We arrived in the Oslo airport yesterday about 11 am (well... 11 am here - that´s 4 am at home). After a short train ride into the city (the airport is in the country) we were welcomed by my Uncle (for all intensive purposes...) Tom. His wife, Ingunn, was a foreign exchange student of my grandparents the year I was born. They are from Norway and live in Oslo with their two sons - Christofer and Viktor. We have been staying with them in Oslo for the past two days, which is an incredible kindness towards us.
I remember the last time Ingunn and Tom visited the states I was 13. Ingunn was pregnant, and morning sickness as well as jet lag was a bit much... so grandma had me come up to help with Christofer who was about 2. We had a blast sightseeing and hanging out. They have been so helpful from the start when I told them some friends and I wanted to visit Norway. They are actually out this weekend at a handball tournament with Christofer and left us the house!
It has been a fantastic trip so far. I have committed myself to being on vacation and not being stressed or worried much about anything. I am here with my friend Matthew, his cousin Nate, and our friends Mark and Carmen. The boys love looking at the map and figuring out the best way to get somewhere and what to do. We aren´t too jet lagged either. It´s almost midnight, but back home it is only 5 pm. We are 7 hours ahead.
Today we slept late =) took the bus into the city center, got Oslo passes, then went to the winter olympic ski jump. It is huge!! Very cool though. Then we got on some buses and went to see the Viking Museum - with old ships! , and an old Norse village. We stopped at an awesome park full of beautiful statues and sat down to eat our pizza we made at home and brought. There were probably at least 2 or 3 hundred statues of people. All in life poses... angry, happy, twirling children, hugging, thinking, etc. At the highest point in the park is the largest statue - 121 people in a tower all trying to climb up. Breathtaking and sort of humorous all at the same time. We stopped by the palace on the way home, which is really cool because it is so simple, not really what you expected. The subway took us really close to the house, some pizza and some cribbage later and we are ready for bed.
People here are very friendly. I always worry a bit when I travel. I know I am going to need help. I know I am going to mess up. I know I am going to do something stupid or get myself stuck somewhere. Today when we were waiting for a bus we were checking which one to take and an elderly lady came up and asked in slow English if we needed any help. She was so sweet! You could tell she was not very confident with her english, but had such a willing spirit.
I hope that I can be that loving willing spirit for others. I have my struggles and my challenges, for example when and how to stand up for what I think. What to say when others judge. How to be loving to everyone I meet. How to keep my life organized and together! But with the wonderful laidback friends I have and the new ones I have simply run into here in Norway I remember how wonderful a smile and a kind word can be.
In peace and love,
your sister in Christ, Erin
Showing posts with label worldly wednesday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label worldly wednesday. Show all posts
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Christian
There are christians worldwide. But we as many other humans tend to form groups with others like us, people we are comfortable with.
But we must see past our groups, our denominations, our churches, OUR people. We must see our brothers and sisters across the world and join together to bring the kingdom of God on earth.
We must reach out and love each other.
Not judge each other and refuse to work together.
Not criticize and stand around to watch.
To reach out a hand in love and faith.
To keep our minds, hearts, and wallets open to those in need.
To change.
To love.
Radically love.
Everyone, everywhere
In peace with love,
your sister in Christ~Erin
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Tea
Tea is popular in almost every country around the world!
Tea has been used for centuries for different health remedies - especially headaches.
You can drink tea hot, or iced and just about any flavor you want! I like a nice green tea with honey in the morning to get me up and going. Sometimes an English tea with milk - smooth and sweet and creamy. Herbal teas if I'm a bit stuffy or have a sore throat, with honey or lemon juice. All day I will drink iced tea - green, peach/raspberry, sweet tea... lots of kinds. A nice chamomile is great as I'm relaxing and getting ready for bed.
Honestly I love tea - and I'm glad most of the world does too!
(tip - tea can be safer to drink than water where water is tainted because boiling water will kill any bacteria that was in it!)
God Bless,
your sister in Christ~Erin
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Racism in America
I teach an interesting living history program at work to help illustrate the concept of racism and injustice to students. The American history of racism is heart wrenching and repetitive. Just think how these groups were treated - with dignity and human rights?
Native Americans
Africans captured and brought to American as slaves and subsequent generations of African Americans
Irish immigrants on the east coast
Chinese immigrants on the west coast
Japanese immigrants on the west coast
Hispanic immigrants
Arab Americans
Lots of images come to mind....
