Wells-doings

temple servants in Copenhagen

Hello, dear ones!

We had a family theme scripture years ago that I still love: “Wherefore, be not weary in well[s]-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (D&C 64:33). This update will focus on 1. Being not weary in well-doing (how we’re coping in Denmark) 2. The great work of coming to Christ (our temple and church service plus shout out to Holger Danske) 3. Small things leading to great things (moments of joy).

The short summary is: it feels like we’ve lived many months in the past month, in so many good ways. Our time here has been stretching, and humbling, and full of growth. We are settling into our apartment, our routine, new friendships, bus and train routes, and bakery runs. There are many blessings amongst a few challenges.

1. Be not weary in well[s]-doing

Honestly, this has been a wearying month! Our schedule is pretty intense. The Danish word for temple workers is “temple servants,” which is a great concept. We are servants of the Lord, in his house, trying to learn the ways of the other Scandinavian servants here. We’ve also jumped into ward participation, making new friends, supporting a new convert at his baptism, speaking in Sacrament meeting, and playing the piano as needed. The linguistic needs at the temple are ever-changing but we are making some progress and being continually challenged in that direction. I’m sure this is very good for our aging brains.

The spring tulips at the temple were taken out this week, replaced with summer geraniums. I was sad to see the gorgeous blossoms leave, but their time was done. I feel like we’ve been replanted and are adjusting to this new season ourselves. I don’t know if I’ll ever get over missing bathroom countertops and a garbage disposal while we’re here, but at home in Sandy Matt could never come home from a morning run with a loaf of crusty bakery bread still so warm the butter melts as you spread it.

A son in law likes to ask us our favorite new Danish word each week. Recent nominees include “snart” (soon), “svampe” (mushroom–doesn’t svampe risotto sound tasty?), and both the words and flavors of “rabarber” (rhubarb) and “hyldeblomst” (elderflower). Another is “pinse”--Pentecost. The celebration of Pentecost is important here, and we attended a vespers service at the Church of Our Lady where we could follow all the Danish liturgical program, even if we didn’t know every word, which felt like progress. I did have a classic missionary moment learning that a vowel difference in pronouncing “ånd” or “and” means that you are blessing others with either the Lord’s spirit, or the Lord’s duck… May you find the gift of spirits and not just ducks in your life!

2. The great work: coming to Christ

One of the missionaries asked me by the Christus statue: how close do you have to stand to look into Jesus’ eyes? Turns out, you have to walk really close with intention, and bend down a little, and look up. During our temple hours, we are seeking to help others find Christ, through promises they make, through connections with the Lord’s spirit, and through focused time refining their souls. We are walking close with intention, bending down, and looking up.

Whether it is helping a new Ukrainian convert figure out how to do baptisms for his grandpa, or Matt being able to assist the Germans who come in with questions, or providing comfort to a grieving woman, or helping American visitors with a forgotten recommend, or being awed by the efforts of a disabled elderly Norwegian woman who traveled seven hours by bus to attend the temple, we are grateful to be able to support others in their soul journeys.

trying to be reverent like Holger

There is a statue in the underground tunnels of Kronborg Slot (the Hamlet castle at Helsingor) of Holger Danske. This legendary Danish hero (like a King Arthur of times long past) is held up as the protector of the land. It is said that when Denmark is in trouble, Holger Danske will awaken to action and return. A resistance group during World War 2 named themselves the Holger Danske, as well as a popular moving company, as the name symbolizes strength. That struck me as a Christ symbol, that we are waiting for his return—but until then, we are taking on his name and trying to do his work of helping others.

3. Small things leading to great things: moments of joy

We’ve encountered beautiful people, places, and things in Denmark. After spending so much time thinking about creation in the temple, we have loved seeing gorgeous creation in real life here: a darling baby elephant at the zoo, swans on the lake, rhododendrons, lilacs, wisteria, and hortensias (hydrangeas) in bloom, the stunning white cliffs of Møns Klint.

Our thoughtful children have been such a support, and we’ve particularly enjoyed some fun letters they sent with us to open at various random moments. Meeting up with friends and family have been highlights. Lately that has included breakfast with Marc & Brenda Child, a hug from Donna Tolley at just the right moment, being with our cousins’ kids (Søster Whitt serving a mission here, and Scott Staheli visiting), as well as more time with Greg & Nan’s family. We’ve spent time with other senior as well as young missionaries, and are excited to have our Utah friends the Whiteheads start their senior service here. Copenhagen is delightfully such a global destination hub.

We had a special experience walking in the footsteps of Matt’s great-grandfather (Victor Hegsted) who was born in Copenhagen, and learning new details of our ancestors’ lives here. Victor’s parents were mission presidents in Copenhagen in the 1860s, and we found the house they’d lived in, the church where their firstborn son was buried, and the early mission home of the later nineteenth century that Victor (as an adult) and my ancestor Isaac Sorensen stayed at as missionaries long ago.

We watched the current Danish king wave from the balcony on his birthday, and saw the tombs of a thousand years of Danish monarchs at Roskilde–very circle of life, and thought about efforts of faith throughout the ages, and lives lived. It is inspiring to see so many trying so hard to be better people: from early Danes spreading Christianity, to those spending years of their lives building churches and creating paintings and sculptures to honor God, to those today trying to improve their lives and follow Jesus just a little more each day. We’re grateful to be on this journey of wells-doing, along with you.

May the Lord bless you and keep you!

Søster & Ældste Wells

PS if you want to see more photos of our first month here, click on this link.