As previously posted, I mentioned that we took pictures of gravestones in some of the church cemeteries we visited in Denmark. Since then, I have been studying the people, whose names are on those stones. I have not been able to make any solid connections to our own family - yet. However, in comparing the people from those places with our people, I discovered that there is more to know about the ancestors of our great-grandfather, Ole Hansen Jacobson.
The grandfather of Ole Hansen Jacobson is Jacob Olsen, born in Torslunde in 1761. Our records have shown his family - three sisters and two brothers. His oldest sister, Mette Olsdatter was born in 1757. As I searched around for links to the people in the cemetery in Torslunde, I happened to find mention of Mette with her family in nearly Ishøj (all these places are a little west of Copenhagen). Prior to this we had no information about her being married nor having a family. I now have records of her family. Her first husband, Lars Hansen, died in 1782. They had three children: Jens, Sidse and Lars. She then remarried, marrying Hans Jensen and they had four more children: Jens, Birthe, Ole Johanne and Poul (or Povel). It appears that all of the children lived past childhood except for the first child, Jens Larsen, who died as in infant.
These can now be found in FamilySearch. Her ID there is KZ3D-VPT (or trace her back from Ole Hansen Jacobson.)
- - - - - - -
There is actually a connection discovered in the cemetery Kildebrønde/Hundige to one of our ancestors, but it is a bit obscure. Niels Christensen, who is buried in that cemetery. His father was Christen Hemmingsen. Christen's brother, Niels Hemmingsen is the husband of first cousin of Hans Jakobsen, who was Ole Hansen Jacobson's father, so Niels is related through in-law relationships, but there is a tie. We hope to find a few more connections as research continues.
Perhaps through this research, I can find some more of our ancestor family members.
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Thursday, December 22, 2016
The Language of the Spirit
I have been impressed lately in my scripture reading by the understanding that scriptural word is very important. It started as I read and realized from Christ's teachings among the Nephites that most of what He said to them was drawn from - and quoted from - written scripture. His direct words and council were, and are, vital to us - and still - He quotes from the writings of the prophets.
The first "why?" that comes to me is that He wanted to impress the people the when He was no longer with them, and they would begin to forget the sound of His voice and words, that it would be clear to them how to keep the feelings of the Spirit fresh - by reading the words of the prophets.
Then I thought about my past experiences and interactions with people in our work how the "language of the Spirit" is learned by reading and re-reading the scriptures. It is not just the words that are written or spoken, but rather the process of teaching us to learn to hear and understand the language of the Spirit that comes from scripture. The words on the page teach us many things, but the more important teaching that comes is attuning our spirits to the Spirit of the Holy Ghost and what we learn as we read and ponder the scriptures. That is why as we re-read passages we have read many times before, that new understanding comes, but especially that we are told how to apply what we learn in our daily walk in life, either for our own betterment and also our interactions with those around us.
Also, in chapters 31 and 32 of Second Nephi we read of the "tongue of Angels." Is that the language of the Spirit? What is the "tongue of Angels?" I really believe that our spoken and written language falls well short of the power of the language of the Spirit. It goes directly to our souls, our hearts. Scripture passages remain in our memory as gentle and loving impressions, but as we recall these words, there is also a remembrance of the effect of those words upon our spirits. It opens our minds and souls to feel more impressive thoughts - and inspires the desire to be the Hands of the Lord as we look outward to our fellow travelers in life with compassion and love. His love is truly manifest in the words and language of the Spirit.
An example of this was found as I read from second Nephi (2 Ne 27:11) that the sealed writings will be read to the world "by the power of Christ." I see that as how scriptures are really brought into our souls - the power of Christ through the Holy Ghost.
Often, we are like the people of Athens (Acts 17:21) always looking for "some new thing" when what we need to do is to learn to understand what we already have in scriptures and learn from the language of the Spirit - such is best learned from studying and pondering the scriptures - and from the temple ordinances and ceremonies. Nephi also shows the example of the Jews of his time as "looking beyond the mark." I am continually amazed at how much more I find as I re-read and ponder what we already have. So much is opened up by the spirit as I read. I realize how much I still need to learn - that I am still a child in my perspective.
All we do in life is meaningless unless we learn to understand how to learn from the Spirit. Were the Savior to be physically with us, what would He teach us? He would teach us how to continue true by being close to the Spirit and in that way continue to grow. It is through the words of the prophets - ancient and modern - and through feasting on their words.
The first "why?" that comes to me is that He wanted to impress the people the when He was no longer with them, and they would begin to forget the sound of His voice and words, that it would be clear to them how to keep the feelings of the Spirit fresh - by reading the words of the prophets.
Then I thought about my past experiences and interactions with people in our work how the "language of the Spirit" is learned by reading and re-reading the scriptures. It is not just the words that are written or spoken, but rather the process of teaching us to learn to hear and understand the language of the Spirit that comes from scripture. The words on the page teach us many things, but the more important teaching that comes is attuning our spirits to the Spirit of the Holy Ghost and what we learn as we read and ponder the scriptures. That is why as we re-read passages we have read many times before, that new understanding comes, but especially that we are told how to apply what we learn in our daily walk in life, either for our own betterment and also our interactions with those around us.
