July 12: Happy Birthday Greetings

Today, 51 years ago, I was born in Williston, North Dakota. I had an inferiority complex to my sibling sisters with their exotic birthplaces; one was born in Taiwan and the other in Hong Kong. Later on I did the math, and I realized that I was made in Hong Kong. I guess I’m not disqualified by birthplace for being president of the USA, but who would ever want this?!? (Oh, I guess there is a growing list!)

We were off by bus to church this morning. The Stavanger International Church joined the Anglican congregation for worship in the Bishop’s Chapel right next to the Stavanger Cathedral. They only worship in this small place during July when they have so many people off on holiday. But it was a moving worship in a wonderful place with rich acoustics.

The priest gave one of the fullest and focused sermons I have heard in a long time. He carefully wove in the Amos Old Testament text with the Gospel text from Mark in a way that the Gospel message was so clear and compelling.

The congregation also sang “Happy Birthday” to me and two others.

Afterwards, Anya took me to the French Bakery for decadent pastries and tea.

Life is still too short to not take a nap, so I had a nice nap. Scott arrived back from time with his cousin shortly after I awoke. The rest of the day was packing and preparations with a nice break for a walk to dinner at a nice Thai restaurant not too far away.  This was Scott’s birthday treat!

My to-do list is slowly being blackened out, and most of the important planning pieces for Tanzania are in place, with just a couple transition and confirmations in process. Still, my Meyers-Briggs “J” temperament is not settled until everything is done (which is never is), and the unknowns are managed (which they never are), so again, I’m learning that one of life’s biggest lessons is learning to trust God. Fortunately, I have 51 years of God’s amazing grace, steadfast love, and caring providence to remind me.

With blessings,

Beth