Baptized by Fire Just to Fall Through the Ice

Alright here it is. I thought if I put off writing this last blog that I could convince myself that this wasn't over.

It is. And I don't like it. So I've decided that we will go back someday. Hope Gunnar won't mind. ;)

Iceland: the Land of Fire and Ice.

I've got to say, I didn't expect to experience such a measurable change in myself. I've been baptized by fire and emerged unburned...which is saying a lot considering how clumsy I am, and my history with burns...dangit! I chased that bunny right down it's hole. On Task!!! This was my first international trip traveling with my husband, and let me tell you, it brought a whole new dynamic to traveling. I quite enjoyed it and look forward to doing it again.

I cannot contain my excitement, my joy, and my thankfulness and gratitude I have for all of our Icelandic hosts, whether it was for a meal, or for a couple hours showing us your work. You have truly inspired me to be a better person in dealing with others in all walks of life and to work to spread the message of the Gospel for the good of the people and not for the numbers coming into the church. I've been inspired to break down walls, not to continue to lay bricks on the tops.

When we were picking a trip, I immediately wanted to go to Iceland. I don't know why. Maybe because it seemed so exotic...I mean, how many of you readers, excluding WTS folks, know someone (besides us) who has gone to Iceland? I would have been able to say none, except that I met Jeff Bergeron on our visit to WTS two years ago. Now, I know almost for certain that the Holy Spirit was driving me to this place, to be baptized in fire and to slip (literally...I fell on my knee on our way out of the airport...I've got a scar to prove it!) out of my comfort zone, to be pushed to recognize my faults and learn to amend them, to grow. There is nothing I can say about this trip that hasn't changed me in some way, but I believe my talk with Gunnar definitely ranks the highest on the Change-Kelsie-O-Meter. For that I am eternally grateful, and I hope to continue to grow and change in this. I hope to bring the Icelander's lust for life, grace with death, and peace with adversity into my life. Only time will tell, but thankfully time isn't only measured by volcanic eruptions, but also by the tides.

Oh yeah...I also now will never leave for an airport without a change of clothes in my carry-on... I will also stop packing for all of the outfits I think I will want to wear and then don't. Boom.

Gracious and  merciful God, 
Thank you for the blessings you have placed in my life: the people, the places, the moments, the conversations, the inspirations. Grant all of your creation the peace, mercy, and love that you have shown us. Help us to see all people as our neighbors and to treat them as such, no matter their circumstance, color, creed, sexuality, mental capabilities, sex, and all of the other categories we place ourselves in. Help us to recognize them, and bring them into the community instead of building fences that divide us. Help us to grow, Lord, in the ways that you will. In your holy name I pray, Amen. 

Perspective beyond Assumption

When we left the Midwest was experiencing extreme cold weather and upon our return last week, we experienced more of the same. The time spent in Iceland on the other hand had weather that was quite nice compared to what we left behind. This is one of many things that prior to preparing for and traveling in Iceland, that I would have assumed was the opposite or different way from how it turned out to be. Though I am glad to be home for multiple reasons other than the warmer weather, I would love to have spent more time experiencing the church, the culture, the people, and the landscape. This is how I often feel about travel and places I visit. However long I may be in a place, that seems to just spark an interest to experience and see more of that place. Here's hoping that I have more opportunities to visit and experience all that is Iceland (along with many of the other places that I have visited already).

Another of my assumptions that I found to be incorrect was the presence of big old churches. Based on my travel in the United Kingdom and Ireland as well as reading lots of books set in and amongst old churches and cathedrals, I was expecting much of the same in Iceland, a place officially converted to Christianity around the year 1000 A.D. I learned during our travels that such is not the case. while there are a few older country churches that still remain, the large churches have all been built since the 1940s. This was surprising to me as my own hometown in Montana(which has been "settled" for far less time than Iceland) has had a cathedral since the early 1900s. Iceland didn't have the same access to resources as stone and wood that was available in Montana and other places where there are large grandiose worship spaces. Most of the churches(and houses as well) up until the middle of the 20th century were made primarily of turf because that is what was available. The awe of these buildings is still there though despite their younger age.

I very much enjoyed the opportunity to meet with so many Icelandic pastors during our time there. The hospitality they and others offered was such a gift and chance for us to learn. We were welcomed into many homes and treated to good food and even better conversation. It was a wonderful way for us to get to know many things about Iceland and one another. Hospitality is so often spoken of  within church culture here in the US, but I would guess on average we speak of it much more than we actually practice it. This experience in Iceland increased my desire to practice hospitality more than speaking of it as an abstract practice.

These are a few reflections that I've had since returning and I could probably keep going. I am also sure that more thoughts and reflections will continue to emerge as I process continue to process this experience and its impact in my ever broadening horizons.

Gracious and loving God, Thank you for the chance to learn from and meet new friends as well as gain a broader perspective about the creation and people and Iceland in general that are just as much yours as those in our own community. Bless all those who shared their lives and callings with us in ways that provided much wisdom and insight into ministry and other things. May we continually be open to learning from those who come from different places, cultures, and experiences than our own because through your children we learn more of you. In Jesus' name, Amen

Iceland: See you later?

So, I know that I promised that my next blog post would be about my top-ten water related moments of the trip. I’ve been reminded that in order to receive credit for this class, I need to write some sort of general reflection on the journey. In many ways, my previous post is a reflection on the trip itself. This is more of a reflection on a change in my own self-awareness because of the trip. If you’re looking for exciting travel stories, read something else. Part of the point of traveling is to learn some things about yourself, and the place that you come from. In this case, I’ve been reminded once again about something that I already knew.

I rarely get homesick. I do sometimes get away-sick.  Now that I’ve been back in the U.S. for a little more than a week, I’m realizing just how small Dubuque feels. I got a little taste of Iceland, and now I desperately want to explore it more. As soon as I was back on campus at Wartburg, a number of people greeted me with “Welcome home!” Though out loud I just said, “thanks,” in my head I was thinking, “Am I? Is this home? Or is this just a place where I’ve put down roots long enough to accumulate a little more stuff than usual?” Dubuque is really just one stop along the journey to wherever it is that I’m going. Home for me could be almost anywhere in the world. Iceland had started to feel very homey by the end of those two weeks.

I’ve often mentioned to folks here that I sometimes feel out of place among all of the married couples and families at Wartburg Seminary. The real issue, I think, is not my being a bachelor surrounded by paired-off people. What makes me feel out of place is that I’m surrounded by people who are more settled than I am, in one way or another—people who seem to have a strong sense of "home." I’m not settled. I’m not done exploring, and I’m especially not comfortable with the idea that I could spend the next few years here, and then be sent to a first call in some quiet suburb. I can only hope that the call to ministry doesn't mean an end to my adventures.

All of this raises other concerns. I’ve had discussions with a good friend here at Wartburg about how we both feel that our external call (that is, the affirmation we receive from other people about our vocation) is much stronger than our internal call. All of my worrying about whether I’ll get to explore the world more has me wondering whether my sense of call to ministry is really as high of a priority as it ought to be. In Iceland, we saw that pastors can be a lot of different things, and I took comfort in Gunnar’s wisdom that a person doesn’t stop being who he or she is by entering the ministry. Still, there are a lot of questions on my mind, and I’m not sure how well I can articulate them all just now (or whether I even want to).

