5764,6 kilometers, Sollentuna (home!), Sweden
We are finally home after 27 days of traveling, visiting, praying and exploring. Traveling wears you out, emotionally as well as physically. Strange how sitting in a car, only moving your right ankle and fore-arms exhaust you. Out of shape I guess...
It was great meeting Marcus and Mia in Falun after not seeing them for about four years. We had much too little time to really catch up, but it was great to reconnect after such a long time. After a nice breakfast in their impeccably designed apartment, we hit the road again.
Found a hitchhiker called Gabriel, who was going to a school reuniun at a "folkhögskola" in Biskops-Arnö, a beautifully located school on an island outside of Stockholm. He showed us around the place as he reminisced about his days at school. A really good guy with lots of stories.
People like Gabriel sum up our trip. There simply are a lot of really beautiful people in this twisted world. People like our friends in Broby that try to incorporate the values of 24-7 in their community and among the local kids. Like our crazy friends in Denmark who invite us as if we were part of the family and work out community in both a 24-7 and YWAM context at once. Like our friends in Neubrandenburg who are willing to stay for as long as it takes to build Gods Kingdom in the forgotten and marginalized parts of empire. Like our salvation army friends in Riga who have a rhythm of prayer as a foundation for the innumerable things they do. Like our friends in Helsinki who try to invest more locally. Like our friends in Pyhäranta who want to live out life together during the summer, listening to God and learning as they go along. Like Sinikka in Oulu, who longs for a true expression of community in her town, and has become a good friend. And many more, not to mention Misty, Scot, Mimi and Evan, who have shared life with us for a large part of the journey, and have been with us through both the good and the less good.
As we have met all these people as well as explored all these places it just seems blatant that God is at work all around the Baltic Sea. As we have traveled, we have added our prayers to the many others prayed over this corner of the world, connecting the dots somewhat and having a blast while doing it. As I don't have Evan's ability to make and unmake invisible things, I can't verify the two first items, but we really did have a blast. Blues worked great, we met friends, we traveled, saw places, people and things I've never seen before, we recieved plenty, gave quite a bit, lived simply, saw God provide again and again. What else could we ask? For now, the only thing that springs to mind is a good nights sleep before jetting off to Croatia 5 AM tomorrow morning.
A big "Thank You" to all of you who have prayed, read the blog and have had us over. You rock!
Friday, June 27, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Change of plans
About 5600 kilometers, Falun, Sweden
God came through again. As we woke up yesterday we get a text from my dad saying he has put some money into our account, making it possible for us to go home (leaving Blues by the road and hitching home would be an interesting, but not very desirable end of the journey).
Halfway home we decide that we aren't quite ready to go home just yet, and realize that friends we haven't met for ages, Marcus and Mia, live just 80 km from where we are heading. After a quick call, we head to Falun. It has been really nice catching up a bit and sharing diverse stories, as well as watching Germany barely beat Turkey in the Semifinals. I would have loved Turkey in the finals, and they put up a good fight, but to no avail.
Tomorrow we head head home for real (we think). Just to re-pack, clean our clothes and leave for Croatia, where we celebrate dad's birthday with our family. This trip has been amazing, and our travels have been a period of intensive learning. Being mobile is great, and God has been more than faithful (who would have guessed?), but there is something about coming home that... I don't know. There is just something very special about it.
Thanks for following our journey.
God came through again. As we woke up yesterday we get a text from my dad saying he has put some money into our account, making it possible for us to go home (leaving Blues by the road and hitching home would be an interesting, but not very desirable end of the journey).
Halfway home we decide that we aren't quite ready to go home just yet, and realize that friends we haven't met for ages, Marcus and Mia, live just 80 km from where we are heading. After a quick call, we head to Falun. It has been really nice catching up a bit and sharing diverse stories, as well as watching Germany barely beat Turkey in the Semifinals. I would have loved Turkey in the finals, and they put up a good fight, but to no avail.
Tomorrow we head head home for real (we think). Just to re-pack, clean our clothes and leave for Croatia, where we celebrate dad's birthday with our family. This trip has been amazing, and our travels have been a period of intensive learning. Being mobile is great, and God has been more than faithful (who would have guessed?), but there is something about coming home that... I don't know. There is just something very special about it.
