Anya has been busy all day with her first Thanksgiving dinner today—celebrated at the end of test week. It is wonderful to see her determination with all the organization, cleaning, and most of the cooking. I am the point person for the turkey and gravy, but she is managing and coordinating everything else with her friend, Sarah. Sarah commented that Anya is amazing at figuring out how to make things work. We don’t have a kitchen full of gadgets, so we are creative with what we have (yup, MacGALver).
However, Anya wanted to enjoy her friends and not worry if I would embarrass her, so she asked if this gathering could be just for her and her friends. I understand. This is an important time to nurture these new friendships, and it would be awkward with one parental unit—especially hers.
I admit that I was a big gloomy, being alone—and with the challenges of Swedish weighing on me. This weekend, I have to write a Swedish exam for my class at the university and also write an exam—in Swedish—for the course I’m teaching at Johannelund. I will have my exam to give proofed on Monday.
There was an Advent concert at church at 6:00 pm, so I finished the gravy and took off for the concert. By 5:30, the church was already half full, and there was overflow seating ready in the narthex. Every seat was filled as far as I could see.
Advent is big here. I’ve been told that the first Sunday in Advent is better attended than Christmas services.
I was impressed with the Advent concert. I have never been in a church concert with so much sound, and rich sound, filling the space. The church isn’t a big church, but neither is it small. It is “lagom,” the Swedish word for just enough or the right amount. I was glad I went. All my professional, church, and other musical friends (Jean, Scott, Elenn, LaDeana) were there with me in my mind, as I thought how much you would have enjoyed it.
At the end of the concert, which closed with Handel’s Messiah, the eldery woman who had been seated next to me started talking with me. She remembered me from when I preached last month. She thanked me so much for the message which really spoke to her. She said that several of her women friends have continued to talk about it. She gave me a hug (which is not common in Sweden) and ended with, “I think you’re needed here.” Wow. This was a gift of encouragement that I needed tonight.
Now I am waiting in my office (so no pictures tonight) for the clear sign to head home.
With blessings,
Beth
You are such a sensitive Mom! You have raised an amazing daughter and are giving her baby wings as she prepares to fly soon(but not too soon!). I feel your stress over your Swedish. I wish I actually stressed a bit more over my Chinese!
I’ve been Stateside since Nov 1 and I can’t wait to get back to China! Being with family is a whole different set of stresses. Some days I wish I were able to ignore it all but that’s not possible for me. So I must cast all more worries on Jesus and move forward without knowing what comes next.
Be blessed during this advent season in a country that still cares.
This post made my eyes water. 🙂