Month: June 2015

I have a wonderful PhD supervisor, Knut! He coordinated an overnight sightseeing trip for the two others in the Maasai Research Group, Anya, and me. The two others, Hoyce and Zephania, are from Tanzania, and at least Zephania has not been outside the Stavanger area in his previous 2 years as a master’s student and 5 months for this PhD study.

I’ll give you a bit of yesterday’s visit today, but than continue on over the next day or two relaying the story of the journey and photographs of beautiful Norway. At times, I felt we were in coffee table book gorgeous scenery. Unfortunately, my photography won’t capture the stunning beauty!

We took off Saturday morning, and first visited the church that Anya’s great-great (great?) grandfather was the architect and built in Ivesdahl. (Look at pictures from April 3rds post, as those are better than what I took yesterday.)

Along the drive we saw the longest and best preserved stone bridge in the Nordic region. It is built entirely from stone.

We continued on to Ivesland area, north of Kristiansand, in the woodland area of the southern part of Norway–also passing the production area of Voss water, an internationally marketed brand of Norwegian water.

Knut’s one room cabin was extended a few years ago into a beautiful, 3-bedroom lake cabin. It doesn’t have running water or grid electricity, but solar keeps the basic lights on when needed. Propane stove (for heating water for the shower in addition to cooking) and fridge are available. A gas generator can be used if needed, but we didn’t end up using it. And a microbial toilet works just fine.

The pine floor, walls, and ceiling in the two story cabin are so cozy.

Anya and I took a walk to the lake and marsh, and avoided the snakes that are sometimes seen in the area.

We looked through his guest book, and I saw 5 African theologians that I had me that Knut had hosted previously. He is a gracious host, and we laughed as he translated Nordic fairy tales, played simple games, and told stories. Knut closed the evening with Psalm 103 (he read from the Hebrew Bible and translated by sight) and  prayer for us and for our families.

I read once that an invitation to a “hytte” or cabin is one of the greatest honors of hospitality in Norway. Indeed, we were blessed.

More tomorrow!

With blessings,

Beth

I worked from home on OCR scanning quite a bit of Kimirei’s master’s thesis, especially the parts on Maasai reconciliation. This thesis is a gold mine for me! Then I started getting notes into Nota Bene for dissertation citation.

I also went to what we would call the baccalaureate service for MHS, followed by a light dinner with great desserts, and then the graduation ceremony.

The service was nice, but less pomp and circumstance. Due to the value of being egalitarian, there are no caps and gowns. There is no procession. All the graduates sit with friends or family in the auditorium. There are more master’s students than bachelor’s students. Many of the master’s students are from outside Europe, including Madagascar, Ethiopia, Nepal, and Ghana.

The service was out at 9 PM, and I should have been thinking about what time the #2 bus was departing from the bus stop close to school. Just as I was thinking about heading home, I saw the bus drive by. So, I walked to downtown, and grabbed a bus toward Sandness. However, it wouldn’t take me close to home, so I had to switch buses by the mall, which was long closed. It was getting late. The X60 bus picked me up at 10:18. However, the sun hadn’t set yet!

I walked from the bus stop to home and took this picture at 10:23 PM with the sun still 22 minutes from sunset!

Tomorrow, there will not be a blog post. Knut is taking the Maasai Research trio with Anya to his family cabin. There is no running water or electricity! So, definitely no WIFI. Thus, no way to make a post. I’ll bring back photos. I was talking to Knut’s wife tonight about the beaver that lives by their cabin, and then also some snakes! Stories to come Sunday evening.

Today I transitioned to the next step for my dissertation. I spent the morning reflecting on the midway evaluation and reading the written comments of the respondents. I sent some clarifying questions to Knut, and made an appointment to meet on Monday to process a few things. Then I transitioned to the next steps. I started reading the masters thesis of Pastor Gabriel Kimirei, a Maasai who studies at Wartburg Seminary. His master’s thesis is on a comparison of the Maasai understanding of reconciliation with the Old Testament. He has some very good documentation that I will integrate into my dissertation, so this is helpful. Justo brought it from Tanzania for the seminar 2 weeks ago. Now, after the evaluation, I can tackle it.

