Today I transitioned to the next step for my dissertation. I spent the morning reflecting on the midway evaluation and reading the written comments of the respondents. I sent some clarifying questions to Knut, and made an appointment to meet on Monday to process a few things. Then I transitioned to the next steps. I started reading the masters thesis of Pastor Gabriel Kimirei, a Maasai who studies at Wartburg Seminary. His master’s thesis is on a comparison of the Maasai understanding of reconciliation with the Old Testament. He has some very good documentation that I will integrate into my dissertation, so this is helpful. Justo brought it from Tanzania for the seminar 2 weeks ago. Now, after the evaluation, I can tackle it.
Fortunately, there was some nice weather, so I spent some time outside reading it.
Last night, I finished a book, My Name is Asher Lev, by Chaim Potok.
I brought it along from the USA and finished it last night. I like Chaim Potok, and while I probably prefer the story of The Chosen and The Promise, this book makes me ponder the artist’s worldview. I’ve read that it is Potok’s favorite of his books, and one that is semi-autobiographical.
Now I’ve transitioned to a new book. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, by Mark Haddon.
It was recommended by Marta’s daughter, Janna, and I thought it sounded like a good read. Then an theatre adaptation just earned a Tony award, but my landlord had it on a shelf (there are tons of books here). So, cool! I can start tonight!
Torbjørn was home for a bit today. He works on Thursdays in the area, so I kind of expect him to show up on Thursdays. We had a nice talk for a bit, and I found out about his finals and a bit about his courses this semester. He is a good conversationalist, which is commendable for a 19-year-old. I made pizza for dinner and invited him to join us, followed by the last of the chocolate cake. It was a nice time. Part of the time was playing with the bucky ball magnets, which have been a great activity with friends here. They have been recalled in the USA because of kids swallowing them, even though they are sold only to those who are teenagers or older. Too bad, because they are great fun.
I did take a mental break and watch an episode of Welcome to Sweden on Netflix. This is an sit-com about an American, Bruce, who moves to Sweden to be with his Swedish girlfriend, Emma. It has some adult-themed humor and not appropriate for Anya, but I’m checking out what cultural aspects are addressed regarding an American moving to Sweden–or being in Norway. There are some similar things, like outgoing Bruce can’t figure out why neighbors living in the same apartment building don’t get to know each other. Emma instructs him to just say “Hej, hej” and walk on. So, finally Bruce complies and totally misses that his neighbor is stuck in the elevator and calling for help. Bruce replies, “Hej, hej” and walks on. Yes, welcome to Norway or Sweden!