On June 1, I started the liminal theme. Liminal is the in-between state.
The bigger picture is that on June 1, I submitted my resignation to my boss at Trinity Lutheran College.
At the end of January and just prior to my sabbatical start, I was informed that the administration had initiated and the president had authorized a release from the faculty handbook requirement to return for one year after a one semester sabbatical; i.e., I was invited to leave. Thus, I have been engaged in a discernment process–should I stay or should I go? This is a long story, but the summary version is that I have been offered a position at Johannelunds teologiska högskola in Uppsala, Sweden, after the completion of my PhD dissertation. I accepted.
Back in early May, we made a trip there. I relayed in my blog that I was asked to share my PhD research there, as they have a long-term relationship with Tanzania. This is all true. What I didn’t say was that this was part of a job interview. The Providential bit is that Anya came along and became enamored with the opportunity.
So at this point, the plan is to finish the dissertation in the fall while enrolling in a Swedish language course, which will continue through the year. I even have a former seminary prof offering tutoring in theological Swedish! Anya will have her 10th grade year in Bellevue, and then we move to Sweden. Anya will then enroll in the English-medium International Baccalaureate program at the Katedralskol, which was founded in 1246 (!) and claims three Nobel laureates and the co-founder of Skype as alumni!
So, this will be a year of liminality and transition. I waited to post this on the blog until my resignation was received, and I was able to notify some colleagues by email.
The other news of the day is that Anya received a notification in the post that there was a package for her waiting at the post office. So after school, we went to retrieve the package.
On the walk home we stopped by Subway and shared a sandwich. However, both of us have incurred “Monte-Subway’s Revenge” this evening, so not a good sign for this location. (Because of the high cost of labor, eating out is expensive, and so not a lot of people eat out. Perhaps the turkey was a bit beyond fresh.)
But before we “ran” home, we visited a cool store and saw the rhodys in full bloom.
Then, home to open the package from Anya’s friend, Sami.
These packages are medicine for the soul, but her body still is “Sub-par.” (Marvin, are you smiling!)
So, we thank you for your prayers and support–many of you with the discernment process–and for this next year of transition. I’m figuring that we’ll need a 3-bedroom flat in Uppsala to welcome guests! My niece, Erin who visited us in April, is already saving for a visit to Sweden! I’ll share some tidbits about Uppsala over the next few days.
With blessings,
Beth