Fortunately, there was some nice weather, so I spent some time outside reading it.

Last night, I finished a book, My Name is Asher Lev, by Chaim Potok.

 

I brought it along from the USA and finished it last night. I like Chaim Potok, and while I probably prefer the story of The Chosen and The Promise, this book makes me ponder the artist’s worldview. I’ve read that it is Potok’s favorite of his books, and one that is semi-autobiographical.

Now I’ve transitioned to a new book. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, by Mark Haddon.

It was recommended by Marta’s daughter, Janna, and I thought it sounded like a good read. Then an theatre adaptation just earned a Tony award, but my landlord had it on a shelf (there are tons of books here). So, cool! I can start tonight!

Torbjørn was home for a bit today. He works on Thursdays in the area, so I kind of expect him to show up on Thursdays. We had a nice talk for a bit, and I found out about his finals and a bit about his courses this semester. He is a good conversationalist, which is commendable for a 19-year-old. I made pizza for dinner and invited him to join us, followed by the last of the chocolate cake. It was a nice time. Part of the time was playing with the bucky ball magnets, which have been a great activity with friends here. They have been recalled in the USA because of kids swallowing them, even though they are sold only to those who are teenagers or older. Too bad, because they are great fun.

I did take a mental break and watch an episode of Welcome to Sweden on Netflix. This is an sit-com about an American, Bruce, who moves to Sweden to be with his Swedish girlfriend, Emma. It has some adult-themed humor and not appropriate for Anya, but I’m checking out what cultural aspects are addressed regarding an American moving to Sweden–or being in Norway. There are some similar things, like outgoing Bruce can’t figure out why neighbors living in the same apartment building don’t get to know each other. Emma instructs him to just say “Hej, hej” and walk on. So, finally Bruce complies and totally misses that his neighbor is stuck in the elevator and calling for help. Bruce replies, “Hej, hej” and walks on. Yes, welcome to Norway or Sweden!

Anya asked to come with me to MHS to observe a PhD defense. Well, as there is noting critical at school for her today, and this is the last defense while we are here (my 3rd to observe), she would be able to catch a glimpse of what I’m in for in the future.

We took the bus to the Stavanger center, where the 7-11 is right across the street. They have a good business in pastries, especially with a sale going on for 10 kroner for any pastry. My chocolate croissant was tasted better at $1.30 instead of $2.60 (when I don’t splurge)!

The PhD defense of Amador Israel Cavedes Mandujano was attended by about 30 people.

This missiological project researched the factors for the unprecedented growth from about 125 members in the early 1970s to over 40,000 members of the Christian Missionary Alliance church in Lima, Peru. In addition, there is a great diversity of social status and cultural backgrounds represented, typically not seen in other Protestant churches in Latin America. He identified 14 aspects in three general categories, but I didn’t take notes.

This defense was easier to follow than the theological philosophy defense last month. In fact, this was not a very grueling defense at all. After it was over, I jokingly told Knut that I think I want to switch to a missiology program, as it seems easier than biblical studies. I think I received more challenges yesterday in a midway evaluation than this guy did for his final defense today. However, the distinctive difference is that his “opponents” were academics who are closely aligned with both his topic and approach, in order that they can be an informed critic. In contrast, mine weren’t. Let me continue with my cathartic processing…

I awoke at 4 am this morning reflecting upon what would be an analogy for my midway evaluation yesterday. Half awake, I thought it was like my presentation of a modern jazz dance before traditional ballet critics. No matter how good my jazz dance is, it is not good ballet. They are both dance, but very different styles.

However, there is also an ethical dimension, so this dance analogy falls short. The best way to describe it that I can think of would be by describing it as another “socio-pragmatic” approach–a feminist approach. So, let’s say I was presenting a mid-way evaluation for a feminist research project, but my respondents were two white males (actually they were white males), who had little or no exposure to feminist concerns but did all their research in a male-dominated discipline. My feminist critique of male approaches would not be understood at best, and at worst, seen as disrespectful of all the prior male scholarship. They wouldn’t understand that women have different research questions.