So, that’s a brief personal reflection that stems from our trip to Iceland, even if it isn’t really about that trip. It’s something that’s significant to me, anyway. Part of what I’m getting at is that I don’t think I’m done with Iceland. As someone ostensibly preparing for ordained ministry in the ELCA, I think that there is still quite a bit more to be learned from the church in Iceland—how to be a church that is really integrated into the surrounding community, how to be the church in an increasingly secular culture, how to be a church that is deeply connected to its culture and its people.  WTS faculty, if you’re reading this, let’s figure out a way for me to get back to Iceland, eh? If not, I might just repeat my (totally empty) threat to transfer to Philadelphia.

God of all wisdom, I give you thanks for the gifts of questioning and discernment. May we seek to live our lives in ways that are pleasing to you, and may our many and varied paths lead us all to greater knowledge of you and the world you have made. In the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

It's about presence.

I wish I had more time. 2 weeks is too long to be away from my wife and daughter, and I am very glad to be home with them again, but also 2 weeks is only long enough for a taste, a small sampling of the culture, learning about Icelandic parish ecclesiology, the experience of the folk church, seeing first-hand the social contract that permeates the community, looking down from the tower at Hallgrimskirkja, touring a tiny bit of the breathtaking scenery this oasis in the north Atlantic has to offer, breathing the clean air, tasting the pure water...

This list could go on forever, as could the time I would love to spend in Iceland.  It has only been one week since I've returned home, and I feel only a bit closer to having complete, thoughtful reflection on the experience. Having only a crash-course in the culture, structure and practice of the Icelandic church, I will offer a few (certainly incomplete) observations and reflections on a variety of topics and places we encountered.

How the church is structured and how it functions is different in Iceland. It is a parish model of church, one that is not very present in my experience of church in the United States. It has been popular in the churches that I have worshiped with here in the States to talk about "engaging the community" and being "neighbor" to the houses on the block. Rarely have I actually seen this happen. I've never seen a pastor "walk the beat" around the block, knocking on doors and talking to folks about their lives. As a youth director, I have ran several different events for the community around the churches I've been involved in, but rarely has this transitioned into functions by and for the adults in the community. What I see instead is the church serving the social, worship and communal needs of its members, as expected, and that is a wonderful thing. Things like bridge clubs and women's groups, etc., are all wonderful, community building groups, but what I have learned from Iceland and what I want to do as a pastor is to consider all members of the church's neighborhood to be under my care. If somebody requires a service that another church or agency does particularly well, I will point them in that direction. However, I will not ask a person if they are a member of my church before I offer them direct help or assistance.

The public-church relationship was fascinating to learn about. After a couple days in Iceland, we ventured to Haldora's home and had fantastic food (oh my gosh that lobster and horse was to die for!) and wonderful conversation about the role of the church in helping in national tragedy and disaster. I wish we had had an opportunity to meet with the same group at Haldora's a little bit later in the trip, as I was still very tired from the travel and thus was not as engaged in the conversation as I could have been. Anyways, the conversation was invaluable learning about the relationship between the national church, the government and municipal disaster response, and most importantly, how the church takes care of people. A ministry of presence is essential. Being there with somebody, whether your speak or not, whether the person you are present with speaks or not, simply being with somebody is presence, relationship, the sum of the Gospel. In the Lutheran church in the States, we have Lutheran Disaster Relief, a joint agency between the ELCA and the LCMS to respond to natural disasters and give aid and relief to people affected by them. Mission and service trips are also common in the States, notably in the response to Hurricane Katrina and again with the tornado in Joplin, Missouri. I have been fortunate in my experiences in the States with Katrina to spend time not only serving with my hands and feet, but also with my body and spirit in simply being present.

This leads me to probably my most basic, foundational and yet profound reflection. Gospel is presence. When meeting with a few of the pastors for special ministry near the end of the trip, Pastor
Guðný Hallgrímsdóttir shared an emotionally stirring story of her ministry to people with disabilities. She spoke about presence and the power of simply being with somebody. She spoke about the healing-, comfort-, and life-giving power of touch. This is a ministry of presence. We as Christians proclaim the God who is always present, the God of Love who holds an immeasurable, infinite well of grace and peace for all people. We proclaim the God of relationship, who seeks to restore the broken relationship that we have with God and creation through the sending of God's son Jesus. God became like us in ultimate relationship, even unto death. This is presence. As we proclaim a Trinitarian God in perfect relationship with God's self, so God calls us to be in relationship with one another. Presence is one foundational aspect shared by all of creation. It does not matter what language two people speak; they can always be present with one another. In the story that Pastor Guðný shared, it does not matter if one person is paralyzed, blind and deaf, one can still share presence and touch with that person and in so doing, bear God to that person.

This I am convinced is the heart of the Gospel. The Gospel is God's love for all, love experienced in relationship with God and with creation, and relationship means presence. It does not matter if the model of church is parish or congregational, if one speaks Icelandic to a person who only speaks English, if a family is separated by an ocean and only sees each other on Skype, our presence with one another bears God to each other. Presence, I feel, is the ultimate translation of Gospel and it's language and dialectic knows no boundaries in creation. 

Thank you so much, Pastor Gunnar and our hosts and new friends, for showing me this translation in action. I absolutely can not wait to visit once again, family in tow, to share more life with you and maybe hike a glacier (or two!)  

Love you all!

Gracious and loving God, I thank you so much for my time spent with my new friends in Iceland. I thank you for an expression of church that is beautiful, and the sharing and immersion that I was able to experience. Help us all to reflect on our time together and learn from each other. Strengthen our relationships, keep us in touch, and hold us together for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Lessons learned

Having traveled to Nebraska, Texas, and Iceland, all since November, it is good to be back home and dare I say it, yes even good to shovel some snow again. At the same time however I'm reminded how much fun and joy these places, and the people there are able to bring into my life. Because of this I miss them, the atmosphere, the nature, the geography, and I wonder now that I am gone, what else am I missing. So one lesson I have learned is that while traveling broadens ones horizon, it also will cause a longing in the heart for where you have been and for those you have become good friends with.
Those you have traveled with though become more than just a friend, but more like family, especially when you have lived with them for two weeks. Upon return I have found myself in Stevens house more in the past week than I had all last semester, and helping out Will in a heart beat. As for Sam, well I just hope the classes dont get to carried away.
Just a day and a half ago I had an interview for a CPE site at a children's hospital. During this interview I was able to look back on the trip to Iceland, and pull upon the lessons we were taught from the pastors there to help me answer questions that arose during the interview, as I am sure they will be helpful in the coming semester. For this, thank you friends in Iceland for all the words of wisdom, examples, and lessons you passed on to us.
There have been a few changes since I have arrived back from Iceland, for example, I've eaten more hotdogs in the past week than I had all year before going to Iceland. When guests come over they are served coffee (kaffi) in a small cup WITH a saucer, and I am making my kaffi much stronger than before. Having been motivated by a wonderful pastor by the name of guðni, I have been walking more to the castle, even if its cold, and Steven and I even went to the gym for strength training so we are better equipped for climbing mountains, glaciers, and frozen waterfalls. I also learned the Y has a hottub, so a membership to the Y is likely in my near future.
Thank you friends in Iceland for taking us in, feeding us, and teaching us, housing us, speaking to us late into the nights, and for an overall wonderful experience.

