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Anne Falk

ADJUSTING TO THE SWEDISH CULTURE/ MY EXPERIENCE

Oh my God it’s a month now in Sweden, where do I start? Coming here was a bit scary since it is my first time away from home and the first time I have gone so far. Asking myself so may questions; how will I cope, but hey, guess what? All is perfect from the first day we met the coordinators and all participants, we clicked like one big happy family.

So far everything has been great, from meeting our supervisors to host families (amazing people), the church as a whole in Linköping, Skäggetorp and FIKA (first word we learned from day 1) of course everyone has been good to me. I am learning a lot and teaching as well.  A new person in the country everyone wants to know them. Although, I am still trying to adjust to the unpredictable weather, they say its spring but it’s very cold and it can snow. But the first experience of snow was awesome and I believe everyone enjoyed that too.

Tshegofatso Sunny ThipeThings I have learned about the Swedes is that they like the nature. I actually enjoyed the walk in the forests (they have peace of mind) but one thing I found strange, its spring the flowers are coming out, you will see them with their cameras taking pictures of flowers and actually picking them (that’s weird).One of their first topics is weather, they just love to talk about it. They love animals especially dogs. Some love the saying “You don’t have to if you don’t want to” like really…

Church of Sweden is the biggest church in Sweden, has many people employed by the church, their challenge is the declining membership but that does not break them, they still continue with their duties/commitments – like helping people from other countries, the elderly and children, not only those who belong to the church but everyone. They have many different programs within the church and the community. Through so many different projects they do, they never forget to worship the Lord (Devine Mass) and the FIKA after – I should introduce this when go back home!  They also open their church for the other churches to use.

Meeting up with confirmation groups and the youth of different parishes (Skäggetorp, Linghem and etc.) was really inspiring, especially the activities they do from having a movie night, to playing games, cooking  and baking, and who can forget the creative arts. The choir, they sing like angels, so soft and I am so glad to be a part of it.

So far it has been a great experience for me, I am still getting to know people making friends everywhere I go. I have also learned to live the Swedish way, being on Swedish time, the food and FIKA, taking of the shoes when getting in to the house and wearing many clothes protecting me against the cold. Before I forget, – they keep feeding, feeding and feeding us! Now we gaining weight and the clothes don’t fit anymore (but its ok).

I also love the times we are spending with 2013 participants who were in the Philippines (Lilly Mattsson and Bella Ohtonen).

Loving Sweden…..

By: Tshegofatso Thipe Young in the world wide church 2014 From South Africa (ELCSA)

Inspired by Lilly Mattsson

//Tshegofatso Thipe is one of the 2014 Young in the world participant from South Africa representing ELCSA, Western Diocese, Moretele Circuit (Makgabetlwane Parish).  Tshego is an Office Management and Technology graduate from Tshwane University of Technology and She works as a CEO’s Secretary at Odi District Hospital, Mabopane. Her focus in church is mainly Sunday School, Youth and Music.

//Tshegofatso Thipe är en av deltagarna i 2014 års internationella utbytesgrupp. Hon representerar den Lutherska kyrkan i Södra Africa, ELCSAs västra stift. Hon kommer från Moretele Circuit (Makgabetlwane Parish). Tshego har en examen i kontorsledning och teknik från universitetet i Tshwane och hon arbetar som sekreterare på Odi-sjukhuset i Mabopane. Hennes främsta engagemang i kyrkan är för söndagsskolan, barn och unga och musik.

 

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