These first few days in Sweden feel long enough to be two weeks! I have learned so much - from really simple things like names and how you're supposed to bag things at the grocery store, to more complicated things like computer programs. Dealing with a new culture, a new job, and all new people at once keeps my mind busy all day long so the morning sun (rising at 4:30) hasn't bothered me at all.
My first realization (and the best thing about Sweden) was that the people here are going to be both a blessing and a lot of fun. With people ranging from grandparents to infants,I am glad I have 2 more months to get to know them. The kids are especially welcoming and I've had a lot of fun with the other interns.
The next best thing about Sweden is fika. Fika just means coffee but it's really so much more than that. It represents a culture where you get to eat at least 4 or 5 times a day. Fika happens between breakfast and lunch, between lunch and dinner, or after dinner, or a combination of the two, or maybe all three times. There's always coffee (strong and black for most, but with milk and sugar for beginners like me), tea, and saft (some kind of sweet juice for the kids.) In the first fika of the day there will often be sweet rolls, cookies, pound cake, etc. In the afternoon or at night there might also be bread, butter, cheese (really really good cheese,) vegetables, jam, etc. Good thing we walk and bike so much.
I've gotten to start right in on helping with the finances and I've really enjoyed it. I'm still at the stage where I have a lot of questions, but I think that within the next few days I'll be able to relieve the guy who's been doing it (and hating every minute of it.) Most of the people here enjoy working with big-picture ideas and projects, but don't enjoy the details.
My other jobs will include organizing music for the kids, playing on Sundays, finishing setting up the library, keeping track of receipts, and helping with younger interns when they get here.
Please pray that I will balance my different projects well. Projects are getting handed off to me and I have quite a bit of independence with how/when I get them done, so I need to stay on top of things. Also, that I will quickly adjust to normal living things here so that I can use more energy for work instead of for figuring out ordinary tasks.
Have a great weekend,
Amy Lane
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7 comments:
Sweden almost sounds like the Shire with all those meals.
I hope you're doing just as well on finance over there.
How come I'm always second to post? Anyway, I've been checking frequently for an update, and was very pleased to find one now. It makes me so happy to hear about your time over there. I think eating 4 or 5 times a day sounds splendid, as does all the walking and biking.
I'm HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Praying for you, friend. Hope you're enjoying the week : )
the Shire! i want to come to Sweden! :)
i miss you like crazy, friend.
I skype-friended you, so look for me.
Sometime we can talk... pray for me to find a good job, a good car, and to make good decisions about where to live and where to go to church this summer. LOVE!!
Cookies and cake before lunch! This is something I practice on occasion. :) Now I will refer to it as bringing international culture to Waco, rather than having an unhealthy morning snack. Sweet!
What's up in Sweden? I check often for new posts on your blog. I hope all is well. Not much going on here. Miss you.
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