Also, in chapters 31 and 32 of Second Nephi we read of the "tongue of Angels." Is that the language of the Spirit? What is the "tongue of Angels?" I really believe that our spoken and written language falls well short of the power of the language of the Spirit. It goes directly to our souls, our hearts. Scripture passages remain in our memory as gentle and loving impressions, but as we recall these words, there is also a remembrance of the effect of those words upon our spirits. It opens our minds and souls to feel more impressive thoughts - and inspires the desire to be the Hands of the Lord as we look outward to our fellow travelers in life with compassion and love. His love is truly manifest in the words and language of the Spirit.
An example of this was found as I read from second Nephi (2 Ne 27:11) that the sealed writings will be read to the world "by the power of Christ." I see that as how scriptures are really brought into our souls - the power of Christ through the Holy Ghost.
Often, we are like the people of Athens (Acts 17:21) always looking for "some new thing" when what we need to do is to learn to understand what we already have in scriptures and learn from the language of the Spirit - such is best learned from studying and pondering the scriptures - and from the temple ordinances and ceremonies. Nephi also shows the example of the Jews of his time as "looking beyond the mark." I am continually amazed at how much more I find as I re-read and ponder what we already have. So much is opened up by the spirit as I read. I realize how much I still need to learn - that I am still a child in my perspective.
All we do in life is meaningless unless we learn to understand how to learn from the Spirit. Were the Savior to be physically with us, what would He teach us? He would teach us how to continue true by being close to the Spirit and in that way continue to grow. It is through the words of the prophets - ancient and modern - and through feasting on their words.
Friday, December 16, 2016
Announcing Our Savior
As I ponder the advent of our Savior, which we celebrate at this time of year, I thought of how His coming was announced to various people and groups of people - seeing it as instructive for knowing how I am blessed by such wondrous announcements, receiving my own witness.
First, I review the announcement to Mary. I love the Bible video of the church showing Mary's gentle and humble response to that amazing visitation of the angel Gabriel: "Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee:blessed art thou among women. ... And the angel ... said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." Luke 1:28, 35 Of course Mary's visit was of necessity a personal, physical visitation. Nothing else would have been appropriate. Her role in the coming of our Savior is beyond comprehension.
Next we have the announcement made to Joseph, but for him it was as an angel appearing to him in a dream: "Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost and she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." Matth 1:20-21 Joseph would have the responsibility for the care of his wife and son and would give him his name. The appropriate way chosen by God to reveal this to him was by an angel through a dream.
At the time of Christ's birth, the people in the Americas received the announcement directly by way of a new and brilliant star in the heavens. Everyone there saw the announcement. This was foretold to them five years earlier by the prophet Samuel, who proclaimed this announcement upon the walls of Zarahemla. That announcement was not received well. At the birth of Jesus, the star appeared to everyone, whether they wanted to acknowledge it or not. Some believed, but most did not, even with such a powerful announcement and fulfillment of prophecy.
In the holy land at the birth of the Savior, it is not recorded that anyone saw this special star. Instead, the announcement of the Savior's birth was especially focused towards a humble and lowly group of people: the shepherds in the hills near Bethlehem. To them the angel of the Lord appeared, to their utter amazement, and announced: "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." Luke 2:10-12. Along with this announcement, they were blessed to hear the heavenly choirs singing, praising the Lord and declaring peace. What an amazing announcement! And then they were blessed to come and see the baby Jesus, the night He was born.
Next, after the baby Jesus was eight days old, as He was taken to the temple for the sacrifice to be made at the time of circumcision, two blessed people also announced the coming of our Savior. Simeon received a promise that he would see the Redeemer before he died and received the announcement through the Holy Ghost when and where this promise was to be fulfilled. He proclaimed: "For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." Luke 2:30-32 Anna, identified as a prophetess came to the Holy family and "gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem." Luke 2:38 Nothing specific is said about her knowing about the coming of the Savior, but she, a prophetess, came "in that instant," which can be assumed also came to her as a glorious announcement by the Spirit of God.
The wise men saw the star, presumably the same star that was seen in the Americas at the time of Christ's birth. They said that they saw it "in the East." I imagine that these wise men traveled very far indeed and journeyed probably for the space of about two years from the east after seeing the star. When they inquired at Herod's court, the appearance of the star was unknown to those at Jerusalem as they had to ask how long ago it was that these wise men had seen the star in the east. This miraculous star did once again appear to the wise men at this time, after leaving Jerusalem heading towards Bethlehem as instructed, leading them to where Mary and Joseph and the child Jesus lived in their house and they presented their gifts to the Holy Child. These men had received the wondrous announcement twice, each by the new star, once at the time of Jesus' birth and again about two years later after they arrived at Jerusalem. There is no written word stating that any others saw this star the second time in the Holy Land.
The fact that Herod chose to kill all male children two years and younger leads me to believe that the appearance of these wise men in Jerusalem came at about the time Jesus was two years old. After the visit of the Wise men to see the Savior, they were visited in a dream, and instructed to avoid Herod in their return to their homeland.
The coming birth of the Savior into the world was to bring about the great atoning sacrifice - desperately needed by this fallen world. This was prophesied to many prophets many years before His appearance in the flesh. One such announcement was made to the prophet and king Benjamin about 124 years before the birth of Christ, in the Americas. He also received this announcement by way of an angel, who proclaimed: "Awake, and hear the words which I shall tell thee; for behold, I am come to declare unto you the glad tidings of great joy. ... For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is from all eternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, ... And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; and his mother shall be called Mary." Mosiah 3:3, 5, 8 This is an example of God announcing to His prophets (and prophetesses), preparing the world to receive their Savior.
