Well, after getting settled a bit the past few days, this was an unsettling day. The Swedish class was very challenging. It seemed to take a great leap forward in difficulty compared to last week. I realize that my conversation partner today–again being the guy fluent in Norwegian–is not one to compare with, but even the in-class conversations and exercises were beyond my ability. It was discouraging.
So, my strategy is to:
- memorize 200 more most common verbs and all their forms,
- memorize 2,000 more most common nouns with their gender and group, and
- work ahead on the readings and assignments…
… all by next week.
OK, I realize this is impossible. But perhaps I need to find another conversation partner, so that he doesn’t just cruise on filling out the grammar worksheet, while I’m still figuring out what I’m supposed to do. I need someone to work with me and figure things out together.
After returning home from class, Anya and I did the laundry. Then we biked to a cafe to meet my colleague, Maria, and her daughter for fika.
Anya and Maria’s daughter share an interest in Broadway musicals, so they found plenty to talk about. Maria and I always have plenty to talk about, and never enough time at work. She is so kind. We’ve been able to connect a few times over these past 6 weeks. Today, she was the salve for my wounded soul.
Maria is also helping me with practicing to speak Swedish, which I desperately need. I hope that every afternoon fika at work (it is just a basic coffee and tea break at work), I can arrange a one-on-one conversation partner. However, this week, I’m gone Monday through Wednesday to Växjö, where I’ll be living in a world of English at a conference. But, I will make some time for Swedish practice every day. I just need more, more, more…
The catch 22 of the day is that I have been turned down for an Internet account. I still get a simple, slow connection with my rent payment. Probably because I don’t have a Swedish bank account yet, my credit check was not approved. I called the company and asked what I could do to demonstrate that I am employed here, and that I am just waiting for my Swedish ID card so that I can get a Swedish bank account (and for Johannelund to deposit 2 months of salary). No easy answer. I could set it up in someone else’s name and bank account (ya, right), or pay 1000 kroner as a deposit. But how do I pay 1000 kroner without a Swedish bank account?
After I set up my Swedish bank account (after I get my Swedish ID card), then I will try to get approved for a real Internet account. At least I have this basic Internet access.
So, on the way home from fika, Anya and I stopped at Clas Ohlson’s housewares and hardware (and a bit more) store to get a router and a few things. We haven’t had WIFI since the switch from the pay-as-you go to the simple Internet connection (thanks to Omar). The good news is that now we have WIFI. The bad news is that Anya lost all her Snapchat streaks (having at least 1 Snapchat each day with a friend) without WIFI capability at home. Don’t worry; this isn’t earth shattering!
Off to bed. I’m trying to say my prayers in Swedish. It’s good to know that God understands even my sighs and groans (Romans 8:26).
With blessings,
Beth
Prayers continue. Justo always said that God spoke Kiswahili but at night, God dreamt in Maa!!!! Kiswahili sounds really simple in comparison to Swedish. So why was it so difficult for Marv and I, we wonder!!!
Lady, you inspire me to amp up my own language study. Now if I could just have fika as some comfort food, I’d be able to face the day. Lately the constant noise of construction near us has frazzled my nerves. Today is National Day so all is relatively quiet. Ahh. It’s beginning to cool off here. What’s the temp like there? Have you ever heard of WeChat? It’s an app that allows you to call people or voice message etc. for free.