SOS - Sandwich and Slaegtsforskning

SOS is for sandwiches and family history!  We love this tradition of our Amager Branch.  Once a month, after church services, we meet for a light lunch of sandwiches, and have a class to get help with our family history.  The class begins with a "tip" or presentation of some kind to help us learn about a variety of things such as web sites, how to work in Family Tree, new developments in research, etc.  This lasts about 15 or 20 minutes.  Then while we eat sandwiches and sometimes a cookie or piece of cake, individuals can get help from the branch family history consultants (or other members) with whatever they are working on.  This tradition has been so successful that a visiting bishop from Orem actually took the idea home to use in his ward.  Not a bad idea at all, and it is so fun!

Jytte, Thea, Ole, Lise, E. Parker, Alejandra on phone

E. and S. Buxton, Elder Nielsen

S. and E. Ottley

Hanne Olsen, Birk, Christina, Alejandra

Ole, Thea, Jytte, Kirsten, Ellen, Sebastian

Brother________, Ulla

We have felt the spirit of family history work for a number of years now, but never as strongly as this past year working with Bev's Danish ancestors.  We had hoped to learn a small bit about Danish research while on our mission, but have truly been blessed to be involved to the extent we have.

Some of you may remember that last Spring we were cleared to work in the Copenhagen Temple as ordinance workers.  We had planned to drive from Aarhus once a month.  Then, just before we were actually called to serve, the temple department of the church changed the policy allowing full time senior missionaries to serve in this dual capacity.  We were so disappointed!  But that policy was reversed just recently, and two weeks ago we were asked if we still wanted to serve, though we will be finishing our mission in three months.  Of course, the answer was yes!  We were thrilled.

Another wonderful blessing we have received in relation to our Danish family history concerns our dear friends, Lise and Ole Ravn-Petersen from Aarhus.  Lise is the one who took the time to help and teach us enough to get us started.  She has helped clear up errors, find family names, original records, and learn how to go forward with some confidence.  This past month they have been called to serve full time in the temple for the rest of this year, and have moved just upstairs from where we are living.  It has been so fun to serve in the temple with them.

Blackhams visiting, Lise and Ole, Buxtons

Having worked in the Provo Temple for four years just prior to our mission, we know of the blessings and power that comes from serving in the temples of our God.  I felt bad when we had to be released, but Glen assured me new blessings would come by serving as missionaries.  I knew he was right.
But now, we not only can serve once again, but we are actually living in Copenhagen and can attend regularly.  This was truly an answer to my personal prayers.  This is like "icing on the cake" as we complete our mission here in Denmark.