Today I met my boss, Kjell, who was warm and friendly. It was the first formal day of the start of the school year. We all went to a small convent about a 50 minute drive southwest of Uppsala.
We had an employee “retreat” day at a Lutheran convent where 14 nuns have a small retreat center for women. Today, it was co-ed.
They are connected to a beautiful old church, where we also had afternoon vespers with the sisters.
The sisters excel in hospitality, both with their friendliness and their food. We arrived to a morning fika with fresh made rolls. Throughout Sweden, bread is adorned with cheese together with jelly or marmalade. Lunch was delicious with all their home grown vegetables. Dessert included berry krem, served with milk.
Afternoon fika was amazing!
We actually did more than eat! We had a time of introductions and reviews of summer travels and activities. There were some announcements and discussion of upcoming changes in facility and programs. I’m the new kid on the block, so I was invited to give an introduction. Most of the sessions were in Swedish, where I can usually track the topic, but not the details. Jim was giving English translations for George, a Tanzanian on staff, and me. That actually helped confirm my understandings.
The interesting thing was that all our talking sessions were held outside. What a great time to be outside together. I’m glad that I had my sunglasses along!
There is a wonderful sense of community here. I felt it during my interview. I experienced it again today. The conversations at fika and meals were warm and meaningful. I was even on the verge of tears as I had lunch with a couple women. One has special needs children and shared some of her story. One has an ill father. They went beyond my “widow announcement” to enter into a bit of my story. They weren’t afraid to share in the uneasy stuff.
It was a good day.
With blessings,
Beth
We rejoice with you! And remember those first days of faculty meetings at Maasae Girls all done in Kiswahili. There was I, the new chaplain, who was quickly buried in the flow of words. It eventually did come, but I still answered in English.