Gracious God, thank you for friends near and far. For the folks in Iceland and for those here at Wartburg Seminary. Bless the hands serving your church here, there, and everywhere. And thank you for the opportunity to travel, learn, and experience your creation. Amen

Immersion

I had meant to write this post a day or two ago, but during those last few days it was hard to take time away from conversation with our Icelandic hosts in order to blog. That means that this post is coming to you from Dubuque, Iowa, and not from Iceland.

Paul told you in his last post about how Pastor Guðný Hallgrímsdóttir, the pastor for people with disabilities in the Icelandic Church, took us for a swim in the sea at Nauthólsvík Monday night. That experience was both an actual immersion and a cultural immersion. For some Icelanders, swimming in the sea is a regular thing, and the hot tub at the beach (they have hot tubs at the beach!) was almost full with people relaxing, and then occasionally putting on neoprene booties and gloves and walking down the beach to take a dip in the North Atlantic (35° F). For the record, Guðný and her sister, who was also there, both said that we Americans were “heroes” because we went into the sea without gloves and socks. Anyway, the point of the story is that we were able to experience something that was very foreign to our culture, but a part of Icelandic life.

Throughout our trip, we were privileged to have that kind of inside look into Icelandic culture and the Icelandic church. As guests of the National Church, and of Pastor Gunnar Sigurjónsson (the world’s strongest priest!), we were able to visit pastors (or priests, to follow the Nordic usage) in their homes and at their work, and talk with them about life and the church. We were able to worship with them, and we even were invited to attend a funeral. Going to a funeral was an important part of the experience, since we had been talking quite a bit since our visit to the funeral and cemetery office about how the Icelanders seem to have a much healthier and more natural attitude toward death, with none of the chemical embalming and fancy concrete vaults that we in the U.S. use to deny the reality of death. The funeral of Sigríður Jónsdóttir at Bústaðakirkja, even though none of us knew her or anyone else at the funeral, was crucial to us having a more complete picture of life in the Icelandic Church, and it was moving to be surrounded by strangers, and at the same time sisters and brothers, grieving and celebrating the life of a loved one.

A couple of us were further immersed in a different side of Icelandic church life and culture when we were invited to a party with theology students from the University of Iceland, where all potential pastors in Iceland study. It was a pretty typical student party, except that shortly after we arrived the students held a house blessing, because the host of the party had recently moved in. There were a few prayers, a scripture reading, and some hymns, including the immensely popular “Heyr, Himna Smiður” (“Hear, Heaven’s Creator”), which we heard in several different settings over the course of the trip. It was written by a chieftain named Kolbeinn Tumason shortly before he died at the Battle of Víðines in 1208. In the U.S., we rarely sing 800-year-old hymns at parties.

Some of us even got first-hand experience with pastoral care in Iceland, by receiving it from Gunnar. Gunnar was not only our host, teacher, and tour guide for the time we were there; he was also our pastor.

In the public swimming pool, the Blue Lagoon, Gunnar’s hot tub, and the icy sea, we were immersed not only in water, but in the community life around us. It’s fitting that a group of seminarians traveling to learn about another church in another culture should spend so much time in the water: we have been called into community with our sisters and brothers in Iceland through the waters of our baptism, and that so much of our trip was spent in, around, and thinking about water in one way or another is a powerful reminder of that. With that in mind, my next, and probably final, post will be about my top ten water-related moments of our trip to Iceland.

God of all people, we praise you for the gifts of cultural exchange, conversation, community and communion. Draw us together across all boundaries, and grant that the bonds we have formed with our sisters and brothers in Iceland may grow stronger, even as we find ourselves once again far away. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. 

Modern day miracles and cold cold water

We met with three special pastors. They are considered special because they do not serve in a "typical" congregation, but to those who are typically pushed aside in everyday society, for example, those with mental illness or disabilities, the hearing impaired, and immigrants. These pastors work with these folks everyday, they are their congregation. After hearing what they said and the stories they shared, I came to the conclusion that these special pastors are serving in a way that models Christ's work we read about in the gospels. They are bringing the marginalized people and helping them to become functioning members of society. They are helping bring these wonderful people into society as well as bring the society to these wonderful people.
From my experience in the church, which I will admit is somewhat limited, I have witnessed good works done for people in these situations. However, never have I seen the work done in this manner. From what I have witnessed the work is done in the ways of clothing drives, visits, or "mission trips", short, quick trips that end in separation and little to no change between the two "different" worlds. This is not the case here in Iceland. Those who are commonly viewed as "different" are empowered, have jobs, are assisted to have independent lives, are allowed to make choices for themselves, and the work is being done every day to incorporate them into society. In fact we learned a new perspective, those who are considered disabled do not consider themselves disabled. It is those of us who are the "norm" who place this label on folks.
I have been so blessed to have the chance and opportunity to speak with these three pastors in specialized ministry, and I am so thankful for their work. Not only did we spend time hearing from them, but we also visited centers where there are job opportunities available, activities, and support for those "normal" society labels as "different". It is at these centers where miracle are taking place, and by the work done with the deaf who are given a voice and who are able to hear, or with the immigrants being brought in, sought out and cared for.
Now for something completely different.
One of the pastors invited us for a swim in the sea, yes in the middle of January, in water that was just above freezing. Our swim was more of a quick run in, count to 30, and then quickly go into the hot tub. But, I can say that I have done it. Coming from Texas I don't think I have ever experienced that kind of toe tingling cold. But there must be something to say for it because we are learning of Icelanders who are living well into their 90s and beyond. Who never need to go to the doctor or hospital. Those who are nearly 50 look 30, and those who are 18 look 14. Maybe it's something in the water, or the lack there of. Or maybe it's getting into the water, hot and cold that does it. But whatever it is, it's working.

God of blessings and gifts. Thank you for this opportunity to expand our horizon, for the hospitality of the people, and the wisdom that has been shared with us during this adventure. Bless our journey home and help us use what we have learned in our ministry that is to come. Amen 

A quick thanks

                I’ve seen God’s kingdom created and lived in in many different ways in this world. I’ve seen the hungry fed, a blind man healed and relationships restored. I am glad that I now have seen a little bit of Iceland.

                It’s a bit difficult to compare the national church in Iceland to my experience of the church in America. If I were to tell people that I visited a church with 8,000 members, their jaws would drop! If I left out that detail and told them that I visited a church where 5% of the members worship, they might think that makes our attendance numbers in the United States seem pretty good! And that is the danger of comparing the institutions without a keen eye towards context and without a personal experience of cultural sharing.

The national church in Iceland is a beautiful and wonderful church, modern and with a fantastic history. But there’s so much more to learn about actually experiencing the church in a place where a pastor’s salary is paid for not by collecting an offering or a bi-annual capital campaign. The experience of church here in Iceland is a different rhythm. It’s always there. It’s always on the front lines of disaster response. The pastors take care of their members beyond a sermon and work together in many different ways. I’ve seen a gracious and wonderful part of the global church in my way-too-short 2 weeks here, and my perspective and ministry are better for it. 

