MSIA staff member, Angel Gibson, is currently traveling in Sweden to do MSIA services and also MSIA events there. She has been sending updates by email to John-Roger, John Morton and the MSIA staff. Below are the updates we’ve received so far. Enjoy!
DAY 1 IN SWEDEN
The first full day in Sweden was packed with services, lunch and dinner with local MSIAers, followed in the evening with an Inner Worlds of Meditation open evening workshop.
Our old friend, Kenneth Lindstrom, a former Stockholm MSIA Rep who now is also a minister in the Swedish equivalent of the Church of England, came for services then we went to lunch at the neighborhood pub. We did a lot of catching up, and he filled me in on his pastoral duties which include overseeing his church staff of 12.
As the day progressed, we were joined at Ulla Sandell’s home by MSIAers who drove as much as 7 hours to be there for the evening workshop and the fellowshipping. We laughed and shared over dinner at a nearby restaurant that was unique in that as we walked in the front door the sinks for washing hands were right there as were the bathrooms – so we weren’t sure if we had walked into the bathroom or the restaurant – it was both. Dubious at first about what kind of food I’d be served, I was happy to find out that the meal was very tasty – and of course, the company very warm. We laughed a lot, especially as they were teaching me Swedish words – I now know how to say and read “Thanks”, “You’re welcome”, “and”, “all”, “others”, “there”, “have”, “is”, “yes”, “no”. One thing about our Swedish MSIA family – they have the best sense of humor – so much for that “quiet reserved” Swedish label!
11 people attended the Meditation workshop – 3 of them were not on Discourses – this was great as I don’t think I’ve ever had a new person at an MSIA workshop in Sweden. Each new person participated, shared and seemed to enjoy the evening. Each of them also were attending seminars near where they lived so they have good support. We ended promptly at 9:30pm so the people who were driving 7 hours back home could get on the road (but they were in no hurry). Kenneth was driving 3