How can I appreciate the grand announcement of my Savior? It is by reading the wondrous words of the scriptures accompanied by the witness of the Holy Ghost. The scriptures quoted in this writing are an example, and lead one to learn what the coming of Jesus into the world really means. It is up to me - up to everyone - especially at this season of celebrating the coming of the Savior, to apply the meaning of the wondrous announcements God has given us, leading us to our blessed Redeemer and the peace announced by the angels of old: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2:14
First, I review the announcement to Mary. I love the Bible video of the church showing Mary's gentle and humble response to that amazing visitation of the angel Gabriel: "Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee:blessed art thou among women. ... And the angel ... said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." Luke 1:28, 35 Of course Mary's visit was of necessity a personal, physical visitation. Nothing else would have been appropriate. Her role in the coming of our Savior is beyond comprehension.
Next we have the announcement made to Joseph, but for him it was as an angel appearing to him in a dream: "Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost and she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." Matth 1:20-21 Joseph would have the responsibility for the care of his wife and son and would give him his name. The appropriate way chosen by God to reveal this to him was by an angel through a dream.
At the time of Christ's birth, the people in the Americas received the announcement directly by way of a new and brilliant star in the heavens. Everyone there saw the announcement. This was foretold to them five years earlier by the prophet Samuel, who proclaimed this announcement upon the walls of Zarahemla. That announcement was not received well. At the birth of Jesus, the star appeared to everyone, whether they wanted to acknowledge it or not. Some believed, but most did not, even with such a powerful announcement and fulfillment of prophecy.
In the holy land at the birth of the Savior, it is not recorded that anyone saw this special star. Instead, the announcement of the Savior's birth was especially focused towards a humble and lowly group of people: the shepherds in the hills near Bethlehem. To them the angel of the Lord appeared, to their utter amazement, and announced: "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." Luke 2:10-12. Along with this announcement, they were blessed to hear the heavenly choirs singing, praising the Lord and declaring peace. What an amazing announcement! And then they were blessed to come and see the baby Jesus, the night He was born.
Next, after the baby Jesus was eight days old, as He was taken to the temple for the sacrifice to be made at the time of circumcision, two blessed people also announced the coming of our Savior. Simeon received a promise that he would see the Redeemer before he died and received the announcement through the Holy Ghost when and where this promise was to be fulfilled. He proclaimed: "For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." Luke 2:30-32 Anna, identified as a prophetess came to the Holy family and "gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem." Luke 2:38 Nothing specific is said about her knowing about the coming of the Savior, but she, a prophetess, came "in that instant," which can be assumed also came to her as a glorious announcement by the Spirit of God.
The wise men saw the star, presumably the same star that was seen in the Americas at the time of Christ's birth. They said that they saw it "in the East." I imagine that these wise men traveled very far indeed and journeyed probably for the space of about two years from the east after seeing the star. When they inquired at Herod's court, the appearance of the star was unknown to those at Jerusalem as they had to ask how long ago it was that these wise men had seen the star in the east. This miraculous star did once again appear to the wise men at this time, after leaving Jerusalem heading towards Bethlehem as instructed, leading them to where Mary and Joseph and the child Jesus lived in their house and they presented their gifts to the Holy Child. These men had received the wondrous announcement twice, each by the new star, once at the time of Jesus' birth and again about two years later after they arrived at Jerusalem. There is no written word stating that any others saw this star the second time in the Holy Land.
The fact that Herod chose to kill all male children two years and younger leads me to believe that the appearance of these wise men in Jerusalem came at about the time Jesus was two years old. After the visit of the Wise men to see the Savior, they were visited in a dream, and instructed to avoid Herod in their return to their homeland.
The coming birth of the Savior into the world was to bring about the great atoning sacrifice - desperately needed by this fallen world. This was prophesied to many prophets many years before His appearance in the flesh. One such announcement was made to the prophet and king Benjamin about 124 years before the birth of Christ, in the Americas. He also received this announcement by way of an angel, who proclaimed: "Awake, and hear the words which I shall tell thee; for behold, I am come to declare unto you the glad tidings of great joy. ... For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is from all eternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, ... And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; and his mother shall be called Mary." Mosiah 3:3, 5, 8 This is an example of God announcing to His prophets (and prophetesses), preparing the world to receive their Savior.
How can I appreciate the grand announcement of my Savior? It is by reading the wondrous words of the scriptures accompanied by the witness of the Holy Ghost. The scriptures quoted in this writing are an example, and lead one to learn what the coming of Jesus into the world really means. It is up to me - up to everyone - especially at this season of celebrating the coming of the Savior, to apply the meaning of the wondrous announcements God has given us, leading us to our blessed Redeemer and the peace announced by the angels of old: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2:14
Monday, October 31, 2016
Fall 2016 Family and Europe Trip - part 6 - Hamburg, New York, Baptism and Home
After the ride on the ferry from Denmark, we crossed from Fehmarn Island to the European mainland.

