Being a Minority

Thought you might want to see what our son wrote this morning....from the heart of Africa:
“Muzungoo, muzungoo” the children cry as we drive up. The car has not even stopped before they are closing in on us, jaws hanging down and eyes wide open. The more adventurous ones smile, giggle and say “Good morning”, regardless of what time of day it is, or “Bonjour”. The less adventurous ones just stare and stare and stare. It is not everyday that they get to see someone as interesting as one of those pasty, hairy white people in their neck of the woods. So when yours truly is obliging them by venturing out in public they take full advantage of it. It is not a ‘somethings-hanging-from-your-nose’ kind of stare, but is rather a stare of interest/entertainment, and they will gladly smile or wave in return. Makes me feel like a celebrity or something.The people here are rather friendly and knowledgable. They know Kirundi, their native tongue, then a lot of them will also speak Swahili and quite a number of them know some French too (the language of officialness) and a few will know some English too. Last evening I went to an open field to get a good picture of the sunset and was almost immediately surrounded by a group of boys. Our conversation went something like this:“Good morning” “Bonjour or Bonsoir” they would say“Ahamoro, Meriway” (peace to you and good afternoon in Kirundi) I would say“How are you? Sa va (how is it going in French)” they would say“Sawa” (well in Swahili) I would say. So in the course of less than a minute we would use four languages and exhaust all the phrases and words that we knew in common. Then I would take some pictures and they would all clamber around to see the review on the digital display. After they calmed down they would start asking me things in what I think is French to which I would reply “Je ne comprenes pas” (I don’t understand) and retreat from my foray into the culture."

Having it all

Growing up in Sweden, cold and snow were never an issue, but as you know, I am NOT a fan of cold winds anymore than I love rain...sun and palmtrees does it for me. Today I actually had a little bit of both. Sitting in my living room looking out on my backyard...I suddenly realized.... I actually have it all. Super Sun shining outside...and several lovely palmtrees...lining my big windows...on the inside!! Well, I figure, if you cannot go where the palmtrees are...I'll bring them here. That is also why my read garden shed in the back yard brings me such pleasure, at least to look at. It is painted in the red color of my native Sweden, complete with white trim found on so many cute little houses in the Swedish country side...Figrued I can't be over there...so we brought it all to our back yard...And in the front yard I now have three thriving Birchtrees....my favorite Swedish tree...can't be in Sweden at this time...so I have made sure I at least have the trees that will remind me of home. I guess all of this happens to you when you desparately make an effort to live cross culturally wherever you are....you know you CAN do it!! ( I still like sunshine and palm trees....and a beach the best!!)

A Weekend to Remember

This was a weekend to remember at the Thurmans. First I (Rakel) had a wonderful birthday...with cards, flowers, and so many great little things that made the day absolutely GREAT....thank you all of you out there!! I truly felt like a celebrity! Then on Saturday, February 11, our son Andraus got engaged to his girl friend Amy!! What a sweet gal!! We have already come to love her as our own daughter...Andraus got down on his knees in the middle of the bridge above Multnomah Falls....with Mom and Dad cheering on from below, and Seth and Trina hiding in the bushes above....taking pictures! It was perfect.

A Slower Pace

I think I have it all figured out.....when life slows down in our house, everyone else seems so busy.......I am not sure what it is about February....so many people are really BUSY! Anyway, today is my BIRTHDAY, and I intend to celebrate...and the SUN is out! Wow! And the best present ever....my SON and his girl friend are coming to town!! We'll get some pictures to post in a day or so....

More Sunshine

Wow, we have now had TWO days of sunshine!! It is wonderful. There is nothing like a spring day in Oregon when the sun is shining and "The Mountain" is out...today I took another turn in uncovering new growth...pulling and cleaning flowerbeds and and cutting rose-bushes. Pat on the other hand got another load of wood and we are now set for who know how many more days of firing up that stove of ours! What a blessing that it. Other than that, the Thurmans are happy for a little slower pace around here.

My Garden

Guess what? It did not rain today!! So I have been out in the garden all afternoon cutting and pruning and cleaning...because under all that wet and mulchy stuff...there is NEW LIFE!!! Spring (well, it is not officially spring yet) is such an uplifting time and it really ministers to my inner person....and it reminds me that summer, glorious summer is around the corner...and with that a vision of what my garden can look like....I have to remember that when I hack and cut those pesty rose bush branches....they really get stuck all over you if you are not careful.

The Kids

Thought I would introduce you to Amy Henderson, and she is our son Andy's very special friend. They are both in the Residence program at Ventura County Medical Center in California...Amy is a lovely girl and we are so enjoying getting to know her!