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Bega Kwa Bega

2011-03-01T06:37:00.000-08:00

The Mission of the Iringa Diocese, ELCT

The Iringa Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania is in partnership with the St. Paul Area Synod of the ELCA. The work accomplished through this partnership, called Bega Twa Bega (tr. Shoulder to Shoulder) borders on the phenomenal. My Seminary classmate Don Fultz and his wife Eunice have, for the past several years, given administrative and spiritual guidance during the 3-4 months they spend in Iringa every year. Perhaps the most important aspect of their work is the coordination between ELCA parishes in the USA and individual villages and preaching points scattered over the wide stretch of the Iringa Diocese. The Lutheran Church is growing by leaps and bounds in Tanzania (there are 95,000 Christians in Iringa Diocese and over 600 preaching points scattered around the villages) and partner congregations in the USA assist each parish with visits, funding, and prayer. Bega Twa Bega doesn’t stop there, however, and we were privileged to visit several of the mission projects supported by the partnership.

Tumaini University

Tumaini University is a growing, thriving University preparing young leadership for the future of Tanzania. Established in 1994, Tumaini today enrolls 3,000 students in a wide variety of disciplines and operating on a 6.8 million dollar budget. We sat in on a class and listened to a lecture on Traditional African Religion, and then walked the campus, which is a thing of beauty, surrounded as it is by mountains and a wonderful view of the Town of Iringa. Tumaini has been awarded the rank of University by the government for its excellent record in education. Tumaini also prepares the majority of the pastors for the ELCT.

Dept of Agriculture/Thrivent Micro Finance

Roger Bloomquist, brother of Arnold Bloomquist who founded much of the Partnership activity, is an agricultural specialist who is working with Tumaini and the Tanzanian Department of Agriculture. His primary activity is to establish demonstration plots in outlying villages where he can demonstrate improved farming principles to the village people. Things like minimum tillage, planting in straight rows, proper spacing of plants, planting only a single crop on a plot of land instead of growing pumpkins between the corn rows, the use of good quality seed and proper fertilization can more than double the harvest, giving families not only what they need to eat, but a cash crop as well.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is researching the Micro Finance possibilities in Iringa Diocese, creating what we would call Credit Unions to assist villagers in their advancement. The results are already evident.

Huruma Orphanage

Originally a German Mission, the Huruma Orphanage cares for 39 children between the ages of 5 and 18 years. Under the guidance of one very energetic “Mama” and a small staff, they are received from the streets through referral by relatives or their village pastor. Most of them have lost parents to AIDS, some have simply been abandoned. From the time they are received, they are taught animal husbandry, gardening, sewing, carpentry and other life skills to prepare them to be able to return to the community and safely establish themselves.

Ilula Hospital

Ilula hospital and its small staff of doctors and nurses provide a vital service to the area around Iringa Town. Though its facilities are not as sterile clean as in the USA, clinics, health education, dental care, the birthing of babies and infant care, fairly major surgical procedures and the treatment of diseases like Malaria and HIV are made much more available and accessible.

Image Secondary School

Begun in 2004, the Image (pron. Im-ah-g-ee) Secondary School currently houses and educates 850 students from Form 1-6 (comparable to our grades 8-12). The drop out rate following Form 4 (grade 10) is significant, but those who remain are top-notch students who will likely continue to college. Image is currently building both a new library and a new science lab. Library shelves are mostly bare (there is only one chemistry book for the whole school) and the chemistry equipment is rudimentary, but education goes on! Students were busy in the computer lab learning Excel with the assistance of a brand new laptop computer and a projector. The lab is powered by solar panels that work from about 10am until early evening. Of course, if it rains, the panel are useless. At the end of the day, all 850 students gathered outside to entertain us with singing, gymnastics and dance. Their version of the “snake dance” drew us all in for a few minutes of dancing ourselves!

Isimila Stone age site

Not related to the ELCT, but fascinating nonetheless, is the Isimila Stone Age site. Most of our group made the rather challenging climb down into a canyon river bed, and up the other side to reach the archeological site where stone tools have been found which date back to 400,000 years BC!! The area is beautiful (it reminded Joyce of Bryce Canyon) with many sandstone pillars. David made it down into the canyon, but decided that “discretion is the better part of valor” and turned back along with another of our group. Without guard-rails and other safety considerations, my questionable equilibrium made the decision a no-brainer.

Mikwawa and weekend two

2011-02-28T04:15:00.000-08:00

Mikwawa – weekend two

When Don Fultz and I arrived at the church in Mikwawa, it was only five minutes or so before the first service was scheduled to begin. There was not a soul in sight. As we parked the car, Pastor Thadei Kihwaga, who had served as my interpreter the previous Sunday, appeared to welcome us and usher us into the sacristy where we prepared ourselves for worship. The sound of singing began in the sanctuary. Pastor Thadei, Don, Joyce and I entered the church which by now, only ten minutes after we had arrived, was filled almost to overflowing with people.

As the service began, I looked out over the congregation at eager, expectant faces. They were obviously excited to be there, and responded to Pastor Thadei’s leadership with enthusiasm. Two women came forward from the gathered crowd to be involved with Pastor Thadei in a liturgical action that included the laying on of hands in an act of blessing. They were there because, after a time of falling away from the church, they had returned and were seeking acceptance from the congregation. What we were privileged to observe was the Rite of Reconciliation. These people take their church seriously!

The singing was uplifting! Accompanied only by a drum played by an elderly woman, the choirs (there were two if them) and congregation swayed rhythmically as they sang hymns and anthems in rich harmony. Even without knowing the language, the harmony was easy to digest. I felt the energy growing within me, and knew the presence of God!

Safari in Ruaha

2011-02-28T04:02:00.000-08:00

Safari

This is going to be a very hard article to write, because words may simply not capture the experience of Safari. I will try once again to upload some pictures, but as I said before, it is very difficult with the limited time and technology available. So here goes my best effort to describe the most incredible experience of my life!

On Thursday of last week (since today is Sunday), we boarded the bus for a 4 hour ride into Ruaha National Park and the Mwagusi Safari Camp. Mwagusi is a very small camp but has been on the banks of the Mwagusi River for a long time. It has a reputation as the best of the safari camps, which we found to be well deserved! The accommodations were VERY comfortable, the food was fabulous, the staff was most attentive to our needs and anticipated most of them, and the guides were well trained and knowledgeable.

Joyce and I were assigned to Banda #2. These were large living spaces made from native wood and reeds covered with dried grasses. There were three parts to each banda: The first was a spacious entrance which resembled a living room that was open to the river. There was a hammock, a small desk, and a recessed area with a sand floor and overstuffed lounging couches from which to observe any passing wild life. The second part which was the largest (about 20 x 20 feet) was where the tent was suspended. The tent was HUGE and housed a desk, chairs and a king-sized bed with lamp tables! The third section was the bathroom, which was circular, with a sink (running water), and a flush toilet and shower in privacy areas off to opposite sides. The tent was closed with zipper flaps at both ends to keep us well protected from insects and critters at night, but left open during the day. The banda was more comfortable than many hotel rooms that I’ve been in!