Thanks for following our journey.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Finally in Sweden
5102 kilometers, Härnösand, Sweden
No matter how much we love traveling, there is a certain something about walking into a shop and being able to read all the signs, or saying hello to people, knowing they will answer you in the same language. Welcome back to Sweden.
We left Sinikka's place all bubbly. It was just one of those meetings where there is a certain connection, which is especially interesting as we hardly knew each other before meeting. I love gatherings and events where you meet a lot of people at once to share stories. But sitting in a kitchen over a cup of tea beats any gathering hands down. After we shared journies, prayed and ate we walked away feeling that we had made a new friend, knowing that we had given and taken in equal measures. Lovely.
We were sad to leave, but felt that our days left were running thin. Stayed the night on Seskarö, one of the northen most island in the baltic sea. Finding a place to spend the night after a pray on the shore proved to be more difficult than we thought. 2400 kilos of Mr.Blues proved to be an easy target for the soft sand, leavin the tires deeply embedded in the stuff. Luckily we had experience from last years adventures in Latvia, teaching us to place the car-mats under the tires. After a mere 20 minutes of digging, emotional self-control and prayer, Blues was free from the clutches of the sand. Instead of sand we fought mosquitoes the rest of the night.
Next night was one of extensive driving, all the way to the south of Umeå, where we spent the night. This morning we both woke up feeling rather blah, for unknown reasons. We kept heading south until we came to Höga Kusten, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We climbed Skuleberget, a daring and exhausting venture, which wiped away all blah-ness. Just a powerful experience, standing on a cliff, 285 meters above sea level, knowing that water once was lapping at our feet. With the ice-age 3 kilometers of ice covered the land, pressing it down with its weight. Now the land has risen with amazing speed. If you haven't been there, please visit soon.
After that we were warmly welcomed by the Arenanders, my sister in law's parents. Clas even drove us around town, showing us the sights, including a lesson in tree recognition. Resa has alredy gone to bed, and I'm just about to join here in a minute. A short art exhibition tomorrow before we finish our journey in Stockholm tomorrow afternoon. If a miracle occurs, that is, as we just put our last money in the tank which by no means is enough to get us home. However... I'm not worried.
Motto of 2008: "It will work out. It always does"
No matter how much we love traveling, there is a certain something about walking into a shop and being able to read all the signs, or saying hello to people, knowing they will answer you in the same language. Welcome back to Sweden.
We left Sinikka's place all bubbly. It was just one of those meetings where there is a certain connection, which is especially interesting as we hardly knew each other before meeting. I love gatherings and events where you meet a lot of people at once to share stories. But sitting in a kitchen over a cup of tea beats any gathering hands down. After we shared journies, prayed and ate we walked away feeling that we had made a new friend, knowing that we had given and taken in equal measures. Lovely.
We were sad to leave, but felt that our days left were running thin. Stayed the night on Seskarö, one of the northen most island in the baltic sea. Finding a place to spend the night after a pray on the shore proved to be more difficult than we thought. 2400 kilos of Mr.Blues proved to be an easy target for the soft sand, leavin the tires deeply embedded in the stuff. Luckily we had experience from last years adventures in Latvia, teaching us to place the car-mats under the tires. After a mere 20 minutes of digging, emotional self-control and prayer, Blues was free from the clutches of the sand. Instead of sand we fought mosquitoes the rest of the night.
Next night was one of extensive driving, all the way to the south of Umeå, where we spent the night. This morning we both woke up feeling rather blah, for unknown reasons. We kept heading south until we came to Höga Kusten, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We climbed Skuleberget, a daring and exhausting venture, which wiped away all blah-ness. Just a powerful experience, standing on a cliff, 285 meters above sea level, knowing that water once was lapping at our feet. With the ice-age 3 kilometers of ice covered the land, pressing it down with its weight. Now the land has risen with amazing speed. If you haven't been there, please visit soon.
After that we were warmly welcomed by the Arenanders, my sister in law's parents. Clas even drove us around town, showing us the sights, including a lesson in tree recognition. Resa has alredy gone to bed, and I'm just about to join here in a minute. A short art exhibition tomorrow before we finish our journey in Stockholm tomorrow afternoon. If a miracle occurs, that is, as we just put our last money in the tank which by no means is enough to get us home. However... I'm not worried.
