Norway

I was just fine...until I read Siljes letter.
I promise I was in one piece and feeling optimistic about life. And even bragging that I am beginning to feel strong and that I am starting to consider going out and serving God right here in Mexico, my beautiful and beloved country.
Nothing like eating with tortillas and beans! Mexico...I am here and happy...until I read that letter and I start to cry.
God loves doing things in a crazy way. He just seems to love it. I wonder if I will ever get used to His way.
Silje said "I wanted to send you a chocolate from Norway, so you would have a piece of Norway"
I cry.
I will get to Norway someday...I know...these are the same tears I used to cry for the jungle in Bolivia.
I was in La Paz and the jungle seemed soooo far away...it was in many ways...and I would cry and cry because I couldn't go.
And then God took me to the jungle and then I did what I had to do, and then the pain went away.

Funny thing is that I didn't really DO anything in the jungle. No proyects, no programs, did not take money nor medicines... yet I did what I had to do:
I loved the people
I encouraged them
I held them tight and reminded them that God had not abandoned them.
I did my part, I am satisfied.

and then God does things in a strange way and I end up visiting Norway. It was sooooo strange. Don't think many people know how God provided for the ticket. I think I will share the story, only to make you laugh and to get a smile back on my face.
There was a brother in our church who had a lot of money. When we were in a small learders meeting the trip to Europe was mentioned. I noticed contempt in his eyes. And God told me to tell him that he should watch out. He did not have to help in any way but he should not critizice that which was in God's heart.
So I went to his office the following week (and only a week before the trip) and I told him exactly that. I made it clear that I was NOT going to go and that I did NOT want to go, but that I had been praying for more than a year and had it clear that our pastor HAD TO go, it would be a trip that would change his life.
We talked for a while and he told me his point of view. I simply added that he should be careful and should not criticize...
He paid for my ticket. He did not tell me anything directly he gave the money to the pastors and they told me. The sunday before we left I was praising God with my hands lifted up in the air and he gently walked by and teasingly said "have a nice trip"
That was all.

even now I do not understand what moved him to pay for my ticket...sure God...but...I did not want to go...I mean... never mind it will remain a mistery.
Funnier thing yet:
That trip has changed MY LIFE for ever.

I know this is the end of this letter.
I sigh...Norway...tulips.... I sigh.