The trip was uneventful to Hamburg, though the clouds were very impressive.

Hamburg was a large city.

We followed the directions and finally got to where the hotel was supposed to be, but could not find any parking. I finally pulled in to a parking place just vacated at the Penny Markt and let Shauna go in and check. Right after she left a man parked his car right behind ours and left. As Shauna came back, he had been watching and moved so we could get out.

It was not a very pretty part of town, with a lot of construction and freeways in the area and some depressed looking apartment buildings, but inside the hotel was nice. We had to pay 22 Euro for our breakfast in the morning and we did not want to leave the area to find food, so we did that and also ate dinner at the hotel restaurant. It was good food. Our room was nice.
Oct. 4, 2016 - This was literally a very long day - actually a thirty hour day for us (and they say that everyone has the same 24 hours each day!). There was breakfast for us at the hotel, though it was quite noisy because of construction at the bar. The server finally convinced us to take our food into the lounge where the noise was somewhat less - after all, we paid eleven Euros each for it. After getting packed up and checked out, we walked down to the bakery (which I found on the maps web page). It was called Scotland Jard. They did not have bread (loaves), so we bought a few Brötchen, then walked back, stopping at the Penny Markt for some more food. We then headed out to find the airport. Along the way, we found a gas station and filled up the car. At the airport, we returned the rental car and then walked to find the terminal. It was a long walk. Once there, it was still a bit of a walk and then we wandered around trying to find the place where we were to check in. I found the place (after asking around) where we were to be re-imbursed for taxes on our cuckoo clock. They told us to do it after checking in at gate A18. We were a few hours early, so we waited a bit and then found where we get our boarding passes printed. The machine was supposed to print two pages for each of us, but stopped after only three pages. The man there tried again and finally went elsewhere and got it done. Then we tried to get our luggage turned in, but they would not let us do it at the self-check-in place, but rather at the stations on the other side. After trying to find out where that was and waiting a bit, some other passengers pointed out where we should be standing to wait. After standing there about 45 minutes or so, the check-in people finally arrived and the process started. After that, we had to figure out where to go to get through the security screening. That took a while. the one station where I waited got delayed so they had me move to the next one. They had to re-scan my bag and iPad separately (which was not necessary in Atlanta coming over). Shauna's scan also took a while. We then headed out to try to find our gate, first trying to find gate A18 to get the tax money back. They told us we had to do that in Amsterdam. It was a very long walk, and at the end, we found the gate at a lower level. When the boarding started, they had us go onto a bus which took us to the plane.

