From Brazil to Sweden!

We, Cátia and Isabella are in a city in the north of Sweden called Umeå, which is part of ​​the Diocese of Lulea. A relatively large city with a large hospital and a great University. We are participating in the parish TEGs FÖRSAMLING. We have met nice and special people during these four weeks in Sweden. Each one with different functions, but with the same ideal as us to serve the church. It is interesting to see how people are happy to know that we, two participants in the exchange program from Brazil, are here to spend time in the parish with them. We really enjoy when people talk to us and when they are asking about Brazil. We were so happy to see people’s emotions when we read Bible stories in Portuguese. They thanked us for reading, even though they did not understand the language.

A first great impression about the TEG church was the size of its structure and with different environments, but with few people in the services. The Cults are approximately about 30 people, a situation that is a bit uncomfortable and frightening for us. The reality of Sweden is quite different compared to Brazil. The Swedish people have a comfortable life and they are not depending on others to do things.

It is interesting to see how the Lutheran church in Brazil is different from the Lutheran church in Sweden. Before we got here, we did not know about the differences between our churches. We did not know about ​​the Swedish culture. All we knew was that Swedish people likes to FIKA (to have coffee and buns), and we find it very interesting and good!

We have many weeks left in Sweden and we believe that it will still add a lot to us. In just a few weeks we have seen so many different things!

We miss our Brazilian friends Camila and Thomaz but also all the other friends that we met in Sigtuna Folkhögskola during the introduction course in March. It’s so cool to feel the value of friendship. In Sigtuna we had difficulties talking to the others because of the English language which is hard for us to understand and speak. It was the first contact with English outside our country. But it was so nice to see how we found each other even with these difficulties. It’s also nice to see how we evolve in the language in Sweden, we learn more and more every day.

Now it is time to move forward and face the next challenges waiting for us in our next parish!

“For every creature of God is good.” 1 Timothy Chapter 4, verse 4

Thank you!

Obrigada!

Tack!

Cátia Liane Ücker and Isabella Gnas are exchange participants in the international group of 2015 and they come from the southern parts of Brazil. They have been spending their first month in the northern parts of Sweden and have hopefully been able to see some snow!