The staff helped us move in, carrying our bags and instructing us in the fine art of camping in Africa. We were told that it was OK to wander around the paths of the camp during daylight, but that as soon as the sun went down we were to wait until a staff member came to “collect” us and escort us to the main dining area and back. We soon found out that one could easily get lost and disoriented on the many paths in the camp. Lunch was a gourmet feast of vegetable dishes, rice, and meat that rivaled a fine restaurant back home! It was true of every meal!

During our stay we took four “game-drives”, each lasting 3-4 hours. We were carried in open air safari vehicles which afforded everyone with the best view and photo opportunities while still protecting us from the sun and rain (it rained once on the three days). Our drivers were very good and knew the park roads like the back of their hands, and our guide, Sampson, was just incredible! He could spot a bird from a hundred yards away and point out a black-eared fox simply because its ears were sticking up out of the grass. His “trophy find” was a Cheetah lying behind a bush, blending with the grasses, with only its nose showing behind the bush --- from a hundred yards away!!! With his guidance, we found and observed up close and personal almost all the animals for which Africa is noted, while he told us all of the things that made each unique. What an education!!

Thursday supper was served on the beach where we gathered around a roaring fire for wine and appetizers. For the main course, we were ushered to a long table nearby which was set with all the fine china and silver, and from there to a long trench of hot coals on which rested our food being kept piping hot in special dishes that could withstand the fire. Kerosene lanterns had been hung at various points on the cliff across the river. The stars were unbelievably bright, and candles lit the table. It was absolutely a romantic setting beyond compare.

We are here in the rainy season which begins in December and lasts through April. Tanzania is a land of lush green bushes, trees and grass during this time, and beautiful landscapes. The rivers contain some water, though we haven’t seen a lot, and often the animals can be seen as they travel to and from the rivers. The Baobab, the Acacia and the Mahogany trees are all around and add a unique character to the landscape.

I’m writing this post on Sunday, and this morning it was my privilege to preach again in another of the churches of the Iringa Diocese. All of the churches in Tanzania are bursting at the seams, and everywhere we go, they are building new and larger facilities to house the worshippers. Frankly, it puts our American churches to shame, not just by the numbers, but also by the enthusiasm as they gather to praise God and share in community. Often they say, “We have made it to this day only by the grace of God, and we want to thank him!” Services last two to two and one half hours routinely and no one gets restless. Sermons are expected to last 45-60 minutes. If not, they think you don’t have anything to say!

We are deeply grateful to have had this experience, but we are beginning to hear the call of home. Wednesday we will travel to Dar Es Salaam, spend the night and tour the city on Thursday. We fly out for home late Thursday.

2011-02-22T09:41:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer –

Those of you who have followed previous blog histories of my travels may have noticed that the occurrence of new chapters is not as regular as previously true. There are two reasons for that:

1. Access to the internet is not nearly as easy in Iringa as in other parts of the world, and so I haven’t been able to connect every day.

2. We are being kept so busy that the days fly by with less time to write about the experience on a regular basis. I have not been able to devote nearly as much time to processing pictures either, and so there may not be as many of those for now (but just WAIT until I get home!)

Weekend One

On SATURDAY – Our group was subdivided into three smaller groups for the weekend which was spent in “the villages” (translate “in the country”). Joyce and I joined Richard and Janice Olson as the group to travel to the village of Kidumali. The ride out was rough (see previous discussion of roads in Africa) but short, and our driver, Peter, got us there in good shape. We arrived around lunch time and our interpreter, Pastor Tadei (pron. TA-DAY-EE) Kihiwaka, who had come with us from Iringa Town, introduced us to our host, Pastor John Kisoma, who took us into his home where we met his wife. She and some women from the church had prepared us a traditional African meal, served buffet style, which began, as did every meal, with a ritual washing of the hands. One of the women stood just inside the door with a pitcher of warm water which she poured over our hands. There were no towels.

Lunch consisted of rice, cooked green bananas, potatoes, a shredded salad of tomatoes, cabbage and peppers, followed by chunks of beef and chicken. In the dimly lit room (one small light bulb suspended from the center of the ceiling) I thought I detected a piece of white meat chicken which I placed on my plate and ate last. As I picked it up, something struck me as unusual. On closer examination I found that I had picked up the HEAD of the chicken complete with the beak and the top crown. My efforts to find some meat on this thing greatly amused our hosts, and became the story of the day!

On Saturday afternoon, we had the opportunity to visit the local “water factory” which, as it turns out, processes, bottles and distributes most of the bottled water for Tanzania, and beyond. It is labeled “Africa Water” and is sold throughout Tanzania very cheaply “because clean water is so important in Africa”, according to the manager of the Plant. Our tour was followed by supper back at the pastor’s home, which was exactly the same as lunch with the addition of some home-grown peanuts of which the pastor’s wife was justly proud! This time I was careful to select a chicken WING!

On SUNDAY – The focus of the day was worship and I was scheduled to preach the sermon. Tea (breakfast) was served at the pastor’s house which was a short walk down a path from the guesthouse (more like a dormitory) where we spent the night. Following Tea, (boiled eggs, fried dough, toast, and tea) we were invited to return to the guesthouse and to wait there until time for worship, We were told the service would start at 10am and last for 2 and one-half hours if the preacher didn’t preach more than 30 minutes! I relaxed a bit when I heard that this included translation! True to his word, the Pastor arrived at the guesthouse just before ten and we began the festive procession from the guesthouse to the church, accompanied by much singing and ceremony, and frequent “yodeling” – a high pitched sound which the women make with rapid, side-to-side motion of their tongues. It is an expression of great joy – almost ecstasy! The bell (an old wheel hub contraption) was rung constantly during our procession. Children were everywhere, and they are beautiful children!

The music of the service was joyous, rhythmic, and just generally inspiring, and there was lots of it. Two choirs sang – an adult and a children’s choir – and the congregation sang with gusto as well. Because there were to be guests (us) there was only one service (normally 2) and it was so packed that many had to stand outside and listen through the open windows. They are building a new and larger church in the village because the congregation is growing so rapidly. I stood to preach, and was suddenly very aware of the fact that I was expected to unfold the Gospel of Jesus Christ to people who, for the most part, couldn’t understand a single word I was going to say! Thank God for the power of prayer and the presence of our interpreter, who stood next to me and said in Swahili what I said in English (at least I think he did!).

Following three (3) offerings and sharing Eucharist, gifts were exchanged between us and the congregation (we received beautiful baskets) and the recessional began. I though everyone would go home, but was surprised to exit the church and find the whole congregation still there, arranged in a semi-circle, while the choir sang and danced in the center. Then came the benediction! I looked at my watch. It was 12:45!

Sunday Evening - We returned to the Lutheran Center from the Village for a brief rest before leaving to attend a “sending out” ceremony. The Bishop’s daughter was being married, and African tradition calls for the bride’s family to “send out” their daughter to be received into the family of the groom! It begins with a church service at which only the bride is present and not the groom. Following the service the groom’s family throws a BIG party during which the bride “discovers” the groom and is given gifts by all who are present. A meal is shared and the party goes on from there. The church service was in the afternoon, the event began at 6pm or so, and the partying went on until sun-up on Monday morning!! Mind you, the Wedding isn’t until NEXT weekend!

What a weekend!!!

From Africa

2011-02-22T09:36:00.000-08:00

Hello family and friends,

Joyce and I are in Iringa, Tanzania, Africa, and our “adventure” has begun.
The story of how we got here, however, is filled with twists and turns!

