Catch up

I've been a bit distant from the blogging world, time seems to go by quickly. So I'll give you a bit of a recap on what has been going on.

In November my Grandfather's failing health, took a turn for the worst. My mom spent the month in the hospital and at his home with him. We skyped when there was internet and sent messages through my sister. It was a difficult month for the family. He died the night before Thanksgiving, he is finally out of pain. I was fortunate enough to talk to him a few times in the hospital via skype. Although it was a very hard and trying time for my family, God did miracles and amazing things happened. Everytime I talked to my mom or dad they would tell me the amazing things that were happening. Grandpa had peace, he made relationships right and he brought his families together, his kids and my mom and aunt. They had been separated for years and his wish was that they would be together. They became a family in those days, laughing and crying together, playing games and praying together, even sleeping on the floor around his bed at night, all together.

For me, my family in the house surrounded me, prayed for me, and listened to my stories. They sat with me and hugged me as I cried. I skyped with my family and we cried and then we laughed at the kids or the things mom was finding in my grandparents house. Sometimes grandparents keep the strangest things.

As for December, it's been a whirlwind. I've continued applying for jobs with no luck, I finally found a Danish course only to show up on the last day and find out they don't start again until the middle January. I helped out a few nights at the Cafe for some special Christmas Shows. Aeriole finally made it to the UK....WOOHOO!!! We skype and chat often and we're making plans to visit each other.

I've spent all of Christmas with Frank and Betina. Chrismas day they opened up their apartment to us and we hung out watching movies and eating candy, fruit, and popcorn. It was a good day and a good distraction from missing home. Yesterday, we went to Frank's parents home and had a danish lunch with open faced sandwiches and yummy sweets. We took a walk in the woods, unfortunately I didn't have my camera...UGH! It was beautiful! Later in the evening we went to the movies, my first time in Denmark. We watched Sherlock Holmes and I surprised myself by liking it. Today we cleaned the apartment and then went to another movie, Avatar, and I surprised myself again by liking it too. I don't think I have ever watched so many movies so close together in my life. Tonight, I don't know what is planned...we'll just have to wait and see...

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!

This year I had the privelege of celebrating Christmas Eve with Frank and Betina. In Denmark Christmas Eve evening is when families gather to celebrate. After going to a church service where Frank was playing the base, we traveled to Franks childhood home, built by his father, in the country. On the way Frank and Betina told me everyone's names and the relations, we listened to a chrismas CD Frank had produced a few years back and then we prayed for our housemates spread throughout Scandinavia this holiday evening.

We were welcomed with of hugs and introductions and I was given a tour of the house. Frank's mom, Ellen, was in the kitchen cooking with his sister, and I think we had an instant connection. It may be that we share the same name, but I still think she is one of the sweetest ladies I will meet! It was so nice to see Emily there, one of my dear housemates who happens to be Frank's niece. The last touches on dinner were made and the family was gathered. They began by singing a danish prayer and then we ate and ate and ate. We ate duck, pork, brown potatoes (they were actually white with brown sugar and butter on them), rodkal (red cabbage) cooked, red cabbage/fruit salad, brown gravy, boiled potatoes, and potato chips. Yes, I was a bit surprised at the potato chips too. It was all delicious!

Then the food and dirty dishes were cleared and new plates were placed for dessert. Risalamande is the traditional dessert, it is a rice pudding with chopped almonds and topped with a cherry glaze. This dessert is actually a bit of a game. There is a whole almond mixed in the dessert and whoever gets it wins a present. Traditionally the trick is to hide it until all the risalamande is eaten and then the winner pulls it out for all to see. However, the three youngest at the table found the almonds (there were three because we were so many), and they were too excited to hide it. It was a great time, and I was glad they found it because I don't think I could have eaten anymore, I was so full of yummy food!

We were then ushered into the home theatre, with real theatre seating, and the two younger girls put on a singing show for us. For intermission we were shown to the living room where the Christmas tree stood complete with presents underneath. The girls lit the candles on the tree and everyone gathered around to sing carols and dance around the tree.

