One month later. . .

Hej! (Hi, though pronounced Hey! in Swedish)

I have been eager to write and share with you about our trip to Sweden this past weekend. 
We looked forward to enjoying some time away from the busyness of the city, a time to relax and enjoy being in the quiet countryside, not to mention we were going to be in a country we had never been to before!!    It was a short 20 minute drive over to Sweden on a bridge that connects Copenhagen to the south end of Sweden.  The first part of the road over to Sweden is through a tunnel under the water which then becomes a huge bridge that gives great views of both the coast of Denmark and Sweden as you cross over it---very cool.  

Michael always likes to plan our 'getaways' and he does an excellent job of picking out great places to stay (I think he should be a part-time travel agent--he takes after his mom as she always loved to plan trips too).   We headed to a little country cottage surrounded by small farms and many wheat fields just outside of the city of Lund.  We got a little lost even though we were using the rental car's GPS.  The written directions were all in German (Leah was able to help us navigate to some extent thankfully!) until we found the nice British GPS lady who could give us the directions verbally, at least. :)  Anyway, when we arrived at the property, we were greeted by the homeowner of the cottage and he showed us around the house and the grounds.  A beautiful home inside and out.  In the backyard there was an apple tree, plum tree, & tomato plant to which we were told we could pick what we wanted!  The fresh tomatoes were so good and we brought a bunch home with us to Copenhagen as well.  We also picked some apples which will be good for an apple dessert sometime in the near future.  The house overlooked a peaceful meadow and a small pond where there were many ducks and little ducklings wandering about, not to mention many chickens and roosters too!  The weather was perfect---just a slight nip in the air in the evenings (45-50 degrees) so great sweatshirt weather.  It was very reminiscent of my childhood days growing up in Minnesota---out in the country on a farm surrounded by farmland, living next door to my Swedish grandparents who had a similar meadow/pond/ducks in their backyard!  

We took a trip into town on Friday night to find some place to eat dinner as we didn't have time to get any groceries.  We happened upon an old, beautiful historic looking building that was a fondue restaurant and so we decided to eat there.  We were brought down into the basement of the building, very cave-like feeling with a rounded ceiling, all brick with small alcoves which housed simple lit candles that warmed up the place nicely.  Michael Buble music in the background didn't hurt either.   It was a very nice start to what was sure to be a relaxing weekend!  

Saturday morning we woke up to the roosters crowing as the sun was rising.  We had a leisurely morning, having coffee with Michael at the picnic table outside followed by family devotions with the girls.  We again drove into the town of Lund, which is the home of the University of Lund (founded in 1666).  The University is well known for scientific research throughout Scandinavia and definitely a prominent part of the city.  Lund also has a rich history which can be seen in the medieval architecture of a number of buildings---one being the Lund Cathedral.  It is a massively HUGE church building that started being constructed in the year 1080.    We spent some time walking through the church with it's beautiful windows, pipe organ, wood carvings on furniture, etc.   They just don't build churches like that anymore!!   We ate lunch at an Italian restaurant (yes, I know we were in Sweden but I am married to an Italian).  It was authentic Italian fare---another great find!  Not only was the food spectacular but we discovered when we walked in the front door of the small restaurant/cafe, we could see down through the floor into what looked like some archeological dig.  After lunch, we discovered we could go down to the basement and see what is known as the Drotten Church ruins which housed the remains of two medieval church buildings---fascinating!!  
We did quite a bit of walking throughout the day as we explored the area and soon it was time to head back to the cottage and make supper.  Being that we were in Sweden, we felt it fitting to make Swedish pancakes, a family favorite.
  
Sunday morning we had a great devotional time.  Mike shared how God's desire is for us throughout our lifetime to do two things: 
1) learn to love (as God loves us---Deut. 6:5-7) and
2) love to learn (more about Him--Matthew 11:29) and what that looks like.  
  
All too soon we were on the road, headed back to Copenhagen, but not before stopping off at IKEA in Malmo, Sweden (Malmo was the original headquarters---this store was the "mother ship" of all IKEA's).   We picked up a few essentials for our apartment in Copenhagen but the MAIN reason for our visit was to eat our favorite Swedish meal---Swedish meatballs with gravy and new potatoes with lingonberries.  It was the perfect ending to our weekend stay in Sweden!  

Crossing over from Denmark to Sweden on
this big bridge.

Cute door near entrance of house.

 
The country cottage we stayed at.

  
Great picture window of the beautiful meadow in the backyard.

 Tomatoes from the cottage!  Yum!

                                                  

  

             

 We met someone riding horse on our quest to find the place where we were staying!








                The countryside near the cottage. 

Fondue night in Lund!

The Lund Cathedral in the center of the city.

 

                                                                            
                                                          The LARGE astronomical clock---amazing work of art!

                                                                                                        Out for a Saturday evening walk.