This blogpost covers what may turn out to be one of the most challenging travel experiences we’ve had, but let me start from the beginning. Actually, the flight from Boston to Amsterdam went very smoothly. We parked the car in Natick, caught the Logan Express which dropped us off in front of the terminal, jumped through the usual hoops for any plane trip, took off on time, landed on time, and after a night of dozing on the 6 hour flight to Schipol Airport in Amsterdam, started Wednesday by meeting our traveling companions in the boarding area for the KLM flight to Dar Es Salaam. Our group consists of 11 people – 5 of my seminary classmates and 6 others, wives, soon-to-be wives, and one widow. Once again, everything went smoothly (with only a minor problem discovered in the braking system of the airplane which delayed our pushback by an hour) and we settled in for what we thought would be the longest stretch of the trip – 11 hours of flying to Kilimanjaro, where we were scheduled for a quick stop over before another quick flight to Dar.

As the plane landed in Kilimanjaro and was being re-fueled, the captain came on the speaker with the following announcement, “Ladies and Gentlemen, we have just learned that many bombs have just exploded near the airport in Dar Es Salaam. This appears to be an accident at a military ammunition dump located near the airport, but there has been some damage to the airport and it has now been closed. We hope this is a temporary and brief condition, and as soon as the airport is reopened, we will be on our way!” The situation went rapidly downhill from there! The situation in Dar was far worse than had been thought. 25 people were killed, many were injured, and the airport was closed until further notice. KLM responded beautifully, arranging for hotel accommodations in Arushu and bus transport to the hotel (a long hour north of Kilimanjero), but when we got there, the scene was chaotic. 50 people crowded around the reservation desk, each one wanting priority attention from two desk clerks who couldn’t find any room keys, and were taking the attitude (not uncommon here) that they would get to us in their own sweet time and in the random order they would chose! It was now 3:30am on Thursday (we lost a day somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean). We finally got into our rooms and fell into bed to a fitful few hours of sleep. How do you shut your mind off after such an abrupt turn of events and sleep well? We didn’t! We kept thinking, ‘our families and friends are going to see this on CNN and we have absolutely no way to communicate with them that we are OK!’. The next morning, we were able to use the hotel’s internet cafe’ to communicate, but the problem was we had little to tell anybody. The airline was giving us mixed messages at best, and so we took the bull by the horns and hired a bus to drive us to Iringa. We waited until noon for the bus to arrive, and then set out for what turned out to be a sixteen hour trip over “roads” that were made up of mostly holes and speed bumps held together by random strands of asphalt over which our driver bounced at what to us seemed breakneck speed. We arrived at the Lutheran Center in Iringa at 5am and literally fell into bed! We are in Africa!!

Off to Africa

2011-01-27T11:24:00.000-08:00

On February 15, Joyce and I will be leaving for a two week trip to Tanzania, Africa. (Joyce, by the way for those of you who haven't heard, is my fiance, and we will be married on April 9, 2011.) The trip was actually the outgrowth of a recent seminary class reunion. Don and Eunice Fultz (Don is my classmate) spend three months every year at the Lutheran Center in Iringa, Tanzania, working for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania, and they are putting this trip together for members of "the Class of '65". We will visit several of the missions of the ELCT, do some sightseeing, visit villages and take a two day safari where I hope to get some great pictures. I will periodically add to this blog, so check in once in awhile between Feb 15 and March 4 to track our progress!

Tucker Mountain

2009-10-09T16:02:00.000-07:00

Tucker Mountain, Vermont

Not unlike life, the road to Tucker Mountain is challenging and filled with difficulties and obstacles. At 1703 feet above sea level, Tucker Mountain is not a big mountain. It is not close to the majestic 4000 footers of the White Mountains to the east and is not even the highest peak in the neighborhood, Woodchuck Mountain being 1760 feet and Currier Hill holding the top spot at 1960 feet. Unlike those “giants”, however, Tucker Mountain has a road that can take you quite near the peak and so is much better known than the others.

Occasionally, Tucker Mountain is closed when the farmer who owns the peak decides to graze sheep on its flanks, but most often the access path to the very peak is ungated, and, if you’ve made it this far up the road, there is nothing to stop you from bumping over the rocks and ruts to the very peak. From the top you can see forever! Unlike many peaks that lie below the tree line, this mountain is crowned by a grassy meadow, and although the trees that surround the meadow have grown over the years to obstruct the view somewhat, one can still see mountain ranges in every direction – the Whites of New Hampshire to the East, the Greens of Vermont to the North and South, and the Adirondacks of New York to the West. The view is magnificent in every season!

I said that the road up the mountain is difficult, and it is only this view and it’s accompanying peace that makes it worth while driving. Most of the road is quite steep but where it levels out in brief stretches it is often muddy with deep ruts. Mud in Vermont has a season all its own somewhere between Winter and Spring, and most folks know enough to limit travel during this time to paved roads. If one must venture into the backcountry, knowledgeable Vermonters carry chains, knowing how the mud can put you off the road or, even worse, IN the road. Years ago my family and I went looking for a “Sugar House” which we had identified on the map and which had developed a reputation for producing especially good Maple syrup. Sugaring happens when the nights are cold and the days are warm – and the snow is melting! That’s the nicest way I can think of to describe “mud season”. In a moment of inattention I let the car drift toward the edge of the road. I was suddenly axle deep in mud, and we came to a jolting stop. None of my efforts at jockeying the car helped – in fact, they only made it worse – and so I sheepishly trudged off to the nearest farmhouse to seek help. In true Vermont form, the farmer didn’t say much but climbed on his tractor and headed out to lend a hand. As he walked around our car to assess the situation, he shook his head, let out a low whistle and said, “Ayeah, you’re stuck!”
The mud on Tucker Mountain road doesn’t limit itself to “mud season”, it’s there after every rain. On the steeper parts, one contends with large boulders, deep washouts, and where it really gets steep, loose gravel that easily gives way leaving your wheels spinning but not moving you forward much. Many is the time I’ve sworn never to make this drive again without a jeep!

Circumstances in the Fall of 2009, however, drew me irresistibly to the top of Tucker Mountain with only my little two-wheel drive pickup truck pitted against the road.
In reality this was a return trip. Just two weeks ago, my family and I, together with our good friends, the Pawluks, had gathered on this same peak to offer prayers of thanks for my beloved Sandra and our son, Nathaniel – and to scatter their ashes. Sandra had died suddenly six months ago and Nathaniel, the son we really never got to know, had died in childbirth now over 30 years ago. Somehow we had never found the right time or place to fully commit him back to the earth, but now his ashes had been mingled with those of his mother and we who remained had relinquished our hold on both of them. This peaceful meadow on the top of Tucker Mountain was the place that Sandra had chosen as her resting place many years ago, and now, as I stood alone on the mountain, I sorted through all the memories of the life we had shared, but particularly the memories of time spent in Vermont. Sandra had loved Vermont. We came here often to the little cabin by the lake. Our family grew up at the beach just around the bend from the cabin and many an hour had been spent chasing the elusive fish that we knew were just below the surface. But Sandra was never happier than when we challenged the road that took us to the top of Tucker Mountain. For her this place was a precursor of heaven.

I don’t know how often I’ll return to this tranquil place. Vermont is a longer drive from home than I care to make in one day, and I will probably find many things to keep me busy at home. But when I can I will come, and when I do I will ask leave of the road to allow me passage to this peaceful summit where once and again I will breathe in the memories of a God-gifted life and exhale a prayer of thanks!

