Posted on December 26, 2010
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On December 11, 2010, Elder Jens Jacob Simonsen (Sea-mun-son) left his world behind.. (click on these pictures to enlarge them)
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And flew to Salt Lake City, Utah.
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While we were on our mission in Denmark, he had become our dear friend and neighbor. Now we had the privilege of picking him up at the airport and enjoying the few days that we had been given- to be with him before he entered the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah.
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It was a fine reunion. JJ was already set apart in Denmark and Carl would be his first companion. He is now officially, Elder Jens Jacob Simonsen- Elder Simonsen (for short).
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This Elder had been patiently waiting to come to the states for nine months. He received his call at our house in Odense, Denmark at the end of July, 2010. He was very excited to be here.
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We were so happy to be with him again. What a great new missionary.
In the past few months, JJ has said "goodbye to his good friends and family in Greenland and from every
Island in Denmark where he had been going to maritime school to become a sea captain. This is his family- his sisters Teresa and Melissa with his little grandmother- Thalitha and his brother Jukku with his father, Simon Simonsen.
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His mother, Ellen, neice, and little sister Melissa surrounded by their beautiful city in the southern part of Greenland called Qaqortoq.
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He has said "good bye" to many Elders and Sisters who were with him as he learned how to be a member of the Church. Some had completed their missions and would see him again during this valuable short weekend in December.
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These Elders and Sisters had become his good friends.
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Since Elder Simonsen became a member, on March 27, 2009, he spent much of his life working with the missionaries.. Men and women he had learned to love and appreciate.
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For nine months he worked and waited for his Visa, and for his travel plans...
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During that time, he received a surprising change in his mission call. He was to report on December 14, 2010 not to the St. George Mission - but to the Utah Ogden Mission in northern Utah, and parts of Idaho, and Wyoming. He studied Spanish as he parepared to teach the Spanish speaking people in his new mission. He already speaks Greenlandic- his native tongue, Danish, English, and some German.
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Elder Simonsen sold most of his worldly belongings, stored his precious guitar, and began to translate into Greenlandic, some of his favorite scriptures for his family and friends. He could be the first native Greenlander to become as missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I think that he was born a missionary- prepared long before he came here to serve the Lord.
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Just a few days before his departure, JJ received word that his little Grandmother-Thalitha, had passed away. She was his anchor, a sweet, soft hearted lady who read to him from the Bible as a child, and taught him how to pray every day. During the busiest season of the year, Elder Simonsen tried to find an emergency flight home to Greenland where his family gathered to prepare for her funeral. There were no seats available. Instead, he wrote a tribute to her that was read at her service.
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I think that it was the day after her funeral, that JJ attended his last missionary zone conference before he came to Utah. (even though he was not, yet, an official missionary) On that day, he found peace and inspiration from some of his best friends- the Elders and the sisters of the Denmark Copenhagen Mission- as well as the fine Priesthood leadership of our new Mission President, President Andersen and General Authorities that were there to train the missionaries. During the dinner break, JJ went to the Copenhagen Temple across the street with some of his friends from Odense. It was a good and peaceful way to say "Good bye" to his life in Denmark and to find the comfort needed as he mourned the loss of his dear grandma.
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JJ has traveled many places as a student and an intern preparing to be a maritime officer on a ship.
This was not the first time that Elder Simonsen had been to America. I think that it was during his senior year in high school, he was given the opportunity to be a foreign exchange student in a small community near the Finger Lakes of New York. This was only a few miles from the place where Joseph Smith had his first vision in the Sacred Grove, near the Hill Cumorah where Joseph found the records that eventually were translated by him and published as the Book of Mormon. At that time, JJ knew very little about the
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
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Now he was flying over the Great Salt Lake, well prepared to share this message in the heart of the Church. Life is full of surprises.
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There were many prayers that gave us the few days that we had with JJ before he had to enter the Missionary Training Center. He was suppose to fly in just hours before he was to enter his 9 week training in the MTC.
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We were given a full weekend and a day and a half with him..just enough time to celebrate life with this new missionary and gather old missionary friends to say a proper "good bye" to this fine young Elder from Greenland.
The first thing you do with a new Elder who just flew half way across the world, is to feed him. Coming from a culture that eats dried seal dipped in whale blubber oil, liver postej, and sliced green peppers for breakfast- JJ's first Utah meal was breakfast for lunch at the Village Inn near the University of Utah in Salt Lake. I think he had the combination plate- with hash browns, pancakes with maple syrup, sausage, eggs, and I am not sure what else. When I finally hear from him- at the MTC..he can correct any of these facts..I should have kept track of important details like this. Maybe someday, his children would like to know the first American meal that he ate when he arrived in Utah.
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After a drive past the University of Utah and down through the center of town, JJ contacted some of his old missionary friends from Denmark- who have returned from their missions. Some invited him to go to a BYU basketball game just blocks from the temple. JJ decline the offer, he was a missionary and it wasn't a P-day. (Preparation day for the missionaries to have a day to do their wash, and enjoy some recreation from time to time). We later gathered near the Salt Lake temple and the Joseph Smith Memorial Building to celebrate the famous lighting of temple square.