Motto of 2008: "It will work out. It always does"
Saturday, June 21, 2008
the longest day's drive
4308 kilometers, Oulu, Finland
Here I am in Oulu feeling both sleepy and expectant. It was a long days drive from Pyhäranta. A nice hour long stop in Vaasa for a yummy lunch in an overgrown field, prayed some big prayers and off we went again, only to pick up a hitchhiker and make a new friend. People don't hitchhike very often in Finland, I can imagine, and when they do they are bound to be interesting. I liked listening to stories of Alin's journeys and was glad we had picked him up when it started to pour down with rain shortly afterwards and continued like that for an hour. We cooked dinner about 20km outside of Oulu and had interesting conversations. He told us that sometimes he gets a feeling when someone stops to give him a ride that he shouldn't get in the car, and sometimes he doesn't. He said that people often think he is crazy, but actually I understood him quite well.
I'm not really sure what the point of the journey would be without God, or even with life in general. I'm reminded again in so many ways today that God is always with us and speaking. We just need to tune in and listen.
It is refreshing to be here at Sinnika's place. She has a gorgeous apartment which feels very homey and has given us her bed for the night. We had one of those conversations over fika which leave you slightly energized and encouraged and more aware of God around you. And that was before we prayed.
I'm off to bed, as it looks like it is another early morning tomorrow. Thanks for following our travels.
Here I am in Oulu feeling both sleepy and expectant. It was a long days drive from Pyhäranta. A nice hour long stop in Vaasa for a yummy lunch in an overgrown field, prayed some big prayers and off we went again, only to pick up a hitchhiker and make a new friend. People don't hitchhike very often in Finland, I can imagine, and when they do they are bound to be interesting. I liked listening to stories of Alin's journeys and was glad we had picked him up when it started to pour down with rain shortly afterwards and continued like that for an hour. We cooked dinner about 20km outside of Oulu and had interesting conversations. He told us that sometimes he gets a feeling when someone stops to give him a ride that he shouldn't get in the car, and sometimes he doesn't. He said that people often think he is crazy, but actually I understood him quite well.
I'm not really sure what the point of the journey would be without God, or even with life in general. I'm reminded again in so many ways today that God is always with us and speaking. We just need to tune in and listen.
It is refreshing to be here at Sinnika's place. She has a gorgeous apartment which feels very homey and has given us her bed for the night. We had one of those conversations over fika which leave you slightly energized and encouraged and more aware of God around you. And that was before we prayed.
I'm off to bed, as it looks like it is another early morning tomorrow. Thanks for following our travels.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Pleasure spiked with pain
3688 kilometers, Pyhäranta, Finland
Arrived safe and sound in Pyhäranta (Holy Beach) without any major incidents. Dropped by Lahti to visit Petra who utterly spoiled us with delicious food (which was quite expected). Driving took a bit longer than expected, but finally we arrived at the address we thought was correct, but assumed we has got it all wrong, as the "house" turned out to be a huge mansion-like residence right on the water. We tentatively walk up to the house and ring the bell, almost expecting a butler to ask us for the purpose of our visit. Instead we are greeted with hugs and ice-cream. Beats any butler I've ever met.
Our friends are exploring communal living for the summer and mix work, meals and prayer in an interesting mix. They are usually around 10, but tonight we have a midsummer celebration, expecting around 40 people to show up. We even sent some hand-made invitations to some folks from the local elderly home, so we may even be more than that.
So far we've just been resting, pretty much doing nothing but reading, eating, praying, eating, rowing out to an island, having saunas, eating and swimming. Bliss.
However, this morning, we were rudely shaken out of this bliss, as Misty and Scot's son Evan (4 years old) woke up sick, and soon was didn't respond to any exterior stimulation at all. Here is where the Finns impress me. Within 10 minutes of our phone-call the ambulance as well as the local rescue patrol arrive (remember, we are in the sticks). They decide they need advice from a doctor, so after another ten minutes a helicopter (not kidding!) flies in with a doctor who does some further tests. 7 people all in all. Turns out Evan had really low blood sugar for some reason (as I know a thing or two about that, I should have been able to read the symptoms), and after a shot of glucagon he was doing better. Because we have no idea why this happened, they are bringing him to the hospital in Turku for observation and further tests. During all of this we have been praying and have been quite worried, so if you are the praying kind, please pray for protection and clear answers for the Bowers.