Written by David Halmers in memory of Sandra and Nathaniel and with gratitude to God for gifting us with them both. October 9, 2009

Photos by David for Eye and the Maker Graphics

2009-07-03T02:02:00.000-07:00

Day 11 – Bergen, Norway

Our last port of call is Bergen, Norway. It rains so much here that it is said that Bergen’s babies are born with umbrellas! However, today broke sunny and clear and Marina and I set off to explore the town.
Bergen, Norway’s second largest city is a charming city with its picturesque Bryggen Wharf area of attractive wooden buildings reflective of the Middle Ages. Rebuilt in 1702 after a fire, the Bryggen has one of the best open-air fish markets in the world! It is very walkable city and after we left the fish market, we walked to the Domkirke (Church of the Dome). It is a 12th Century church of the Church of Norway (Lutheran, in case you’d like to know!) that is an imposing stone structure. The interior is plain but beautiful with an incredible organ that looks like a church in itself. A cannonball is still lodged in the front wall that dates back to the battle on the Bay of Bergen in 1665 between the British and Dutch Navies.
Tomorrow is a day at sea as we head back to Harwich, where this all began. It will be a day of packing and preparing to leave the ship on Saturday, when we will wing our way back across the Atlantic to home! We are all ready for home, but as we reflect on this past two weeks, we have an incredible gift of experiences and memories to bring with us.
This will be our last post until we get home and can reflect on the trip a bit. Until then, we hope you have enjoyed keeping up with us. We look forward to seeing many of you soon!
David, Marina and Jessika

2009-07-03T01:55:00.000-07:00

Days 9 and 10 – Flam and Alesund, Norway

I’ve combined these two days as they had much in common. Flam is located at the end of Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the Sognefjord and a favorite of the Vikings. Here the sheer mountain walls climb twice as high as the 1,500 feet width of this, the narrowest of all fjords, creating an almost permanent shade. A train runs from Flan up into the mountains, rising 3,000 feet through incredible scenic overlooks and long tunnels. Marina left the train in Vatnahalsen where she joined a group that hiked down the mountain to Berekvan, a distance of almost 6 miles! Jessika and I continued on to Voss, where we were served a traditional Norwegian luncheon buffet (aka Smorgasbord). Voss is the birthplace of America’s great football coach Knute Rockne. We left Voss aboard a bus and traveled the Stalheims-Kleivene, a daring hairpin transverse of Mt. Stalheim, Europe’s steepest road (averaging 18 percent incline!). Bus drivers in Norway (and in Ireland and Scotland for that matter) are heroes who handle buses like they were Volkswagen Beetles!
By Wednesday morning we were in Alesund, situated at the mouth of the Stor Fjord, located halfway along the Norwegian Coast between Trondheim and Bergen. With a population of almost 40,000 people, the city is built on three islands connected by a network of bridges. Overlooking the city is Mount Alska offering magnificent views of the harbor, city and surrounding fjords. It was our first stop on a bus trip that took Marina and David through the land of the Trolls and the Norwegian countryside. Passing along several fjords and climbing up into impressive mountain heights, this trip also included a traditional Norwegian lunch. For some reason these Smorgasbords turn into feeding frenzies when tourists are involved, and this one was no exception! A viewing platform overlooked the “Trolls’ Ladder”, or Trollstigen, one of Norway’s most popular attractions. The Trollstigen rises from the valley floor to the top of the mountain, winding its way through eleven hairpin turns that zigzag across the face of the mountain. And everywhere the Waterfalls!!
Jessika spent today at the Atlantic Sea Park, one of the largest aquariums in Europe and the largest in Scandinavia. The Sea Park is unique in that it is built into the coastal landscape and adapted to modern exhibition principles. She had a great time getting up close and personal with a wide variety of Atlantic creatures! At the end of these two days we have experienced Norway in a Nutshell, and I have gained a new appreciation for my Norwegian roots. I’m coming home with a new determination to find the Norsk history of the Halmers (or Helmer or Hjelmerson) family.
One of the blessings of this cruise has been our table partners at dinner on most nights. Malcolm and Sandra Peers are from the North of England, and have been delightful conversation partners over dinner. Tomorrow night is the final Formal Night of the cruise and we’ll gat a photo of them to share with you all. See you tomorrow in Bergen!

2009-06-30T13:38:00.000-07:00

Day 8 – Geiranger Fjord – Norway

As we awakened this morning, the Jewel of the Sea was entering Norwegian waters and the Geiranger Fjord. Called the “Diva” of Norwegian fjords, the ‘Geiranger’ is 1,600 feet wide and 1,200 feet deep, with snowcapped mountains as high as 6,000 feet lining the waterway. The lacy curtains of snow melt that cascade over the steep cliffs, many into the fjord itself, are given romantic names such as; Bridal Veil, The Suitor and Seven Sisters.
Marina and I were scheduled for a kayaking excursion on the fjord this morning, and we were grateful for a clear, warm day with calm seas. 46 passengers occupied 23 double kayaks and we were off on an hour and a half trip on the fjord. We were exhausted by the time we returned, but had been rewarded with a magnificent experience of this wonderful fjord, including a close up view of the Seven Sisters waterfall! We ordered two hamburgers and sodas at a local Bistro and were shocked by the $40 bill! Hardly left us with any resource to shop, but we managed to plunk down a few more kroner (Norwegian currency) before we returned to the ship for a well earned nap! I also got back in touch with my ancestral Troll, and am happy to introduce him to you! (See picture, and note the resemblance!!)
Late this afternoon, while the sun was still high in the sky (it doesn’t set until 11:45pm) the Jewel weighed anchor and set off down the fjord, headed for Flam and the Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the 204 kilometer long Sognefjord. Should be another magnificent day, and the weather promises to hold for the rest of our trip. Wow!!

2009-06-28T13:42:00.000-07:00

Day 6 and 7 – Scotland and day at sea

It is Sunday, and as I write this we are steaming through the North Atlantic toward the coast of Norway. There is not much to see through the fog, but plenty to do aboard ship. I’ll spend an hour in the golf simulator later today. (Does that make me a simulated golfer?)
Yesterday was the day for the Scottish experience. “Landscapes, Lochs and sheepdogs” were the order of the day as we were ushered to our bus by a bagpiper and a “committee” of friendly Scots. The landscape was lush and lovely, with an abundance of sheep on the slopes and hills. There is no doubt why this part of the world is called the Emerald Isle! I am convinced that the devil planted the hedgerows along every road just to torment photographers! The trees are so close that they brush the sides of the bus, with infrequent gaps that fool you into thinking you might take a picture.
Our first stop was at the Scottish Wool Center where we were treated to a delightful demonstration of Border Collies herding ducks through an obstacle course. That was followed by several volunteers trying to herd the same ducks through the same course. Guess which did better? We learned a great deal from the shepherd about the five varieties of sheep in Scotland, some bred for coarse wool used in rugs, some with fine wool used for clothing (I bought a sweater), and some bred for meat. The wool from a lamb brings $2, while the meat from that same lamb would bring upwards of $160!! Needless to say, the lamb bred for quality meat carries the day!
After lunch at a wayside hotel, our next stop was at Loch Lomand – the very same Loch of the “Bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomand”. It is a beautiful 27 mile long by 5 mile wide lake with a number of picturesque castles along its banks, and we enjoyed them all on a 45 minute cruise aboard a sightseeing streamship.
A very fast bus ride back to the pier returned us to the Jewel of the Seas just in time for “all aboard”. An entire Pipe band welcomed us back, and within 15 minutes of our return we were underway!
See you next in Norway!!!

