Last Thursday (after a marathon push for grading), I went to the annual meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL) in Denver, CO, USA. Two students joined me.
My sister and her husband were in Denver for a conference that always occurs just prior to the SBL, in order to allow people to attend both conferences with one plane ticket. So, Elenn picked us up from the airport in her rental car!
I invited one student, Victoria, to join me in researching and writing a paper, for which I was encouraged to submit an abstract for consideration, and it was accepted. Our paper entitled, “Teaching Hebrew with Non-Native English Speakers: Developing Pedagogy in a Swedish Context,” was part of the National Association of Professors of Hebrew program unit. We presented it on Saturday, and it went quite well.
Victoria is a very bright student, and she is in the process of discerning her vocational path. This would be one great opportunity for her to experience one important aspect of a vocation of biblical scholarship and teaching. Mission accomplished.
The other student, Charlotta, is now working in youth ministry and planning on further studies. She doesn’t have much opportunity for conversations that stimulate her desire to dig deeper in biblical studies. She loved this opportunity that nurtured her “nerdiness.” They thrived and had a grand time, and it was great for them to have a travel partner and a hotel roommate to share the costs.
After Victoria and I presented our paper, we three went to celebrate at the Cheesecake Factory.
I have a “team” that regularly shares a hotel room: Beth (another Beth), Lena, and Carol. We all teach OT and get along famously. My roomies welcomed my students for our annual “OT Women’s Nerd Camp Dinner.”
At the conference, I made connections with some special people:
The other Beth let us join her in an Uber ride to the airport, so it was another nice transition. At the airport, we had a little fun!
There were many SBL participants on the flight back to London, including one of my favorite theologians, N.T. (Tom) Wright. I see him at these events, but I never go up and talk with him. I figured that our flight was undergirded by a legion of angels to get him home, as he has such an important voice in Christian theology today.
We made it to the London Heathrow airport just fine (thanks Tom!), where Anya came to meet me. I had enough layover to have lunch with her at the airport. I brought a HUGE bag of peanut butter M&Ms and a few other things from the USA. She brought me a King’s College sweatshirt!
Oh, I miss her, but it is so good to see that she is thriving. While I was there, she checked her latest class exam through the Internet via her phone. She was pleased that she earned 100% in abstract algebra.
It was a wonderful journey. Now, I’m back to lessons, course preparations, and meetings at Johannelund.
A group of Americans (with Swedish spouses) had their 25th annual Thanksgiving celebration on Saturday. I was invited to come and bring a pie. So, I made an apple pie.
While this gathering is not the same as being with my group of friends and family, it was nice to be included and have a great meal.
Now, time to keep on keeping on.
With blessings,
Beth
I’m glad you had a great trip & were able to be so social! Even getting to see Anya! How great!