However, we are sure everything will turn out OK in the end (God has it sorted. If anything, he has proved that to us this trip). The only thing that saddens us is that we won't be able to say a proper goodbye to Misty and Evan if they stay at the hospital over night, as we need to head up alone to Oulo early tomorrow. Misty and Scot are heading over to Sweden early next week, but all that depends on what the test results are. More later.
Arrived safe and sound in Pyhäranta (Holy Beach) without any major incidents. Dropped by Lahti to visit Petra who utterly spoiled us with delicious food (which was quite expected). Driving took a bit longer than expected, but finally we arrived at the address we thought was correct, but assumed we has got it all wrong, as the "house" turned out to be a huge mansion-like residence right on the water. We tentatively walk up to the house and ring the bell, almost expecting a butler to ask us for the purpose of our visit. Instead we are greeted with hugs and ice-cream. Beats any butler I've ever met.
Our friends are exploring communal living for the summer and mix work, meals and prayer in an interesting mix. They are usually around 10, but tonight we have a midsummer celebration, expecting around 40 people to show up. We even sent some hand-made invitations to some folks from the local elderly home, so we may even be more than that.
So far we've just been resting, pretty much doing nothing but reading, eating, praying, eating, rowing out to an island, having saunas, eating and swimming. Bliss.
However, this morning, we were rudely shaken out of this bliss, as Misty and Scot's son Evan (4 years old) woke up sick, and soon was didn't respond to any exterior stimulation at all. Here is where the Finns impress me. Within 10 minutes of our phone-call the ambulance as well as the local rescue patrol arrive (remember, we are in the sticks). They decide they need advice from a doctor, so after another ten minutes a helicopter (not kidding!) flies in with a doctor who does some further tests. 7 people all in all. Turns out Evan had really low blood sugar for some reason (as I know a thing or two about that, I should have been able to read the symptoms), and after a shot of glucagon he was doing better. Because we have no idea why this happened, they are bringing him to the hospital in Turku for observation and further tests. During all of this we have been praying and have been quite worried, so if you are the praying kind, please pray for protection and clear answers for the Bowers.
However, we are sure everything will turn out OK in the end (God has it sorted. If anything, he has proved that to us this trip). The only thing that saddens us is that we won't be able to say a proper goodbye to Misty and Evan if they stay at the hospital over night, as we need to head up alone to Oulo early tomorrow. Misty and Scot are heading over to Sweden early next week, but all that depends on what the test results are. More later.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
To Finland and Beyond...
3256, Helsinki, Finland
After a brilliant stay in Estonia, staying at the historical sity of Happsalu, and visiting sparkling Tallin we jetted on to Helsinki. A friend of us through 24-7 met us and took wonderful care of us. getting us a place to stay, taking us out to food, making sure just everything worked. I can't stress enough the joy of a warm bed... Mmmm.... Sleep in.... Mmmm. We have been quite cold lately. We have again been blessed with friendship and economy. We hooked up with wonderful Laura and Vilja for a rainy day in Helsinki, catching up, sharing stories, dreams, and communion in Helsinki Central station.
Today we are treated to what I expect to be a lavish lunch in Lahti, where we visit our excellent friend Petra, and then moving on to the "Holy Beach" where we are meeting a community and perhaps spend midsummer.
Thanks for prayers.
After a brilliant stay in Estonia, staying at the historical sity of Happsalu, and visiting sparkling Tallin we jetted on to Helsinki. A friend of us through 24-7 met us and took wonderful care of us. getting us a place to stay, taking us out to food, making sure just everything worked. I can't stress enough the joy of a warm bed... Mmmm.... Sleep in.... Mmmm. We have been quite cold lately. We have again been blessed with friendship and economy. We hooked up with wonderful Laura and Vilja for a rainy day in Helsinki, catching up, sharing stories, dreams, and communion in Helsinki Central station.