In particular right now I have been reading a book about WWII and the Japanese internment. Here's some facts:
"Courage is something strong within you that brings out the best in a person. Perhaps no one else may know or see, but it’s those hidden things unknown to others, that reveals a person to God and self." - Yuri Nakahara Kochiyama
Diary entry, May 3, 1942
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 authorizing the mass incarceration of over 110,000 Japanese Americans during World War II.
Two-thirds were American citizens. Over half were children or infants.
Their "crime": their Japanese ancestry.
Forty-six years later our government officially apologized for this "grave injustice" and paid reparations.
Could it happen again to another group of Americans?
information from - http://www.asianamericanmedia.org/jainternment/
Sigh. People are quick to judge and slow to change. I'm glad I'm learning about it though. Too many of us "Americans" grow up thinking that America is this wonderful place of opportunity for everyone and it's just not true. American is a wonderful place of acceptance and opportunity for those who are of caucasian decent. For centuries we have prosecuted and put down those who aren't. Even in recent history! We talk in our history classes about the horror of German concentration camps, yet we forget to discuss or even bring up the fact that during the war - yes 1944, President Roosevelt signed an order and all those of Japanese decent living on the west coast were evacuated and moved to internment camps. Lost almost everything they owned trying to prove they were loyal citizens (many were second or third generation American citizens). All in the name of homeland security.
In the past 10 years we have seen racism and fear again raise it's ugly head with the terrible September 11th attacks. Many Americans are fearful of Arab americans and there is a distinct hatred and distrust of people who simply "look" Arab. Many of us are so ignorant we don't even know what ethnic group people belong to and we are judging them as possible terrorists.
In the book I'm reading "The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet" the main character as a child is forced by his father to wear a button on his jacket proudly saying "I am Chinese". Because of the fear he could be mistaken for Japanese. sigh.
Brothers and sisters we need to continually work everyday to diversify ourselves, make friends with those who look different than us, see a person for their humanity not just their nationality! Christ often gave examples of God loving and accepting foreigners, often enraging Jews. We must remember that our community is global and every person we meet is a member of our family.
I know this is something I have to actively work on. I tend to be drawn to those who act and look like me. But I pray for God's eyes and heart to help build bridges and heal divisions within my family.
In peace with love,
your sister in Christ~Erin
Native Americans
Africans captured and brought to American as slaves and subsequent generations of African Americans
Irish immigrants on the east coast
Chinese immigrants on the west coast
Japanese immigrants on the west coast
Hispanic immigrants
Arab Americans
Lots of images come to mind....
In particular right now I have been reading a book about WWII and the Japanese internment. Here's some facts:
"Courage is something strong within you that brings out the best in a person. Perhaps no one else may know or see, but it’s those hidden things unknown to others, that reveals a person to God and self." - Yuri Nakahara Kochiyama
Diary entry, May 3, 1942
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 authorizing the mass incarceration of over 110,000 Japanese Americans during World War II.
Two-thirds were American citizens. Over half were children or infants.
Their "crime": their Japanese ancestry.
Forty-six years later our government officially apologized for this "grave injustice" and paid reparations.
Could it happen again to another group of Americans?
information from - http://www.asianamericanmedia.org/jainternment/
Sigh. People are quick to judge and slow to change. I'm glad I'm learning about it though. Too many of us "Americans" grow up thinking that America is this wonderful place of opportunity for everyone and it's just not true. American is a wonderful place of acceptance and opportunity for those who are of caucasian decent. For centuries we have prosecuted and put down those who aren't. Even in recent history! We talk in our history classes about the horror of German concentration camps, yet we forget to discuss or even bring up the fact that during the war - yes 1944, President Roosevelt signed an order and all those of Japanese decent living on the west coast were evacuated and moved to internment camps. Lost almost everything they owned trying to prove they were loyal citizens (many were second or third generation American citizens). All in the name of homeland security.
In the past 10 years we have seen racism and fear again raise it's ugly head with the terrible September 11th attacks. Many Americans are fearful of Arab americans and there is a distinct hatred and distrust of people who simply "look" Arab. Many of us are so ignorant we don't even know what ethnic group people belong to and we are judging them as possible terrorists.
In the book I'm reading "The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet" the main character as a child is forced by his father to wear a button on his jacket proudly saying "I am Chinese". Because of the fear he could be mistaken for Japanese. sigh.
Brothers and sisters we need to continually work everyday to diversify ourselves, make friends with those who look different than us, see a person for their humanity not just their nationality! Christ often gave examples of God loving and accepting foreigners, often enraging Jews. We must remember that our community is global and every person we meet is a member of our family.
I know this is something I have to actively work on. I tend to be drawn to those who act and look like me. But I pray for God's eyes and heart to help build bridges and heal divisions within my family.
