for the Århus stake. Elder Craig Wright an area seventy from England was there, and he did an excellent job speaking. Shawn and I were asked to speak also. With an interpreter my talks only need to be half as long as normal talks but I still am not very fond of speaking. I did bear my testimony in Danish for the first time and I hope someone was able to understand me. Shawn did his in Danish and did wonderful as usual. After conference, Shawn was able to reacquaint himself with many members of the church from thirty years ago. It was a delight for him to see them again. Many of the children are now grown with their own families and serving in bishoprics and leadership positions. What a blessing it was to be among the valiant saints in Denmark. They are firm in their faith and love the Lord. How blessed we are to have the good news of the gospel in our lives and share that wonderful message with all who will receive it. We miss and love you all, yet know in our hearts that we have been called of God at this time to do His work. Yes we are inadequate for the task, but in the strength of the Lord all things are possible, even for us.
Thanks for your love and support and especially thank you for your prayers.
The are needed and greatly appreciated.

Week of July 30

On Monday we had a dinner for Elder and Sister Jensen at the mission home. It could have been seen as their last super here on the mission; just to give you a visual. We had 3 other senior couples there to help us honor them before they left to head home. It was a wonderful evening, we enjoyed getting to know all the couples better.
On Tuesday afternoon, we went to the senior couples apartments so Shawn could interview them and check to make sure their pond side apartments are up to par. Each couple made a part of dinner for us so when we combined all the offerings we were able to partake of quite a wonderful feast.
On Wednesday we traveled to Børnholm, an island south of Sweden. This is the island where our ancestors joined the church before moving to America. Brother Franz Bøving took us around the island showing us where our ancestors' family farm was located. He showed us the well that our ancestors hid the missionaries in when the mob was trying to kill them. It was such a cool experience to not only hear of these stories, but actually see where all this happened. We traveled back home on Thursday.
On Friday one of our missionaries had to return to his home for medical reasons. It is hard to send a missionary home before completing his mission. We hope that he is able to get the medical attention he needs so that he can return and complete his mission. After a trip to the airport we had a zone leader council at the mission home. It is always nice to have missionaries in our home; for their company and because when they are here we just have that many more repair men to fix anything that needs fixing. This trip they fixed the basketball hoop that had fallen face down and bent the hoop.
On Saturday we went as a family to Tivoli gardens, an amusement park here in Copenhagen. This theme park is where Walt Disney got his ideas to make his theme parks. It was a beautiful day for activities and perfect for family fun. When we first walked into the park there was something off about it, but we could not quite put our finger on it. The kids road on one ride on which they participated in their ritual of screaming like havoc routine and light was quickly shed on our curiosity from before. What made this park so different from what we were used to was that no one screamed. As soon as the ride was over, Shawn and I quickly walked away before our kids could claim us as their parents. Later we told them it was because we wanted to see more of the park, but that was only part of our reason. After being spun in circles enough times to confuse their simple directions as up and down, and flipped upside down so much that heather began to resemble Pippy Longstockings, the kids decided they had had enough so we returned home.
On Sunday we had a fireside at the mission home for investigators, new members, less actives and missionaries. We had a wonderful evening with around 35 in attendance.
Wow! What a wonderful week; quite busy, but great none the less. After all those meals made, cookies baked, and juices concocted I decided it was time for a vacation. . . Hm maybe in three years ;) I'm just kidding we love being here with these wonderful missionaries and being able to serve the amazing countries of Denmark and Iceland.

Standing in front of well where the missionaries hid from mob

A day at Tivoli!

Week of July 22nd

On Monday Shawn and I we're invited to attend the opening session of a YSA conference for the Nordic countries called "Festinord". Each year it is held in different locations in northern Europe and this year Copenhagen had the privilege of holding it just 15 minutes from our house. Hilary and Joel, a friend of hers from Brick Oven, were lucky enough to be participants of this conference all week long. Brad Wilcox a professor at BYU, Tomas Koford who portrayed Jesus Christ in the movie "The Testament", Brother Mathew Richardson from the Sunday School General Presidency and Elder Olsen an Area Seventy from Sweden were all in attendance. Brad Wilcox was the perfect person to open the conference. He spoke about dating and had everyone rolling in laughter.
On Friday, we celebrated Heather's 14th birthday. I can't believe our children are getting so old. Pretty soon they are going to catch Shawn in age because we all know I stopped aging after 21. As a special birthday present we took Heather to the temple to do baptism with her brother. The temple is beautiful. While we were there a temple worker explained the paintings that are located in the baptistery. One of the paintings has some prominent people from Denmark depicted in it. After the temple we returned home for birthday cake and got more of a surprise than was expected. Elder Bailey and Elder Pierson (assistants to the president) showed up to bring Heather a little gift for her birthday and joined us for cake and ice cream. It is wonderful to have such good missionaries that our children consider good friends.