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This beautiful temple, where Carl and I were married and our parents and grandparents were married- this temple is a central icon of our Church. It took 44 years to build and is full of ornate architecture, detailed murals depicting the Garden of Eden, and sacred sealing rooms with beautiful crystal chandeliers and a marble alter where we were married for time and for all eternity.
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Next to the temple is a strange famous building shaped like an egg. It is designed to enhance the sound of the ornate pipe organ and the voices of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It is not supported by any central pillars-so that all can easily hear and see this fine choir and enjoy the conferences and events that are held here through the week. Without a microphone, a sister missionary demonstrated for us, how we could easily hear a pin drop on the podium at the front of the tabernacle.
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When we arrived at temple square, there were only white lights illuminating the temple and reflection pools that surrounded the square. Then, when it was dark enough, the trees and walkways burst into color. It seemed like everyone in the world came to see the Christmas lights on temple square.
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Every tree, bush, fence, and fountain was full of light.
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This was a great way to celebrate our first day with our Elder.
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That night he wrote this short, enthusiastic note on the internet to his friends- "I didn't think that love at first sight was possible ! BUT I luuuv Utah !" JJ is a man of few, well chosen words.. The Spanish speaking people of Northern Utah have no idea how much love and wisdom this young man is prepared to give to those who are willing to listen. (as soon as he masters the art of speaking in their language).
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Across the street from Temple Square is an old famous hotel- formerly called "the Hotel Utah"..It still has it's beautiful marble floors and high ceilings in the ball room sized foyer. President David O Mckay lived here when he was a Prophet many years ago. We are standing next to a large statue of Joseph Smith. The new name of this historical building is "the Joseph Smith Memorial building." It houses several wards where members meet on Sunday, fine restaurants over looking temple square, a church distribution store for lesson manuals, and church materials and clothing. There is a full theater where full length movies are shown with a focus on spiritual things.
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During the Christmas Season the foyer is decorated like the old hotel, full of lights, a huge tree, and lots of live music- choirs singing on the balcony and pianos playing Christmas carols. There are old fashioned shops, and the smells of Christmas treats and hot chocolate.
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We met for the first time since Denmark, some of our favorite missionaries..Elder Ockey, and Elder Barnard- I am sure they have first names by now, but they will always be Elders to us. Elder Barnard, (Nate) stayed with us overnight so we all got to share memories and discover what we have been doing since we left Denmark. What a fun evening. I am so grateful for these dedicated Elders. Elder Barnard (from American Falls, Idaho) even came home with a Danish accent. Great to see them all.
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On Sunday we went to two Sacrament Meetings- One at Nick and Fran's family ward. I will write about them in another post. Nick and Carl's mothers were pregnant at the same time and lived less than a block from each other on States Street in Orem, Utah. They both had boys about three months apart- who became like brothers. Fifty years ago, Nick and Carl were called to serve their first missions in Denmark. JJ and Elder Barnard stayed with us at their home in Linden, Utah.. (our son, Nick was named after this childhood friend).
The second Sacrament meeting was in Spanish Fork. Our good friend, Elder Clayton, was speaking in the ward. He has just been home from Denmark less than a month. Elder Barnard and Elder Clayton were companions in Odense. Our outreach center in Denmark was so blessed to have all three of these men doing missionary work together and enjoying a fast game of CRUD after our Tuesday night family home evenings.
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On Sunday evening we gathered in Clinton- a small town in the middle of Elder Simonsen's new mission. His mission is full of returned missionaries who served in Denmark. Many were able to come to the home of Megan Reed (who served with us in Odense at least three different times). She was so excited to host, with her family, this amazing reunion in honor of our Elder Simonsen. JJ, Carl and I spent the night at their home. Megan prepared Danish frikadeller, and later ableskivers
a taste of Denmark.
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It was so good to learn about life after a mission for these dedicated men and women. Most of them are going to Utah State, University of Utah, or Brigham Young University. Finals were about to begin the week after this reunion. It was a personal sacrifice for them to spend time with all of us and to welcome their good friend, JJ into the mission field.
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Early in the year of 2009, JJ was walking down a quiet street in Svendorg, Denmark looking for answers. Sister Burton, and Sister Roberts met him and his life was changed forever by their message. I don't think JJ had seen Sister Burton for over a year. He could soon be serving his mission only a few miles from where she is going to school in Logan.
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We are so grateful that these two sisters took the time to cross the street and meet this fine man from Greenland.
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Sister Liljenquist has a new name (Sister Hunt). She was married just months after she returned home. Sister Emily Roberts and Elder Ben Crosley met each other on their missions in Denmark. They are now engaged, soon to be married in early February.
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President and Sister Olauson came to welcome Elder Simonsen at our reunion. JJ was always a welcomed guest at our district meetings and Zone Conferences. President realized soon after JJ was baptized that this was no ordinary young man.
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What a great Sunday night. Thank you for taking the time to welcome Elder Simonsen to his mission.