After dancing around the tree we sat around the room and these same two girls passed out all of the presents. When they brought a present to me, I nudged Emily and said, "I think they got confused and gave me your grandma's present." She told them and they said it really was for me. This happened several times! I didn't even know these people and yet they were giving me gifts, I was in shock! Ellen had made me, actually knitted me some socks! They are very cozy...I'm wearing them now :) She is very talented, she knitted (is that a word?) all of the family different articles of clothing. It wasn't grandma-ish either...it was really cool!

The night left me speechless, I couldn't understand how they could be so generous to a stranger. So loving, and opening their home during family time. And yet at the same time, it helps me understand why Frank and Betina are who they are. They have amazing parents, so how could they be any different! While I miss my family, and our traditions, God is opening my eyes to see how other families live and love. What a privelege and honor, I am truly blessed!

The End...to another book written as a blogpost!

The Eve of Christmas Eve

Christmas is in the air, it smells of pine trees and sweets. The rich red ribbons and poinsettas are splashed about the city with wintry greens hanging and standing in the windows. There is a white blanket covering the ground and rooftops. The stores are filled with people gathering last minute treasures for loved ones. As the sun goes down lights are glowing in the windows of houses full of Christmas cheer. It's so nice to be snuggled up in a blanket drinking a nice cup of hot tea listening to the Christmas music amongst the hustle and bustle outside.

I must admit, it makes me miss family time. But technology is amazing! I love talking to my parents and sister on Skype with the kiddos running around. I love watching them dance to Snoopy and listening to them sing songs. It makes me smile everytime Grant says "auntie" and Alynna tells me she loves me! And I can't wait to skype on Christmas at Nana's! Sometimes I think we forget there are thousands of miles between us, it almost feels as if I could reach through the screen and touch them.

So, on this eve of Christmas Eve, I am going with some friends to visit Tina's cousin. Tina and her cousin always get together this night to have their own little Christmas and they invited me and a few others to join them. We will enjoy a lovely evening of food and fellowship. On that note...I am going to get ready for the evening.

Have a Merry Eve of Christmas Eve!!! And spread the Holiday Joy to everyone you meet!

Danish, Danish, Danish

Santa, Me, Lizette, Emily, and Lotte

Well, it's already Friday, again. I can't believe how fast time goes by, it feels as if it has magically sped up and I can barely keep up with the weeks, let alone days. I have had some very Danish, Danish, Danish, Danish experiences this past week. (just ask Frank)

Last Saturday we went to Malerkemmen, an old house in the forest about 30 minutes from here. As we drove up to a cozy cottage sitting amongst the trees we felt like we were going back in time. When we walked in the door we were greeted with a warm smell of yummy Danish pastries. We walked through the house and admired the old Danish decor and classic Danish Christmas decorations. They have converted this Danish house into a restaurant, it is known for aebleskiver and varm kakao, aka hot chocolate and ball shaped apple pastries. (see above pictures) They had many different desserts, yummy pancakes and aeblekage (another yummy apple dessert) just to name a few. I chose to stick with the famous and was not disappointed, the aebleskiver and varm kakao was delicious!

After enjoying every bite and every drop of the Danish yumminess, I found out there was more. They have horse and buggy rides that take you to a cabin just down the road that has turned into a shop. We were too late for the ride but we were just as pleased to walk to the cabin. It was another cabin situated amonst the trees with a fire pit outside surrounded by people and an outside vender selling sweets and warm drinks. As we went into the cabin it was crowded with Danish teas, sweets, and Christmassy treasures. It was filled, we had to go through single file to see everything. I found some neat cooking pans and was a bit surprised to find in this Danish, Danish, Danish experience that they were from Minneaplis, Minnesota...HAHA! A jolly good time was had by all!

On another note, Anders, one of our housemates, is a gospel choir director and Emily and Lizette, two more housemates are part of his choir. We had the privelege of attending their concert. It was amazing! First of all they sounded GREAT and it was fun to see Anders working, he really gets into it. By the second song he had everyone in the place standing up, clapping their hands, swaying and singing in parts! It was quite impressive, especially in this reserved Danish society.

Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner

Getting ready for the big day!

