Church included a nice brass band today. There is usually a mixture of hymns and less traditional songs. With one of the hymns, they had to be creative as the six verses (or was it eight!) needed different instrumentation! But it was well received.

After service, I was treated to fika (coffee, tea, and refreshments) and had a conversation in English with an American and a German (both who also speak excellent Swedish) about American politics. But don’t worry, this blog will be an oasis away from American politics!
After church and a nap, I worked on getting things a little more settled. I hung a collection of Maasai women’s beaded collars (essosi) and some collars with beaded fringe (I believe they are called nailelo).

Some other Maasai items were hung and some things rearranged for a more cohesive feel. Anya started to call our living room a Maasai museum.
Just so you know, everything isn’t in Maasai motif.

Ingrid Bergman came back to Sweden! My favorite movie during high school and college was Casablanca. A friend gave me this poster during my college days. It seemed appropriate to put up the Swede now that I’m living in Sweden.
I also hemmed the Ikea curtains for the living room. I made sure there was room in the packing crate for the sewing machine that Grandma and Grandpa Hanson bought for Anya (and one of the reasons to bring the step-down transformer).
While I sewed, I listened repeatedly to recent broadcasts of Swedish news in simplified Swedish. I’m amazed at how much of a visual learner I am, so I’m trying to strengthen my aural capacity. I hope this helps!
With blessings,
Beth