Waking Up from the Longest Dream and the Learnings from Sweden

Through the Young in the Worldwide Church Program, I was flown into a new society and culture. And as I reckoned my story was similar to that of Dorothy and his friends in the tale, “The Wizard of Oz.”

Unexpectedly, these were things that out of the blue just came out like fresh wild flowers and shoots of grass on springtime. These are the things that transpired only during those three months of exposure in a totally different society and country.

But going back to the Wizard of Oz, the Scarecrow wanted to have a brain. In my experience, the journey has given me a new thinking and perspective at things I see in church, society and also, among youth.

Looking at things in a positive perspective was more evident in the everyday activity I have experienced. Like the scarecrow, the way of thinking was with me and it was just the turnout of events that led to unlock such way of thought.

On the other hand, like the Tin Man who was in dire longing to acquire a human heart, I also had my share of getting a new heart and feel for people I meet along the way. The heart to understand the actions and most of all, the heart opened for brand new relationships in church and from the community where I stayed.

Courage was what the Lion sought after that’s why he joined in such a tough journey to see the Wizard of Oz. This was the same virtue that I did not expect to gain all these months while staying in Sweden.

First, I had the courage to sing high notes and to sing solo in a big crowd outside the Holy Mass and for once, in my own solo concert. This was the courage I was wanting for me to get out of my comfort zones. One of the profound examples was to cook for many people for the “Filipino Fiesta” I organized for the youth in my second congregation.

Lastly, like Dorothy herself who was in a searching for her home, in my case, I found a home in the care and love of my foster families, host congregation, priests, church workers, program supervisors, the youth and kids. Their efforts have made my stay wonderful, meaningful, smooth flowing and life changing.

I suddenly caught myself in a deep thought, as if I am waking up from a very long sleep with the longest dream I ever had. All of the parts were worth remembering and with no regrets, I could say every single day, a learning/lesson was added into my life.

Three months in Sweden was a wonderful experience which taught me so many important lessons in life that I get to use as I continue with my life journey, ministry and profession.

1. Plan Ahead – like Swedes usually do, I am very inspired to prepare at least six months before.
2. Focus – Take one focus point and concentrate on something in order to attain a certain goal.
3. Cook Food – I just was shocked that I can truly cook for other people and maybe, I just need more practice.
4. Eat Light Meals – I just realized that doing away with rice once in a while is fine and nothing will happen. It could also be better to eat light meals during the evening and just take one full meal in a day.
5. Always greet people with Hej, Hej Hej and Hej då to people – one thing I would miss about Swedish people.
6. Open-mindedness – I was a bit conservative when I came but at the start, I vowed to be positive and to be more open to differences within the church, society and among youth.
7. Gain More Confidence – I was never confident about my singing and with myself but Sweden taught me to use my talents to inspire people through my singing performances.
8. Sing Swedish Hymns – I am really fascinated with the hymns that even though I don’t really grasp fully on the meaning of every line in the songs, the tune was enough to explain the feel and the inspiration contained in such a work of art.
9. Time-consciousness – (Swedish Time) is probably what every young person in the world must put into their system being a show of professionalism and enthusiasm.
10. Go out when it’s Sunny – “Idag är soligt” was my most favorite line because I loved it when the sun is up in Sweden because I can wear quite comfortable clothes. During my second congregation, I was able to wear short pants and slippers in some days.
11. “Lagom” – Swedes are not of the extremes and it taught me some lessons to be at the middle or fulcrum of things.
12. Speak your mind – When you have a thought, you can speak with no hesitation.
13. Learn to Read Signs on the Road, Obey Traffic Rules, Walk Right in the Escalator and Wear Seatbelt – it meant I was like a Swede who is obedient to such safety rules.
14. Life Must Go on Despite the Weather – Like the kids in the nearby school in my first congregation who always play outside during noontime, not thinking of the weather: snow, rain, sunny, that’s how they train people to be, to go on and mind not of the weather. After all, there is no such thing as “bad weather but only bad clothes” in Sweden.
15. Take a Break and Fika – one of the most essential parts of the Swedish culture that I get to appreciate so much and will probably bring the tradition to my family, friends, relatives and fellow workers in the office.

//Klein F. Emperado is one of the exchange students in the exchange programme ”Young in the World Wide Chuch” 2014. During three months he will be spending time in Sweden, sharing life, faith and every day life. Klein is a Mass Communications graduate from Silliman University, Dumaguete, Philippines and also he works as Editorial Assistant for the said university. In the exchange he represents the Philippine Independent Church/Iglesia Filipina Independiente. His line of ministry is focused mainly on Liturgy and Music for the Diocese of Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

// Klein F. Emperado är en av deltagarna i utbytesprogrammet Ung i den världsvida kyrkan 2014. Under tre månader delar han vardag, tro och liv med människor här i Sverige. Under sin första månad spenderar han tid i St Mikaels församling i Stockholms stift. Klein har tagit examen i masskommunikation vid Silliman University, Dumaguete, Filippinerna och han jobbar idag som redaktörsassistent för nämnda universitet. I utbytesprogrammet representerar han den Filippinska oberoende kyrkan (Iglesia Filipina Independiente). Hans stora intresse och inriktning innom kyrkan är främst liturgi och musik för stiftet i Negros Oriental och Siquijor.