2009-06-26T10:13:00.000-07:00

Day 5 – Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, a city of close to one million people, is Ireland’s largest city and serves as its capital. Early this morning the Jewel of the Seas entered the largest port we have seen yet – a port that has suffered greatly from the recession, but is still busy with container ships generating the primary activity. The Guinness brewery is one of the world’s largest and is Ireland’s largest private employer. Trinity College, which houses Ireland’s world famous “Book of Kells” (an 8th century illustrated manuscript of the Gospels ) is also in this city, and therein lay the dilemma – Guinness or Kells – Guinness or Kells??? ‘Twas easily solved. Dad went to Guinness and the girls went to view the Book of Kells. Both tours gave us a chance to see the city with its contrast of the very old with the modern. Dublin is still haunted by the memories of the Great Famine, but is also aware of the financial and cultural benefits of having joined the European Union. The River Liffey runs through the city and is crossed by 11 bridges, one of which is brand new and built to represent a harp, which is both the symbol of Guinness and of Ireland. (Guinness had it first and refused to let Ireland adopt it as the national symbol unless they turned it to face the opposite direction!)
The Guinness Storehouse (now a museum) is a seven story tower, the floors of which trace the brewing process and history of Guinness Stout. The seventh floor is a circular glass bar where guests are served a complimentary brew at the end of the tour. It is also a terrific location from which to view a panorama of the city and to photograph some of the most notable landmarks.
The girls tour was blessed with a tour guide who interpreted the city of Dublin non-stop all the way to Dublin Castle, the first stop. The Castle has been devastated by several fires, and has been renovated to resemble less a castle, but with many of the same features and rooms of the old building. Next was Trinity College (Dublin University) and the “Book of Kells”. The first room presented the history of this illustrated manuscript and then led to the “Treasury” which actually houses the “Book”. A staircase led to “the long room” which serves as Trinity College’s library, housing around 200,000 of the library’s oldest books. This library houses a copy of every book ever copyrighted in England and Ireland – a magnificent hall, but no photographs allowed! Marina and Jessika confessed to me that they had both had a lot of “crack” (actually, “craik” – the Irish word for fun, but they had me going for a minute!).
The ship is feeling more and more like a floating home, and the afternoon offered lunch, some pool time, and just sheer relaxation! A show tonight features Jacqui Scott, leading lady from ‘Evita’, ‘Cats’, and ‘Miss Saigon’.

2009-06-26T10:03:00.000-07:00

Days 3 and 4 – Cherbourg, France and Cork, Ireland

Today Jessika launched out on her own for a tour of two of the gardens in Normandy. Known for its place in history as the site of some of the pivotal battles of World War two, Normandy today is known for its sculptured gardens maintained as monuments to peace. Jessika’s comment was “I’ve dreamed of living in a place like this!” She described one of the gardens as containing species from all around the world – including magnificent stands of bamboo.
For Marina and David today was a day aboard ship. Dad won the round of miniature golf (by two strokes playing left handed), and when Jessi returned we all enjoyed a swim in the Solarium. Dad added a soak in the hot tub for good measure. Dinner was the first of three formal nights of the trip and Dad and Marina got “duded up” for the occasion, while Jessi opted for the buffet in the Windjammer dining room.
On Thursday we awakened as the Jewel of the Sea docked in Cork (Cobh) Ireland. The three of us left the ship for a scenic drive through the Irish countryside (often hard to see through the hedgerows lining the narrow roads) while our guide narrated the history of the area. She reminded us that Cork was the final port of call for the Titanic as well as the point of departure for thousands of Irish immigrants headed for the new world.
Our ultimate destination was the town of Blarney, home of the Blarney castle and its magical stone. If I trusted in its magic, I should have come here years ago, (to gain the gift of eloquence) but alas, those of you who have heard me preach will have to judge between the power of the Blarney stone and the power of the Holy Spirit! The lines of people were too long and the castle tower too tall, and I had to content myself with taking photos (what would you expect?) and hoisting a pint of Guinness . We later found out that the folks in County Cork are not too fond of Guinness, preferring their own brand of stout! Shopping at the Blarney Woolen Mills was another attraction and then the return to Cobh. Marina and Dad took a short walk into the colorful village of Cork before returning to the ship where Dad discovered that he had lost his “Sea Pass Card” without which he couldn’t get back on the ship!! With the eloquence of the Blarney stone I talked myself past two levels of security and back on the ship. It really wasn’t heroic - it was more like eating humble pie and begging!!
So tonight I’ll post this blog and hope you enjoy the photos of Blarney Castle and colorful Cobh, Ireland.

2009-06-24T00:49:00.000-07:00

Day Two – Ah, Paris!

Today we “did” Paris – in 5 hours!! OK, the truth is we did a six mile stretch along the Seine River, from the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame Cathedral, walking it both ways! But I’m ahead of myself.
The day actually began with an early call and breakfast in our stateroom. A well organized disembarkation took us to the buses for a two and one-half hour ride to the center of Paris. I almost thought we had made a wrong turn when the first thing I saw was the Statue of Liberty, but then I remembered that the one in New York is a copy of the one in Paris given the USA as a gift from the French! Ah, the French – always in a hurry and willing to run you down with their car or motorbike if you venture into the street without a green light! Traffic everywhere, to say nothing of the thousands of tourists! The biggest challenge of the day turned out to be finding a public toilet. Apparently the French have extraordinarily large bladders, and there are no MacDonalds or Dunkin Donuts to duck into!
We suffered a major disappointment when our guide told us that the Louvre was closed on Tuesdays. (Guess what day it is!) Jessika’s interest in DaVinci will just have to wait for satisfaction until her next trip to Paris! But there was plenty more to see and we made it to Saint Chapelle, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Plaza de Concorde, plenty of the River Seine, the Grande Palace, and, of course, La Tour Eiffel! We ate lunch in a tiny French café’, and then hot-footed it back to catch our bus for the return trip to the ship. A taxi from Paris to LaHavre would have cost us upwards of 250 euros, so we weren’t about to be late!
As we finished dinner in the Windjammer Café aboard ship, the Jewel of the Sea left port and headed for Cherbourg and the Normandy coast, which is our port of call in the morning. See you there!

2009-06-24T00:32:00.000-07:00

Day One - Bubbles, buses, and ques!!

The day started out calmly enough – Phil got us to JFK in record time and without a hitch. Virgin Atlantic checked us in with a minimum of hastle, and we boarded “Bubbles” – yes, that was the name of our aircraft – right on time. In the pouring rain we pushed back from the gate and headed for departure only to hear the captain announce that we were being delayed by the fact that there were two large TURTLES on the runway that would have to be removed before we could leave! The “Slowski’s” strike again!