So, now with this analogy, substitute male-dominated with Western-Enlightenment-oriented scholarship. And substitute feminist approach with inter-cultural approach. Then to realize that I’m not throwing out the Western scholarship, because I’m integrating it–or building bridges of understanding across cultures. I eagerly integrate the Western scholarship in my work; I’m not throwing out the baby with the bath water. However, I was described as calling Western scholarship “crap.” But why do I draw upon it then? The same guy said that these traditional scholars are not offensive, he even mentioned a dead German scholar, Julius Wellhausen. However, it is well known that Wellhausen was anti-Semetic! I was wondering yesterday if I should mention this in my short time for clarification, but I didn’t. Now I really wish I had said it!

Moreover, my dissertation draft and brief presentation yesterday identified that traditional scholarship was marginalizing or “othering” other voices that didn’t match with the sensibilities of Enlightenment-oriented Western scholarship. Ironically, I feel that is exactly what they did to me. If it were two traditional men and me with a feminist approach, at least there would be some politically-correct dancing around my argument. But they didn’t see that they ended up doing exactly what I was critiquing!

However, there still are valid points they make, and one clear one is that I have to convince them. So, I am more attuned to how traditionalists will receive my work, and I need to find a way to earn the opportunity to be heard and communicate in ways they can hear it.

So, off to a good night of sleep after this catharsis.

With blessings,

Beth

The highlight of the day was meeting Tina at the bus stop and having a friend to ride into MHS. It was nice to have a distraction from the pending “mock defense”–really called a “midway evaluation” with two faculty respondents.

I arrived early to make sure my Powerpoint presentation was all set up and ready to go.

There were about a dozen present, mostly PhD students. The presentation went smoothly, and my editing down from a 30-minute presentation to a 15-minute presentation seemed to keep the important aspects without slighting the overall message.

From my perspective, the respondents were a bit harsh. Both ended up to be traditional Western scholars who don’t have much–if any–engagement with inter-disciplinary projects. I was given bits of time for clarification with the first respondent, and the second respondent used his time to ask some questions, so there was a bit more dialogue.

I took notes as they went along, partly to carefully reflect on what they said, and partly to prompt my clarifications.

Tina said that I did a great job in the dialogue and gave strong responses. It didn’t feel like it, because I soon was able to think through what I would have wanted to say. But I remained gracious, which is important, and pointed out a couple places where a clarification would help them better understand a different perspective.

Fortunately, Knut was able to meet with me immediately after the evaluation. His first question was, “Do you think they understood your project?” I replied that I don’t think they have ever read an African theologian, much less a multi-disciplinary project, so I’m not sure they know how to process my project except from a traditional exegetical project perspective.

There was an effort to have a second respondent be someone who had engaged African theologians and qualitative research for an Old Testament PhD and post-doc research. Unfortunately, she was too busy.

So, Knut helped to filter what was valid for my project. There are things to heed, glean, and adapt for my dissertation, but unfortunately it was lopsided on the traditional exegesis. There was no constructive criticism on the qualitative research methods and related content.

The encouraging word from Knut is that he clarified that this was an interdisciplinary project that those in the mainstream of biblical scholarship would see as being on the margins. But then he said, “But it is the right margin.” And then added that he wondered what is the distinction between being on the margin and being on a leading edge of research? Indeed, with the majority of Christians being in the southern hemisphere, we need to find way to build bridges of understanding integrating both the Western exegetical methods and majority world voices. I have a great future ahead of me; it is just unfortunate to be critiqued by two traditionalists.

The good news is that for the PhD defense, there will be respondents (they call them opponents then!) who will understand intercultural and multi-disciplinary research.

The afternoon was watching another PhD student go through his midway evaluation. His is a missiology project and his two respondents seemed less harsh from my perspective, but they work with similar projects and understand the the methodology.

The late afternoon was a Maasai Research Group session to reflect on last week’s seminar.

I took the bus home and found Anya eating cheese and crackers. She has just returned from a day at an amusement park. Her class had won a race (when she was sick), but the whole class got to go for the day. She had decadent fair food and developed a slight sunburn on her face.

I escaped by watching The Matrix Reloaded to distract my brain from the day.

