Two months ago, we arrived in Norway. In the first two months, we learned the ropes, figured out how to do life. There are still surprises, but not as often. We even made some friends. We’ve learned a bit of Norsk. Anya learned way more than me, but her world at school is mostly Norsk, so it is harder for her.
I’ve written and revised a chapter (still a bit more to do on it). Participated in 3 Maasai research group afternoon seminars. Took a seminar on qualitative research. Read/reread several books. Learned the basics of a new software for text analysis and have done the first round of analysis with it. Prepared a presentation for Thursday’s Maasai research group. However, I’m not as far along as I hoped to be. And then guests arrive on Friday & Saturday for Easter break.
Today felt very long. I stayed at home to work, preparing this presentation for the Maasai research group on a book that is one of my main sources, Paul Spencers Maasai ethnography of the Maasai view of powers and providence. It is good to have to work through things with enough detail to be able to articulate it clearly. Otherwise, things get mush in my head.
Anya was off to school and gave me the overview of the day as I whipped up some baking power biscuits after school for a break and snack. Then off to work; Anya on her online English course, and me back to the Maasai.
We had a late dinner of the frozen pot stickers we made from scratch the other day and some edamame. We’re trying to get an algebra 2 text book for her, so part of the evening was discussing options. We can’t find one in English in the bookstores or at the University of Stavanger bookstore.
So, the long day seems longer yet, but it will soon end.
With blessings,
Beth
Beth and Anya, I am loving reading all these! I forget and then have to catch up! Good job blogging every day, I am amazed! Your adventures sound so cool. We miss you here! – Jenn
Beth, (& Anya), How very proud I am of you! You are totally rocking this blog thing! I have just read all of them from the beginning. When I first logged onto this site before you laft I thought it would send me an email each time you put up a blog because that’s what mine does. Anyways, I’m all caught up now and loved them all. I didn’t understand a lot of your vocabulary but nevertheless it was very informative and insightful. I feel more connected with your process and so thankful that it’s not me. No offense! You are so wired for this. My speed is planning kids’ camps. Yay! Celebrating the pragmatism of each of the gifts God gives us!
I now know how better to pray for you both! The bus riding is awesome but boy are your prices high! We had sticker shock coming to China…but you girls, I mean ladies, have it tough! I mean, over $40 for Mexican/Norwegian food?! Really?!
The bad cough/flu/strep/bronchitis thing has been hitting all of us here as well. Maybe it’s a world wide pandemic. It gets better. Tylenol Cold is great if you can find it. I gotta go, it’s after midnight but I couldn’t stop reading your wonderful blog. You go! Love you both and miss you heaps.
Love Kathi (while Mark snores away)