Two very sweet, photogenic ponies that we met on our evening walk. :)

We discovered a nature preserve off the beaten path a bit (in my efforts to get up close and personal with the ponies)!   I do love the birch trees---so Minnesotan.

Michael waiting to dig into the Swedish pancakes!

Stopped in Malmo at IKEA for a Swedish lunch and a bit of shopping.
(top right) Swedish meatballs/gravy, potatoes and lingonberries.  
(bottom left) Swedish pancakes (again!) but this time filled with what looked and tasted 
like cream of mushroom soup!  Veggies on the side.  
Chocolate covered ?? cross between marshmallow/whip cream).  Interesting.

First week of school for Sophia and more! :)

It's only been a week since writing last but I feel there is so much I want to share with you all!  Last weekend we did more sightseeing, this time by taking a canal boat tour of Copenhagen. It was a beautiful, sunny day and a totally different way to see the city.  It took us through a few of the canals as well as out to the harbor to see the infamous Little Mermaid statue as well as other prominent places in the city.  

On Sunday we attended the IBC church once again and we heard from a Danish missionary about her work in Burundi in Africa. After the service we joined everyone for coffee hour and were amazed to meet not only some Americans, but even a family from the Houston area.  Not sure the chances of that, but it happened! There are many opportunities to get plugged in at the church once the fall schedule starts.  I am looking forward to joining the women's Bible study, led by the lady from Houston (Lufkin to be specific).  

Later that day, to practice going to Sophia's school, we went to Hellerup, the suburb north of Copenhagen where her school is located.  We took our bikes on the train, then rode the bikes from the train station to Sophia's school.  It worked well.  We then decided to look around the town on our bikes.  We went to the waterfront and it was so beautiful and peaceful.  They really know how to build places to live.  We also toured Hellerup city center and stopped for a danish and coffee.  

On Monday, Sophia had grade placement testing while the parents had a chance to mingle and get to know one another.  We got to talking with a mom who had just moved with her daughter to Copenhagen from Ghana for her work.  Wouldn't you know she has relatives in Houston and they have been there a few times to see family! 

Tuesday Sophia had her first day of school.  We walked from our apartment to the train station, took the train, and when we got off, there were our bikes waiting for us that we had left there the day before (we keep being stunned by this--people can leave things outside and they do not get stolen).  It was a nerve-wracking day with meeting all new people and being introduced to a whole new system of education.  

We were all surprised when Sophia told us after school that not only was she supposed to take Danish, but also French or German.  And that nearly all the students in her class seemed to already be fluent in these languages.  Yikes! We later learned that the way the school system works is that about 14 different areas of study are offered, and Sophia was to pick 8 or 9.  So though she will be taking Danish, she won't also have to learn a third language.   

Sophia is making the adjustment to her new surroundings/school slowly but with each day, things seem to get a little better.  It will take some time but when I look at how far we as a family have come in our adjustment since moving here three weeks ago, I know things can only get better and a lot easier for Sophia.  We are all learning lessons first hand, about what it means to put all of our trust in God.  How great it is to know He is faithful to provide for all of our needs!   Prayers for Sophia and new friends for her would be appreciated! :)     

We are still waiting to get our CPR numbers from the government, which will then allow Leah to get registered for Danish classes so until then, she is hanging out here in the apartment and doing some exploring of the city and learning to ride her bike!  

Classes at DIS (Danish Institute for Study Abroad) begin next week so Michael will begin his teaching then, just two days a week for a few hours.  It is sooo nice for him to be able to just walk down one block to work!    We are finding that living in the city center definitely has its advantages.   Beside being close to Michael's work, it pretty much is close to EVERYTHING! There is a sandwich shop at the bottom of our flat that we tried out for the first time yesterday.  Let's just say Subway doesn't quite compare--it was so good!

Being able to go out after dinner (or whenever) with Michael for evening cappuccinos and strolling through the streets is so fun and it's at times like this when I feel abundantly blessed and thankful.  We are definitely experiencing a slower pace of life, which we welcome whole-heartedly!  

Copenhagen weather changes by the minute, it seems, but in general it has been hovering around 68-70 degrees, rain showers off and on, cloudy then sunny. . .pretty much get a smattering of all weather in some form throughout the day!  We are enjoying the cooler temps for sure, especially when we know how hot August CAN be. 

We had heard how safe the city of Copenhagen is and have certainly found that to be true. It occurred to me that we have only seen one police car passing through and recently a police officer riding a bike, but he was not carrying any sort of weapon or even in a full uniform---clearly no need to be!  The restaurants that line the streets have tables/chairs that stay out all night, not to mention our bikes which we just keep outside the train station by Sophie's school.  The trains are very nice and kids just hop on the train to school by themselves here. I would have to say they are safer than the school buses back in the states!  

Next weekend we are planning to take a drive over to Sweden, spending the weekend outside the city of Lund---only 45 minutes away, gotta love that!   We plan to stay in a cottage in the country and explore the area.   Until next time. . .

