June 6: Hospitality is growing

I have come to a deep appreciation of those who have the gift of hospitality. We have been so blessed along life these past few years, and here in Norway. Tina and her family have been so hospitable. Now that I’ve figured out enough of how to do life in Norway, I’ve endeavored to share a bit of hospitality–growing in my capacity.

I prepared with some house cleaning, and clipped the lawn while the weather was nice, as rain is in the forecast. I was told that this is the wettest spring on record and coldest since the 40s or something way back. However, I think I’ve acclimatized a bit as it doesn’t seem as cold as the temperature gauge says it is.

Today, we had Tina’s family over for dessert. I made yogurt panna cotta, which is Italian cooked cream, and wonderful. It is a little humbling preparing it for an Italian, as Tina’s husband is born and raised in Italy. But it is good and hard to go wrong. We had chocolate cake too.

We brought out the Bucky ball magnets, which are great fun. The boys had a great time discovering the shapes that could be made and properties of the magnets.

Later, we brought out water color pencils, and we all drew pictures. I guess we were a hit, because the boys didn’t want to leave! They enjoyed themselves, even though I don’t speak Norsk, and the boys didn’t want to use their English. The oldest probably understood most of what we said. Anya probably understood quite a bit of the Norwegian spoken. I am the most limited one.

So, again, we are blessed by Tina and her family. I was also encouraged to hear that Tina has a contract for next year. She finished up her PhD contract at the end of July and will be able to still work in academia. While it isn’t a preferred job, it is one she will do well as an administrator at the University of Stavanger for a one-year maternity leave replacement. It will have a bit of teaching, and that is Tina’s great joy. Though it means that she will have to say no to a commentary co-authorship that was offered to Tina and me. While we’d both like to do it, life circumstances aren’t conducive for us at this point.

A friend back in the USA, relayed that she has been asked to mentor a young woman again, as she had mentored her through confirmation. Now there is newly discovered cancer in the grandma, and this is an opportunity to walk together during a difficult time. I know the grandpa from days gone by.

Before bedtime prayers, I was telling Anya of this care and support for these family and friends, Anya said, “It’s like a holistic soap-opera!” We both laughed and the metaphor. Yes, isn’t it the inverted soap-opera to see people caring and supporting each other. And we prayed for the family, and others in the cancer journey.

May you all have bits of holistic soap-opera this week.

With blessings,

Beth