Week of July 15th

This last week has been a busy one for Shawn. He has had the opportunity to travel back around Denmark to interview missionaries and get to know them better; their cleaning habits and all.
Christmas came early for us this year because Santa, although not in a sleigh, but in a moving truck, brought us our shipment we sent out months ago. This contained books, pictures, games, movies, clothes, etc. It's a good thing too because although Jarom didn't mind wearing the same clothes multiple days in a row, I think we were beginning to scare the neighbors.
Last Saturday, for Shawn's pday we went to down town Copenhagen. While we were down there we found a street known as the walking street. We know for a fact that cars are not allowed on this street because Hilary decided to try and drive on it and boy did she get some strange looks from many people. I think this is the first time I have ever seen Jarom hide his face in embarrassment. We decided it would be smarter to park like a normal citizen and walk along the street. This street turned out to be longer than a mile of endless shops on either side of you. And just like in the movies there are singers, guitarists, dancers, magicians, and performers of every kind on each block trying to make their living from the tips of shoppers. Now we are surrounded in this Danish culture and when Shawn and I ask the kids where they want to eat they looked around and all quickly agree on Burger King; yes those are my wonderful uncultured children. I will admit though, it was nice to have an old fashion fat filled burger. You don't see many burger places in this organic environment; something about fast food being unhealthy, I don't know.
A couple days later we had the opportunity to have Elder Bailey and Elder Pierson in our home to teach an investigator. The investigator has a brother that is a member in Holland, which is how he had heard about the church. He had lots of questions about things that we don't really think about; basic questions like, What is prayer? Who are the Jews? Why did they crucify Jesus? Shawn was gone, but Jarom was able to participate in the discussion. It was a good experience for everyone involved.

Iceland Trip

On Friday we traveled to Iceland to meet the missionaries and to have our third zone conference as a family. We arrived on Friday evening and had dinner with 1 of the senior couples, the Paulsens; what a super couple they are. After dinner we had the opportunity to meet 4 of the Elders and Shawn had missionary interviews with them. On Saturday we attended zone conference where we met 2 more Elders and another senior couple. What a special group of missionaries they are in Iceland.
On Sunday we attended church, at which our family was asked to be the sacrament meeting speakers. We eagerly, some of us more eager than others, accepted and all prepared talks that made Shawn and I proud. Due to the surprising fact that none of us speak Icelandic we had to have interpreters for each talk. After church the branch had a meet and mingle where we had the opportunity to meet and visit with the members. It is amazing how strong in the gospel such a small group of people can be.
On Monday we had our 1st preparation day. We went on a tour of Iceland called the golden circle. Our first stop was where the US and Iceland techtonic plates meet; we could see the prime minister of Iceland's house from there. An hour later our tour bus pulled up to the Golden Waterfall Gullfoss; it was beautiful. There were 2 waterfalls one right after the other. I guess you could say it is comparable to Niagara Falls. After seeing the waterfall we went to Geysir Hotspring where we watched geysers shoot up. Then it was back to the bus for us. On our bumpy ride, especially for Hilary and I because we sat in the very back, we saw many horses and sheep. The horses were short and stocky and the sheep look like a cross between a goat and a lamb. On our way back to Reykjavik we passed by Skálholt, the first Christian church in Iceland, and stopped to see the crater Kerid. After a long, yet eventful tour we made it back to our hotel. Tuesday morning we left for the airport at 5:30 to travel back to Denmark.

Where the 2 plates of US and Iceland meet

Gullfoss Falls

Geysir Hot Springs

First Zone conferences

On Tuesday we traveled to Århus, located on the pennisula of Jylland, for a zone conference. We had the opportunity to meet 22 Elders, 4 Sisters and 3 couples. It was fun to meet with them and see their enthusiasm about missionary work. On Wednesday Shawn held a zone leader conference at our home, at which 6 Elders, 2 Sisters and a couple attended. It was nice having them in our home and even nicer to have a full table again; even if it was only for one lunch.
Hilary, Heather and I were able to experience yet another grocery shopping adventure all too soon (this no Walmart predicament is killing me). We started out on top because successfully followed the GPS to a grocery store. Unfortunately this success was short lived. When we got to the store we had to park in underground parking, and as we entered we had to take a ticket which then raised a bar for us to enter. We felt pretty ingenious figuring that much out, but the only problem was now that we had this ticket we weren't sure what to do with it and we had a rather large parking garage, which later we found out was also for a mall, that we didn't know where to park in. There were potentially helpful signs hanging up, they just all happened to be in Danish. We finally just parked the car and went upstairs to the store. While in the store Hilary asked one of the workers about the ticket and with his limited English vocabulary and Hilary's newly developed skill of foreshadowing, we learned we needed to pay for the parking as we leave and we could use a credit card machine. This was very fortunate news for me because I have not exchanged my US dollars for Danish Kronners. It would probably be a good idea for me to do that soon, I might be in trouble next time.
On Thursday we attended another Zone conference; this one in Copenhagen, located on the island of Sjælland. We met with 18 Elders, 4 Sisters and 4 couples. Hilary, Jarom and Heather attended both zone conferences with us and have really enjoyed meeting all the missionaries. I think they might even have some favorites. After the first half of the conference today, Jarom, Hilary and Heather had the opportunity to go see the Copenhagen temple and to go inside Vor Frue Kirke, which is the church that has the original Cristus and 12 apostles statues.

