Anya and I each had solo ventures today. For Anya, it was her first day of school.
Anya is starting the International Baccalaureate program at the Kathedral (emphasis on the first syllable, sounding like COT ee drahl) School. There was an orientation that started at 8:30 (a whole hour later than her start last year in Bellevue). Then there were only two classes of 120 minutes each: math and English. Math has about 15 students in it, because there only a few who take it at the “higher level” or a full 2 year program. English is also “higher level,” but it has about 30 students. Lunch is free, but it is served at another school, which is a 4 block walk from campus. Her last class ended at about 5 pm–but not every day. Her weekly schedule looks more like a college schedule, with block of two hours on a few days–like Fridays–between classes. She’s ready for the greater autonomy, and I think will do well developing her own capacities in managing schedule and things. The parents in Sweden have little role at this stage. There were no packets for me to fill out and sign, or syllabi to confirm that I’ve read them with my child, etc.
I went into Johannelund in the morning to get some things done. Here are highlights:
- I have been approved to take “Swedish for Academics” the the University of Uppsala, starting next month. I got my application approved and authorized with the official Johannelund stamp. Its in the mail now. I’m not part of the Uppsala University, but Johannelund has some formal agreements, so I am hoping that I’ll be accepted in a program that typically fills up with graduate students and new faculty at the university. There is a placement test, so the work I did with my tutor in Sammamish will be built upon.
- I unpacked my new laptop from Johannelund.
- There was a morning fika (coffee break) where our staff was invited to the neighboring church. I introduced myself in Swedish! Here’s the English translation. “My name is Beth Elness-Hanson. I’ve been in Sweden for two weeks. I will teach Old Testament. I come from the USA, from Seattle, Washington.” It was a big step to speak in front of about 30 people in Swedish, but I was glad I stepped up. They all applauded. Later Jim complimented me and said that others were pleased to see my effort.
I also received a text from my friend, Oscar, saying that he would not be able to come to Uppsala, but could I meet him at 2:00 pm in the Stockholm train station, as he was returning from Gothenburg. I agreed. (I’m only .75 FTE the first year, which give me more time to become oriented and work on Swedish. This gives me a bit of flexibility to take off for Stockholm in the middle of the day.)
After biking home to drop off my things, have a quick lunch, and put on rain gear, I biked in a light rain the 25 minutes to the train station. I boarded just a minute before the train departed for Stockholm! Whew!
I met Oscar and his two friends, Gunnar and Ragnhild. They had been teachers for 9 years in Morogoro, Tanzania, where Oscar lives and works. I know Oscar from our days at Lutheran Bible Institute in Issaquah, WA. I gave updates of the faculty and friends from our days there.
We had a nice fika together on a scenic balcony.
I took the train back with Gunnar and Ragnhild. We talked more about their volunteer work in their retirement. They have been giving Swedish lessons to refugees in their home church. I got to hear some of the joys of people who are eager to learn, but the challenges of having to wait for almost a year before they were able to access educational opportunities.
Gunner and Ragnhild got off at the stop before Uppsala, but I’m guessing our paths will cross again.
It was sunny when I biked back home, for a nice supper with Anya and Kristina. We reviewed the day, some Maasai stories, and some of our favorite books we’ve read.
There’s time for some more Swedish before I go to bed.
With blessings,
Beth