Vi Ses Sverige (See you later Sweden)

Ok so I did not keep up with the updates as much as I thought that i would have in the last few weeks.
Finland was an awesome time of resting, and thinking and praying and connecting with people.
The last 4 weeks in Sweden were filled with so many different things.
From church visits, to attending the local church; from mushroom hunting to moving in Fika; from speaking english to speaking swenglish; from meeting new friends to meeting old ones; from eating candy to eating beef; from the polka dancing pig to Willy's.
So much has happened and I have learnt so much... and while some moments have been difficult... I have enjoyed my time here... and would not trade it for anything.
Did I mention meeting people...
Vi ses sverige!

So today I have two sleeps left before I leave Sweden.
Today we went to a bible school... or maybe a bible school class to talk about missions. How cool is that. I was knew what was basically being presented but didn't understand that much. However I was able to talk a little bit about some things.
It is always encouraging to see young people taking time to follow God with there all.
Ok so on the way home we stopped at a candy shop... ok so I bought some!
It has been incredible seeing so much of Sweden and swedish culture... a bit overwhelming at times but I like it.

Rimforsas Brokyrkan (The Bridge Church of Rimforsa)

So this weekend myself, Martin, Isak, David, Abel and Anton drove two hours to a place called Rimforsa. We arrive Saturday afternoon and left on Sunday afternoon.

On Saturday evening we led a programme for the church's youth. It took the form of a TV programme with Martin as the host. The rest of us were guest that Martin interviewed about the various topics that were highlighted that night.

The programme was bases on, The Call, Friendship with Jesus and Sending out.
Each one of us had various experiences that we could draw on to compliment each topic. Abel also did a Rap song that he composed himself. Abel and Anton are both teenagers in the Råslätt youth group. Then we had a short break for FIKA (a swedish traditional breaktime filled with goodies to eat). After the FIKA there was a time of prayer and worship. The evening went quite well and the youth responded positively to it. I didn't understand that much as most of it was in swedish but it was still cool. When Martin interviewed me, Isak acted as my translator. We also did a short skit, that I was able to participate in... it was a short part and I was able to speak English.

We stayed with a local family... they took all six of us in... and spoiled us that night and the next morning.

At church the next morning the people were very welcoming. The service went well. This time Martin interviewed me from the front with Isak translating again. Isak and David also spoke about various things that OM is doing. Martin gave the message. The lady that we stayed with chose to sit next to me to translate a little for me even though she is not that confident with English. It is amazing how many people here speak good english but are shy to speak it.

For me another cool things was meeting a young swedish lady who grew in Thailand where her parents were missionaries. She attended an international school so she was relieved to hear english spoken again.
God really is doing something in Sweden!

V-A-C-A-TION

August 19th I arrived in Finland for the start of two weeks of R+R (rest + relaxation).
It was such a good time of catching up on sleep... of reading; spending time with God and pouring out my heart to Him; of reconnecting with old friends; of meeting new people and connecting with them; of rethinking vision and processing many things; of late night discussions; of long walks in nature.

I stayed in the city of Tampere (Tammerfores for the Swedes) with a friend. We were able to visit her family’s summer house a couple of times. I was able to have the traditional finnish sauna and lake experience.
A friend invited us to visit her church which is an international church in a place called Espoo near Helsinki. http://ucclife.fi/

We were also able to go to a free concert by an international (but started in Finland) Christian orchestra called ‘Halo’. http://www.haloensemble.org/

What was especially cool during this time in Finland was the pure JOY that God filled my heart with during this time. It was overflowing. He has been teaching me so much about PEACE and LOVE and JOY in the last few months. The kind of PEACE, LOVE and JOY that stays with you even in terrible situations. The kind of PEACE, LOVE and JOY that only comes from being in a relationship with Him that is living and active.
While in Finland I found myself smiling for NO REAL REASON. Just smiling! I thank you God for this fresh air that you have breathed on and into me. Help me to share it with others!
Yes... I did visit the OM Finland office and spent some time with a few people there. It was good to reconnect with them and see what is happening in another OM Field.

When many people think of Finland, they think of a cold, dark country with a funny language... but there is more to Finland than that... such beauty... such history.
The church in general isn’t the most alive, but I was encouraged to meet followers of Jesus who were desperate for His Kingdom and Glory to come to their city, their friends and family, to this world. These people were so desperate that they were looking for ways to get involved themselves. What a blessing to meet them!

Goodbye Bafana!

On august 18th I left South Africa... the place where I have lived for the last 3 years. I was blessed to have many people come to say goodbye at my house... especially after so many of my friends and other collegues were not around. It was funny... all of my previous housemates had already left... some of my close friends weren’t there because they were on holiday. It was still good to have friends around who cared. I spent my last few days packing and spending time with people and trying to tie up loose ends. On my last night, we had a little gathering for dinner and a fun night.

It is so good when moving on from a significant chapter in life to be able to have such good closure on it. I must admit that much of my time in SA was tough for different reasons. However leaving was peaceful and I appreciate all the people that invested into my life during the 3 years that I spent there. Thank you to all who also made leaving a pleasant experience.