To give you a little glimpse into our ministry it works like this... we go out each day for lunch to the nations. Most students are apart of a nation (kind of like a sorority or fraternity) and they get to go to parties at their nation and get cheaper meals in their cafeterias. We went to a party at one of the nations, which was extremely fun. It's a great way for us to hang out with people we meet because we can go to the nations with them and have fun. And the faculties are in the educational buildings. We get lunch and then try to find someone or a group of people to sit with. We go in pairs and sit at a table. It can be awkward at first, but once we introduce ourselves, a lot of the time we play the "dumb American" card and ask many questions about Sweden and Uppsala. Swedes are very proud of their country and love to talk about it so that can strike up a great conversation at first. During the conversation we try to bring up something spiritual like we might ask what Swedes think about God or if Swedes go to church. Also, when we ask the Swedes about what they do and what they're involved in, this is a great way for us to talk about how God impacts our lives and how we're involved with Campus Crusade. Sometimes I feel like we're "tricking" them or trying to maneuver the conversation so they talk about God, but the thing is He really is the focus of our lives. So if we're talking about ourselves and our lives then we should talk about God because He is our life. Then if our conversation goes well and the people seem interested then we get their numbers and ask if they want to get Fika. Fika is what they call just a chill hang out time, usually at a coffee shop.
The most exciting thing so far for me has been that I am going to hang out with a girl named Kat soon. Nancy and I have met a few girls that we're going to try to catch up with this week. But I'm excited because I met Kat at a bike wash outreach we did last week. She and I had a really great conversation and it wasn't something that had to be forced. I feel like she is going to be one of my closest friends that is a Swede.
But along the lines of friendship... it's only been a week and I feel very close to everyone on my team. We had a night of swing dancing and shagging (the dance) tonight and everyone was laughing and having a great time. The guys got to show off their dance moves which was fun to watch. Being vulnerable is hard to do when you've only known people a few days, but the girls are having no problem opening up, which is great. I am finally getting a glimpse of what a true Christian community is supposed to look like. Everyone is encouraging, vulnerable, and truly running after God and trying to do everything they can to live their lives glorifying God.
I am already seeing a great turn around in my own life. This past semester at school has been VERY exhausting physically, emotionally, and especially spiritually. Coming here I thought that I would be overwhelmed and stressed, but it's been exactly the opposite. I feel revived spiritually and I'm so in love with God. I desire to talk to Him and read my Bible. It's so great. The biggest change I've seen so far in myself is how I've become quieter. In 1 Peter it says that women are to have gentle and quiet spirits. I'm usually very obnoxious and try to have the focus be on me. Even when I act like I'm "listening" to my friends' problems I really am trying to turn the conversation back around on myself or get something out of the friendship. Already God is teaching me it's ok to talk quieter, let others have the attention, and most of all He's teaching me how to truly love others in a genuine way. We can't genuinely love others on our own. I've tried it many many times but really we can only pour out love when we're being poured into by God.
That's it for now!!
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