On Saturday, I did some tasks and ran some errands between checking the latest news developments regarding the terror attack in Stockholm.
Anya decided to go with a friend to Stockholm and meet a friend there. She had news that it was safe to go from her friend’s mom who works at the Swedish state department. Initially, they were just going to go to the Vietnamese restaurant north of the downtown area, but they decided to buy flowers and bring them to the area, joining many who did the same. It sounded like a meaningful way for them to process together with their plethora of emotions and feelings.
I decided to go to the central station where there is a photo booth to get passport photos taken.
I need to get a new passport as I’m running out of pages. If I waited to do this in the USA this summer, I would have to pay expedited costs. So, it makes more sense to get it processes at the American embassy here, though they prefer it being processed by registered mail with a self-addressed registered stamped envelop and some sort of bank check that I need to figure out how to get.
On the way home, I passed through the main pedestrian shopping street of Uppsala. People had gathered in silence to mourn.
Some had lit candles, the special candle they use here on All Saints Eve at the graveyards.
Someone was going around with a basket of free cinnamon buns, offering them and some apple juice. I wonder if cinnamon buns are a symbol of peace now. There were a couple memes recently in Swedish culture that relay the concept of: instead of guns, give cinnamon buns.
At church this morning, my friend that I had dinner with on Thursday for her birthday on Friday, reminded me how we were thinking about going to Stockholm for her birthday. That would have been the day of the attack. Also, her son’s girlfriend was in the department store but left only 15 minutes prior to the attack.
The church bombings in Egypt also fill us with grief and a host of feelings that cry out, come quickly Lord Jesus. But while we wait, help us to be peacemakers.
With blessings,
Beth
Hej Beth!
Thanks for graciously sharing your personal news on this blog. I “snoop” it occasionally, enjoying your insights into life in Sweden these days. After the trouble in Malmö a month ago I intended to ask you for your insights on the Islamic refugee assimilation, but did’t get around to it. Now, another alarm in Stockholm! God have mercy! There seems to still be Christian influence in the peace-making response we’re seeing. So glad you are all okay!
I am looking forward to seeing you at Mt. Carmel, and your study on the Psalms. I hope your folks are able to come again.
I always enjoy samtalar with your Dad. (My memory is fuzzy; I think you were in high school when he and I both served in the Duluth District.)
+ Dean Swenson