Today we are treated to what I expect to be a lavish lunch in Lahti, where we visit our excellent friend Petra, and then moving on to the "Holy Beach" where we are meeting a community and perhaps spend midsummer.
Thanks for prayers.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
global church
check out scot and misty's blog (link to the right) for updates on what happened in poland and what God is doing with the situation.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Latvian latitude
2734 kilometers, Riga, Latvia
This is the second time Resa and I visit Riga. I was surprised to feel so at home in a city. Funny how that works. We just came back from exploring Riga, praying a bit and meeting up with a friend from Sally Army doing some 24-7 stuff. Stories are a great source of inspiration. Love how something as seemingly mundane as christian life all of a sudden becomes a breathing conspiracy, shaking power structures and exhaling life into the abandoned part of empire. Or so methinks anyway.
Also, these last few days have been an overwhelming example of the global church. Misty and Scot, who we travel with, were robbed of a lot of stuff the other day. Now, they have been offered all kinds of stuff from all corners of the earth. GPS, PSP for the kids, Ipods, money, laptops... All top of the line stuff, just because they are loved and people (like us) believe in what they are doing. I'm amazed and confounded. It is like in the book of Job, where God gives back tenfold of what was taken away. It is in poverty that we find God and learn to trust. But he also seems to bless us with phyical stuff sometimes. In a case like this: in excess. 10 points for church.
This is the second time Resa and I visit Riga. I was surprised to feel so at home in a city. Funny how that works. We just came back from exploring Riga, praying a bit and meeting up with a friend from Sally Army doing some 24-7 stuff. Stories are a great source of inspiration. Love how something as seemingly mundane as christian life all of a sudden becomes a breathing conspiracy, shaking power structures and exhaling life into the abandoned part of empire. Or so methinks anyway.
Also, these last few days have been an overwhelming example of the global church. Misty and Scot, who we travel with, were robbed of a lot of stuff the other day. Now, they have been offered all kinds of stuff from all corners of the earth. GPS, PSP for the kids, Ipods, money, laptops... All top of the line stuff, just because they are loved and people (like us) believe in what they are doing. I'm amazed and confounded. It is like in the book of Job, where God gives back tenfold of what was taken away. It is in poverty that we find God and learn to trust. But he also seems to bless us with phyical stuff sometimes. In a case like this: in excess. 10 points for church.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Rigan respect
2734 kilometers, Riga, Latvia
We have finally arrived in Riga, which pretty much is halfway on our journey back to Stockholm. Haven't had much access to Internet, so updating has been slow.
It was sad to leave Ralf, Basti and Kaddi in the Neubrandenburg community, as well as Tabea who traveled eight hours just to hang out with us for a few days (and generously helping us fund our journey). However we learned a lot there. We have learned that using playstation Songstar with your morning voice is quite embarrising. I learned that going "all in" on Texas hold em on a pair of nines is a bad idea. I learned that German's are belivers in a hearty breakfast, which I love immensly.
We prayed with our friends in the area they are hoping to live soon: a poor and neglected part of Neubrandenburg. Was really inspiring to hear their dreams, their determination to seem them fulfilled, and their long term perspective. Really had a sense of potential around all that, and looking forward to see where they end up.
When crossing over to Poland our luck turned. At our first campsite, we woke up to see Blues' front window spray painted by some punk kid. *sigh* Happily it came off without too much trouble. The next day we stayed at a fancy four star camp site (never been to one of those, so we had to try it, using some money the Neubrandenburg gang generously tithed to us) and when we woke up, someone had broken into Misty and Scot's car and nicked their laptop, ipod, nice camera, their kids toys, wallet, and other stuff. Great start of the day. Sweden beating Greece 2-0 cheered me up a bit. No effect on the Bower's mood, however, as England didn't even make the Euro cup. Lot of talk, no action is all I have to say to that. Best league in the world, no results when it comes to the crunch.
Dispite this we all manage to move on and feeling that God hadn't forsaken us after all, we whizzed on to Lithuania. Yesterday we visited the hill of crosses, which is a hill of tens of thousands of crosses which was a rallying point of lithuanian resistance during the sovjet era. At one point the KGB had spies their daily, and at one point burnt a whole bunch of crosses. Had a bit of a pray their, realizing that the fight against oppression isn't over, but it now is of a different kind, asking God to raise up freedom fighters again. Good.
