Anya was at school working independently on Norsk with her textbook for immigrants while the rest of the student took a written test that took most of the day. They were let out early at the end.
I was working on Hebrew in the morning, preparing for the Hebrew reading tomrrow, and in the afternoon, working on my presentation to the Maasai research group. My presentation deals with the Maasai worldview and how the fear of cataclysm and curses keeps reinforcing the traditions. It seems that fear underlies so much of the culture, because stepping out of the traditional way would be blame for the next tragedy that comes along–even if there is no causal link. How wonderful to have the truth that sets us free from fears, such as not following the traditional rituals exactly may bring drought, disease, or death. Following Jesus does make a difference, especially regarding death, because death isn’t the end of the story.
In the evening, we went to a play. Anya’s school friend, Oda, invited her to come and see her in the play. We walked downtown and found the place, which is part of a high school which specializes in the arts (I think). Oda did a great job, even had to sing part of “You are my sunshine,” the only musical bit.
This is the irony, because it really was a very dark play. A little Les Miserable without the singing (other than Oda’s intro) and without the redemption or any levity (Master of the House)–just young teens in misery. I guess this is the ripple effect of Norway’s greatest playwright, Henrik Ibsen, who is often referred to as the “father of realism.” I’m just thankful that it isn’t my reality!