Don't should on eachother

The above title is a quote from our very own Sam Giere. It was said in response to a few of us joking around about something. I don't even remember what it was now, but Sam's words have been tumbling around in my mind. In our time here we have seen many differences as well as similarities.
In visiting individual churches of the national church, we have seen a variety of different expressions and worship styles of places all connected with the same mission. Many of the services have followed a liturgy and style similar to that which I would exprience at home, in spite of the language difference. We also attended a service in a gospel style. It was moving and quite the experience. Afterwards we talked with the pastors and they expressed their hope to be able to reach people who were looking for a different style of worship. Gunnar expressed how this style of worship was not something he would want to lead or really liked. At the same time he could recognize the value in this for others. Just because he preferred something else, he didn't tell these people that they "should" do it this way or that way. He recognized the place of variety within the same umbrella of the national church.
Meeting many Icelanders we have learned that many of them speak 3 or more languages. As people from the United States that can leave us feeling greatly lacking and feeling as though we should do the same. As we discussed this, Gunnar pointed out that we don't need to put such pressure on ourselves
because we live in a different context. He suggested that he would think it would be important for us to be able to have an understanding of Spanish bbecaause of our context. As people from different countries, we can learn from eachother and even adopt things learned from others. It becomes a problem though when one country tells another that "they should do this". Our contexts are different and that makes it unhelpful for one country to insist another does something exactly the way they do.
This applies to us as individuals as well. Life is hard enough without us telling one another that we should do this or should do that. The guilt and feeling of lessness is not necessary.
Gracious God, thank you for the wisdom that is found in even the smallest conversations. Help us to remember that diversity is a gift that you have given us through creation and not something that is a problem. Amen

When you look in the mirror, who do you see?

With Megan's post about identity, I think it is ironic how my personal identity is becoming more defined on this trip. I think I'm learning way more about myself than I am about Iceland.

Night before last, Gunnar, Paul, and I stayed up way too late. For that, I am thankful. Gunnar took time away from sleep to counsel me, though I doubt he had any inclination in the beginning that that was what he was doing...I  sure didn't.  I don't know if you, whoever is reading this, have ever been counseled by a pastor. I hadn't. And it was a gift. I don't want to talk about our conversation per say, but I do want to thank him.

Gunnar, not all of what you said to me was old information. Some of it was new. It was like you held up a mirror and forced me to look at myself fully, recognizing the cracks that I hadn't yet come to realize...choices that I wasn't aware I was making and the effects they could have on my marriage. I didn't fully realize what I was doing. You made it obvious, and told me what the consequences would be if I continued down the same path. I didnt like what I saw.

I have been set on a path, on a crossroads of sorts, but not where you would find the devil. No, the demon that meets me at this crossroad is myself, the horror behind what I could be doing to my loved ones. You're right. I knew you were right when you said it... though I am 23 years old, I'm still a child to some. I'm valuable to some as a child. I have not shown that I have value as a woman; I do not want this to be so. You forced me to see what each road would/could mean for me and my life in the future, and I really didn't like some of what I saw. For that, I am grateful.

I'm realizing that while I am someone's child, I need to be valued ad viewed as an adult, as a mature person capable of functioning fully and responsibly of their own accord, capable of making all of their own decisions, with the input of their spouse of course.

When I look in the mirror, I see a scared little girl, and I nth ink others do as well. Its time to grow up. It is time to be the woman I claim I am... The one I pray I will become.

This is the road I choose. Hopefully, I will be seen as such. Only time will tell.

Gracious and merciful God, Thank you for your good and faithful servant, Gunnar. Continue to let him shine your light into the lives of others. Grant him, oh God, your everlasting strength, so that he can continue to show your truth. Thank you, oh Lord, for the opportunity to meet this, and all of your servants in Iceland. Empower them, God, to continue to do your will on earth to your glory on earth and in heaven. In your holy name I pray, Amen. 

Identity

While here in Iceland I've been thinking  about the idea of national identity. As we've been visiting with different people and in seeing different  places, we've experienced a few things that really seem to contribute to a sense of national identity for Icelanders.

As a couple of my fellow travellers have mentioned while at Skaholt, we experienced an evening of fellowship with several pastors of the national church. This evening was
entitled Holy Chaos or Divine Disorder. It was a good time all around, but what really intrigued me was the group singing. Once one pastor started singing a song, others would immediately join in. There were folk songs and hymns, etc. It was wonderful to listen to and see the way it connected them.When we asked them about this, they said it is not uncommon for groups of Icelanders to gather and spend time doing similar. When they asked us what songs we all had in common as a group and just as people from the USA, we just stared at one another trying to think of just one. It was actually the Icelanders who ended up suggesting songs we all knew such as Amazing Grace. While all of us in our group know that song, I would not be surprised if there where several US citizens who don't know the words and wouldn't be able to just join in.

Also as we've been visiting different churches and just talking with different people about the national church and Icelandic identity, we have heard over and over how it is very difficult if not impossible to seperate one from the other. Though the church and the state are independent, they are still tied together. The state collects member fees for the church and the church is a vital part of disaster response along with the authorities and others right from the beginning.

These aspects of national identity are rather surprising to me having grown up in the United States. While I definitely  consider myself as a person from the United States of America, someone from Florida can possibly share no sense of identity with me apart from paying taxes to the same government. I coming from Montana have a different idea of the things that connect me than someone from a different state. We've even seen this within our group as we've discussed different things about growing up, living in, and being from our respective states.

I believe some of this has to do with the wide variety of different ethinic backgrounds that make up most citizens of the US. I identify with my Scandinavian ancestors where a friend of mine identifies with her Irish background. Of course we wouldn't be familiar with similar folk songs and we grew up with different religious backgrounds. Of course we do share identity markers since both of us grew up in Montana, but it makes sense that on a national scale it is hard to find common aspects of cultural identity.

In the end, regardless of specific national identity or reigional identity, we all share one common identity that matters more. This being all being children of God. Still, it is interesting to see how this differs here in Iceland as opposed to the US.

God of all, Thank you for the people we have had the opportunity to meet and learn from. Continue to open our eyes so that we may learn from our brothers and sisters here in Iceland. Amen

Story swap= larger horizons.

Why in the world am I in Iceland? Well a few reasons. To share and swap stories with others. To see other worlds where the gospel is active and alive, a world different from my own. To be apart of new things and expand our knowledge, or as Sam puts it, our horizon. Wartburg has in place the resources and programming to make all these points become a part of our lives, and for this I am extremely grateful. While visiting Iceland we have been hearing and sharing stories with the people here. Learning about how the Gospel has been active in Iceland since the year 1000. We have heard of the challenges and changes that have been made during history, and that no matter what comes Icelands way, it has continued to serve and survive, even in difficult times. We are experiencing a church that is active with the other programs in Iceland, like the Salvation Army. But also other programs like the police, and rescue teams. The pastors here, especially those who serve in the country, are much more than a person who leads church services, but serve to fill the needs of any position that needs to be filled in the towns. Not only do they serve the parishioners on normal days, but also originize programs during disasters like volcanic eruptions.
By understanding these stories and situations, it allows us to grow in our view of the world, and of the Gospel. It helps us to understand what we know, and what we hold near to us better. Through this trip, and all the other trips currently being experienced during this J-term, it allows us to be "in communion with other readers of the gospel" (Sam), it puts us in a position where we are playing an active role in the universal church.
Through this experience so far I have been taught some life lessons, been given extremely useful advice, and have broaden my ever expanding horizon. For every moment I am extremely grateful and feel blessed.
So what does it all mean? In my opinion, we need to get out. Out of the house, out of the everyday ruts of life, away from the norms. I am not saying there is anything wrong with these places, but the benefits seem to me to greatly outway the fears and worries  that can arise when we do leave the safety of these places. Don't think you necessarily have to travel across the world to Iceland, though I do recommend it, but something as simple as speaking to the cashier at the grocery store, listening to the old man on the bench, or a child after a day at school or church. So many little things are around that can broaden our horizon, strenghthen what we know, or make us appreciate something, or someone a little more. We see Jesus breaking out of the norms in the Gospels, and we are called to follow in His steps. You never know what lesson or new view on life may be sitting patiently around the corner.