The flight to London was uneventful but the passage through Heathrow airport presented us with the first of several “cues” – that’s “long lines” to you Yanks – and a lot of waiting. British Immigration was orderly, and we were off to find the Royal Caribbean rep who had promised to meet us outside baggage claim. That was after I forgot to close my backpack and dropped my laptop on the marble floor. No permanent damage, and the lovely lady was where she said she’d be. We were in London and about to take a 2 ½ hour bus ride to Harwich on the WRONG side of the road and at speeds that made the airplane seem like, well, a “slowski”!

We could see the ship from a long way off. It is BIG and the British landscape is rather flat, so it just sort of loomed up out of the horizon. It was soooo close, but the inevitable intervened – you guessed it – a CUE! In all honesty, check-in wasn’t too bad, and we were soon on board the “Jewel of the Seas” exploring every nook and cranny. Tomorrow is Paris, and believe it or not, we’re going to “do” the whole thing in 5 ½ hours!!

Proud Grads

2009-06-20T14:52:00.000-07:00

Today (Saturday) Jessika joined Marina in the ranks of the graduates. Before we get ready to fly tomorrow to Heathrow, England, I thought I'd show you two of the reasons we're taking this trip!

Cassi, Grandpa Dave and Jessika--- One happy graduate!!

Marina graduated Cum Laud ... and then toasted life with Celeste and Dad

See you from London!!!

Transition 2009

2009-06-19T18:40:00.000-07:00

Well, things have radically changed since my last blog entry of last year. On March 13, Sandra entered her eternal rest and for me, everything changed. Yet life does go on and we have tried to complete most of the plans that Sandra and I had put in place together. The biggest news is that Marina earned her Associate degree at Manchester Community College, and Jessika, our oldest grandchild, will graduate from High School tomorrow. To celebrate them both and for me to honor what would have been our 50th anniversary, we are leaving on Sunday for a two week cruise aboard the Jewel of the Seas - a Royal Carribean ship that will take us to Paris, the British Isles, and the Coast of Norway. WE INVITE YOU TO COME ALONG as I will try to make periodic entries to this blog and post some of the photos that come my way. Stay tuned!

2008-07-17T19:18:00.000-07:00

Hello from Youngstown, Ohio, where we hope to spend our last night on the road!! This has been a fabulous experience, and neither Sandra nor I are ready for it to end, but on the other hand it has been a long drive (over 6000 miles) and I am more than ready to get out from behind the wheel!

Here are the pictures I wanted to include with my last post, but couldn't get it done.

Wild stallions in Teddy Roosevelt Park

Another Stallion view
Angry waves on the North Shore of Superior

"Ranger Fred" with one of his "Lavs"

Thanks for checking in once in awhile on our saga. Hope you've enjoyed the pictures. There have been photo-ops everywhere!!

David

Minnesota

2008-07-14T09:01:00.000-07:00

Suprise!!! We're back! Technology giveth and technology taketh away, and we have been unable to access the internet for several days in the Northern reaches of Minnesota. Thanks to the hospitality of Mike and Becky Stanchfield, we are back to the blog, but since I'm using their machine it may be a little tricky sharing pictures with you this time. The drive through North Dakota was long and uneventful save for the side-trip we took through the Teddy Roosevelt National Park. The badlands are as stark and beautiful as I remembered and we had a chance to watch some wild horses along the way.

We spent two wonderful days with my aunt Bernice in Willmar MN, and visited with my cousins Ruth and Muriel. Sadly, Muriel's mom, my aunt Lilly, passed away a couple of weeks before we arrived. We also got to meet Bernice's "beau friend" Roy. They were getting ready to celebrate his 99th birthday!!

From Willmar we headed North to Duluth to the home of Don and Leona Larson, our son-in law Rolf''s parents. They were wonderful hosts and took us on a delightful tour of the near North shore of Lake Superior. We enjoyed seeing pictures of Rolf's childhood.

One of my goals for this trip was to introduce Sandra to the North Shore and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. So our next stop was at the Cliff Dweller Motel in Tofte, MN, just a few miles south of the Gunflint Trail. Our room overlooked a very angry-looking Lake Superior as the wind whipped white-caps that crashed on the rocks just beneath our window. A phone message was waiting, when we checked in, from Fred McGee, a collegue and friend from CT who is volunteering with the National Forest Service for the summer. Turns out he was stationed just down the road, and the the next day and a half we explored the north woods together. We drove the entire Gunflint Trail (65 miles of wilderness road, stopping at the Gunflint Lodge for a terrific lunch of Walleye Pike. The Gunflint was where my parents honeymooned many years ago, and where Fred and I launched a week of canoeing in 1999. Great memories.

Tomorrow we head for Lake Geneva, Wisc. for a visit with my cousin Mark, and then it is time to head home. Look for a final post in about a week when we will have had time to digest what we have seen!

David

Turning East

2008-07-05T19:25:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Beach, North Dakota!!

OK. Everybody together now -- "Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, Happy birthday dear Sandra, happy birthday to you!" Thursday we celebrated her BDay (a day early)at an old fashioned "Chuckwagon dinner" with 750 other tourists. They served us all within 20 minutes!! Fantastic! The food was super, and the entertainment was terrific. The "Wranglers" provided an hour's worth of song, instrument, and humor that kept us all stompin' our boots!

Yesterday we said farewell to Rolf and Celeste, took a final drive through both the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone, and headed up into Montana as our "Pilgrimage" took a turn toward the East. As had been true all week, the wild life and the scenery continued to put on a show!

"Stalk flower" (actual name unknown at this time)

Mt Moran from Oxbow bend overlook

Buck Antelope

Bison

Rolf and I had discussed the best route out of Yellowstone and had decided that the Northeast exit was shorter and more direct than the one AAA had chosen. What neither of us knew was that our preferred route passed directly through the Shoshone Mountains - miles of winding roads, switchbacks and horseshoe turns that went up and up to well above tree line where there are still ten foot high snow banks, and the highest lakes are still frozen!

Shoshone Mountains (note frozen lake on July 4th!!) We finally made it to Billings, Montana where we spent the night, and today we drove to Beach, North Dakota. 53 years ago, I spent the summer preaching, teaching, visiting, and just generally testing out the life of a pastor. I was one year out of high school at the time, and as a result, I launched a career that would last over 40 years in the ministry. I served two churches here, one of which was Trinity Lutheran (pictured below).

The terrain here is different from anything we've seen earlier on this trip, and it has a beauty all its own. We took a drive up Sentinel Butte - one of my favorite places to go when I lived here.

Looking toward the Butte

Looking off the Butte

So that brings you up to date! We'll go to worship here in Beach in the morning, and then head out to Fargo, ND for the night. Monday we will head to my aunt Bernice's home in Willmar, MN and begin several days of connecting with members of the Gustafson/Halmers clan.

Our best to you all!!

David and Sandra

Some web addresses to check out

2008-07-02T17:30:00.000-07:00

Just an afterthought to today's post - here are the URL's for Grand Teton and Yellowstone.

http://www.nps.gov/yell

http://www.nps.gov/grte

Grand Tetons and Yellowstone

2008-07-02T16:16:00.000-07:00

The last five days have been a grand immersion in grandeur, beauty, wildlife, geology and nature as we have moved about both The Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Parks. We arrived last Friday and had a day on our own to explore the Tetons before Celeste and Rolf arrived and joined us. The four of us enjoyed three days at Colter Bay (in the North part of Tetons) in a rustic cabin from which we had easy access to Yellowstone. Sunday we did Old Faithful and the "southern loop", and Monday we went a little further and did Mammoth Springs and the "northern loop." Everywhere we turned we saw wildlife and great scenery. There was no internet available in Colter Bay which explains the absence of any blog posts. Then on Tuesday we traveled back down to Teton Village, just north of Jackson, Wy., where we are in residence in a lovely two bedroom condo! Today (Wednesday) and tomorrow we will explore the Tetons, and then on Friday (Sandra's birthday) we will part company with the "kids" and head out on the remainder of our Pilgrimage. Having said all of that, I think I'll let some pictures do the talking.

