Melanie and Joseph picked us up for church. This is the couple from Curaçao and Zimbabwe respectively. There was special worship, barbecue, and games right at the Himmel and Hav (Heaven and Sea) retreat center on the Sola beach.
We arrived early, because Joseph was preaching. But because Melanie is the manager of the center, she brought out some tea and Marie biscuits while we waited. She has a great gift of hospitality, which is great for managing a retreat center/hotel. This was the couple that hosted us for Easter dinner as well.
We could sit and watch waves crash against the shore, as it was a windy day on the North Sea.
While waiting, we met a family from Indonesia. They warmed up to me when I started talking about my visit in Indonesia and how it was so meaningful for me as a young adult. Unfortunately, the engineer dad has been laid off from the oil industry, so they will be returning to Jakarta at the end of the school year. Their son is just a bit younger than Anya.
The worship was in the small, old chapel. It was nice to be cozy together, as often we are too spread out in the MHS aula (chapel/auditorium). Joseph preached on the Living Hope we have in Christ.
After the service, Anya walked on the rocks and beach.
There is a rocky area on the north and south sides of the bay, with fine sand on the east side. There was an area that was just tiny, pretty sea shells.
The sandy part is where the wind/kite surfers do their thing.
We had a nice barbecue, though Anya and I ate our food in the chapel out of the wind.
Then there were picnic games, like three-legged race and sack races. Anya participated in musical chairs.
Joseph and Melanie brought us home, and I took a nice Sunday afternoon nap.
Later, the weather looked descent, so we walked to the Sandnes Ulf football (soccer) match. Two days ago, it looked like there would be rain, so I wasn’t too sure about going, but it was mostly sunny, so we went. Oda’s mom was selling tickets, and Oda was doing face painting for the kids. Tickets were cheaper if you stood beyond the end zone, so we opted for this.
Even though it was mostly sunny, it was also really windy. The stadium is only about a 15 minute walk from our house, but it is at the crest of the glacial rift (hill), so the wind coming from the west off the North Sea blows over the soccer pitch (field). I was glad I put on my long johns. Even with my rabbit fur lined gloves, my thumbs became numb. Anya asked if I was sure I wanted to move to Sweden. I’m not too eager for colder weather, but I am eager to be at a place where I’m wanted.
I did buy Anya a Sandnes Ulf jersey with some birthday money. These are also the colors of Interlake High School, where she attended last fall and probably will be again. It doesn’t seem like Anya will be able to re-join the International Spanish Academy program, where most of her friends are.
I really don’t like the wind, after growing up on the prairie in Montana during my elementary days. And this day was full of a cold wind! I’m glad to be home in a cozy, warm house–and chocolate cake for dessert!
This week ahead will be interesting. On Tuesday, there will be a “midpoint evaluation,” where my dissertation thus far will be publicly critiqued by two faculty other than my supervisor. While I’m not too concerned, it will be a significant event. It is on my mind, though I don’t think I’ll lose any sleep over it.
Check back in on Tuesday evening though!?!
With blessings,
Beth