Day 59 15 Septemberm

Please make an amendment to last night's blog - Ina's husband is spelt Joergen pronounced Yur-han.

We have had an amazing day today.  Ina drove us and we arrived at Helge's place to find a beautiful garden decorated with many NZ flags and the Danish flag flying, a custom in Denmark whenever someone special or important is coming to visit.  We were greeted so warmly.

Helge and Martha had invited all relations for the day - lunch, dessert, afternoon tea and tea.  We sat down (17 of us) to designated named places, were welcomed formally and shared a beautiful meal prepared and served by Martha. After eating, each family introduced themselves and shared stories.  We then were taken on a walking tour of the farm and once again we got a feeling for life in Denmark and many aspects of farming from cows, to pigs, to potatoes.  We viewed the most beautiful garden and lawns, spacious and colourful.  You really have to see this to appreciate the beauty of it.  

We returned to the house for dessert and then out came the photographs and records.  We have been given quite a few to bring home.  Five of us were first cousins, and some of the group were meeting for the first time so it was a real family occasion.

As many could not speak English and of course we know no Danish, two of the younger generation were interpreters for the day.  They were most attentive and translated constantly so that we could converse.  There was a lot of laughter, deep viewing of the family tree and intense discussions as family lines were sorted out.  Helge had done a lot of work and had written material to distribute.   He really appreciated the contact with the NZ families, especially the cards and emails from Elaine.  What an amazing couple!

We are saturated with information and it will take some time to work it through.  Before we came to bed tonight, Helge and Martha gave us a thank you gift.  It has been quite an emotional day and one we will certainly remember.

Tomorrow we drive to visit the family farm, the cemetery (headstones are gone now), and areas of family interest.  Ina has been a wonderful companion and she will get us to the train at Aahus to return to Copenhagen late in the day.

On Monday we spend the day with Charlotte, meet cousin Inger Lise, and Charlotte's family.  This has been a very humbling experience - we realise that people do value family connections and we were so fortunate to be able to be part of bringing the family of Jens and Nikoline Madsen together.  We will have so much to share when we get home.  Love to all.