David

In the Grand Teton National Park

Moulton BarnTetons from Jackson Lake
Hidden Falls

Feeding Moose

Blacktail Deer (young)

In Yellowstone National Park

Family at Old Faithful

Old Faithful (right on time!)

Lower Falls (308 foot drop) in Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Mammoth Spring

Black Bear

Bison (notice young)

Wyoming and Tetons Day one

2008-06-27T19:09:00.000-07:00

Wyoming has proven to be a land of surprises as we have traversed the state from Southeast to Northwest. An early antelope (this time I got the picture!), miles of buttes, bluffs and land that at times resembled a desert, and then into the Shoshone National Forest which changed the landscape entirely! We took a sidetrip on a 5 mile dirt road to Brooks Lake and the closer we got, the more snow there was!! Wildlife continues to be abundant as this deer indicates.

Back on the road and it wasn't long before we crested a hill and there they were!--THE GRAND TETONS! Teddy Roosevelt is said to have remarked something like "Now that's the way mountains should look!" - and WE AGREE!

We are in a motel tonight, and tomorrow we will transfer to the Inn at Colter Bay where we will connect with Celeste and Rolf for 5 days of exploring the Tetons and Yellowstone. I don't think it will be possible to take a bad picture here, so early in the morning I plan to start shooting away.

We have a whirlpool in our room tonight, so any more blogging is just going to have to wait! I'll post again in a couple of days.

David and Sandra

Colorado Springs to Rawlins, Wyoming

2008-06-26T15:03:00.000-07:00

"Home, Home on the Range!"

Tonight I'm writing to you from Rawlins, Wyoming. Yesterday we completed our three day stay in Colorado Springs with a visit to the US Air Force Academy in the morning and a time for regrouping in the afternoon. (Sandra and I did laundry and while we waited for clothes to get clean, I cleaned and washed the car)

So many people had encouraged us to go to the Academy, and we are glad we did. It was alot of walking for Sandra but she showed that she is a trouper, and we got to walk through most of the campus. Most buildings are off limits but there is great Visitor's Center, and then there is the CHAPEL! Oh MY!! The word AWESOME comes to mind. We spent some time reflecting there, and on our way back to the car stopped to watch the beginnings of "formation" on the lower Quad. It wasn't as impressive as it would have been when all of the cadets are present, but still it was interesting and impressive to see the precision and discipline involved.

Today we hit the road again and drove through some of the most spectacular country yet!

We went first to Cheyenne, Wyoming, and revisited the exact place (St. Paul's Lutheran Church) where we had the first "serious talk" about our future together 51 years ago! FUN! and also quite romantic.

The drive from Cheyenne to Rawlins took us through mile after mile of unbelievably broad views of "the Range" (as in "Home, home on the..."). I didn't take any pictures of it because I couldn't figure out how to capture the vastness of it all. We saw quite a number of antelope near the highway, sometimes in herds, sometimes solitary, but by the time we saw them it was always too late to stop, so once again - no pictures! I hope to correct that when we get to the Tetons!

We got here early this afternoon, so we will take advantage of the pool for a swim. Tomorrow takes us to Jackson Hole and the Tetons!

By the way, if you want to go back a couple of days and check out the Garden of the Gods you can do so at http://www.gardenofgods.com

June has been a great month for our family. June 24th was Grandma Izzy's 93rd birthday, Keith and Kim were married 20 years on June 5, Tyler turned 15 on June 11, and Celeste and Rolf will celebrate their anniversary tomorrow, June 27th! Happy celebrations everybody!!

David and Sandra

Garden of the Gods and Seven Falls

2008-06-24T19:22:00.000-07:00

A Day in the Garden of the Gods and at Seven Falls

The alarm went off at 5am this morning -- on purpose!! We are discovering that here in Colorado Springs the mornings are by far the best time for sightseeing and that by 2pm or so the afternoon thunderstorms roll in. Photographically, the early morning light is great for scenics, so we really took advantage of it. I'll let some pictures speak for themselves.

"Balancing Rock" is one of the fascinating structures in the Garden

The wildlife is abundant and used to people being around. Today we saw deer, rabbits, hummingbirds, and a black bear cub that ran across the road right in front of us. It happened too fast for a picture, but fortunately we were driving slowly and could avoid him.

After a relaxed morning in the Garden of the Gods, (Sandra sat in a gazebo and let the wildlife come to her while David hiked and took pictures.) we hopped in the car to visit another of the sites from honeymoon days - Seven Falls. Located in North Cheyenne Canyon Park, Seven Falls is a beautiful series of cascades. The falls is also the site of some authentic Native Dancing. Since we were last here they have blasted a vertical elevator shaft that takes you to the Eagles' Nest where you can get a view of the entire "Seven Falls"

Tomorrow we will visit the Air Force Academy and spend the afternoon doing laundry and cleaning the car before our trip on Thursday to Cheyenne and Rawlins Wyoming.

Are we having fun yet? You bet!!!!

David and Sandra

Midsummer's Day thru Pike's Peak

2008-06-23T19:02:00.000-07:00

June 21 is Midsummer"s Day in Lindsborg (just like the rest of the world!) As you can see from these pictures, we had a blast celebrating our Swedish heritage. We walked most of Main Street and stopped in some of the shops where we knew the owners; watched the Swedish Dancers and the Folkdancers; listened to good music (the Swedish variety); and enjoyed a traditional Swedish Smorgasbord.

Later in the evening we drove to Salina to visit with Alan and Joyce Lindholm. Alan is Sandra's cousin and we had a delightful evening remeniscing about times during childhood summer days spent in Bridgeport, Kansas, where the Lindholm clan would gather.

Sunday morning we bade farewell (with some heart-tugs) to Bethany and Lindsborg and turned the Subaru due West toward Western Kansas. Once again, energy sources caught our attention in the form of a huge windfarm. It just kind of rose out of the horizon like an apparition and became more and more visible as we drove along. It took us an hour to actually get there!

Our goal for the first half of the day was the West Kansas farm of our friends Bill and Wilma Mai.

Wilma was Sandra's maid-of-honor and we had not seen them for years. We were to discover that Bill has become one of Kansas' leading experts both in tri-part rotation and dry (no irrigation) farming of White Wheat. White wheat is what whole wheat flour is made from, and one of his major customers is King Arthur, in Norwich, Vermont. Small world!!

Today (Monday) was the first of three days in Colorado Springs, and we decided to take the Cog Railway to the summit of Pike's Peak. It was a beautiful trip, but both Sandra and I had a fair amount of difficulty with light-headedness at the top. We were warned that with the "light air" at that elevation the danger was of dehydration, and we really had to be careful not to pass out. We stopped by Garden of the Gods in the early afternoon just to scope out what will be our focus tomorrow. We're hoping for a 5am start to take advantage of the early morning light. Hope to have some good shots of a beautiful place for you be tomorrow night!