Zone Conference on Jylland

1st few days in Denmark

We arrived in Denmark safely after a really long airplane ride. We walked off the plane with swollen feet and ready to sleep on anything horizontal and not moving. President Anderson and his wife picked us up, along with the mission presidents assistants, Elder Bailey and Elder Pierson. We stopped by the mission office on our way to the mission home and met Elder and Sister Nielson. This senior couple is serving in Denmark for the second time. They spoke English with us and with us already feeling overwhelmed from all the Danish, it was a breathe of fresh air. The mission office is where we were able to experience our first Danish pastries. They were, as Jarom would say, a flaky sensation that urges you to continue eating with every bite, and sometimes surprising you with a creamy taste of Heaven in the center. After visiting the office we were off to the mission home. We arrived at the mission home and met the Anderson's family. We took a tour of the home we will live in for the next 3 years. Sister Anderson had fixed a little snack for us and that is where we experienced having chocolate on our sandwich for the first time. I think we will all learn to love this. Then Sister Anderson offered to take me to the grocery store. I walked in with her and immediately remembered this was not Arkansas anymore and clicking my heals wasn't a realistic option. Culture shock overwhelmed every one of my senses; I saw and heard many foreign words, smelled foods I didn't know existed, foresaw myself tasting exotic foods, and touched . . . Ok, well I guess not every one of my senses were shocked. I couldn't find anything I was use to buying in the states which has made cooking a whole new adventure within itself. The other day I bought gravy thickening thinking it was gravy, because that's what the picture made me believe it was. My kids weren't adventurous enough to try just thickening on their mashed potatoes and I don't blame them. The grocery store we went to was comparable to Aldi's, but I have since learned that there are others stores with a wider selection. I look forward to shopping these soon. After returning from the store, the Anderson's left us and we were on our own.
On Sunday we attended our new ward. Everyone was really friendly to us, and made us feel very welcome. Most everyone greeted us in English which was nice and those who didn't quickly switched to English when they saw the loving yet very confused look on our face. Once the meeting started everything was in Danish. Except for Shawn, we all wore headsets throughout all of sacrament with Elder Bailey as our translator. For Sunday school and Relief Society, Hilary and I had translators. Jarom and Heather's Sunday school, YM and YW were in English so that was nice. I think they did that for them, it will not be like that all the time. But if Jarom's wish comes true he will have become fluent yesterday so it won't matter.
On Monday we took Shawn to the mission office where we dropped him off and then went shopping to find a few things that we needed for the house, plus more groceries. And what an adventure that was. Who knew that following a GPS could be so hard?! We got lost multiple times even using that. We went into IKEA thinking it would be nice to be in a store that we have back home, but it was the same as any other store we went into; everyone speaking Danish and all the signs in Danish. We all quickly decided we better take a crash course in learning Danish.
Elder Bailey and Elder Pierson gave Shawn a ride home from the mission office feeling very overwhelmed after his first day there.

