Life is hoppin'..."30 day in the land" orientation and an unfortunate transfer:-(

So we have begun a new tradition for our new missionaries which have been in the land for 30 days:  They come to the mission home for three days and nights for a summarized training of the last three zone trainings.  We feel this will help them to teach more effectively and acclimate quickly to the culture of the mission.  This was a larger group of 14 with the help of our assistants.  

                                 

All is clean and quiet before they arrive.  This is the Elders bedroom with 14 beds

This is the downstairs family room.

 

                     Each night for a bedtime snack, we set out yogurt, muesli, fruit and  cookies.

                                   

However we quickly learned that they really appreciate "Nougat bits" cereal and so we just bought more...lol 

After a big breakfast and clean up, this room was a very quiet scripture study area

We spent hours of training in the office downstairs.

The assistants led us in our scripture memorizing/ponderizing competitions.  It got pretty intense at times.  Each month the missionaries vote on four "preach my gospel" scriptures to memorize/ponderize.  These new missionaries did a great job!

Scriptures at our feet, hands behind the head...on your mark, get set, go! 

Lots of meals with some pretty serious eating.  (Yes, that is an apron.:-) Aren't they great!

One of my challenges is to find a job for everyone.  They ALL help in the kitchen, setting tables, carrying chairs and tables, washing dishes, etc,etc....

Our assistants even prepared one lunch meal of "Smørrebrød".  We were all taught by Elder Mogensen the true etiquette of eating this Danish meal.  He will truly be missed when he returns to Bornholm at the end of his mission in 2 weeks.  But now we know more of the Danish culture.  

                                   

One night we took public transportation into Amager for a great Danish Buffet.  We were having too much fun to remember to take pictures at dinner so we struck a pose on the train.

A movie and popcorn back at the mission home.  Have you seen " A New Day for the Book of Mormon".  Very powerful!

Always a great experience at the temple.

We sent them back to their companions and areas after three days of training.  We feel much closer to each of them.

The next morning President and I went to the train station in Copenhagen to pick up two sisters.

We had to say good bye to "Sister Rovig".  Long story short, visa expired earlier than expected. It was truly a shock, but she accepted the news with true submission.  She has been reassigned in the states to finish her mission.  These missionaries learn to move forward with faith, diligence and humility.  We love you Sister Rovig! We'll keep in touch<3

  

Their last picture together at the airport...silly sisters...

BTW, Sister Rovig says not to feel too sorry for her...she's going to a warmer place.

So we took her companion out to a Mexican restaurant......and then delivered her to her two 

new companions.  They will seriously be a great trio!

                                  

Our first snow of the season!