For now, let it suffice to say that our "Pilgrimage" is living up to all our expectations!

David and Sandra

Valkommen!

2008-06-20T14:49:00.000-07:00

Today we greet you from Lindsborg, Kansas where we have returned for a visit to our Alma Mater, Bethany College, and a gathering of the Augustana Heritage Association.

There are many beautiful things about Kansas, but what has struck us is the juxtaposition of two very contemporary issues: Food (that's wheat in the field) and Oil (that's an oil pump pumping away right in the middle of the wheat field. )
Kansas produces only a small percentage of the world's oil but a huge percentage of the world's wheat.

The sign at the edge of town says "Valkommen" and what a welcome it has been. In many ways it seems like we had never left. Many important events in our family took place here including our engagement, the birth of Celeste, Sandra's and my college graduations and Celeste's as well.

Our days here have been filled with reunions with college and seminary friends, and a chance to participate once again in the wonderful Augustana (Swedish American) culture that nurtured our early life and faith.

It has been particularly nice to revisit Bethany College. Much about the campus has changed but the spirit is very much the same. Some buildings have gone and some have been built, but the biggest change has been the landscaping. It's beautiful!!
Although "Old Main" is no more, the statue of Karl Swenson (now a fountain!) still dominates the campus along the "Prominade of Flags" that runs through from South to North. Faculty and student guides still greet you as though you are long lost friends.

We have been staying in a room (actually a suite) in
Anna Marm Hall. The air conditioning makes it a much more pleasant experience than either of us remember of summers in Kansas! The room is wired for internet which is also new and very nice.

Here Sandra visits with Nadine Burns and Betty Hanson who are among the many friends and classmates who are here. The seminary class of 1965 is really quite dominant in the life of AHA, and many a greeting has been given and stories told of the "good old days".

Tomorrow is "Midsummer's Day" in Lindsborg, so many special Swedish traditions will be on display throughout the town including Swedish Folk dancers, a Smorgasboard, and many more colorful activities.

We'll be visiting with Sandra's cousin Alan tomorrow, and some good friends, Bill and Wilma Mai in Western Kansas on Sunday before we continue on to Colorado Springs on Sunday. And so goes the Pilgrimage. We are very grateful.

Sandra and David

From Texas to Kansas

2008-06-18T17:51:00.000-07:00

Hello friends!

This morning we bid farewell to Isabelle, Terry and Lorena and their families. We headed North into Oklahoma with a carload of great memories from our ten days in Ft. Worth. Shortly after entering Oklahoma we entered the Davis Mountains (Yes, mountains in Oklahoma!) and were reminded of a wonderful waterfall that we used to visit on our trips from Bethany College to Ft. Worth.

So we decided to take the side-trip and were rewarded with views like the ones posted here. The place is called Turner Falls in Davis, OK and we were just wowed at how the place has been developed since our last visit 50 years ago without destroying its beauty! The falls inspires local artists as you can see by the second picture.

Tonight we are staying just outside Lindsborg, KS where we will go tomorrow to begin our three day excursion into the history of the Augustana Lutheran Church. It combines a visit to our alma mater Bethany, so that is a plus as well.

Hope you are well, wherever you are. We'll check in with you in a couple of days!

David

2008-06-16T16:12:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

Well, our stay in Ft. Worth is almost over. It has been enjoyable with the possible exception of the heat which reached 100 degrees today (the day I chose to mow the lawn!)

Yesterday the Becker clan celebrated Isabelle's 93rd birthday. She just amazes all of us, and we have tried to enjoy her as much as possible while we have been here.

Thursday we will head for Lindsborg, Kansas for three days of the Augustana Heritage Association at Bethany College. Augustana is the Swedish version of the Lutheran tradition that preceeded what we now know as the ELCA. This will be a nastolgic three days on two accounts. It will take us back into our early church experience and will also take us back to the Swedish heritage of Lindsborg and our alma mater Bethany. Sandra has been able to connect with some college friends - Bill and Wilma Mai, so we are trying to make an adjustment in our travel plans in order to see them in Sharon Springs (Western Kansas)

Thanks to all the family for your Fathers' Day greetings. It made it a very special day!

We'll talk with you all again soon.

David

From Ft. Worth

2008-06-10T09:18:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are in Ft. Worth, settling in for our stay. Isabelle is doing well, and we are enjoying her company alot!

I guess I owe all Texans an apology. Terry reminded me that the picture of the Texas monument that I posted on my last entry must have been taken from the wrong side, because it's backwards!! Oh well! Imagine the picture from the other side.

The picture on this post is of Nathan, who is Tom and Lorena's grandson. It's not quite the same, but he gives us a little bit of a grandkid fix until we get back to our own!!

Temperature is the big news, both in CT and Texas. I can't believe the heat, but when we woke up this morning the temp was down in the 70's after some rain overnight. Unfortunately it's not going to last! Back to the high 90's by tomorrow.

I haven't been able to establish an internet connection at Isabelle's. (It's a long story) so I'm over at Terry's today. Probably won't post again for a few days.

Love you all!

David

2008-06-07T19:57:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody!!

Sorry about the non-post yesterday. Forgive me, but there isn't really much to say about Tennessee! There has been this long grey ribbon in front of us for the past couple of days and the boredom has increased exponentially. But things have gone so smoothly on this trip that we were able to move things up and drive into Ft Worth today (Saturday). We are staying with Terry and Beverly tonight and then will get set up with Mom Becker after church tomorrow. It feels good to be here, and our confidence is way up as we think about the ret of the trip.

I'm not promising daily posts for the next ten days - it would probably be "today I mowed the lawn" or "today I cleaned up the back yard", etc, etc. If anything really out of the ordinary happens I'll let you know. Otherwise we'll pick this up again when we head to Kansas. The picture above is Sandra at the monument at the Texas welcome center. What a change after Arkansas - Clean bathrooms for the firstime in miles!!!

David

Pilgrimage 08

2008-06-05T17:25:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are at the conclusion of Day one, in New Market, Virginia. We have been through Connecticut, New York, NewJersey, Maryland, West Virginia and into Virginia. Everything has gone without a hitch with the possible exception of slowdowns getting out of Conn (especially New Haven) and through New York City. (Yes, "David the Lion-hearted" decided to go THROUGH, not around, the Metropolitan area.) We timed it well, and rush hour was well over by the time we hit the city. That meant that it was only the NORMAL bumper-to-bumper traffic. We made one small mistake going over the George Washington bridge, but a simple circle put us back on track, and we only lost about three minutes. In general, there were enough trucks to provide a second roadway (on TOP of the trucks) if we had chosen it. The very best surprise today was that the price of gas dropped $.30 a gallon the minute we left good old Connecticut.

Tomorrow we should face alot less traffic, and if all goes well, we'll greet you tomorow night from Nashville, Tenn.

We're off on a Pilgrimage - summer 2008

2008-05-30T12:15:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

The most exciting news is that on June 5, Sandra and David will be embarking on a "Pilgrimage" that will take us to Texas, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. It will bring us to family, some "revisits" of old places, and some time in new places we haven't been to before. Why not check in with us once in awhile and we'll explain the significance of each stop. We may even post a few pictures!

Speaking of pictures, have you seen the latest "snap" of our youngest grandchild, Aly?