In peace with love,
your sister in Christ~Erin
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Water
Water - the Nile, the Mediterranean, the Danube, Caspian Sea, the Mississippi, Indian Ocean. Plants - Palm Tree, arctic lichens, lily of the valley, corn. Animals - lions, tiger, bears - oh my! People - Grandfather Eli, baby Annika, cousin Fred, friend Hose. Resources - copper, titanium, nitrogen, oil.
Balance.
Sometimes I think too broad and I forget that things have names. The world is more than just water, plants, animals, people, resources. Those words refer to real places and things and are equally important, without any we would not survive.
I spent the night at the Cincinnati Zoo last night for an education program (love my job) and meet up close some amazing animals. When we teach children about animals and ecology we try to teach them that the world is connected. While these animals are wonderful, if we don't care about the plants they need to live we won't have the animals either.
We all need water, and water connects us. As I reflected on "worldly" things today many thing came to mind. I saw animals from across the planted today and one thing that connects all of us is water. Water has a significant meaning to many people as well. It symbolizes being clean and life giving - but as we know all to well it can also be destructive. Think about how important the Jordan River is to the people who live around it, and the important water sources near you. How do we take care of our watersheds?
The next time you take a drink, or a shower - think about how what water means to our world and give thanks. How it keeps life sustained not only for you, but for a palm tree in Florida which may be providing shade to a refugee from Haiti taking a cool drink.
God Bless,
your sister in Christ~Erin
Balance.
Sometimes I think too broad and I forget that things have names. The world is more than just water, plants, animals, people, resources. Those words refer to real places and things and are equally important, without any we would not survive.
I spent the night at the Cincinnati Zoo last night for an education program (love my job) and meet up close some amazing animals. When we teach children about animals and ecology we try to teach them that the world is connected. While these animals are wonderful, if we don't care about the plants they need to live we won't have the animals either.
We all need water, and water connects us. As I reflected on "worldly" things today many thing came to mind. I saw animals from across the planted today and one thing that connects all of us is water. Water has a significant meaning to many people as well. It symbolizes being clean and life giving - but as we know all to well it can also be destructive. Think about how important the Jordan River is to the people who live around it, and the important water sources near you. How do we take care of our watersheds?
The next time you take a drink, or a shower - think about how what water means to our world and give thanks. How it keeps life sustained not only for you, but for a palm tree in Florida which may be providing shade to a refugee from Haiti taking a cool drink.
God Bless,
your sister in Christ~Erin
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
New Vocab New Fire
I learned a new word, more than that though... a new condition millions around the world find themselves in which can be devastating. A term born out of our need to control as much as possible, especially people. Our governments need to know constantly what we are doing, where we are living or working, and our general status. Without the proper documentation of who we are we can't get a job or see a doctor, go to school, or travel out of the country. What if you didn't have this documentation? What if you couldn't prove you were a citizen of anywhere?
You would be stateless. There are an estimated 15 million stateless people in the world today. Unable to work unless paid under the table. Unable to travel, unable to vote, unable to provide for their families, unable to get an education to work past their present. Alone and unaccounted for - and uncared for.
Some refugees are stateless, however many have citizenship simply in a state where their is conflict and war. If given refugee status though they are allowed to travel and given aid. Unlike a stateless person who may not be fleeing from any conflict, simply unable to prove where and to whom they were born. (honestly not really their fault either is it?)
Without proper documentation (birth certificate, social security number, work permit, general ID's) people are denied everything. This is a problem in many countries from Bangladesh to the Dominican Republic to Pakistan and the independent states that were a part of the USSR. Imagine your government saying "No. We don't claim you and we don't know who you are."
Sometimes this is done accidentally, in a state of chaos or upheaval, sometimes specific groups are targeted (ethnic, racial, religious), and almost always it is a generational inheritance. If your parents don't exist to the government how do you?
So in response to this issue my heart cries - LEARN. Learn as much as you can about everything you can so that you can go out in understanding and love. I have 3 different colors of post -it's (yes I organize my life in colors and post it's) one for Issues I Want to Learn About, another for People to Learn About, and another for inspirational quotes from others. There are many issues I don't know about, but much I can learn. There are people who have gone before me asking the same questions and living out their lives in response. I want to learn from them to better understand my own calling.
My favorite so far -
When I feed the poor, they call me a saint.
When I ask why the poor have no food, they call me a communist.
Dom Helder Camara,
Archbishop of Recife, Brazil
You would be stateless. There are an estimated 15 million stateless people in the world today. Unable to work unless paid under the table. Unable to travel, unable to vote, unable to provide for their families, unable to get an education to work past their present. Alone and unaccounted for - and uncared for.