The flight was good, taking us to Amsterdam. After we got off, we had to find out where to go for our next gate. An attendant told us and so we headed out. It was a very long walk once again. Near the end of the walk, we found the place for the tax re-imbursement. It took a bit - at two stations, but finally we got it done, getting back 19 Euros credited on our credit card. We then waited for our next flight to New York.
It was a cramped flight. There were in-flight movies and they served good food. I tried to get some sleep, but was unable to get much rest. We arrived in New York a few minutes early, which was good, because of the time needed to go through the border security, customs and then security again. In the process, we had to give up our plan bulbs and seeds purchased in Denmark. We had another very long walk and finally arrived at our gate for the flight to Rochester.
We arrived in Rochester about 20 minutes early and our baggage was first to come out, so we were at the pick-up place by 10 PM. They (our daughter, her 8-year-od and our son) came for us drove us to Medina. We were taken to their brother-in-law's home for the night. They graciously let us stay in their bedroom. We were exhausted.
We slept as well as could be expected. After visitinga little, we started walking towards our daughter;'s place, but then she came along and drove us home. It was her daughter's birthday, so we all greeted her in her bed and sang to her. The kids decorated her bed. She was in the top bunk of a triple bunk bed (made by our son a number of years ago). We had breakfast together and later drove to the Amish store to get some donuts and other things. We played a game and then went to the Swallow Hollow park and walked along the boardwalk (the whole family, other than Quinn).

After going back home, we had dinner and the older children went to mutual and activity days. We played a game of Acquire - Shauna winning.
The next day we traveled to Niagra Falls and really enjoyed seeing that spectacular sight.

Later in the day, we went into town and visited some stores in town, including a pastry shop, a book store, knick knacks and a chocolate store. We then walked to the docks of the Erie Canal and spent some time there.

We played a game in the evening (Power Grid).
Oct. 7 - We headed out to the Palmyra temple early. It was a beautiful temple and the workers there were very helpful.

Afterwards, we all visited the Sacred Grove and spent some time there and then went to the Hill Cumorah, then on to the E B Grandin print shop. We stopped at a Walmart in Brockville on the way home and then later in the afternoon visited Lake Ontario on the shore.
In the evening, a number of us went to the Rudy's restaurant and had dinner. They ate some very large burgers.

Oct. 8 - We got up and left for Pennsylvania. We arrived at the priesthood restoration site on the Susquahanna River in northern Pennsylvania.

We waited a bit and our son from Maryland and his family arrived and we all took the tour given by Sister Walker. It was impressive to see all the work that was done in restoring the buildings and places. The church even re-built the highway and made a bridge so people could get to the homes without crossing the road. In the visitor center, we also were able to see the new video made showing the experiences of Oliver Cowdery and the restoration of the priesthood and the translation of the Book of Mormon. After our tour, we went to Vestal, New York to our hotel. On the way, we went to a pizza restaurant and bought some pizza for the family. At the hotel, the family had pizza and went swimming.
Sunday, Oct. 9 - We got up and ready and left the hotel at about 7, then went to the priesthood restoration site at the river where our granddaughter was to be baptized. It was a bit chilly, but it was beautiful. She was baptized by her father, Quinn, in the Susquehanna River.

The had a service, conducted by her bishop, who also happened to be her uncle. After the confirmation, we headed out to the visitor center chapel and attended the church services there. After Sacrament meeting, we left to travel to Maryland.
The next few days. we enjoyed visiting with our son and his family in Maryland. Unfortunately, both Shauna and I had come down with colds and did not feel well and did not do much.
We heard the sad news our brother-in-law, Edwin Beus, passed away. We knew we had to be there for his funeral. That night we found out the funeral was Saturday. We debated leaving the next day, but the kids were out of school and Aaron took the day off, so we decided to stay and spend one last day with them, and then travel home in two long days.
Oct 12 - In the afternoon, we all went into Washington DC and visited the Air and Space Museum

We then drove around for a little tour of the famous sights of Washington, D. C.

After that we ate dinner at an Italian place called Piola.
The next morning we left our son's place about 6:00 am and drove straight on through to Des Moines, Iowa where we stayed the night. Then next day we drove on from there to Utah, arriving at our destination at about 9:30 PM - two long days.
It was an amazing adventure.

The trip was uneventful to Hamburg, though the clouds were very impressive.

Hamburg was a large city.

We followed the directions and finally got to where the hotel was supposed to be, but could not find any parking. I finally pulled in to a parking place just vacated at the Penny Markt and let Shauna go in and check. Right after she left a man parked his car right behind ours and left. As Shauna came back, he had been watching and moved so we could get out.