Maria and Anna

Rakel, Lotte, Tina, Marike

Me and Jenny

This past week Jenny and I decided to make a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner. It was a first for both of us, and if Patricia (Jenny's mom) hadn't come to Denmark to help us it wouldn't have been so good. We started Friday night cutting veggies and preparing, prioritizing, and scheduling the ovens in the house for the next day. We had two 10 lb Turkeys, apparently that is as big as they get around here...and they cost a very pretty penny!

On Saturday we had our normal brunch and an amazing time of worship. Patricia and Anna arrived around noon and we began our cooking. We cut veggies, peeled potatoes, mashed potatoes, baked veggies, baked 2 Turkeys, baked homemade rolls from scratch, and had a great time doing it all! Emily called the owner of the cafe and got permission to eat down there. It was beautiful! We had music and candles and lots of people! Jenny had invited friends from school, so we ended up having five different nationalities at the table from 4 continents. It isn't hard to have several different nationalities around a table in Europe, but I thought it was a bit special for a Thanksgiving meal. Sadly Mr. David "Buck" Hudson was unable to attend, but he did manage to call during the meal, and since I know that you spy on the house through this blog...your presence was missed!

Frank, being the "father" of the house was given the duty of carving the turkeys, and did a great job! The meal was delicious, and we had several compliments! Towards the end of the meal we went around the table everyone said something they were thankful for. Maria made pies for dessert and Emily gave us some yummy muffins and chocolate chip cookies left over from the cafe. After we ate there was coffee, fun, fellowship and hanging out. We kicked off the holidays by turning up the Christmas music and dancing. It was a great day, full of great memories!

Another Friday night in Copenhagen

So first off, big news in the house, Emily, Aaron, and Samuel opened a cafe. Cafe Cadeau, which is located on the main level of our house is now open and has an American twist. They are making a lot of American drinks and foods at a lower price in order to attract university students. Jenny brought some of her class mates to a preview last week and they all loved it saying they would be back. And true to their word, one of her classmates even made it to opening day :)

In other news...I spent 9 hours in an ER on Wednesday night because Emily got hit by a car while riding her bicycle. Luckily she wasn't hit hard and there were no serious injuries, she is just bruised and very sore. I stayed with her in the ER and when she wasn't in a lot of pain, we had some good chats and bonding time. Later in the evening Anders and Samuel joined us and provided some good entertainment during our long wait.

And on Friday night, we gathered in the living room for some music and worship, which lucky for you, I have made some videos. So enjoy another peek into my life...

Thanksgiving in Denmark

This past weekend we, as a house, were invited to Betina's parents for dinner. They wanted to have the House over because Betina's mom had been very sick a while back and almost died...3 times in one weekend. The House prayed day and night in shifts for her recovery and she was healed! As I jumped into the car with three dear friends I felt like it was the holidays and we were going to our grandparents house to celebrate.

They welcomed us into the home giving each one of us a hug as if they had known us forever. They ushered us into the sitting area and gave us drinks til dinner was ready. They must have cooked all day long...literally! As all thirteen of us gathered around the table we sang thanksgiving to God and began a delicious two course meal with turkey, couscous, salmon, spinach and a very yummy dessert to follow. Through the course of the meal we all chatted and they shared with us about everyday life and the faithfulness of God. Then when dessert came they went around the table and asked what each one of us was studying or working and what we do with our lives, all with a genuine interest.

We moved to the living room about 1030 pm, and they showed no signs of tiredness as they made tea and coffee and brought out chocolate candies. Betina's dad told us about the weekend his wife was in the hospital and how God had given him verses in the Bible to read to not give up hope. They shared how God had brought the right doctors at the right time, her father is a doctor and knows that she really is a miracle. He said that from a medical perspective she shouldn't be alive. They shared how their unsaved friends prayed and witnessed the miracle as well. We ended the night with prayers and songs of thanksgiving to God. We really did go home to GRAND parents!

Skype and Grandparents

This week I was able to skype my Nana and my Grandpa. Seeing and talking to them was such a treat. It's amazing how much closer you feel to family when you can see and hear their voice.