Ok, so if I had the ability to play a movie character, I think it would be awesome to play Trinity (but not the bedroom scene!) or Yu Shu Lien, the woman in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Surprised? What movie character would you want to play!?!

With blessings,

Beth

 

Tomorrow I am the first ever at MHS to go through a midway evaluation. It is kind of like a mock disputation in an abbreviated format. I submitted my dissertation thus far (through chapter 4, section 3; of 5 planned chapters). This was given to two other faculty to read. Tomorrow at 9:00 am (midnight in Pacific Standard Time), I will give a 15 minute presentation of my research and then have a dialogue for 30 minutes with each of the two faculty. They will be critiquing my work with the goal of strengthening it. This will be in front of any who choose to attend, which will probably be mostly PhD students. They will want to see what happens in order to be prepared for their midway evaluation.

I think one professor won’t be very supportive, as he is a traditional methodology person, and this is a multi-disciplinary project. However, I wonder if Knut is strategically utilizing him here in the midway eval so he isn’t obligated to use him for the real disputation (if not even eliminated from consideration), where he may be a major opponent at the more serious engagement of the defense.

I was on campus also, working in the library. I missed the #2 bus right outside the library, though it was 2 minutes early. So, I walked a few blocks to try to catch the #8 bus to the city center, but I saw that one just about 1 minute ahead of me. So, I walked downtown, which seems about half a mile and down hill. There were two big cruise ships in the harbor.

On the water front, they are getting ready for a sand volleyball tournament.

They have closed off a road right parallel to the harbor and piled sand about 2 feel high. The athletes were practicing. I saw jerseys from Brazil on the men. The women were tall and lean.

All the women had leggings on, which was appropriate for a chilly wind. The promotional materials have them in sports-bra and a little more than bikini bottoms. I wonder what they really will play in.

It is busy at the harbor with cruise ships, volleyball players, and the peddlers of tourist wares.

I made jiaozi (steamed pot sticker dumplings) for dinner with fresh wrapper dough and thawed pork and cabbage stuffing. After a bit more work reviewing my presentation, I practiced some Swedish, trying to learn the nuances of compressed round vowels in long and short forms. (I’m humbled.) And more practice with the online Duolingo lessons. (I’m ever humbled. How come I can’t remember the first syllable for pork?) Did you know that G before a consonant or hard vowel (a, o, u, å) sounds like G as is go, but before a soft vowel (e, i, y, ä, ö) a G sounds like a Y in yes!?!

Anya was really tired tonight, but still having difficulty sleeping. I’m headed that way soon. I don’t think I’ll lose sleep over the midway evaluation. I sense that Knut has shepherded me on a good path and has warned me that I don’t need to agree with everything said tomorrow. We’ll meet afterwards to evaluate what to take away from their comments. But a good night’s sleep will be helpful.

With blessings,

Beth

Melanie and Joseph picked us up for church. This is the couple from Curaçao and Zimbabwe respectively. There was special worship, barbecue, and games right at the Himmel and Hav (Heaven and Sea) retreat center on the Sola beach.

We arrived early, because Joseph was preaching. But because Melanie is the manager of the center, she brought out some tea and Marie biscuits while we waited. She has a great gift of hospitality, which is great for managing a retreat center/hotel. This was the couple that hosted us for Easter dinner as well.

We could sit and watch waves crash against the shore, as it was a windy day on the North Sea.

While waiting, we met a family from Indonesia. They warmed up to me when I started talking about my visit in Indonesia and how it was so meaningful for me as a young adult. Unfortunately, the engineer dad has been laid off from the oil industry, so they will be returning to Jakarta at the end of the school year. Their son is just a bit younger than Anya.

The worship was in the small, old chapel. It was nice to be cozy together, as often we are too spread out in the MHS aula (chapel/auditorium). Joseph preached on the Living Hope we have in Christ.

After the service, Anya walked on the rocks and beach.

There is a rocky area on the north and south sides of the bay, with fine sand on the east side. There was an area that was just tiny, pretty sea shells.

The sandy part is where the wind/kite surfers do their thing.