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And thank you to Sister Reed and her family for being so willing to provide a beautiful Christmas home, with the sweet hospitality that Sister Reed was so famous for when she served her mission in Denmark. Thank you for the good food, and for your friendship. We are looking forward to seeing you again.
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The last Monday before Elder Simonsen entered the MTC was spent gathering missionary things. What does a missionary need the most when he begins his new, busy life? Utah is full of Mormon things- Walmart sells CTR rings-choose the right rings- (not necessary for a Spanish Speaking Mission) and little Christus Statues -JJ has seen the original statue in a little Chapel in Copenhagen by the Danish sculpture- Bertel Thorvaldsen.
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We found books about Baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost, in grocery stores. What every good missionary needs could be sung to the Christmas Carol- the twelve days of Christmas. -8 white shirts (short sleeves and long), an extra black suit with two pairs of pants, two free washable ties, a pair of long johns, some running shoes for P-day and a Partridge in a pear tree. All of this (except the partridge) can be found in the Missionary Mall.. where all the salesmen are returned missionaries.. and every pair of pants is guaranteed for two years.(even if you are sent to Siberia)
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When you are done shopping you can put a pin on the giant world map to indicate where you are going to spend your next two years. After your suit is taylored and your mission address is recorded there is a free service that delivers your perfectly fitted jacket and pants to your doorstep at the MTC. I think they have done this before. It is an Elder's paradise. What a fun,
optimistic, place to shop.
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The night before JJ entered the MTC, he completed a web site in both English and Greenlandic. The missionaries do not have a lot of time to create blog posts or visit the internet from day to day. He wanted to leave, for his friends and family - the story of his conversion to the church, his thoughts on the importance of love in his life, and some favorite quotes and scriptures that he may share during his mission.
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Then we made plans for this blog- it will be a collection of his letters, observations, stories and pictures that he will send me to post for all of you. He knows that there are many Greenlandic and Danish friends who
have no idea why he has come to the middle of Utah to become a missionary for this church. This blog is for you. It will help you keep in touch with our favorite Greenlander- Jens Jacob Simonsen. Any comments that you add, I will send directly to him. He has a great love and appreciation for you . By the time Elder Simonsen has completed his two years- maybe you will understand what he came here to do.
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On December 14, we met for "all you can eat" at a local buffet called the "Golden Corral"- in Orem, Utah right next to Provo. We gathered together with Sister Heidi Andersen from Denmark- She entered the MTC with him on this same day. She has been called to serve on Temple Square. Our good friends, Nick and Fran in the front, and the Jepsens (Returned Senior Couple- from their mission in Denmark) and Emily Roberts (who taught JJ the gospel the first time he heard it)- were all there for our final goodbyes.
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In the front of the MTC are dozens of international flags- Hopefully by the time Elder Simonsen brings Greenland to northern Utah- you will see the red and white Greenlandic flag flying here with all the rest.
Final good byes are hard to do. By the time JJ is released Sister Roberts will be a married woman.
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Elder Simonsen and Sister Andersen have met in the Copenhagen young single adult Outreach Center. Here they are with the group at Tivoli- a beautiful amusement park in the center of Copenhagen.
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Our weekend together was all to short.
We collected lots of memories and pictures.
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What a way to begin the Christmas season. Elder Simonsen has been waiting a long time to become a missionary. Next time we see him, he will have his own name tag and be well on his way to becoming a Spanish Speaking Elder. He is a long way from Greenland, and Svendborg, Denmark. Welcome to America, Elder.
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Elder Simonsen will be living in the Provo MTC I think, until February 15th. His address there is:
Elder Jens Jacob Simonsen
MTC Box 272
Utah Ogden Mission 0215
2005 N 900 E
Provo, Utah 84604
At about 2 in the afternoon, we entered the foyer of the MTC where Elder Simonsen and Sister Andersen received their room assignments and meal cards.
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It is hard to say good bye to you, JJ... our dear friend.
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Thank you for preparing your self so well for this mission. It has been quite a privilege to be with you during this last year and a half. We have learned many things from you. We appreciate your family and your rich Greenlandic heritage.
God be with you till we meet again.
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I think spring is a good time to return to northern Utah. Maybe we can have another "destination" birthday. I love Utah in the spring. God be with you until the spring. Loved sharing the first part of Christmas with you..the temple lights, the friends, and our the newest missionary from the Odense first Ward. It has been such a pleasure to be with you.
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For a sea man who appreciates and loves the night sky, I hope you noticed the full moon above the mountains only a few days after you entered the MTC. There was a complete lunar eclipse during the winter solstice- the darkest day of the year.
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We saw the moon turn orange as we returned home after a long night of Christmas shopping.
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Dear Elder Simonsen,
You have just left a comfortable, safe harbor among your good friends and family. As soon as you arrived in this strange, new land- the moon turns orange on the darkest night of the year. It hasn't done that since 1638, almost 400 years ago. What a way to begin your mission. In 1 Corinthians 2: 9 the Lord makes a great promise to those who are willing to follow him into the wilderness- He said:
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"Eye hath not seen nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."
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Thank you for your willingness to leave the harbor. We love you, Elder. Keep in touch. Sist W