The chat with Nana was quite lovely! She is such a strong woman with a young spirit. She's sometimes leary of trying new things but when her grandkids are involved she will do almost anything. For instance, this past week my cousin invited her to join facebook and recommended that the rest of my family on facebook add her as well. While Nana and I were chatting on skype she told me about all of these emails she had gotten from us to join facebook. I asked her if she would like for me to help her and she was a bit hesitant but ended up letting me help her set up an account. I wasn't sure if she would get into it, but I think we will have her hooked in no time. ;)


It was especially nice to chat and see my grandpa. He is very sick with terminal cancer and has just been put on hospice. I have had the privelege of speaking to him on skype a couple of times when my mom was visiting him. I chatted with him one day before surgery and I was able to give him a tour of my house. Mom said that he enjoyed the time we had together and that he was very impressed with skype. A few days later via skype we chatted again, but this time it was shorter and he was more tired. When I looked at him he looked like a fragile old man, not the strong, healthy grandpa I remember. In speaking with my mom and dad, it sounds as if God is doing some good things in my family and especially with my grandpa. The realization that I will not see him again on earth is heart wrenching. I know that he will go to a better place but it is hard to let him go while being so far away.

Culture

Saxopaths

Me and Rakel

Rakel

Today I went with Rakel to Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, a museum on H.C. Andersens Blvd, very near the statue of H. C. Andersens. We went to a concert that consisted of four saxophone players, called Saxopaths. I wasn't sure what to expect because I had never been to a concert of just saxophones. I was very impressed and I am adding a video clip for you to listen to with a very popular piece, think Godfather...

Low Riders in CPH

Lizette

Lotte, Lizette, Anton, Frank


Friday evening began as many others have begun, dinner at seven, cleanup, then chatting on the couches with tea and coffee. We had a guest staying with us from Sweden to check out the house, our vision, and to spend time with Frank. As the evening progessed different ideas were given on what we should do..go for a walk, watch a movie... Then someone brought up "low riders". We soon found out that some people in the house that rode their bicycles to dinner last week came up with a new way to ride. Instead of sitting on the seat, they would sit on the thing that rested just above the back tire giving the appearance of "low-riding". Soon a small band of us decided to go out as low riders in Copenhagen. However, we couldn't just ride, we had to add some flair...as you saw in the pictures above. As we were riding through the streets of Copenhagen, which were fairly well populated for 10PM, Frank began pulling stunts on his bike. I made a video, however it is a bit rough because, well, I was low-riding also.


Warning: video may cause motion sickness.

*If you look at the pictures from October I have put names below them.

Fathers teaching in the House

The last three nights have been full! On Sunday night, David "Buck" Hudson was here for dinner and he did a teaching on the Trinity. It was very good and very mind blowing at the same time. Is it possible to understand the Trinity? How Father, Son and Spirt are three persons in one...I really don't have any more to say than that.

On Monday night Tom Bedford came to town and spoke about relationships out of Romans 12 and Revelation 15:4. He said some great things like the essence of the devil is to divide, the essence of God is unity. When we are unified in Christ with righteous acts it disassembles the power of the devil. Humility is the beginning of unity.

On Tuesday night Tom gave a similar message to what he has preached in Kirksville and Pittsburg...Romans 8:1-4 and condemnation. Christianity isn't just studying the laws of God and failing them, it is Jesus living in us and empowering us to live by the laws. Jesus broke the power of sin over our lives, giving us grace-the ability to be like Jesus without making it happen in own human power. There is freedom in Jesus.

Isn't it amazing that there are fathers in the house! God didn't create us and leave us as orphans, he gave us fathers to come along side us to push, pull, encourage, listen, discipline, teach, cover, hold, care and just to be with us. I know this because I have the best one! He can probably run faster and farther than any of your dads :)

Real Life

First of all, Synnove is doing much better. Apparently later that night, after we prayed for her, she felt something change and she started feeling better. Thank you Jesus!

On Saturday we had brunch and worship, both great! We had a time of committing our lives to God and his purpose, especiallly those in the house. Later that night we all went out to dinner together to Rizraz. A vegetarian buffet that you can order meat on the side. It was pretty interesting and actually quite tasty! We completed the night with a classic...Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, it was almost perfect!