Today we traveled in to Riga, all feeling a tad travel-weary. However, sitting in Mr. Blues, having a few beers (Resa drinking an odd cherry-choco-cider i'm quite suspicious of) makes all things better. A day of rest and exploration of Riga awaits tomorrow.
We have finally arrived in Riga, which pretty much is halfway on our journey back to Stockholm. Haven't had much access to Internet, so updating has been slow.
It was sad to leave Ralf, Basti and Kaddi in the Neubrandenburg community, as well as Tabea who traveled eight hours just to hang out with us for a few days (and generously helping us fund our journey). However we learned a lot there. We have learned that using playstation Songstar with your morning voice is quite embarrising. I learned that going "all in" on Texas hold em on a pair of nines is a bad idea. I learned that German's are belivers in a hearty breakfast, which I love immensly.
We prayed with our friends in the area they are hoping to live soon: a poor and neglected part of Neubrandenburg. Was really inspiring to hear their dreams, their determination to seem them fulfilled, and their long term perspective. Really had a sense of potential around all that, and looking forward to see where they end up.
When crossing over to Poland our luck turned. At our first campsite, we woke up to see Blues' front window spray painted by some punk kid. *sigh* Happily it came off without too much trouble. The next day we stayed at a fancy four star camp site (never been to one of those, so we had to try it, using some money the Neubrandenburg gang generously tithed to us) and when we woke up, someone had broken into Misty and Scot's car and nicked their laptop, ipod, nice camera, their kids toys, wallet, and other stuff. Great start of the day. Sweden beating Greece 2-0 cheered me up a bit. No effect on the Bower's mood, however, as England didn't even make the Euro cup. Lot of talk, no action is all I have to say to that. Best league in the world, no results when it comes to the crunch.
Dispite this we all manage to move on and feeling that God hadn't forsaken us after all, we whizzed on to Lithuania. Yesterday we visited the hill of crosses, which is a hill of tens of thousands of crosses which was a rallying point of lithuanian resistance during the sovjet era. At one point the KGB had spies their daily, and at one point burnt a whole bunch of crosses. Had a bit of a pray their, realizing that the fight against oppression isn't over, but it now is of a different kind, asking God to raise up freedom fighters again. Good.
Today we traveled in to Riga, all feeling a tad travel-weary. However, sitting in Mr. Blues, having a few beers (Resa drinking an odd cherry-choco-cider i'm quite suspicious of) makes all things better. A day of rest and exploration of Riga awaits tomorrow.
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Socializing in Deutchland
1404 kilometers, Neubrandenburg, Germany
Was sad to leave our friends in Svendborg, but another part of me was yearning to hit the road again. It doesn't feel anywhere close to a week of traveling. Time surely flies.
When traveling, there is a lot of sitting around, and excercise... well it is not the main occupation, which is why it has been really good to do some manual labour so far. Both helping out building a wall in what is to become a prayerroom in a cellar in Broby, and building a patio in Svendborg. However, the side effects make themselves known the day after. Trying to get out of bed after laying bricks on your hands and knees for six hours is quite a challange. Even today, two days after, I walk like a cowboy... which is why a day of rest is a very good idea.
Arrived in Nuebrandenburg yesterday evening, after a very early start from Denmark (finishing off the last details of my bachelor essay until 2AM and waking at 6.30. Not a good combination). We were warmly welcomed by Ralph and friends in their community outside Neubrandenburg, who happened to have a party that night. We definately haven't been lacking in good food. Good things just got better when our friend Tabea traveled 8 hours to hang out with us, and Misty and Scot + offspring arrived. Misty, Scot, Mimi and Evan are accompanying us all the way to outside of Tampere in Finland. Together is better than alone.
Today has been a day of chill, food and rollarcoasters (every village should have one!). Currently planning the next section of our journey to Poland after a visit and some prayer in the central parts of town...
Words of today: "Ich nicht sprechen deutch" (an insult to the German language, I know)
Was sad to leave our friends in Svendborg, but another part of me was yearning to hit the road again. It doesn't feel anywhere close to a week of traveling. Time surely flies.