We had a nice barbecue, though Anya and I ate our food in the chapel out of the wind.

Then there were picnic games, like three-legged race and sack races. Anya participated in musical chairs.

Joseph and Melanie brought us home, and I took a nice Sunday afternoon nap.

Later, the weather looked descent, so we walked to the Sandnes Ulf football (soccer) match. Two days ago, it looked like there would be rain, so I wasn’t too sure about going, but it was mostly sunny, so we went. Oda’s mom was selling tickets, and Oda was doing face painting for the kids. Tickets were cheaper if you stood beyond the end zone, so we opted for this.

Even though it was mostly sunny, it was also really windy. The stadium is only about a 15 minute walk from our house, but it is at the crest of the glacial rift (hill), so the wind coming from the west off the North Sea blows over the soccer pitch (field). I was glad I put on my long johns. Even with my rabbit fur lined gloves, my thumbs became numb. Anya asked if I was sure I wanted to move to Sweden. I’m not too eager for colder weather, but I am eager to be at a place where I’m wanted.

I did buy Anya a Sandnes Ulf jersey with some birthday money. These are also the colors of Interlake High School, where she attended last fall and probably will be again. It doesn’t seem like Anya will be able to re-join the International Spanish Academy program, where most of her friends are.

I really don’t like the wind, after growing up on the prairie in Montana during my elementary days. And this day was full of a cold wind! I’m glad to be home in a cozy, warm house–and chocolate cake for dessert!

This week ahead will be interesting. On Tuesday, there will be a “midpoint evaluation,” where my dissertation thus far will be publicly critiqued by two faculty other than my supervisor. While I’m not too concerned, it will be a significant event. It is on my mind, though I don’t think I’ll lose any sleep over it.

Check back in on Tuesday evening though!?!

With blessings,

Beth

I have come to a deep appreciation of those who have the gift of hospitality. We have been so blessed along life these past few years, and here in Norway. Tina and her family have been so hospitable. Now that I’ve figured out enough of how to do life in Norway, I’ve endeavored to share a bit of hospitality–growing in my capacity.

I prepared with some house cleaning, and clipped the lawn while the weather was nice, as rain is in the forecast. I was told that this is the wettest spring on record and coldest since the 40s or something way back. However, I think I’ve acclimatized a bit as it doesn’t seem as cold as the temperature gauge says it is.

Today, we had Tina’s family over for dessert. I made yogurt panna cotta, which is Italian cooked cream, and wonderful. It is a little humbling preparing it for an Italian, as Tina’s husband is born and raised in Italy. But it is good and hard to go wrong. We had chocolate cake too.

We brought out the Bucky ball magnets, which are great fun. The boys had a great time discovering the shapes that could be made and properties of the magnets.

Later, we brought out water color pencils, and we all drew pictures. I guess we were a hit, because the boys didn’t want to leave! They enjoyed themselves, even though I don’t speak Norsk, and the boys didn’t want to use their English. The oldest probably understood most of what we said. Anya probably understood quite a bit of the Norwegian spoken. I am the most limited one.

So, again, we are blessed by Tina and her family. I was also encouraged to hear that Tina has a contract for next year. She finished up her PhD contract at the end of July and will be able to still work in academia. While it isn’t a preferred job, it is one she will do well as an administrator at the University of Stavanger for a one-year maternity leave replacement. It will have a bit of teaching, and that is Tina’s great joy. Though it means that she will have to say no to a commentary co-authorship that was offered to Tina and me. While we’d both like to do it, life circumstances aren’t conducive for us at this point.

A friend back in the USA, relayed that she has been asked to mentor a young woman again, as she had mentored her through confirmation. Now there is newly discovered cancer in the grandma, and this is an opportunity to walk together during a difficult time. I know the grandpa from days gone by.

Before bedtime prayers, I was telling Anya of this care and support for these family and friends, Anya said, “It’s like a holistic soap-opera!” We both laughed and the metaphor. Yes, isn’t it the inverted soap-opera to see people caring and supporting each other. And we prayed for the family, and others in the cancer journey.

May you all have bits of holistic soap-opera this week.