Some refugees are stateless, however many have citizenship simply in a state where their is conflict and war. If given refugee status though they are allowed to travel and given aid. Unlike a stateless person who may not be fleeing from any conflict, simply unable to prove where and to whom they were born. (honestly not really their fault either is it?)
Without proper documentation (birth certificate, social security number, work permit, general ID's) people are denied everything. This is a problem in many countries from Bangladesh to the Dominican Republic to Pakistan and the independent states that were a part of the USSR. Imagine your government saying "No. We don't claim you and we don't know who you are."
Sometimes this is done accidentally, in a state of chaos or upheaval, sometimes specific groups are targeted (ethnic, racial, religious), and almost always it is a generational inheritance. If your parents don't exist to the government how do you?
So in response to this issue my heart cries - LEARN. Learn as much as you can about everything you can so that you can go out in understanding and love. I have 3 different colors of post -it's (yes I organize my life in colors and post it's) one for Issues I Want to Learn About, another for People to Learn About, and another for inspirational quotes from others. There are many issues I don't know about, but much I can learn. There are people who have gone before me asking the same questions and living out their lives in response. I want to learn from them to better understand my own calling.
My favorite so far -
When I feed the poor, they call me a saint.
When I ask why the poor have no food, they call me a communist.
Dom Helder Camara,
Archbishop of Recife, Brazil
Best of Luck with your passion -
your sister in Christ~Erin
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Worldly Children
I think it's fair to say that everyone is a sucker for kids. They are so cute! We feel a tug of our heart by the cute things they do and are outraged by anyone who would wish any of them harm. It seems in Chapter 18 of Matthew, that Jesus feels the same way. Children are precious and we mush protect them and love them.
My heart is drawn to children and youth. I love spending time with them - playing and teaching. Especially the very young children. They are just so cuddly and will just reach out and love you. I used to look forward to my time working in the nursery every week because I knew the kids would make me feel better.
It is the pictures and stories of children hurting that reach out and touch our hearts the most. This week our world is hurting from the terrible disaster that has happened in Haiti. Disaster relief and volunteers have been working to help those injured, homeless, and hungry to simply survive until lives can begin to be put back together. Here are some stories, but think about them along with Jesus's words "and whoever welcomes a child in my name, welcomes me"
One patient is a 2-month-old baby with severe burns over 50 percent of her body. She's really not drinking that well. She's at risk for dehydration and infection. One second she's up, and then not responsive and listless the next - she need better care. This is a baby that would be in an intensive care unit in the United States.
We're here with 15-year-old Lovely. Two days ago she was found under rubble, three days into the disaster - she had a corpse on top of her. The Miami Search and Rescue Team actually went in and had to amputate her arm in the field.
We then operated on her and resuscitated her on a folding card table under a tree. She's alive, but infection is setting in - we're going to the operating table to clean out the wound and hopefully she'll do OK.
Better news today for a two month old who was trapped beneath rubble for four days. We spent an hour resuscitating her and then she was airlifted out to Miami's Jackson Memorial hospital where's in critical but stable condition.
With prayers for all those suffering and grateful for my own blessings,
your sister in Christ~Erin
My heart is drawn to children and youth. I love spending time with them - playing and teaching. Especially the very young children. They are just so cuddly and will just reach out and love you. I used to look forward to my time working in the nursery every week because I knew the kids would make me feel better.
It is the pictures and stories of children hurting that reach out and touch our hearts the most. This week our world is hurting from the terrible disaster that has happened in Haiti. Disaster relief and volunteers have been working to help those injured, homeless, and hungry to simply survive until lives can begin to be put back together. Here are some stories, but think about them along with Jesus's words "and whoever welcomes a child in my name, welcomes me" 
One patient is a 2-month-old baby with severe burns over 50 percent of her body. She's really not drinking that well. She's at risk for dehydration and infection. One second she's up, and then not responsive and listless the next - she need better care. This is a baby that would be in an intensive care unit in the United States.
We're here with 15-year-old Lovely. Two days ago she was found under rubble, three days into the disaster - she had a corpse on top of her. The Miami Search and Rescue Team actually went in and had to amputate her arm in the field.
We then operated on her and resuscitated her on a folding card table under a tree. She's alive, but infection is setting in - we're going to the operating table to clean out the wound and hopefully she'll do OK.
Better news today for a two month old who was trapped beneath rubble for four days. We spent an hour resuscitating her and then she was airlifted out to Miami's Jackson Memorial hospital where's in critical but stable condition.
With prayers for all those suffering and grateful for my own blessings,
your sister in Christ~Erin
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