When traveling, there is a lot of sitting around, and excercise... well it is not the main occupation, which is why it has been really good to do some manual labour so far. Both helping out building a wall in what is to become a prayerroom in a cellar in Broby, and building a patio in Svendborg. However, the side effects make themselves known the day after. Trying to get out of bed after laying bricks on your hands and knees for six hours is quite a challange. Even today, two days after, I walk like a cowboy... which is why a day of rest is a very good idea.
Arrived in Nuebrandenburg yesterday evening, after a very early start from Denmark (finishing off the last details of my bachelor essay until 2AM and waking at 6.30. Not a good combination). We were warmly welcomed by Ralph and friends in their community outside Neubrandenburg, who happened to have a party that night. We definately haven't been lacking in good food. Good things just got better when our friend Tabea traveled 8 hours to hang out with us, and Misty and Scot + offspring arrived. Misty, Scot, Mimi and Evan are accompanying us all the way to outside of Tampere in Finland. Together is better than alone.
Today has been a day of chill, food and rollarcoasters (every village should have one!). Currently planning the next section of our journey to Poland after a visit and some prayer in the central parts of town...
Words of today: "Ich nicht sprechen deutch" (an insult to the German language, I know)
Thursday, June 05, 2008
a bustling home
about 11000 kilometers, Svendborg, Denmark
Today we woke up in Denmark at the home of our friends Frank and Mirjam. It was a brilliant day spent with five YWAM students on their DTS, full of serious weeding in the garden, laying down bricks for a nice-sized patio, a smorgåsbord lunch, some well-needed and delicious barbeque finished off with ice cream cones.
It's been a delight to be with Mirjam and Frank. Their three girls are really smart and fun to be around. I can only hope that when Krister and I have kids that they come out so well. Mirjam and Frank have shared their home and their lives with us, not fawning over us as guests. Instead we fell right into the rhythm here. It was nice to help out with practical work as well. It is also nice to feel at home.
Afterwards we were able to see the rebahilitation center that the students live and help out in. It was impressive and seemed to be perfectly suited to their needs. A complete answer to prayer. Complete with a greenhouse, a gorgeous garden and some nice sheep.
Tomorrow aftera nice long drive and two ferries later, Neubradenburg here we come!
Today we woke up in Denmark at the home of our friends Frank and Mirjam. It was a brilliant day spent with five YWAM students on their DTS, full of serious weeding in the garden, laying down bricks for a nice-sized patio, a smorgåsbord lunch, some well-needed and delicious barbeque finished off with ice cream cones.
It's been a delight to be with Mirjam and Frank. Their three girls are really smart and fun to be around. I can only hope that when Krister and I have kids that they come out so well. Mirjam and Frank have shared their home and their lives with us, not fawning over us as guests. Instead we fell right into the rhythm here. It was nice to help out with practical work as well. It is also nice to feel at home.
Afterwards we were able to see the rebahilitation center that the students live and help out in. It was impressive and seemed to be perfectly suited to their needs. A complete answer to prayer. Complete with a greenhouse, a gorgeous garden and some nice sheep.
Tomorrow aftera nice long drive and two ferries later, Neubradenburg here we come!
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
quick note
Just a quick one.
We sadly left Broby and our friends yesterday. We've had a great time, and realy felt encoraged about what God is up to there. Ask us about ti when we meet you next.
Instead of whizzing over to Denmark, we decided to have a more leisurly day, and just drove the short stretch to Malmö where we were to meet our friend Helena. As it turns out, she was to be home by 7pm, so we spend some tme by a lake close to her house, reading, and watching a downloaded episode of Lost (what a thriller! How dare they!). It turns out that there is trouble with a print job she needs to make in Copenhagen. Then, there is another problem. Then her train is stuck... All in all, we sit freezing in her garden until 22:15. She apologizes, makes us tea, and all is fine again.
Today we head to meet some friends in Denmark...
We sadly left Broby and our friends yesterday. We've had a great time, and realy felt encoraged about what God is up to there. Ask us about ti when we meet you next.
