Öldungur Cook
This week was something really unique. Last monday, we began our trip to Denmark, to meet Elder Cook. That was a journey in and of itself, but it was worth it. Our flight to Reykjavik was at 12:20, and since it was a domestic flight, we didn't have to be there super early for security. We routed out a bus that would pick us up at 11:15 and get us there at 11:30, which would have given us 35 minutes before boarding to just chill. However, the bus didn't show up. At around 11:25 we started walking because it was a 50 minute walk to the airport, and we had no other way of getting there. Let's just say that walking so far is more enjoyable when you're not in dress shoes and a suit, or carrying around a suitcase. Though the weather in Iceland is pretty mild, that didn't stop me from having sweat drip down my face by the end of the walk. Those who know me pretty well can surely attest to the power of my sweat glands. That holds true in Iceland, it would seem. All in all, the walk was amazing. And it was 1000% worth it. We got to the airport 5 minutes before boarding (we took a little short cut) and then got on the plane. I was still sweating at that point.
We got to Reykjavik about 40 minutes later, and we gave the other Elders super manly bro hugs, to which they observed the sheer amount of sweat that had soaked through my shirt on the back and the super manly bro hugs got cut short :(. It was on p-day, so we got to go with the Young single adults (YSA) to the branch family home evening (FHE) activity, which included that week a trip to the FlyOver Iceland attraction in Reykjavik. That was insane. Afterwards we got dinner at a hot dog place (hot dogs in Iceland are notorious for making people have stomach aches) and we got to go to church and watch a devotional!
Now we get to talk about my haircut. Preceding this entire trip, I had planned on cutting my hair the night we would spend in Reykjavik because the missionaries there had just gotten a really nice pair of hair clippers. What I didn't consider, is that someone had already called dibs on the clippers in the 2nd missionary apartment there. After 9:00pm, we're not allowed to leave our apartments for safety reasons too, so I would not have a chance to use the hair clippers. Desperately needing a haircut, I resorted to using a pair of scissors over my whole head, with the help of one of the other missionaries (who had never cut hair before). Long story short, I got the privilege of rocking the golf ball cut (see google photos for details) in front of one of the lord's apostles😎😎
After we accepted the fact that my hair would not be saved that night, we went to bed with an alarm set for 2ish in the morning so we could all get ready and leave by 4:00 to drive the 45 minutes to the Keflavik international airport and make our flight on time. After not having hardly any breakfast, rocking a fire hair cut, and waking up super early, I was looking ship-shape to meet elder Cook. When we got to the airport, one of the Elders put a bónus t-shirt over his white shirt, but under his suit coat to give to one of the assistants to the president (AP) that had come to Iceland for a week to give us training. BUT, lo and behold as we walked through the Copenhagen Airport, Elder Cook showed up before the APs did, with Elder Bónus rocking a shirt with a bright pink piggy bank on the front of it. His flight landed at about the same time as ours. Let's just say his suit coat remained buttoned throughout the exchange.
We had a few hours to chill in one of the Denmark missionary apartments, then we headed to one of the local church buildings for lunch and the missionary devotional. We all got in a line to shake Elder and sister Cook's hand. As it came closer to my turn, I heard him saying "thank you for your service" to each of the missionaries, but when it became my turn, he looked me straight in the eyes and said a simple 'hello'. Now, writing that, it doesn't sound too good, but the tone of his voice, and the feelings of the spirit that came over me were incredible. The hello had a personal ring to it, as if someway and somehow, we were already acquainted. It was amazing and powerful. As I continued through the line, he was saying thank you for your service to the missionaries behind me. I hope this doesn't make me sound stuck up or like my ego is insanely large, but it was truly a unique experience. That simple hello meant a whole lot to me, and I know it wasn't just an accident.
Afterwards, his devotional was amazing. He shared a study, of which they surveyed people who had been taught by the missionaries, converted or not, on what they remembered, and he said the 2 things that most everyone remembered were the first vision, and the plan of salvation. A really interesting and totally understandable thought. Towards the close of his talk he shared 4 types of love that are important for any type of work. 1. Love your companion 2. Love the people 3. Love your leaders 4. Love the lord. 1-3 can be adapted to fit any situation, but 4 is universal. It was a really powerful message.
In the member devotional, he talked about the importance of families, and how it's critical for parents to try and try again to teach their kids about Christ, and how to be good people. I'm so grateful for my parents, who despite all my pig-headedness, raised me in a way I hope they're proud of (but not too proud because humility is important). My mom's birthday is on September 28th, and if I forget to call her I'm gonna get roasted by various people. I love you mommmmmmm. Thank you for all you've done and continue to do for me.
The next day (wednesday) we flew back to Keflavik, where we drove with the Brintons (the akureyri senior missionaries) back to Akureyri. It took about 6 hours, but it was such an amazing trip. The scenery was beautiful, and it was a great way to bond with the people I serve with. I ate some haddock at Ikea, which was really good. The second time I've been there, and the second time where my only purpose was getting food.
On Thursday, we started getting back into the swing of things. We led a Book of Mormon study class, and one of the people who came was super amazing, and had questions that we were able to answer to give her comfort and hope.
On Friday we met with Sigurbjörn, our friend who plans on getting baptised. We taught him more about the covenant we make with God, and it went really well! He's super excited to be baptized.
On Saturday, we taught Roderik and Leydís (one of the venezuelan families) about the plan of salvation! It went really well. They loved the hope that we can receive from knowing that we can see our families again, even those who have died, by following the gospel of Christ. At the start of the lesson, I said the opening prayer in Spanish, and they didn't burst out laughing so it mustn't have been too bad :D. I really love the Spanish language.
On Sunday we had church, and that was pretty awesome as always! I had to translate someone's talk into Icelandic live, and it went a lot better than the last time I did it... Still have lots to learn though.
Sjáumst!!!
Öldungur Rasmussen.
Comments
Post a Comment