Thank you God for the opportunity to live and be with our brothers and sisters to the north. For this wonderful group of people I am traveling with and learning from. As we continue on our journey keep our eyes and ears open to the lessons that can be found. Amen

In Hot Water

When I started writing this last night, we had just gotten out of the hot tub here at Gunnar’s house. In the United States, a pastor having a hot tub at home might be seen as extravagant. Here in Iceland, hot tubs are an essential part of everyday life.  While we’ve been in Iceland, I think I’ve spent more time in hot tubs than I had in my entire life in the States. We’ve already mentioned the hot tub at Skalholt—that was at a relatively modest (though very comfortable) guest house owned by the church. Kelsie told you about our trip to the heated pool and the hot tubs after we visited the President of Iceland, Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson. And the other night I had the chance to have dinner with Gunnar and Thora’s neighbors, Eirikur and Stefania. Apparently there was only enough extra food for one, and I was the only one brave enough to try saltfiskur, dried, salted, and boiled cod (which was absolutely delicious).  We had a lovely conversation over dinner, largely about Eirikur's music projects (click here for authentic viking music), but one interesting cultural note was that Eirikur left shortly after dinner for the municipal pool. His day, like that of many Icelanders, wouldn’t be complete without a dip in the hot tub before bed.

             The hot tub is a place for relaxation, sure, but it also functions something like a coffee shop, bar, or barbershop in the U.S. It is a community space, where folks gather for conversation, and the latest news and town gossip is exchanged.  This is all made possible by Iceland’s abundance of volcanic hot springs, which have given Icelanders all the hot water they could ever want for the last thousand years or so. Apparently, Iceland’s conversion to Christianity (1000 A.D.) was marked by the entire parliament being baptized in a naturally warm pool.  On our first morning here, Gunnar told us not to worry about how long we were in the shower, because in Iceland, the hot water never, ever, runs out.

            So, on Tuesday evening, after spending the day in the

area around Keflavik visiting pastors and churches in a slightly more rural area, we visited the Iceland’s hot water attraction par excellence, the Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon is actually formed from the wastewater of a geothermal power plant, but locals discovered that the mix of warm water and naturally occurring minerals was both relaxing and good for your skin. Thus, a major tourist attraction was born—a luxury spa in the form of a big blue lake. Visitors are able to bathe in the magic blue water, and spread the magic white mud on their face and body, all in the name of health and beauty.  It sounds silly, but let’s face it: if the Icelanders say it will make you better looking, it must at least be worth a shot. I, for one, am not opposed to looking more like an Icelander. (On that note, I got a great deal on an authentic, hand-knitted, traditional Icelandic sweater at a Salvation Army store in Reykjavik. Gunnar’s exact words were, “Now, I’m pretty sure people will address you in Icelandic.”)

Steven and I are now Icelanders.
(Photo By Paul, stolen from Steven's Facebook)

            In addition to the spas and hot tubs, another Icelandic conversational pastime, also involving hot liquids, is coffee.  I was already familiar with the European tradition of afternoon coffee and cakes from my time in Germany, but the Icelanders take it to a whole other level. Almost every place we’ve visited, whether it be the president’s house, the cemetery, the Salvation Army, or the Bishop’s office, we’ve been met with good strong coffee and the most delicious cakes you could imagine (or, at very least, some good chocolates). It makes sense; why have a plain old meeting, when you can simply add coffee and cake and turn that boring meeting into an equally productive social event? I propose introducing this custom to the States, as soon as possible. In fact, I resolve, from this point forward, to no longer discuss any business without coffee and cake in front of me.

            I’ve been grateful to be able to learn a bit about Icelandic life over many cups of excellent coffee, and that process continued tonight. We had dinner with Arnfríður Guðmundsdóttir and Gunnar Matthíasson, and a long discussion about the politics surrounding the financial crash, the drafting of a proposed new constitution (and Arnfríður's role as part of the drafting committee), and the economy and environment of Iceland today. Arnfríður and Gunnar M. fall in a slightly different place on the political spectrum than our host, Gunnar Sigurjónsson, and I think it’s valuable to hear that variety of viewpoints. I think I’ll stop there, though. I would offer my own views on Icelandic politics, but I’d rather not land myself in, well, hot water.

O God of all wisdom and truth: We give you thanks for community and conversation, for difference of opinion and harmony of purpose. Give us open hearts and minds, and willing ears to hear the voices of those around us. In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

What do you mean there is no fish!?

It has been busy, with lots of travel and lots more information from many a fine persons. Today we visited with students from the local university who are studying theology. From there we met with an officer of the Salvation Army, who operates a day facility for the homeless. There they are accepting and empowering some of the marginalized people that are struggling in Iceland. After that visit we strolled around downtown, taking in the sites and sounds. Then we met with some pastors called the deans, who are similar to bishop assistants, for dinner. Once again there was more fine food and wonderful conversation.
Yesterday we met with and visited some of the country churches around the "toe" of Iceland. This area is one of the few places with flat land, unfortunately it's all covered in ancient volcanic stones which makes the land difficult to farm. The churches were beautiful country churches, many right by the sea. We also met with other Salvation Army workers who work in an area located on the old army base. They have programs for children in the afternoons, and if they were not there, the children would unlikely have easy acces to any sort of program like this. After the country visit we made our way to the Blue Lagoon where we swam in the healing waters under the stars. The only thing that would have made the day better is if the northern lights would have been visible.
Monday we visits the local funeral home. We toured the building, the chapels, and learned of the customs that go on after someone has passed away. There are some differences from our culture, as well as no use of chemicals.
     During all this time we have had more cake and coffee than you could shake a stick at, it's been wonderful. The knowledge we are gaining is priceless, and it is nice to see various groups working together to serve the church as a whole. The one thing I have learned that I dislike about Iceland, and something that is extremely difficult to wrap my mind around is that there are no fish to catch from the shore line in the area, and its not untill you get to the north east part of the country that you will catch anything from the shore... It's only if you have a boat and get away from the shoreline where you will catch fish. As a someone who has grown up fishing from the shore along the Texas coast, this just will not work. In my mind there are to many children unable to make fond memories with their grandfathers because of this situation. Aside from that, Iceland is fantastic.