It was not a very pretty part of town, with a lot of construction and freeways in the area and some depressed looking apartment buildings, but inside the hotel was nice. We had to pay 22 Euro for our breakfast in the morning and we did not want to leave the area to find food, so we did that and also ate dinner at the hotel restaurant. It was good food. Our room was nice.
Oct. 4, 2016 - This was literally a very long day - actually a thirty hour day for us (and they say that everyone has the same 24 hours each day!). There was breakfast for us at the hotel, though it was quite noisy because of construction at the bar. The server finally convinced us to take our food into the lounge where the noise was somewhat less - after all, we paid eleven Euros each for it. After getting packed up and checked out, we walked down to the bakery (which I found on the maps web page). It was called Scotland Jard. They did not have bread (loaves), so we bought a few Brötchen, then walked back, stopping at the Penny Markt for some more food. We then headed out to find the airport. Along the way, we found a gas station and filled up the car. At the airport, we returned the rental car and then walked to find the terminal. It was a long walk. Once there, it was still a bit of a walk and then we wandered around trying to find the place where we were to check in. I found the place (after asking around) where we were to be re-imbursed for taxes on our cuckoo clock. They told us to do it after checking in at gate A18. We were a few hours early, so we waited a bit and then found where we get our boarding passes printed. The machine was supposed to print two pages for each of us, but stopped after only three pages. The man there tried again and finally went elsewhere and got it done. Then we tried to get our luggage turned in, but they would not let us do it at the self-check-in place, but rather at the stations on the other side. After trying to find out where that was and waiting a bit, some other passengers pointed out where we should be standing to wait. After standing there about 45 minutes or so, the check-in people finally arrived and the process started. After that, we had to figure out where to go to get through the security screening. That took a while. the one station where I waited got delayed so they had me move to the next one. They had to re-scan my bag and iPad separately (which was not necessary in Atlanta coming over). Shauna's scan also took a while. We then headed out to try to find our gate, first trying to find gate A18 to get the tax money back. They told us we had to do that in Amsterdam. It was a very long walk, and at the end, we found the gate at a lower level. When the boarding started, they had us go onto a bus which took us to the plane.

The flight was good, taking us to Amsterdam. After we got off, we had to find out where to go for our next gate. An attendant told us and so we headed out. It was a very long walk once again. Near the end of the walk, we found the place for the tax re-imbursement. It took a bit - at two stations, but finally we got it done, getting back 19 Euros credited on our credit card. We then waited for our next flight to New York.
It was a cramped flight. There were in-flight movies and they served good food. I tried to get some sleep, but was unable to get much rest. We arrived in New York a few minutes early, which was good, because of the time needed to go through the border security, customs and then security again. In the process, we had to give up our plan bulbs and seeds purchased in Denmark. We had another very long walk and finally arrived at our gate for the flight to Rochester.
We arrived in Rochester about 20 minutes early and our baggage was first to come out, so we were at the pick-up place by 10 PM. They (our daughter, her 8-year-od and our son) came for us drove us to Medina. We were taken to their brother-in-law's home for the night. They graciously let us stay in their bedroom. We were exhausted.
We slept as well as could be expected. After visitinga little, we started walking towards our daughter;'s place, but then she came along and drove us home. It was her daughter's birthday, so we all greeted her in her bed and sang to her. The kids decorated her bed. She was in the top bunk of a triple bunk bed (made by our son a number of years ago). We had breakfast together and later drove to the Amish store to get some donuts and other things. We played a game and then went to the Swallow Hollow park and walked along the boardwalk (the whole family, other than Quinn).

After going back home, we had dinner and the older children went to mutual and activity days. We played a game of Acquire - Shauna winning.
The next day we traveled to Niagra Falls and really enjoyed seeing that spectacular sight.

Later in the day, we went into town and visited some stores in town, including a pastry shop, a book store, knick knacks and a chocolate store. We then walked to the docks of the Erie Canal and spent some time there.

We played a game in the evening (Power Grid).
Oct. 7 - We headed out to the Palmyra temple early. It was a beautiful temple and the workers there were very helpful.

Afterwards, we all visited the Sacred Grove and spent some time there and then went to the Hill Cumorah, then on to the E B Grandin print shop. We stopped at a Walmart in Brockville on the way home and then later in the afternoon visited Lake Ontario on the shore.
Here we are on the shore of Lake Ontario.
In the evening, a number of us went to the Rudy's restaurant and had dinner. They ate some very large burgers.

Oct. 8 - We got up and left for Pennsylvania. We arrived at the priesthood restoration site on the Susquahanna River in northern Pennsylvania.

