Sunday, August 9, 2015

Festinord 2015

Festinord is the L.D.S. conference for L.D.S. YSA's from
Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland.  It started way back in 1966 and has grown to this years' largest group yet, way over 700!
Young adults came from not only the Nordic countries but from over 25 other countries.  It was amazing and we, as a Senior Missionary couple working with the YSA's got to be there!   


The theme with the light house was so fitting since Scandinavia
is loaded with lighthouses!
"That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light growth brighter and brighter until the perfect day".  D&C 50:24


Elder and Sister Whittaker waiting in line 
 to get on the ferry.  It leaves
 from Kristiansand.

Here is our happy group - Elder Nelson, Atle, Brianne,
Hannah, Camilla and Benjamin.

This is Skagen, the northern most point of Denmark where
two seas come together - the North Sea and the Baltic.
You could really see the waves coming together 
from opposite directions.

Even though it was pouring rain, we all walked out
into the sea.

On one of the first days, Atle's car wouldn't start so
they tried to push start it.  Didn't work but Jim saved
the day by dis-connecting the battery and resetting
the computer.  YAY! It started!

During one fun group activity, Jim noticed a couple
of young men watching us from a distance.  He motioned
for them to come over and they did.  He was really good
 at this balancing game!

Three Ephraim kids reunited in Randers, Denmark!
Janet Christensen Williams is serving with her husband as 
President and matron of the Copenhagen Temple.


Sports Day was a big hit! Åse joined in the fun!

My favorite day!  Over 700 people ready to give
service to the people of Randers.

Mormon Helping Hands

Jim and I were assigned to a bus of about 45 YA's, delivering
them to four different places where they would be working but on 
the way to the last stop, the bus stopped and didn't start again.
These cute kids, made the most of the wait for a new bus!

Eating lunch in the wheat fields.

 Playing games and taking over the little country road.

The leaders waited patiently too and took pictures.

Finally, we made it to the kindergarten where lots of
painting was waiting.

No ladders - no problem!

Six from our bus had an amazing experience helping
this sweet lady by cleaning up her yard

Hanna spoke Danish with her.

Ruth and her daughter were so very grateful for the help!

All the senior missionary couples. We helped greet at the 
bus and train stations, serve meals and midnight snacks, organize and carryout activities, set up tables and chairs, decorate, stay up late to be at the dances, serve dinner, take down tables and chairs as well as keeping an eye on all our own YA's. Whew!  

Last evening gala, "New York, New York!"

Most of our Kristiansand group looking very festive!

Headed home, on the ferry after a very successful
and a very inspiring Festinord!



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