On Sunday we had Huset work day! It was great, we started with a Birthday brunch for Betina at 9 and at 10 we got our assignments and went to work. I had the privelege of defrosting two freezers and cleaning out kitchen cabinets, and the highlight of the day....going to the Copenhagen dump! Oh yes, you heard me right, I have now been to the Copenhagen dump, now this is real life! I decided the Copenghagen dump is much better than the Pittsburg dump, but a little more complicated. We actually had to separate the wood, metal, glass, electronics, they all go in in different metal bins. Some of them were mixed, and some were separated in size. It wasn't even that smelly!

Amazingness of a prayer loft

Another week already! I officially missed my return flight on the 29th, I guess I will have to stay for a bit longer ;)

Last week I discovered and experienced the prayer loft, personally and corporately. It was AMAZING! I think I fell in love! I began by lounging on a couch to read my bible and pray, I ended up kneeling on the floor singing. I think I was up there for a little over an hour and had the most wonderful time! The next time I went up and turned on some worship music and layed on the floor pillows praying but more importantly just listening, trying to "be still" and "take my thoughts captive". It proved to be another great experience! Who knew a prayer loft would be so amazing!! (apparently the Danes)

Throughout the day on Friday we kept getting texts about family members ill in the hospital, family members getting injured, or friends having medical issues. My housemates had also informed me about Halloween. Now I know everyone has different views of Halloween and it's a bit touchy with some folks. Some dress up, some don't, I personally like dressing up and love the idea of a fun light hearted party. But this year a seriousness came about, I began to hear stories of past halloweens with people being crucified and human sacrifices. And then all the texts of people being sick and injured. Suddenly it wasn't silliness but quite serious. So I experienced my first corporate prayer loft experience. After dinner several of us went to the prayer loft, turned on some worship music and the prayer warriors started. It was amazing! We spent at least an hour praying and crying out to God/Jesus for the sick and injured.

If you would like to pray, Synnove, one of the members of the house is in Africa with YWAM and she is very sick with malaria and typhoid fever. She visited the U.S. in April, spending time mainly in Omaha and Kirksville.

It's time to cook dinner now...I will write more later! And I will try to come up with some more pictures to post :)

Eye of the Tiger

Today was a good day. It is Sunday and last night was daylight savings and we fell back an hour, which usually means we get to stay up later because we get to sleep in later. (that statement makes perfect sense) I found it to be about 1130pm, actually 1030pm with the extra hour, and most of the Danes I live with were sleeping. I thought to myself...WHAT?? This is the perfect night to stay up, we don't have to get up for anything in the morning. We have our "church service" on Saturdays so we could sleep in however late we wanted too! So I chatted with my sister and niece with a very bad internet connection and then decided to watch Psych.

Speaking of Psych (side note I wasn't sure where to start the new paragraph so I decided to do it now, not sure if this is grammatically correct though)...like I was saying speaking of Psych, my room mate Jenny introduced me to this show. I had never seen it but it is actually quite funny and so far clean, for the most part. I was pleasantly surprised. I am not going into detail about the show itself, if you are that interested you will just have to look it up, I think it is a WB production. All this to say, I watched Psych on the perfect night to stay up late. My room mate was sleeping so I put my earphones in and sat on my bed chuckling in the dark as I watched this silly show on my computer. (lucky for me my room mate bought the first three seasons before leaving the country :))

So, Saturday, we had a lovely brunch with visitors, unfortunately I don't remember their names. We worshipped for a while, and of course it was amazing because this is a house of worshippers and our guests were worshippers too! So we most generally have good worship, not because of the talented musicians (and we have amazingly talented musicians), but because of the heart of the people. These are some of my favorite times in the house, even when we are singing in Danish and I'm not sure what is being sung, God is still here. The guests were also the speakers for the day. They spoke about their lives and on worship. They talked about how worship was not about me and what I am doing, but where my heart is...it is about ascribing worth. They used the example of it worship being a kiss. It reminded me of Doug preaching about slobbery dog kisses and worship. It is true, worshipping Jesus is the same here, Kingdom culture is international.

Now, for today, another great day. I woke about 1030, woohoo for sleeping in! Then I showered and fixed myself a great American breakfast, eggs and toast! It was delicious! After doing my nails and some reading, Tina and I went out for coffee. We first walked through a garden enjoying the beautiful autumn colors and smells of nature all found in the middle of the city. As we sat in the cozy cafe and began chatting suddenly Eye of the Tiger began playing in the background. I smiled to myself and thought this is the last thing I thought I would hear in a Danish cafe. Then Take My Breath Away came on, and I was suddenly in the mood to go home and watch all the classic 80's movies. But I didn't, instead we ordered cake and coffee and chatted for the next hour and half. We chatted about our dreams, God's faithfulness, and encouraged one another, you know the real type of fellowship.

