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