yipee

Alright! am back with a bang... or am i? yah truly its been a while but the good Lord is not finished with me. Still learning everyday with many challenges that are surprising...Lots has definately gone on since i last blogged but the glory goes to God. Its is actually so hard to get in a culture and for sure 3months are nothing in light of culture shocks. The last month was my worst; first the way of life-there is little or no looking out for one another (its like everyone for themselves and God for whom he chooses) but thankful for the people i have gotten to know. This has got me thinking that actually the worst problems are not poverty but lack of love and being loved. and ofcourse nothing could prepare me for the food and weather(loads of clothes)
Ok apart from the above mentioned i totally appreciate the clean towns and homes and of course the public transport system.
Have been having a few enlightenments via christianity in norway. Much of the population is Lutheran and the mass is close to catholic mass because initially it was a catholic country. apparatently one day the King declared that everyone convert to Lutheran so the Priests married and the archbishop went into exile (sourced from a friend).
Finally repented and started to be part of the childrens church. Its quite an experience for me as i sometimes carry out conversations in norsk with the children because they do not know english because some are from french speaking countries, not that am good but i have to speak to them. However the majority speak english since this is the international service and some speak both. hmmm the guarantee is that i leave very tired and happy.

Advent is a big issue here, i only had about advent in church back home when they read the collect of the day (for those that attend the Anglican church) but its not really celebrated. Well here it is and the colour for this time is purple so Christian homes will have purple (almost) everything like napkins, candles, table clothes and i guess curtains. and for Christmas all the things are changed to red. It is why several parties are in this season. The students had an advent party and so did the church i attend on part-time.

Advent party at the student fellowship
Advent Party at the church i attend part-time

Have continued to attend KIA and glad for the people God brings in my life. i know that for every person i meet there is a purpose and reoson even when i never see them again. Its my prayer that my conversations shall be fruitful and real for everyday living. that they would not be superficial but be on the ground.

Had a sharing in the meeting sometime and glad that i did. the truth is i was so scared but somehow found the words to say. hopefully they blessed a soul or two. am sure that God used some even when they were hard for me.

Have been having lots of good time and not so good times. One of the things i do not understand is why Christians here do not have the zeal to do something for God, there is little motivation for many which is in contrast to the students back home. They usually have zeal even though sometimes due to lack of discipleship it is misplaced. So i have totally been disturbed by the refusal of people to move out and share the love of Christ with others. However i will enjoy the rest of the months and pray that i dont grow equally numb and cold.

i was privileged to be part of a waffling group. what basically happens is that you get a spot on a busy street where you make your waffles and coffee for free. These are handed out to those who want with the hope that some will stay and you share your faith with them. and trully some people do hang around. This usually happens from 11.30pm to 3.30am or later depending on when the waffles get finished.

After about an hour in the cold my toes started freezing and honestly i started counting down the hours, next time i will be more prepared and hopefull no cold feet.

Merry Christmas. Catch you in 2009. Love and Prayers.