With blessings,

Beth

Today, Anya needed a mental health day, so she stayed home from school and worked on some algebra 2. Later she went by bus to Stavanger to get a couple things she had been thinking about. I think I’ve passed on my thing for bags to her, as she bought a Fjällräven Kånken backpack. They are a Swedish company, so perhaps she’s getting geared up for Sweden!

While Anya was gone, I worked on Exod 34:6-7 and the greater context. This passage is called “the Long Name of God” as this is God’s self description.

“The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.” (ESV)

I told Anya how I chose my topic of generational curses, but I’m just so glad that the first two passages that I deal with are pretty special–the Ten Commandments and this “Long Name of God.” This passage is actually overflowing with grace. Digging into it reveals grace upon grace.

I was reading in the area of the house that Anya calls the “indoor gazebo.” This is a lovely alcove with a comfy chair. Most of the time I can’t be here, as it is not efficient for taking notes, because I need to be seated at a table for note taking on my laptop. However, my first time through a chapter with pencil notes in the margin can be done in the chair.

At the end of the work day, I walked to the grocery store. I found a new path, which make things more direct and less hilly. I always enjoy the flowers along the way.

There is also a great view along the way. How awesome to walk to the store and gaze over a fjord on the way. In the far distance are still snow-capped mountain peaks.

There was some helicopter rescue practice over the water as well. I watched for a bit and saw two people repel (?) down to the rescue raft with orange smoke flare.

Anya made pizza for dinner. Homemade pizza means that I get meat, instead of cheese pizza when eating out with Anya!

After dinner, I made yogurt panna cotta as Tina’s family is coming over for dessert tomorrow. This is wonderful topped with fresh berries. Here’s the recipe link: http://helenrennie.com/recipes/desserts/panna_cotta.html

We closed the day streaming the movie, Millions.

We both laughed out loud. If you haven’t seen it, check it out. The boy has studied the saints, and they appear to him. He then blurts out their birth and death dates. I had seen it before, so I warned Anya that the mom had died in the movie. Perhaps you haven’t noticed (but we do), there are a lot of movies where there is or was a death of a parent. Think about it: Bambi, Lion King, Sound of Music, Star Wars (the mom, later we hear “Luke, I am your father”), etc. In fact, Disney’s animated films are known to have a trope of parental death.

Cinderella – mom is dead, dad dies
Aladdin – orphan
Lilo and Stitch – orphans
The Jungle Book – orphan
The Little Mermaid – mom dies
Beauty and the Beast – motherless
Bambi – mom dies
Finding Nemo – mom dies

Fortunately, Anya is in a pretty good place about this now. Earlier it was tough.

Blessings on your weekend folks!

Beth

When I started my blog in January and named it “Whithersoever thou goest” from Joshua 1:9, I had no clue that Anya’s and my journey would be so different in just a few months. I was imagining of 6 months of sabbatical, but now it has expanded beyond Norway with pending changes: 2015-16 academic year in Bellevue, and beyond in Sweden. It is a needed reminder of God’s presence and providence.

Anya went off to school, but the Subway affect from yesterday had her feeling slightly ill. She returned just before noon. This meant that she missed out on the 5K run in the late afternoon. I did inform Subway of the issue via an online customer service submission. I hope it will prevent others from getting sick.

I stayed home to finish reading the Maasai book, typing direct quotes into Nota Bene software when there was content that relates to my dissertation. Over all, I was disappointed. He didn’t develop the Oreteti tree metaphor to even where I could connect things meaningfully with it. While I’m not Maasai, I have an understanding of the Maasai worldview that is beyond a beginning understanding, and he couldn’t even engage me. I did glean some bits, but not as much as I had hoped.

My brother-in-law, Steve, was a great help today and delivered via email what others couldn’t do. There is a 1904 early ethnography by Moritz Merker written in German, but there is an unpublished English translation that was only available on microfiche. Steve was able to get the microfiche and get me some of the text. Their microfiche machine was so old that they were not confident in getting the whole thing copied, so I got 3 chapters that related to my work. Way to go Steve!

Mid-afternoon, I took a few minutes outside in the sunshine. Then back to finish up the book and look at some Merker.

With blessings,

Beth