Canal boat tour---one of the bridges we went under.

A view of homes in Nyhaven area of Copenhagen--colorful!

Family fun on the canal boat tour.

The infamous Little Mermaid statue in the harbor.

Practice bike ride to school.

Looking out over the peaceful harbor in Hellerup.

 

First leg of trip to school--3-4 block walk to train station.
Two nice restaurants, steak place on the left/Italian on the right, University of Copenhagen library straight ahead in red brick building.

A very cool picture that Leah took of Sophia while waiting for the train!
It looks to me like she's going to Hogwart's school or perhaps Narnia? ;)

The train ride to school (about 5-10 min.)

Off the train in Hellerup, now getting the bikes for the 3-4 blocks to school
(although finding that kids pretty much walk to school from the train, which she has been doing instead.)

Sophia's school---Rygaard's.  Believe me, it does not sound anything like it is spelled!  lol  

On our way back from bringing Sophia to school, we stop for latte's and croissant. :)  

   

Week 2

Hej!  (Hello in Danish)

We are in our second week of living here in Copenhagen and each day we become more and more acclimated to our new surroundings.  We are getting on a more regular schedule after the jet lag which makes such a difference!  Something we are getting used to is the morning sun rising before 5 a.m.!  It makes for long summer days as it doesn't get dark again until around 10 p.m.  I do love the long summer days here & every bit of sunshine because I know that all too soon the days will become short and dark.  The weather this summer in Copenhagen has
been unseasonably warm from what some Danes have told us.  We have enjoyed temps. in the 70's and sunshine most of the days since we have been here!   I just love being able to throw open the windows (no screens needed---no bugs other than an occasional friendly fly passing through) and enjoy the cool breezes that blow.  The street noise isn't such a big deal during the daytime so it's all good. :)  It may seem crazy but I see God's blessing in the fact that we get to see the morning sun on one side of the apartment, but then also get the afternoon sun on the other side.  That actually was one of my prayer requests when we were seeking a place to live here---I wanted to have as much natural light as possible.  It goes to show, there is no prayer request too small or too insignificant for God!   

The first few days of this week were spent getting the apartment set up a bit more like we wanted it and just 'settling in'.  Mike had a meeting or two at DIS and has been preparing for the start of his classes in a few weeks.  The girls and I have become acquainted with 'The Stroget' (believe it or not, pronounced "Stru--ul)---Europe's longest pedestrian shopping street.  Many familiar stores to browse in, lots of entertainment on the streets with jugglers, singers/musicians, etc. and certainly LOTS of people! The Stroget is conveniently located just one block from our apartment---nice! 

We haven't used our bikes too much yet---the girls are getting used to riding the bikes before going out into the streets (though it is much easier riding bikes here because it is such a bike-friendly city). In time, I suspect we will use them more often than not!  Mike and I have ridden our bikes around a bit and after walking so much, it feels like being in a car in that you can get to where you want to go so much faster!   

One of our discoveries this week was a cute, quaint bakery on a little side street not far from DIS.  It has big cinnamon rolls for a discounted price on Wednesdays and it just so happened to be Wednesday when we went there--good deal!  Best cinnamon rolls I've ever had. 

We also took the train out to a suburb of Copenhagen called Frederiksberg, to visit the Frederiksberg Gardens, which is over 300 years old.  It is one of the most beautiful gardens/park, a very romantic sort of place and so peaceful.  Many interesting things to see with every turn along the paths---bridges, gazebos, swans and ducks swimming.  One quirky thing we came across was the pacifier tree.  Hundreds of pacifiers strung up in the tree, along with coloring book pages and written notes from children.  Kids hang these things up in the tree when they have given up their pacifiers for good!  :)   It was a great outing on a beautiful summer day. 

This coming week we will ease into more of a daily schedule as Sophia has placement testing at her school on Monday, followed by the start of school on Tuesday!  We would appreciate your prayers for her as she begins the school year---Tak (thank you)!

(Left)  Sophia standing in front of the door leading to our apartment.  Our place is where the 5 dormer windows are on the top floor of the white building. 

 

Sophia practicing her bike riding!

 

Beautiful Frederiksberg Gardens

A duck dock?!  (How they would get in and out of the water.)

 

(Right) The building off in the distance was once the summer
palace of King Frederik of Denmark. 

The "Pacifier Tree" in the garden.

 Time for a lunch break!  Went to a Danish hotdog stand where there are quite a few variations of the typical hot dog.  When I ordered my hotdog they asked if I wanted bread with that?   Uh, sure.  I had to laugh when I saw the size of the hotdog bun.  However, this is typically how most of their sausages are served---without bread and lots of ketchup/mustard for dipping.  The girls had a "frankse dog" which is like a hollowed out baguette filled with ketchup/mustard and then the sausage is put inside.