Melanie and Joseph were so kind to pick us up for church today, where an American mission team to Norway was leading in music and preaching. They were from Georgia and closed with “hillbilly” music.
The preacher was an apologetics guy, and in reality, few are impacted by losing an philosophical argument compared to the many who are drawn in by the love and care from the faithful. I believe that love is that best apologetics.
Anya took off after church as she had plans with one of the Norwegians who was at the Norwegian immersion language camp that Anya attended last summer. So, I accepted Marta’s offer to visit the Utstein Kloster or monastery. It was a beautiful day, but still not warm. (Tomorrow we might break 60 degrees!)
Utstein Abbey (in Norwegian Utstein Kloster) is Norway’s best-preserved medieval monastery. The abbey, dedicated to Saint Laurence, was founded in its present location during the reign of King Magnus VI of Norway (1263–1280).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utstein_Abbey
Today I’ll share pictures of the outside, and I’ll share more tomorrow of the inside.
Afterwards, we were hosted to dinner at Marta and Kjell’s home. They have a wonderful gift of hospitality. However, it was a good thing that Anya didn’t come along as the two guests were even more bent toward theological conversations than I am!
Marta is a gift for me in this place. We have some similar aspects to our stories as MKs and adult missionaries trying to mother kids through life.
I returned home to an email from Eric’s Aunt Donna sharing the updated web post for Eric at findagrave.com.
I shared it with Anya for the celebration of American Father’s Day. It isn’t a thing here, which is probably easiest for Anya.
I’m grateful for my Dad, who prays for us daily. What a blessing! The daughters got together and bought him a tablet for Father’s Day. Now he can have fun with a renewed eye after cataract surgery and enjoy it.
With blessings,
Beth