Instead of whizzing over to Denmark, we decided to have a more leisurly day, and just drove the short stretch to Malmö where we were to meet our friend Helena. As it turns out, she was to be home by 7pm, so we spend some tme by a lake close to her house, reading, and watching a downloaded episode of Lost (what a thriller! How dare they!). It turns out that there is trouble with a print job she needs to make in Copenhagen. Then, there is another problem. Then her train is stuck... All in all, we sit freezing in her garden until 22:15. She apologizes, makes us tea, and all is fine again.
Today we head to meet some friends in Denmark...
Monday, June 02, 2008
From Uskavi to Broby
741 kilometers, Broby, Sweden
We're finally off. Blues passed his inspection with a full days margin before we left. It definatly wasn't cheap, but now the rear brakes, the right back wheel and half the exhaust system are repaired.
The first part of the journey contained a visit to what I believe to be the most fun wedding I've ever been to. Next to my own, I might add. The night before we left was one of panic. Trying to finish essays, changing water in both aquariums, packing, cleaning, e-mailing, charging batteries... It was a mess, ending in a mere 4 hours of sleep before heading to Uskavi. Matilda and Johan were fantastic and beautiful. The day long wedding, from 11 in the morning, to 11 at night was at the most beautiful place by the water. Brilliant. They even set us up for the night in a little cabin we could have for ourselves, with a fridge packed with all kinds of breads, youghurts, milks and juices we can bring on our trip. All organic. Excellent for out tight budget. .. correct that: non existent budget.
Heading off after a leisurly morning, we headed for Broby, in Skåne, where we arrived yesterday (Sunday). A small 24-7 community is developing there, who we love dearly. Get this: three of them share a salary (actaully get paid!), live in a huge house with amazing possibilities, are connected to the local lutheran congregation which is totally supportive of what they are doing and pray six hours a day (two hours each) in a caravan. When we arrive, we walk in on a barbeque that Malin, Christian and David (the Broby gang) are having with 5 of the local kids, that come by quite often just to hang out. They were leading a confirmation camp a few weeks a go, and have since then developed some good relationships with the kids. To say the least, they rock.
Today has been spent trying to give Blues an oil change. Focus on the word trying, as it by no means was easy and needed some serious creativity. After that, we have carried and traveled and heaved to build a wall in what is to be a prayerroom in the cellar. Fun to do some manual labor after sitting in a car all day.
Tomorrow we leave for Denmark, where we are hooking up with some friends.
Wish us faith.
We're finally off. Blues passed his inspection with a full days margin before we left. It definatly wasn't cheap, but now the rear brakes, the right back wheel and half the exhaust system are repaired.
The first part of the journey contained a visit to what I believe to be the most fun wedding I've ever been to. Next to my own, I might add. The night before we left was one of panic. Trying to finish essays, changing water in both aquariums, packing, cleaning, e-mailing, charging batteries... It was a mess, ending in a mere 4 hours of sleep before heading to Uskavi. Matilda and Johan were fantastic and beautiful. The day long wedding, from 11 in the morning, to 11 at night was at the most beautiful place by the water. Brilliant. They even set us up for the night in a little cabin we could have for ourselves, with a fridge packed with all kinds of breads, youghurts, milks and juices we can bring on our trip. All organic. Excellent for out tight budget. .. correct that: non existent budget.
Heading off after a leisurly morning, we headed for Broby, in Skåne, where we arrived yesterday (Sunday). A small 24-7 community is developing there, who we love dearly. Get this: three of them share a salary (actaully get paid!), live in a huge house with amazing possibilities, are connected to the local lutheran congregation which is totally supportive of what they are doing and pray six hours a day (two hours each) in a caravan. When we arrive, we walk in on a barbeque that Malin, Christian and David (the Broby gang) are having with 5 of the local kids, that come by quite often just to hang out. They were leading a confirmation camp a few weeks a go, and have since then developed some good relationships with the kids. To say the least, they rock.
Today has been spent trying to give Blues an oil change. Focus on the word trying, as it by no means was easy and needed some serious creativity. After that, we have carried and traveled and heaved to build a wall in what is to be a prayerroom in the cellar. Fun to do some manual labor after sitting in a car all day.
Tomorrow we leave for Denmark, where we are hooking up with some friends.
Wish us faith.
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