After 30+ hours of traveling we made it to Iceland, however there were many delays, and a side trip that was unexpected. Instead of arriving in Iceland from Toronto, we flew past Iceland and landed in Copenhagen, Denmark. Once in Denmark we were kindly given food vouchers, and tickets to Iceland, and after 10pm something landed in Iceland. Thankfully our entire group is filled with wonderfully patient, smiling individuals who despite the delays, re-roughts, and possibility of not being able to fly at all, kept our smiles and positive attitudes. So to the group I say Thank you!
Our next challenge was learning our bags had not arrived in Iceland with us, nor had another 140+ people earlier in the day. Luckily, 4 of the 6 bags were delivered today so the majority of us will be presentable for the Presidential visit tomorrow afternoon, with any luck my bag, and Sam's will arrive too. Despite the news of no bags we walked out of the airport, still smiling, happy to be in Iceland, and were met with the smiling, welcoming faces of our hosts. After a quick stop at the Iceland version of Wal-mart for some basic essentials, we arrived at Gunnar's home, sometime after midnight and eventually made it to bed around 2am. The lesson in all this? 1) be patient. 2) Pack a change of clothes and basic toiletries in your carry on bag.
Our first true day in Iceland consisted of breakfast, quickly followed by lunch, then on to Skalholt where we met with pastors who serve in the Iceland perishes. We attended worship, and despite the language barrier, we were able to follow along with the service knowing more or less what was going on, thank you Lutheran Liturgy. After the service was dinner and after dinner, Divine Disorder!!!!!!
Holy Chaos or Divine Disorder is the time at night when the Pastors sing, swap stories, and have a good time... late into the night. Icelanders know a large collection of songs where everyone sings, in parts, together, one after the other. It was beautiful. Through the stories we were taught of trolls and elves, the old stories and possible lessons from the stories. We touched on biblical stories, understandings, and which are our favorite. Around 2am something I called it a night, walked up the road, searched for Northern Lights, then decided to make use of the Hot Tub and sit in the silence watching the stars, it was great. Finally going to bed around 3am?
The morning came quickly, with a short worship, then breakfast, and a meeting with the vice-bishop. We learned about some of the struggles of the area we were in, struggles in the churches, like having very small attendees, and retaining the younger age in the church. A wonderful lesson from Sam followed, imagination and the 8th day are important, then Lunch. Then a trip to the geyser, waterfall, and the Hekla museum, one of the most active volcanoes in Iceland. Not far from Hekla lived our evening host, Haldora (I apologize if my spelling is far from correct) and her Husband Noni. They fed us an array of meats from Lamb, Salmon, Reindeer, and Horse along with a Lobster soup, everything was splendid and tasted great. We learned of the normal day for the Icelandic farmer, not much different from ours back home, and the experience of the Pastors during past volcanic eruptions.
During the conversation I had some of the greatest advice. The pastor is one who is to be present, who does not have all the answers, and this is ok, is to listen, and is to do their best to connect the person struggling, or questioning to themselves, not spoon feed them something wrong or irrelevant. Thank you! It is now after midnight, and time for bed. While I was soaking in the hot tub last night, I had planned on a much more creative way to write all this, but the long two days with little rest in-between has the gears in my head turning very slowly. Once refreshed, Hopefully I will add to this, and make it well, better.
Gracious God, throughout our journeys you are with us every step of the way, thank you. Even in the midst of chaos, when plans do not go as planned you are there, thank you. In only two days you have blessed us with wonderful friends, food, and safe travels, thank you. Keep our hearts and eyes open in the days ahead. Amen
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