Last night, after I posted my blog post, Anya Skyped with some friends in the USA. They had a sleepover, so several were together. It is great to see Anya animated and so excited. This is wonderful to keep in touch. They even played a game over Skype with an iPhone app.
This morning, Joseph picked us up for church. Melanie had to work, but Joseph was in town having arrived from England. Then he picked up Patrick on the way to church. Joseph has a gift of hospitality in things like rides, and when he wasn’t traveling so much, helping missionaries with practical matters, like getting car parts.
After worship, there was a potluck, where I brought my cookies (no fuss with heating things up). We had made a connection with an Ethiopian deaf man and we were friendly, but we were limited in communication. He did some typing on a cell phone to give some basics.
I had a nice chat with Marta. She has a gift of hospitality as well. She is also a great cultural translator for us, as she has made the adjustment to living in Norway. She told us that on Friday, 1 May, it is a holiday (stores are closed), and there will be a parade of thousands of motorcycles. Her husband, Kjell, is getting his put together after some repairs to join in part of the ride. Their relationship started on a motorcycle as Marta needed a ride to the village where her parents were in Madagascar. They be in the parade!
On the ride home, we got talking with Patrick about the recent elections in Nigeria, his home country. We are all grateful for a peaceful election and a real sign of democracy in this complex nation. Pray for Nigeria and the return of the 200 school girls as it has been one long year.
Then we talked about the political situation in Zimbabwe, Joseph’s country of birth. While I had a basic grasp of the history and situation, I learned much about the ongoing dynamics. In the not too distant future, Mugabe will die he is 91). It doesn’t sound like there will be a good transition then, as those in the next level of power will seek more power. What a loss for a country that used to flourish.
So, I think I did a reasonable job of relaying that not all Americans are poorly informed in global issues. Then, I was able to deepen my understanding. Anya also got a tutorial on politics for two countries in Africa.
Today, I’m also praying for Nepal. I visited Nepal in 1992, flying into Kathmandu and taking the bus to Pokhara. The epicenter is between these two cities. I’m relieved to hear that those I pray for in Kathmandu who work with the rescue of girls from human trafficking and the girls are all safe.
I was pleased to read of Norway, this tiny county of 5.1 million people, donating US$ 3.8 million to Nepal. (There is also a commitment from Norway’s leaders to welcome 10,000 Syrian refugees.)
My photos of the day (for Kathi) are not related, unless I can make some cognitive leap to Norwegian hospitality and welcoming outsiders (me and Anya). Here’s a glimpse of our back yard this afternoon as the sun was heading over the western hill. (Look no dandelions!)
In the middle of the patch of grass is what I believe is a magnolia tree with big buds.
I’ll have to share photos of them as they bloom.
With blessings–and prayers for Nepal,
Beth