We waited a bit and our son from Maryland and his family arrived and we all took the tour given by Sister Walker. It was impressive to see all the work that was done in restoring the buildings and places. The church even re-built the highway and made a bridge so people could get to the homes without crossing the road. In the visitor center, we also were able to see the new video made showing the experiences of Oliver Cowdery and the restoration of the priesthood and the translation of the Book of Mormon. After our tour, we went to Vestal, New York to our hotel. On the way, we went to a pizza restaurant and bought some pizza for the family. At the hotel, the family had pizza and went swimming.
Sunday, Oct. 9 - We got up and ready and left the hotel at about 7, then went to the priesthood restoration site at the river where our granddaughter was to be baptized. It was a bit chilly, but it was beautiful. She was baptized by her father, Quinn, in the Susquehanna River.

The had a service, conducted by her bishop, who also happened to be her uncle. After the confirmation, we headed out to the visitor center chapel and attended the church services there. After Sacrament meeting, we left to travel to Maryland.
The next few days. we enjoyed visiting with our son and his family in Maryland. Unfortunately, both Shauna and I had come down with colds and did not feel well and did not do much.
We heard the sad news our brother-in-law, Edwin Beus, passed away. We knew we had to be there for his funeral. That night we found out the funeral was Saturday. We debated leaving the next day, but the kids were out of school and Aaron took the day off, so we decided to stay and spend one last day with them, and then travel home in two long days.
Oct 12 - In the afternoon, we all went into Washington DC and visited the Air and Space Museum

We then drove around for a little tour of the famous sights of Washington, D. C.

After that we ate dinner at an Italian place called Piola.
The next morning we left our son's place about 6:00 am and drove straight on through to Des Moines, Iowa where we stayed the night. Then next day we drove on from there to Utah, arriving at our destination at about 9:30 PM - two long days.
It was an amazing adventure.
Maribo, the land of Ole Nielsen and family
Shauna's great-great-grandfather Ole Nielsen and his wife Caroline Mortensen heard the gospel in their native Denmark and joined the church, suffering great persecution for doing so. They emigrated to Utah with their family in 1857.
Ole was born in Soesmarke and his parents were from Vigsnæs, near Soesmarke in Maribo county of Denmark.

We found this pretty little village on the north edge of the island of Maribo/Lolland. We arrived as the minister and a few remaining parishoners were leaving the church in Vigsnæs and were able to talk with the minister and a woman there and she gave us some information about the history of the church there, specifically that the church was re-built in the later 1800s.

Here is a typical house with the old-style thatched roof, found in Vignsæs.

This is a house in Soesmarke, also thatched, but a different building style.

The nearby larger town/city is Majbølle and many of Ole Nielsen's relatives were from there.

Caroline Mortensen was born in Købelev and her mother was from nearby Vindeby. The first place name with the name Købelev was a small community center, but not much else (until later).

The Vindeby area was quite interesting, especially with the mill there.
Heading back another way, we found the Købelev church.

A number of the ancestors and family of Ole Nielsen were from the port city of Taars (or Tårs). We did not visit the city itself, but went to the harbor and the shore there.
At the harbor area there was a map posted. This shows a lot of the places we visited.

The people and places of Denmark were wonderful. The people were very friendly and helpful (and spoke English very well) and the land was beautiful. It was a blessing to be able to see the places of ancestors here in Denmark.
Ole was born in Soesmarke and his parents were from Vigsnæs, near Soesmarke in Maribo county of Denmark.

We found this pretty little village on the north edge of the island of Maribo/Lolland. We arrived as the minister and a few remaining parishoners were leaving the church in Vigsnæs and were able to talk with the minister and a woman there and she gave us some information about the history of the church there, specifically that the church was re-built in the later 1800s.

A painting of the original church building in Vigsnæs.
The present day Vigsnæs chruch building.
A burial building and cemetery on the old church grounds.
Here is a typical house with the old-style thatched roof, found in Vignsæs.

This is a house in Soesmarke, also thatched, but a different building style.

The nearby larger town/city is Majbølle and many of Ole Nielsen's relatives were from there.

Caroline Mortensen was born in Købelev and her mother was from nearby Vindeby. The first place name with the name Købelev was a small community center, but not much else (until later).

The Vindeby area was quite interesting, especially with the mill there.
Heading back another way, we found the Købelev church.

(This is a sign plaque be the church)
The Købelev Church
Often the church structures show some of the old stone foundations.
A number of the ancestors and family of Ole Nielsen were from the port city of Taars (or Tårs). We did not visit the city itself, but went to the harbor and the shore there.
At the harbor area there was a map posted. This shows a lot of the places we visited.

