Prior to my listening comprehension exam, I stopped by the Nordic African Institute and got a library card (the librarian was capable but had no personality or sense of welcome!). I did about an hour of reading in the book, African-Centered Knowledges, and checked out this book with three others of a similar theme. The introduction of the book was very thoughtful. When I type up some notes, I’ll share some that may be understandable out of context.
Then off to my exam in the part of the university (The English Park!) in the next block. I was on time, but she was finishing up an exam with another student. So, I waited outside just a few minutes on a bench across from the copy room.
I might have answered enough questions to pass. I didn’t get them all, but fortunately, it was about rune stones. I had done a reading on this in our reading book, so at least some of the terms I knew. I also knew some of the history that appeared in the questions. Christianity came about AD 1000. Books weren’t printed in the 1200s, because I knew that Gutenberg’s printing revolution came out just before the Reformation (1517), so 1500 was the right answer for printing books in the multiple choice.
My response on the student evaluation somehow got back to my teacher, as I had mentioned about taking the placement exam and being place in a level that was very difficult and stressful. Today, she initiated the conversation which mentioned (in Swedish), that level 2 would have been to easy for me. So, she figured out it was me and my concern on the student evaluation. Yes, I did work hard, but I still didn’t pass at least one component of the course (and we’ll see about the comprehension).
Even though I do not have to, I will retake the essay some time to be determined in April, which will give me time to keep strengthening my Swedish. However, my teacher will be out on maternity leave, so there will be a substitute.
Afterwards, I went to the University of Uppsala library, in the next block, and got another library card.
This library had a more friendly librarian but a less friendly building. This is the reality of a old building that has been expanded in different ways over 200 years.
There is a wonderful reading room.
I was trying to get to the theology section by following signs, and I ended up on this balcony. After going the wrong direction and making a big loop, I found a very dim and dreary room with the theology books. At least it was very quiet, and I sat at a table next to a window for some natural light.
On the way home, I picked up a few things at Clas Ohlson. I was in a little funk. What was the reason? Tiredness? Disappointment in my Swedish progress? The reality that I’m working on a paper that has me caught, and no one to really talk it through with? Perhaps, all of the above? I’m trying to ride several horses at one time, to use an analogy that my PhD adviser, Knut, used once. I’m integrating other disciplines that only know enough of to be dangerous. But if I have something that comes together into something somewhat solid, I sense that it is important to say. The challenge is integrating some systematic theology (Luther’s law-gospel distinction with an understanding of the 3 uses of the law, and yes, according to my JTH colleague, Luther did utilize a 3rd use even if he didn’t call it that), and philosophy relating to different epistemologies (or ways of knowing), and then adding an intercultural/African aspect. And this paper will be presented Feb. 6! I worked on it until Anya came home at about 5 PM.
Fortunately, Anya and I had a fun evening playing ping pong. We did our own mash-up version of a riff off (from the movie Pitch Perfect). I would sing a hymn, Christmas carol, or Bible camp song, and Anya would find a word that I sang, and then match it to a lyric in a musical in order to steal the singing. Then, I would try to take it back. It was hilarious!
I close with the sunset from last night as I left my Talk Time at church. At the bottom of the light pole on the right, you can just see the cathedral spires far on the horizon. The distance is actually 1.5 miles (2.42 km) to the cathedral. (Yes, it is that flat.)
With blessings,
Beth
Don’t you just love libraries!!! Almost makes me want to go back to school, BUT I think I’ll just go visit libraries!! Too sad that the theology section is in the ‘dark’. If any subject should be shelved in the LIGHT area, these should for they are meant to bring enLIGHTenment, eh?
It’s amazing to me that you can see 1.5 miles away. The air isn’t clear enough here to see two blocks let alone 1.5 miles. Sigh, cough cough. My English camp is fast approaching. Leslie will be here in a week and the others with her. They will come in and make my vision a reality! Ah the expectation and anticipation!!