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.