The Emerson European Experience : Springtime in Copenhagen

'There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.' Ecclesiastes 3:1

Springtime is my favourite time of the year with all the renewed hope and new beginnings that it brings! Gone are the dark days of winter (especially as experienced here in Denmark!) and once again the sun shines bright, the soft spring rains come and the earth sprouts new life full of color everywhere I look.

The park near our flat has always been an enjoyable place for a stroll no matter what season of the year but now I find the sprouting surprises of beauty coming out of the ground is quite the day brightener!

In late March, my sister Lynn and brother-in-law Paul visited us during their spring break! We really had a lot of fun showing them around Copenhagen, which means putting on many, many, MANY miles with walking most places but we did venture out on the bikes a time or two as well, in order to get the full Copenhagen experience. Being that they were here for ten days they were able to see much of the city (and beyond---even to a few other countries). I couldn't really tell you how many cafés we went to together---what fun that was!!

One evening we had our own hygga (cozy) night with a typical Danish meal of frickedeller (Danish meatballs), boiled potatoes with brown gravy and vegetables which (I think) they enjoyed. :) We had our candles lit on the table, enjoyed the food and the conversation that lingered long into the evening. I do like this Danish tradition of hygga nights.

Paul did a great job of learning a few Danish words while he was here: tak (thanks) and undskyld (pardon or excuse me) came in handy when out and about on the streets. A few other words were jeg elsker dig (I love you) and smuk (beautiful). He was very good at telling my sister, Lynn these quite frequently. :)

I am grateful for the sweet time spent with my sister--those days seem to be too few and far between but we did made the most of our time together here in Copenhagen---thanks for the memories, Lynn and Paul!

The spring has been full of fun and surprises, most recently being the engagement of our son, Anthony to his sweetheart, Melissa Lee!! We couldn't be happier to welcome Melissa into the family and we are so very grateful for God's goodness! We have been family friends with the Lees for many years and now we will share much more than just friendship!

Anthony and Melissa

'I have found the one whom my heart loves.'

Song of Solomon 3:4

We look forward to a visit from the Lee family at the end of May, along with Anthony. We can't wait to celebrate their engagement with them. May is said to be the best month of the year for a visit to Copenhagen---very beautiful with the flowering plants/budding trees, etc. A perfect place for Leah to take some engagement photos!

I had started this particular blog post some time ago and now, as I have (finally) come back to finish it, I find the verse that is at the top of this post to be both timely and fitting. We have experienced a time of great excitement with Anthony and Mel's engagement in recent weeks and now we are going through a difficult season in dealing with the failing health of Mike's dad as he battles many complications from the multiple myeloma he was diagnosed with in 2010. Mike has recently flown back to Minnesota to be with his dad, brother and sister in these tough days and we are thankful that he can be there. We are so grateful too, for the love and support of family and the countless prayers being said for Neil.