The break-in to our motor home was a bit of a shock. I suppose we were very trusting/careless. Roy wasn’t sure if he locked the motor home. He left the two laptops on the bed, with just a towel over them, left Irene’s ipod touch charging, and left my iPad, in a backpack in the unlocked cupboard. All very professionally taken in the hour we left the camper.
We probably will travel with laptops again–we are digital citizens after all, and the internet–researching things, checking things, blogging, running our business, reading news, writing to people, being wired–is +part of our lifeblood!! However, we will, almost surely, carry them with us in a backpack, and not leave anything valuable in the car!!
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The rest of the holiday, however, was tranquil. I enjoyed lolling seal-like on the rocks on Lake Vanern, the largest lake in Sweden, four times the size of greater London. Irene and Zoe and Roy swam out to islands, and I joined them a bit but sensibly desisted when the water felt so cold that it was as if I was being bitten. Lake Vanern stretches as far as the eye can reach. It’s like an inland ocean. I had two days praying on the rocks while the girls swam, made barbeques and explored. I feel all prayed up, and envisioned, and have a clear vision, purpose and direction for the year to come.
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Yesterday: Vadstena on Lake Vattern. The Klosterkyrkan was grey, imposing and “humble” on the outside was built according to the specification of Saint Birgitta, Patron Saint of Sweden and Europe (a Swedish Joan of Arc) who saw the yet unbuilt church, abbey and monastery in visions. Inside, like a Tardis, it has rich, colourful medieval art.
The Palace nearby is on the shores of Lake Vattern. We walked by it and enjoyed a most beautiful sunset.
Had a lovely day canoeing on Stockholm’s archipelago today.
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But, but, but…somewhat embarrassed to admit this…. We really are experienced travellers, and generally come to Europe 6 times a year, in every school half term. However, we totally underestimated Stockholm traffic. Thought we had left plenty of time to get to the airport, but the traffic at 5 p.m. was a nightmare, we crawled at a snail’s pace, and missed our flight!!
So are flying out tomorrow! Spending the night in an expensive 4 star hotel. Disorganization is expensive.
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I have another prayer request, PLEASE, dear blog readers. The first 48 hours in England are going to be super challenging. We arrive at midday on Wednesday (rather than 10 p.m. Tuesday). Zoe and Irene leave for India on their own midday Friday to visit my mother. It’s their second time flying alone to India. We leave for the Greenbelt Christian artsy festival on Friday evening.
In those 2 days, we have to get lots of present shopping done for their India trip, get badly needed haircuts for me and Zoe!!, get packed for India and Greenbelt, wrap up business stuff, run laundry, report losses to insurance, all while keeping the house tidy for our wonderful friend and housesitter! And Zoe gets her GCSE (national schoole exams taken at 16) results, which might determine what she chooses for her A-lovels. All doable with prayer and keeping on an even keel. Please pray for us.
Read my new memoir: Rosaries, Reading, Secrets: A Catholic Childhood in India (US) or UK.
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My book of essays: Wandering Between Two Worlds (US) or UK
Jennifer in OR says
White overnight?? Now THAT is some stress, for sure. You'll look very hip w/ the henna. 😉
Anita Mathias says
Thanks Jen. I am sure it was all the stress; am slightly feverish, with a bad cough and cold. Was going to camp in Greenbelt, the Christian arts festival, with my blogging friend Lesley revdlesley.net, but am so shattered that I don't have the energy to do that. Am probably going to commute to the festival in Cheltenham which is 47 miles away. English roads though are not great; speed limits are often 50-60.
I was so stressed with the break-in that a strand of hair turned white overnight. Gosh! Had it professionally hennaed today, but am now afraid to check out the colour!!
Jennifer in OR says
Oh, no! Ill?? Get well soon, love & prayers, Jen
Anita Mathias says
And good luck with your exchange student's visit. What a lovely idea!
I managed to get quite ill, and so have retired from all the stress. Sent Roy and the girls present shopping, which actually isn't a joy for me. And am resting up, though need to pack for the Greenbelt festival tomorrow, if, God willing, I am well enough to go.
Jennifer in OR says
Anita, will be praying for those 48 hrs, and also for the girls' trip to India to be hemmed in and around with His presence and protection.