There and Back Again

Just a month after returning from my mission and being released to be a normal member again, I had the wonderful opportunity to bring my family back to the wonderful country of Denmark. This trip included other countries like France, Germany, and Czech Republic along with the companionship of Scott, Becki, Ty, and Parker Clayson. Some highlights from Denmark include riding the train into the country to stay in Kolding (arguably where I took the train the most). From there we drove to Frederikshavn, Tversted, Esbjerg, Ribe, Vejle, and Fredericia. We visited Kurt Holm-Larsen and his family, Thomas and Marie Bornemann's family, Karen Christensen, and the Lars and Marianne Kjær family. 

After several days over on Jylland, we drove cross-country to Sjælland. We stopped in Roskilde to see the Viking Ship Museum. After, we went to Hillerød to see the Carl Bloch paintings in Frederiksborg Castle. We visited Mei Jensen, Inger Christensen, Richardt and Helmi Andersen there as well.

We spent a couple days in Copenhagen enjoying the hot dog stands, castles, and cathedrals. Among others, we visited Vor Frue Kirke (where the Christus statue is), Vor Frelsers Kirke (with a golden spiral), Nyhavn, Marmor Kirken (The Marble Church), Amelienborg Palace, and Rosenborg Castle. There was also an unexpected ambulance ride and half day spent in the hospital with Uncle Scott following a concussion from a bike accident. I also had a quick trip back to Roskile's Cathedral and stopped by a physical therapy practice one of my companions and I visited on the mission.  We all stayed in the Temple Housing and were able to attend the beautiful Copenhagen temple a couple times.

It was a wonderful opportunity to share this country I love dearly with those I love dearly. Thanks to all those who made my mission such an incredible experience! I hope I was able to serve those people in a way that helps them change as well! Gud være med dig til vi ses igen!

Post Mission Facebook Page post

Shared on Bryant Jepsen Facebook page...

I once heard a quote: "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." That quotation almost perfectly describes my mission. It would better be said: How blessed I've been to have in my life, exactly what so many others needed to hear.

I've been incredibly blessed to serve in Denmark alongside so many incredible members and missionaries. I am so grateful for the memories and lessons I've shared and learned. Thank you to all those who made my mission the perfect mission for me. And most of all, I thank my Heavenly Father for letting me serve Him and my Savior along with the wonderful people of Denmark. I love Jesus Christ and am so grateful to share the message of repentance through His atoning power.

1 Corinthians 15:57-58
"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."

Jeg glæder mig til tilbagerejsen her den 3. til 7. august.
Vi ses snart Danmark!

Welcome Home!

The weeks prior to June 25th, we stayed busy with house projects and preparing to welcome Ældste Jepsen home! This morning, we received a picture of the group of Elders leaving Denmark, which confirmed that we would see him soon. Our family arrived at the SLC Airport early and were joined with some extended family, happy to share this fun day. It was also wonderful to meet other families waiting for their Danish missionaries. The Bailey's, Angerhoffers, Wrights, along with two sister missionaries' families were there. Ældste Throckmorton and a few other recently returned Denmark missionaries also came. And being there early, there were a handful of other missionaries who came in on an earlier flight that we enjoyed seeing the reunion with their families. (Camille got pretty teary, even though we don't even know Sis Hill who served in Brazil! ...good warm up to our turn!)

Then, when our missionary group rounded the corner to come down the escalator, the family cheers exploded from below! Here were our kids who we love and have missed. Bryant quickly gave us all strong tight hugs and it felt so good to see him again. He looked great, and of course also positively happy. It's been 3years since our family has all been together. What a great reunion!

And to add to the amazing airport reunion, we were able to be with him that night as he reported to Pres Brown, our Stake President. It was so tender to hear his firm testimony, love of his mission, and the Lord. He is a great young man. We feel so very blessed to have him home again. No doubt, as he follows where he is led, he will do great things in his chapters of life to come.
Sure love you lots, Bud!