Thank you God for this place. For these lessons we have learned from others, for good food, and great people. Amen

Environmental Science

Please feel free to skip ahead to the asterisks (*****) since by now you’ve probably heard of the travel difficulties. Also, I’m sure my travel narrative is a bit boring. I don’t really blog or journal so it might get a bit dry. Here goes…

Monday at 8am we left Dubuque for our adventure to Iceland. We arrived 3 hours or so later at Chicago O’Hare airport. Our initial flight to Toronto was delayed causing a cascade of connection reschedules and etc. When we arrived on the ground in Toronto, we sat on the plane for about an hour and a half or so as the runways and tarmacs were gridlocked. We had a gate to go to, just no way to get to it.

Like an interstate pileup in the sky...

When we finally got to the gate in Toronto, we learned that it was late enough that we had missed our previously rescheduled flight to Iceland. At first that seemed like a nonissue and one we were already aware of that might happen. But Toronto only flies to Iceland every couple of days, so what now? We were put on a place to Copenhagen! We made the Copenhagen flight and just a couple short hours after landing in Toronto we were on the road (or, in the air, actually) flying towards Denmark for a good 7:15. Lovely jet, but I had the middle seat, so my elbows made good friends with our professor Sam on my right side and a random but pretty chill European gentleman on my left.  The Beef Stroganoff they served was pretty 5-star, so my introduction to airline food wasn’t bad. Maybe because  I felt famished and had already been travelling for 18 hours. But this isn’t about a lesson in the patience or humility of international travel. More on that later.

We landed in Copenhagen. Beautiful airport. Nice people. Decent food.

You ever seen an egg, shrimp, lettuce and mayonnaise sandwich? Me neither.
But daaaaaaaaaaaaang is it good!

 It took the airline folks quite a bit of work to get everything figured out, as apparently Air Canada had dropped the ball on something and we were, in my understanding, at the exact moment we arrived, stuck. Just… stuck. No continuing on. But, the traveler assistance folks seemed like they took on the burden and before we knew it we were on a place to Iceland! So we flew for 3 hours or so, landed, departed the plane, learned all of our luggage was lost, had a bit of a laugh about it, and shrugged our shoulders. Why? Because Hey! We made it to Iceland! WOOHOO! Gunnar and Jon came and picked us up, gave us a lovely welcoming, drove us to Gunnar’s home in Kopavogur, and we slept! We had beds to go to! For the first time in… 33’ish hours. I think.

*****Our group, throughout the travel ordeal, was smiling. We were cracking jokes at our misfortune, sarcastically (and hopefully) optimistic. We knew that by the grace of God, hardworking Canadians, helpful Danes and patient Icelanders that we would make it to our Icelandic adventure. We talked as a group about how this was, for some, a lesson in patience. For me, it wasn’t a lesson in patience because we had fun! We have a great group, a fearless leader, and high spirits.

The sun is not an early riser, a bit like
most seminarians...

So, we left on Monday. By this time in our trip it was Wednesday morning, Icelandic time. I don’t remember when exactly as I was still in a bit of a daze, but we loaded into vehicles and took off for our first destination – Skalholt. I rode with a nice Icelander named Benedict. Benedict took the hour long or so drive to point out some things about Iceland. Q. What is that all smoke coming out of the ground? A. It’s steam from geothermal energy works. Q. What kind of fish is caught in that river? A. Salmon. Q. Can we fish in that river? A. Sure, for $1-10,000… a day.

This was a very nice introduction to Iceland, because it showed us some of the basic framework for how Iceland is, well, Iceland. Firstly, a major part (the major part?) is water. The country utilizes water for energy production in a great amount. Enough, actually, to potentially export it, and certainly enough that fresh water is a major piece of their national discussion. Water is used for energy, for heating, for fishing, for drinking, for an infinite amount of things and is in a system that is all connected. That is important.

Secondly, fish! Salmon, Cod, crab (not a fish) is a big industry here! Gunnar, our host, was a fisherman by trade for a long while (I need to remember to ask him for some stories!). If you want to read the numbers, they’re widely available on the internet. But remember that fish as an industry is important to the history of Iceland.

Thirdly, tourism! We saw a river and wanted to fish in it. Apparently, a lot of people do! And for quite a sum of money! I don’t know when the tourism industry got off the ground here, but it seems like the industry is well established and not on thin ice. Tourism spreads Icelandic culture and brings valuable revenue to the shops and Icelandic business.

Look at me, I am water! Representing
energy, fish, tourism, life, etc.,
important elements to the life of
Iceland. I can't think of any other group
 whose life is so well represented through
the properties and metaphor of water.

Oh wait - Christians!

So what does the flow of water in Iceland have to do with the price of rice in China? Economics, like an environment, is a system that lives alongside and within other systems. Deciding to make even minor adjustments in a complicated system can have large good or negative impacts on things you wouldn’t even have dreamed! This means there are different landmines in the discussion about things such as clean energy. For example, I would love to see more hydroelectric in the United States. About a decade ago, coal accounted for 51% of American energy production. I don’t know the number now. But you know how dirty coal is? It’s nasty. Straight up bad. Can’t deal with it without getting your hands dirty (pun very intentional). I would love to have a larger national discussion in the United States on clean energy production, and in my mind, hydroelectric could be a part of that. I asked about it here in Iceland. To get hydroelectric energy, you dam up a river, drop a turbine in it, water turns the turbine, and energy is converted out into a useable source. Sounds great, right? Could be. Can be. I don’t know enough. But what if you drop the dam in a river, the flow of the river is redirected enough that some smaller tributaries dry up or made much smaller and the fish can’t survive there? Now there might be some damaged industries, including fishing and tourism. Or what if, as we were enlightened about one particularly contentious debate, the dam is thought to inhibit certain silt and sediment flows that then are reduced at the ocean where the rivers outlets, affecting the breeding ground of the large fishing crop of codthat would normally be found there? There could be profound consequences on industry, economics, etc.

What the particular discussion about what clean energy production in Iceland means for Iceland, I don’t know nor do I claim have 10% of the knowledge I’d need to make an informed and valuable opinion. But what I do come away with is a broadened horizon for understanding the inter-connectedness of all systems and ecosystems. In Iceland, the country is a much smaller land mass than the United States, so it’s different for me to imagine the consequences and changes that some environmental changes made in say, Cheyenne, or Oregon, or Vermont, might have on other parts of the United States, like Iowa, Kansas or Utah. By simply talking with one man about geothermal energy and fishing for probably a total of 20 minutes of a 60 minute car ride on our first day in the country, and then talking with another man, Axl, a couple days later for a bit longer about water and hydroelectric energy, so on and so forth, my perspective has been stretched, teaching me to consider more of the effects that even small changes can have on an entire ecosystem. So, before I go on, as I’m already at the end of single-spaced page 2 as I type this in Microsoft Word and up to this point in the story of our 6 days of travelling I’ve only reached the end of the first hour of the first morning of our trip, I should say that this trip has already done two major things for me – 1) I’ve learned a lot about Iceland already. Axl asked me what I expected Iceland to be like before I came and I sat there (and Will can attest to this) for a good 5-10 minutes before I told Axl that I had absolutely no idea.  And 2) this trip is challenging my base foundations for understanding and interpreting the world around me. The specific example I gave you is specifically talking about ecosystems and general systems-theory, but my entire lens is being adjusted and refined, like if I suddenly noticed a big speck that was on my glasses and I began to clean it off.