Entertainment in Denmark...Starbucks at the Airport

Maria, Me, and Jenny

Tina

Rakel and Emily

Aaron, Anders, Samuel

Last night we went to Starbucks. Now I don't know about all Danes, but the ones I live with get very excited about Starbucks. It was mentioned yesterday afternoon and three of us planned to go after dinner. At dinner it was mentioned again and we suddenly had two car loads of people full of excitement headed to the airport, why? Because the only Starbucks in Copenhagen is at the airport. We found a cozy corner with our hot drinks and then the real fun began. There was chatting and laughing and dancing. We were taking pictures and movies of each other, it was grand! And probably quite entertaining for those around us. After leaving Starbuck's we had to go to the 7eleven to see the coke dispenser. (It was one of those pneumotubes that they have at the bank and it goes along the ceiling of the store when you buy a coke.) Then we went to the roof of a parking garage and, well lets just say it was entertaining as well with the laughing and dancing, again.

Below is a video of some of the seat dancing.

Perspective

It is time for the weekly fast. We began this fast right after dinner by reading a chapter out of God's Chosen Fast. Then we worshipped, and it was glorious. Everytime we worship I am hit with the presence of God. Suddenly the joy of the Lord comes and everything seems to make sense again. Have you ever had those moments? A smile just naturally comes to my face and I begin to think about the goodness of God. Surrendering all that I am to His will and giving all of my hopes and dreams to Him. After all, His dreams are much bigger than mine!

We enter a time of prayer and these are the amazing things that I hear, "God please forgive me when you look into my heart and see junk, when you see more of me than you." Suddenly I remember that God's kindness leads us to repentance (Romans 2). He allows us to change and doesn't hold our sin against us, saving us from His wrath. His mercy and love amaze me. I am so undeserving, forever indebted to Him.

What better way to approach a time dedicated to God than thru repentance and humility. We were able to worship and give honor to God in this time. Is there a better place?

Ugly Naked Guy

Today was the start of funny memories in Copenhagen. After our morning Settlers game Samuel showed me onto the balconey (pictured above), it was a bit chilly so I took a blanket and we sat soaking in the vitamin D! Soon Samuel left to go to the gym, and I remained for a bit longer. I decided that a cup of tea and a book would be perfect, however, when I went to the door I found that it was very hard to open, and there was no doorknob on the outside of the door. I went back and sat down and thought, hmm...that is strange, I don't remember it being that difficult for Samuel to open. About this time I noticed Erik leaving on his bicycle, not wanting to appear ignorant on how to open doors (even ones without knobs), I silently watched him leave. Soon I began looking for other options: 1)Jump, however the concrete ground* was about 12 feet way, 2)Crawl over the railing and slide down the *pole holding up the balcony, 3) Jump into the *tree that had very flimsy branches. All of these were okay, but then I remembered that once I got down I wouldn't be able to get into the house because the doors are always locked and I didn't have my key, and the doorbell is a bit sketchy. I decided to soak in a bit more vitamin d. Then I noticed that the sun was beginning to go behind a building and it was getting colder in the shade (I was only wearing a t-shirt, sweats and thin socks with my blanket). I thought about calling out to a stranger passing by the front of the house, but was much to pridefull for that sort of thing. So I resorted to knocking on the door and peering in the window...nobody heard me. I did this several times, I tried to pry open the door, still nothing... after numerous times of trying this, and two hours later, Erik came home and I called to him from the balcony. "Hi Erik, can you help me, I'm uhh...stuck" He soon rushed to the door and let me in...I must interrupt and let you all know, he is older and married...He made me a cup of tea and I put on some warmer clothes and socks! My feet took quite some time to warm up!


At dinner time, Liv (Erik's) wife happened to be sitting near the window and suddenly said, "Why do people do the dishes naked?" Everyone began to look at each other strangely and suddenly someone said, "what are you talking about?" Liv replied, "the neighbor, he's doing the dishes and it doesn't appear that he has any clothes on"...I suddenly started chuckling and felt as if I was in an episode of Friends with Ugly Naked Guy!

