A Little Lesson

So, just when you think you've got a country figured out, you find there are more things to learn about the way things are done. I recently called to make an appointment with a medical professional. I was frustrated that they only answered their phones at certain times during the days. I left three separate messages, and they finally returned my call. Then I learned that the reason for this is that they don't have receptionists. They actually answer the phones themselves, and return the phone calls. This was a complete surprise to me, but it makes sense that the government won't pay for them to have someone answer phones and book appointments for them. I guess this was just part of the socialized medical system I didn't expect.

K and Her Questions

Today as we were driving to have lunch with Timo (a rare occurence) K asked me why there were bad people in the world. She continued, but she didn't really know how to ask what she was wanting to ask. She talked about people, but she was trying to say more. After a short discussion, I figured out she really wanted to know why God lets bad things happen. I was surprised to hear this question coming from my (brilliant -- sorry, I had to add that) 3-year-old, but I was delighted to be able to share with her that we live in a fallen world (try explaining that to a young kid), and there are bad things because there is sin in the world. I tried to explain spiritual warfare, and I didn't feel like I was having a conversation with a 3-yr-old. I felt like I was talking to someone much older with a question as profound as that (hey, a 9-yr-old is 3x her age). We talked for several minutes, and she asked some questions when she did not understand something. I know some things I said were a little over her head, but she seemed to be satisfied with the answers I gave her. We shall see if this topic comes up again.

Awwww... Rats

I wrote how I enjoyed how easy it is to be a little more "green" here in Sweden, but there is another side to the coin. Apparently, there has been a rat (yuck!) problem in the city due to the compost trash cans. I have never seen one, but I don't live in the actual city. A friend of mine who does live in the city says she has never seen a rat, either, but there are supposed to be as many rats as there are people. I hate rats, and I am thankful our neighbors have a cat who likes to hunt little furry creatures.

Back Online

I am finally with internet access again, and it took me a couple of hours to sift through my unread email from the past month. It has been nice to feel like I can communicate with the world again. I also feel a little more in the loop when it comes to current events.
My brother James was in Houston (where he lives) when Ike hit, and I got my updates about the storm through Timo. I was able to get ahold of James when it was all over (via phone), so I knew he was okay.
It has been nice to not have the distraction of the internet when it comes to the kiddos, but I am so happy to be in touch with the rest of my family again (phone calls were getting expensive). Speaking of kids.... I need to change a diaper. More later...