This is getting long and the day (night) and hour (morning) is getting late, so instead of narrating more tonight, I will save that for a later time.  I leave you with two things a quote that I have absolutely cherished ever since the 12^th grade and that I hope informs you, the reader, partly as to why I needed to come to Iceland. I remember it kind of roughly, so, apologies, but here it is: “A person’s mind, once stretched by a new idea, never returns to its original dimension.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes

Dear God, thank you for the diversity of your creation, that you teach us and expand our horizons. Grant us humility, that we might learn from our sisters and our brothers across the sea, both about their communities and ways of life and about how we can grow in faithful practice of discipleship back home. 

Góði Guð takk fyrir fjölbreytnina sem þú hefur gert í þessum heimi, að þú kennir okkur og víkkar sjóndeildarhringinn okkar. Veitt okkur hógværð, sem við getum lært af systrum okkar og bræðrum í heiminum, bæði samfélag þeirra og lifnarðarhætti og hvernig trú okkar vex í starfi lærisveinsins heima.

Hooray! I'm blind again

     This morning when I awoke there was something waiting for me at the door, MY BAG! It is amazing what simple things can cause you to feel great. For instance, a clean shirt, pair of pants, or the ability to remove your contacts and allow them to soak overnight. So being blind again, is a good feeling.
After another two days, so much has been learned, seen, and experienced, none of which has been bad. The view, people, and food continue to be outstanding.
     I went before the President in borrowed pants, I don't think he noticed. But he was very well spoken, informative, educated, and honest. Perhaps our politicians should take a lesson. As Meagan mentioned we learned religion is something that is not of concern in Icelandic politics. I find it interesting that though we claim our nation separates religion and politics, its one of the main issues in debates. However in Iceland, the church is a state church, and is never an issue. The warning from the president is a good one, and thanks Meagan for reminding me of it, God is not a football. Perhaps the politics need to keep the religion to those studying, practicing, and doing their best as humans to live it. Anyways, our visit was enjoyable, and informative, there were no metal detectors, secret service, or pat downs. We were treated more as equals in conversation rather than someone in an act or show.
     Last but not least, here is a little lesson from food. The new things I have tried, horse, spiced/ cured lamb, shark, cured salmon, Reindeer paté, Icelandic licorice, have all really been good. Coming into Iceland I had heard of the foods, and the mixed emotions that come with them, some positive, many more negative. However I pushed those things aside, and tried it for myself, and what do you know, it's good stuff. It is nowhere close to tacos and beans, but hey it is good, and I would, and hopefully will, eat these things again. The lesson? perhaps we all can learn from this experience, in personal life, and as a church. Everyone is a critic, and everyone has an opinion, but unless you try something for yourself, your never going to know, and in a way you remain ignorant to a subject. As a church, maybe its good to break away from the tacos and beans, and try horse, shark and reindeer, who knows we may find some new life and nourishment in the stuff. The same goes for our day to day life, try it, you may like it, if not, hey you still have your beans and tacos.
    P.S. hot tubs, steam rooms, and heated pools are great. Especially when its below freezing outside.

Creator of this amazing land. Thank you for new opportunities, new people, foods, and experiences. Grant us the courage to brave new things and experience your creation with open, willing hearts and minds. Amen
   

A Day at The Pool in January in Iceland...Wait...What?!

A precursor story to satisfy some friends...

Sooo....As some of you heard through Facebook, most of us spent time in a hot tub during our stay at Skálholt. We decided earlier in the day that we wanted to get in, but as you have heard, none of us had our luggage. The guys would be fine, they could just go in and sit in a towel or in their underwear. I, on the other hand, could not just wear my underwear and/or a towel, as the towels are smaller and wouldn't fit around me, nor cover all of me enough that I would be comfortable going into public. I ended up turning in from the Divine Disorder earlier than the others...jet lag and all...and I wanted to get in...it would have been a shame for all that hot water to be wasted. So...I began my search for a suitable solution. I would be by myself, so I wasn't as concerned with modesty as I would have been if the others had gone in with me. I tried wrapping the towel around me, and found I wasn't comfortable with that...even just with myself going out. So...I started digging through the bag that Paul and I packed for this short trip. Inside of this bag, I found a roll of duct tape...camo duct tape. This gave me a flashback moment...recently, I had found a Pin on Pinterest that explained to women how to us tape to kind of make a "bra" that is both backless and strapless for dresses of the same kind. The pin suggested using athletic or medical tape...but...yeah. I didn't have any. I was well prepared, however, to create amazingness from the duct tape because of a program I was a part of in school called Destination ImagiNation (creative problem solving competition...google it, its amazing!) in which my team frequently chose the problem where you had to create everything out of duct tape and newspaper. I didn't use newspaper for the bikini, but I definitely used duct tape. Using what I had learned from Pinterest, I quickly and efficiently made a bikini top out of the camo duct tape. It was both functional, adorable, and comfortable!

Speeding up in the story: I spent an hour and a half in the hot tub alone. During this time, I FaceTimed my mom and sang aloud. I didn't stay that long by choice...I found out the hard way that the keys to the house did not unlock the side door...so I kept messaging Steven on Facebook to send someone to get the keys from me and let me back into the house. Half the time I spent in the hot tub, I was waiting for Steven to see the messages. Not his fault, though, I wouldn't have been checking my phone while in conversation with these amazing people, either! Anywho...I made it back into the house and ended up going to bed. Plus, the tape didn't hurt to take off! Apparently, the heat from the hot tub softened the adhesive enough that it stayed put, but wasn't painful to remove. Hip, hip, hooray!

Fast forward to today!

Today was the first day that everyone had their luggage!!! So, we planned to go to the pool. We went to a flea market where everyone (but me, because I wasn't hungry...legitimate excuse...I'm trying to learn to eat only when I'm hungry and not when I'm bored) tried hákarl (follow the link to find out what they ate!), and walked around and observed the people! Paul, Megan, and I also found and spoke to a man from Kenya. He was selling jewelry made from recycled or repurposed goods made by women in his village who were poor, and the money he made helped to build and support a school in Kenya. They actually bought the land and built a school in Kenya with the money they made in Iceland in 6 months by going door to door and collecting cans and bottles and turning them in for a refund. We spoke to him for half of our time in the flea market, and then headed to the store to get groceries. While Gunnar was shopping, the rest of us walked around and explored the grocery store named Bonus. While in there, I got Licorice for my dad. Apparently, Iceland is one of the few (2 or 3, I think) places where you can get real licorice...apparently everything in the US is flavored with Anise and not real licorice. Hope you like it, Dad! 