Conclusion of Mission President Seminar

Yesterday we attended the MTC devotional with all the missionaries here, L Tom Perry was the speaker. Jacob and his companion were able to sit with us during the devotional, it was nice to spend some time with him.
What a wonderful seminar we have just finished. Today was so spiritual and a very powerful day. This morning we had the opportunity to listen to President Boyd K Packer. Very seldom have I witnessed President Packer get emotional, yet today he did. Among other things, he taught us to "Never go against the witness of the Spirit and to not be afraid to promise as a servant of the Lord what the Lord inspires and reveals to you. He talked about Revelation and the Gift of the Holy Ghost, he did a wonderful job. After lunch we got to hear from Elder Dallin H Oaks, he spoke about the Keys of the Priesthood. We also heard from Elder M Russell Ballard, who is the great great grandson of Hyrum Smith, speak about Joseph Smith and Hyrum. Today is the day 168 years ago that they were martyred. What a wonderful job he did. He was very emotional and tender as he spoke of his great, great grandfather and uncle. He taught how they were great missionary companions. How we can learn from and teach our missionaries to love, support and protect each other as they proclaim the gospel to al the world. We also heard the testimonies of Elder Nelson, Elder Bednar, Elder Scott and Elder Anderson. We are on a spiritual high right now, hoping to remember most of the things we have been taught in the last 4 days. During these 4 days, we have met all 110 new mission presidents and their wives. We have sung, prayed, laughed and cried much with each of them. We have become friends, brothers and sisters in the cause of truth with them. We have been in the presence of prophets, seers and revelators teach and testify of God, the Eternal Father and of His love for us. They have taught us of the doctrine of Christ and of His living reality. They have testified through the Holy Ghost eternal truths that are deeply rooted in our souls. They have facilitated the opportunity for us to feel and see the finger of the Lord touch our very being and enlighten us with His will and the will of the Father.
What joy feels our hearts as we prepare to serve His children in the Denmark, Copenhagen mission. We can't wait to get started!!

With our neighboring German Mission President and wife

Jacob and his MTC companion

In the MTC together

1st days in MTC

Shawn and I are at the MTC. We arrived yesterday afternoon for check-in. We have had a wonderful day today. We attended a sacrament meeting this morning, President Thomas S Monson was the speaker. 13 of the 15 prophet, seers, and revelators were in attendance. After sacrament meeting a few apostles stayed and we had the opportunity to see and visit with them. L. Tom Perry told me to hang on to Shawn so I guess I will listen and heed to his words. Sister Holland came up and gave me a hug. Everyone is so personable. Jacob helped prepare the sacrament so we got the opportunity to visit with him after the meeting for a few minutes. He is enjoying it here but is ready to go to Tacoma. He is scheduled to fly out from Salt Lake on the 3rd of July. There is such a wonderful spirit here in the MTC. At dinner this evening Sister Bednar motioned for us to come sit with her and Elder Bednar so we had the opportunity to visit with them. What a sweet couple they are. We kind of feel like someone has turned on a fire hose full of wonderful information. It is filling our souls and our cup is running over literally. We are spiritually filled and emotionally drained. We should sleep well tonight.

Being set apart

Today we were in Salt Lake at the church office building to be set apart. It was a real neat experience, the spirit was very strong and very peaceful. Elder Bednar set Shawn apart with Elder Rasband assisting and then Elder Rasband set me apart with Shawn and Elder Bednar assisting. Hilary was able to be with us. What a wonderful day. Tomorrow we will go into the MTC for the mission president seminar and then off to Denmark on Friday.

Elder Bednar, Shawn, Heidi, Hilary and Elder Rasband

Our nephew, Dax Sederholm came home today from his mission in Guatemala. Attached is a picture of Shawn and his brother, Kevin who is Dax's father. It was interesting to
welcome him home and to have him
and his family say goodbye to us at the same time in a matter of minutes. Tears of joy and sadness were shed at the same time.
Tomorrow morning we will be set apart by Elder Bednar as representatives of
Christ in the Denmark Copenhagen mission. Words are inadequate to express the feelings and emotions we are experiencing tonight. As we offered our companionship prayer together we felt the love of the Savior give us strength and courage to go and do as
he will command us to do. We pledge our hearts and souls to Him and to those we will serve as we embark on our mission.

Shawn with Kevin his brother

Elder Sederholm's setting apart

Our little vacuuming boy is now a missionary! We just got back from the stake center with tear stained clothes and a boy who is now on his way to becoming a man. This is an experience in which Shawn, myself, Hilary, Elder Sederholm, and Jarom will never forget. The spirit was strong and made this goodbye a little easier. Elder Sederholm leaves tomorrow morning on a 6 am flight to head to Salt Lake and enter the MTC for 3 weeks and then it is off to Tacoma, Washington.

Suit Pants and Packing

I am glad I still had a sewing machine at the house.  My good one had been packed and was being sent to Denmark.  The old one was dusted off because I had some altering of suit pants to do.  Jacob ordered pants, had them altered and when they arrived they were all too small.  So, we are not blaming it on our son's growth because he has not changed much since we took those 20 or so measurements.  So, I sit here ripping out seams and hoping they all fit our new missionary son.  I just added it to my long to-do-list.  So, I rip, I stitch and smile at the adventure, because it truly is an adventure.

Learning Each Day

Each day brings something new.  Challenges, successes, opportunities.  Today marked the beginning of our blog record of our mission.  The hope is that we can keep in touch with our friends, families, ward and stake families without taking a huge chunk of our time that needs to be devoted to serving our mission.  So, here is the beginning!  Welcome to our journey!

This is a picture we took that was published in the church news.