By the way, Samuel locked me out on the deck, claiming it was an accident.

*items pictured above

You guys sure know how to make a gal feel special, two posts and I already have 10 comments, and followers...not sure I can handle this kind of pressure. This means you are actually reading what I write and want to read more...eeeek!



Well, you are in luck I have more to write about today.



We'll start with the morning, Monday thru Friday we meet at 0700 to pray, read the bible, discuss a book, worship, or whatever the person leading has planned. This is quite possibly my favorite part of the day. On Monday we worshipped and prayed for the Copenhagen, Denmark, the world, and those of us that are jobless. We also fasted as a house on this day. Tuesdays we separate guys and gals and discuss a book, The Radical Christian by Arthur Wallis. As usual the guys are on chapter six and the ladies are still on chapter four, and will attempt to finish chapter next week. I have only read chapter four and I think this book is going to be really challenging. I'm not sure I'm all that radical...


After breakfast I had an arousing game of Settlers of Catan with Anders, Maria, and Rakel. Who knew they had settlers in Denmark? I was quite excited, especially when I won!

This afternoon I ventured out by myself to some nearby lakes that have walking and biking areas around them, I believe there are four lakes that go through the city. I walked around 3 of them today. They are beautiful! As I was walking I couldn't stop smiling and thinking, this is right. I couldn't believe I was actually here, I have wanted this for so long, and I am finally here. For years I have wanted to do something like this. What could be greater? I know it has only been four days, but it is good. It's true, God's dreams are bigger and better than the ones we come up with for ourselves!

When I returned home I had the privelege of chatting with Maria. The last two nights I have stayed up late chatting with Tina, and during the other days I have had the opportunity of chatting with Rakel and Lizette. It amazes how I can move into a house, barely knowing my house mates and have such a connection with them so quickly. It is as if we have been friends our whole lives, we just sit and share life experiences, the faithfulness of God, struggles we have been through, without any awkward moments.

Sometimes I want to pinch myself to see if I am dreaming and I wonder, how did I get here? God is faithful!

I know I have only been here four days, I feel as though I'm in a honeymoon phase. But I have work to do, learn the language, get a job! But most importantly, love God and those around me.

The beginning of my Denmark Journey

Here are some pictures of the house, my flowers, the danish flag, and some things Tina and I labeled this morning in order to help the Americans in the house learn Danish a little quicker. Besides me there are three other Americans, Jenny, Samuel, and Aaron Hudson. Rakel put a label on me too, Skat, which they say means sweet heart.

Saturday evening we watched the Denmark/Sweden futball game. It was a bit intense at times, but Denmark pulled through for a win to continue on to the World cup! I could hear all kinds of hooping and hollering outside my window thru the night. It reminded me of the good ol' days of Titus!

I do believe I have you caught up on the highlights of the trip thus far...I hope you have enjoyed them!

Much love to friends and family!

ebt

To Whom it May Concern:

I created this blog for those of you who have been asking if I have one, would I create one, when am I going to create one, etc. So, Welcome, or Velkommen, as we say it here in Denmark. (A word I have heard several times over the last few days.)

I began my journey to Denmark on Thursday October 8th, 2009. On the long flight over I sat next to a Norwegian pilot for the Scandinavian airlines. He seemed a bit perturbed that he wasn't in first class, but managed some small talk and we had a few chuckles. He was so kind to inform me about the French airbus that recently crashed was very similar to the airbus we were sitting in...just what I wanted to hear as we were on the runway. About five minutes later he chuckled and said it was a very well built aircraft and I should not worry. A bit late for that, don't you think!

Soon after the pilot (my neighbor) was asleep, I began reading letters and a journal of notes that many had written for me. It was a good thing everyone around me was sleeping because I went from laughing to crying over and over again. Thank you for all the kind words!

I arrived in Copenhagen to see four bright and smiling faces with a large Danish flag in hand, celebrating my arrival. They took my luggage and off we went to the house, where I was greeted with a beautiful bouquet of flowers on my dresser and more smiling faces.