Once done at the store, we headed to the pool. Pools in Iceland can be used year round, because the water comes out of the hot springs at about 170F, and is cooled by the air while traveling into town. The cultural differences are very apparent, and extremely interesting at the pool. At the pool, like at all pools I know of, the men and women go into separate locker rooms and change. This is where the similarities end. At Icelandic pools, and other pools in European countries, you strip down in the locker room, go to a shower area, with no curtains, and wash yourself with provided soap, before getting into the pools. I learned a lesson in this room that I believe needs to be brought over to the US. In that room...no one was ashamed to be naked. No one stared. No one pointed and laughed and someone who was too skinny or overweight. I couldn't understand anyone talking, but the atmosphere was different. No one was embarrassed. Everyone just took off their clothes and put them in the locker, walked to the shower, washed themselves thoroughly, put on their bathing suit, and left. No one was uncomfortable but Megan and I, because we were not accustomed to it. There are two things to learn here. One, showering and washing before the pool keeps the water cleaner, so less chemicals are needed and the water is clean. The second is a matter of body image. To paraphrase Gunnar: They don't even think about it when the undress at the pool. Everyone is walking around naked and it doesn't matter. This is something amazing to me. In our culture sex, sexuality, and all that goes with it are only discussed behind closed doors and are taboo, but most advertisements are soaked in sexuality! You see car advertisements with half-naked women laying across them; this Christmas there was an underwear advertisement with men in boxers, socks, and santa hats, thrusting their pelvis' as if they were the bars of a xylophone being played by a percussionist. We aren't allowed to talk about it, but we are surrounded by it. 

Sorry, I'll get off my soap box, but the lesson is this: we should be comfortable in the bodies that God gave us. We shouldn't be ashamed to be naked in front of those of the same sex. To paraphrase Gunnar again, we have been covering and clothing our bodies and our hearts/minds since the Garden of Eden. We have lost respect for these wonderfully complicated organic "machines" that God created. We need to remember that we are all Children of God and that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps 139:14). 

To end the day, we had a delicious meal cooked by Gunnar's amazing wife, Þóra (sounds like Thora). After dinner, we watched a portion of the movie, The Steam of Life, where we were exposed to the Finnish culture. After we experienced what Gunnar wanted us to, we popped in another movie called Intouchables, a French movie that is fantastic...its on Netflix, go watch it! Now Gunnar, Will, Paul and I are sitting here talking about fishing, gardening, cars, church, guns, body image, cultural differences, and basically just learning more about each other and our cultures. Now, I'm off to bed...ok thats not true...I'm going to read, then eventually go to bed. Good night!

P.S. Sorry for being so long...I like to do this blogging thing while I travel. And, there was supposed to be a video of a geyser erupting, but it wouldn't upload, but fear not, my friends, I shall try again!

Gracious Creator, 
Thank you for the amazing things that you have created: the landscape, the food, and the people. Help us to treat each and every human being as your child. Help us to see all as equals and as your amazing creation. Teach us to respect and love all, no matter the shape they are in both mentally and physically. Allow us, Lord, to channel your love and kindness and appreciate all that you have made. In your Holy Name I pray, Amen. 

A Visit with the President

After our evening of delightful and insightful conversation at Halldora's home, we all had a chance to get a better night sleep then we had been having the previous few nights. This was  good as we had a fairly busy day on Friday. In the morning we went to Kopavogskirkja where we had breakfast with Pastor Sigurdur Arnarsson. From the pastor and others  affiliated with the parish we learned about how following the financial crisis of 2008 the church was able to not just survive but thrive and continue its work in the area. Especially interesting to hear was from  an older gentleman who shared with us about a weekly program the church holds for senior citizens. It sounded like a wonderful time of fellowship and learning amongst other things. These conversations were followed up by a wonderful lunch there at the church.
We then headed back to Gunnar's so that we could change into more formal attire as we were going to meet the president of Iceland, Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, at the presidential residence Bessastadir. We had a quick review of ettiquette in the car and soon arrived. We were first led to the cloak room and then all signed a guest book before being led into another room. This is where we waited until the president was ready to see us.
After greeting the president and having a few pictures taken went into a library and had tea and coffee with the president. He shared with us about the Church of Iceland and its role in society and how that has shifted some over time. Someone asked a question about the role that religion plays in Icelandic politics being that the church is a state church. It was interesting to find out that unlike in the US, religion is not brought into politics. To parapharse the president,God is not used in Icelandic politics like a football. He said that Icelanders would be surprsed and wonder what had gone wrong with a politician if they started talking like those back in the US. He had very good insights about how Iceland amongst other countries view how religion and scripture are used as a weapon and such inthe politics of a nation that constitutionally has a seperation of church and state. He made good points about how it can (and has in history) lead down a disastorous road.He encouraged us to consider what we learn and observe about the church in Iceland as we continue our time  here and how that differs from what we experience (and many are fed
up with) in the political system back home. Hopefully I'll have more to share with you about that as this journey continues.
God of power, thank you for all that we have learned so far and all that is yet to come. We give thanks for leaders of institutions both small and large who lead with courage and foresight even in difficult times. Amen

Through the wilderness, briefly . . .

As I write this, we’re watching an Icelandic movie at Gunnar’s house. I think it’s about a gang stealing cars, but since the movie is in Icelandic, and I’m writing a blog instead of reading the subtitles, I’m not following it all that well. You had a chance to hear a bit about our travels here from Paul, as well as our trip to Skalholt.  It might be worth mentioning that

Skalholt is the historic cathedral of the Icelandic national church—in the Icelandic mind, it’s one of the holiest sites in the country. It’s also where the last Roman Catholic bishop of Iceland was beheaded, along with two of his sons (apparently Iceland was far enough from Rome for the clergy to ignore certain regulations, like celibacy). We spent a very enjoyable day and a half there. A group of Icelandic pastors gather at Skalholt during the week of Epiphany each year for the Priests’ Academy*, and for “Holy Chaos” in the evening, which Paul mentioned. Icelandic Lutheran pastors, like American Lutheran seminarians, enjoy a drink or two with colleagues when they get the chance, and we gladly joined in the fun (even the Theisses, who, as you read in Paul’s post, turned in rather early and were in bed by 3 AM).  Among the pastors we met was Gunnlauger, an elder statesman type, with the rich English accent of an Oxford don (Icelanders generally speak excellent English, but Gunnlauger's speech is distinctive), an apparently encyclopedic knowledge of Icelandic history, and plenty of strong opinions. He also had some good cigars and a deep interest in liturgics, so naturally Gunnlauger and I were instant friends. For that matter, everyone we’ve met in Iceland so far has been impressive, and wonderful, and I regret that I won’t get the chance to write about more of them. On our way from Skalholt to Halldora’s farm (via Geysir, Gullfoss, and Hekla), Steven and I rode with Axel, a country pastor with a bone-dry sense of humor and a passion for the natural landscape of southern Iceland. He told us about the proposed hydroelectric dam near his farm that would drown an almost unimaginable swath of the wilderness under a reservoir, and the other environmental impacts of Iceland’s “clean” hydroelectric energy. He drove us over another hydroelectric dam, high in the mountains, and showed us a gigantic dry canyon, the former riverbed that had been diverted for that dam.  There are voices in Iceland that would even have the

magnificent waterfall Gullfoss turned into a dam to generate electricity. As an environmentalist, it’s a difficult debate for me. Is it worth sacrificing part of the landscape to generate energy more cleanly? I don’t have a good answer, but I can say that Icelanders see the value of their incredible landscape—there is a sacredness to places like Geysir, Gullfoss, the vast, empty fields of lava and ice, and wide open valleys between severe mountains. I can’t do it justice in writing, so I’ll suggest that you visit.

O God, creator and sustainer of all things, we give you thanks for wild places and new friends. Give us open eyes, ears, and hearts as we explore this land, and grant that we may continue this journey in a spirit of adventure and curiosity. In the name of your Son Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

*In Iceland, like in other Nordic countries, Lutheran pastors are usually referred to as priests (prestur).