The people and places of Denmark were wonderful. The people were very friendly and helpful (and spoke English very well) and the land was beautiful. It was a blessing to be able to see the places of ancestors here in Denmark.
Near Copenhagen, the land of Maren Hansen Jacobson and family
My great-great-grandmother, Maren Hansen Jacobson lived in Høje Taastrup, near Copenhagen, Denmark when she heard the Gospel message and desired to be baptized, eventually joining the Church in 1866. Her husband refused to allow her to be baptized and then he suddenly died. She was baptized a few months after his death and soon afterwards left with her daughter and son (Ole Hansen Jacobson) to travel to Utah.
In our recent trip to Europe, we visited some of the places where she and her ancestors lived.

Hans Jørgensen, the father of Maren, was born and lived in Ballerup, specifically in Pederstrup, part of Ballerup. We found the Ballerup Museum and Pederstrupgaard, or Pederstrup gardens.

This place showed many of the thatched roof style homes found in Denmark.

This family's records were found in the church at Smørum, not far away. At present, the church is in the village of Smørumovre.

The grandmother of Maren Hansen was Kirsten Gregoriusen. I recently found the records of her family in Smørum, including her twin brother, Simon and was privileged to seal him to his parents. I believe there are more family members that can be found in this area. Originally the research was focused on Ballerup, but those records do not go back far enough, but they are found in Smørum. As seen on the front of this church, it existed at least as far back as 1636. Kirsten and her twin brother Simon were christened on 10 Nov 1749. It is very likely that this is the very church where they were christened.
Though this is not one of our family (at least I don't know that it is connected to us), we photographed this stone to show that the name is not really unusual here.
Next we went on to look for Høje Taastrup. Høje is the word for "higher" or "upper." Based on a sign we saw at that church, it appears that Taastrup was originally called Thorstrup (see my blog entry for our general travels in Denmark).

Ole Hansen Jacobson was born in Klovtofte, a small place part of Høje Taastrup. Our maps showed that it was close by, but we were not able to find anything by that name, but did find this sign very close to the church (Tofte way):

Maren's mother-in-law, Hans Jakobsen's mother (Ane or Kirsten Hansen) was born in Kraghave, as were her parents and family. We found that name on the signs in the close vicinity as well.

Hans Jakobsen's father, Jacob Olsen was from Torslunde:

Some more of Hans Jakobsen's ancestors (his mother's line) came from Kildebronde and specifically Hundige. We foud a place named Kildebronde, the building across the church with that name on it (in the prominent yellow color found on many of the buildings in Denmark) and the church across the street was named Hundige.

It is interesting to see these charming small villages and their prominent churches, all not too far away from that powerful and large city of Copenhagen. It is an honor to be able to see where Ole Hansen Jacobson and his ancestors lived.
In our recent trip to Europe, we visited some of the places where she and her ancestors lived.

Hans Jørgensen, the father of Maren, was born and lived in Ballerup, specifically in Pederstrup, part of Ballerup. We found the Ballerup Museum and Pederstrupgaard, or Pederstrup gardens.

This place showed many of the thatched roof style homes found in Denmark.

This family's records were found in the church at Smørum, not far away. At present, the church is in the village of Smørumovre.

The grandmother of Maren Hansen was Kirsten Gregoriusen. I recently found the records of her family in Smørum, including her twin brother, Simon and was privileged to seal him to his parents. I believe there are more family members that can be found in this area. Originally the research was focused on Ballerup, but those records do not go back far enough, but they are found in Smørum. As seen on the front of this church, it existed at least as far back as 1636. Kirsten and her twin brother Simon were christened on 10 Nov 1749. It is very likely that this is the very church where they were christened.
Though this is not one of our family (at least I don't know that it is connected to us), we photographed this stone to show that the name is not really unusual here.
Next we went on to look for Høje Taastrup. Høje is the word for "higher" or "upper." Based on a sign we saw at that church, it appears that Taastrup was originally called Thorstrup (see my blog entry for our general travels in Denmark).

Ole Hansen Jacobson was born in Klovtofte, a small place part of Høje Taastrup. Our maps showed that it was close by, but we were not able to find anything by that name, but did find this sign very close to the church (Tofte way):

Maren's mother-in-law, Hans Jakobsen's mother (Ane or Kirsten Hansen) was born in Kraghave, as were her parents and family. We found that name on the signs in the close vicinity as well.

Hans Jakobsen's father, Jacob Olsen was from Torslunde:

Some more of Hans Jakobsen's ancestors (his mother's line) came from Kildebronde and specifically Hundige. We foud a place named Kildebronde, the building across the church with that name on it (in the prominent yellow color found on many of the buildings in Denmark) and the church across the street was named Hundige.

It is interesting to see these charming small villages and their prominent churches, all not too far away from that powerful and large city of Copenhagen. It is an honor to be able to see where Ole Hansen Jacobson and his ancestors lived.
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