I am sitting at the
airport in Dusseldorf eating a very expensive (I think) Cesar Salad with
Chicken and writing my blog while surrounded by the murmur of mostly German
voices and some funky music playing. It’s a nice place to hang out while I wait
for my flight back to Norway and normality. Although again I wonder what
“normality” really means, what it even looks like for me in my life.
It’s been a lovely 4
days in Cologne. A few weeks ago I was again invited to come down and teach on
the DTS about justice, and it all worked out with work schedules and time
available. It’s been such a blessing to pour out of my knowledge and experience
into lives of those who are just starting their journeys in missions and
ministry. A joy to get to remember again so many of the stories and lives that
have become part of my life over the years. And such a privilege to be able to
continue to minister even though I have stepped out of full-time ministry.
It was also a fun
time. A good friend came over from Amsterdam for these days and we had some
good times catching up over coffee, hot chocolate and pastries at the two
little cafe’s in the neighbourhood, as well as a shopping trip to Aldis.
Yesterday we took the
hour long bus trip into the centre of Cologne. After walking through the
Cathedral we headed to the Fragrance
Museum where the original Eau de Cologne was invented by Farina, an Italian
who came to Cologne for the very purpose of entering the fragrance market. It
was fascinating to hear the story of how he’d set up his business and also
getting to smell some original fragrances (one which was amazingly enough
developed from the oils in whale vomit). After a very informative tour we
walked across town (through Christmas markets being prepared for the opening
weekend) to a lovely little curry place called “Buy buy Curry”. Not sure what’s
up with the “buy buy” thing... but maybe it means to buy lots of their curry. I
had my favourite curry, chicken Bhuna and a scrumptious Nan, together with a
mango lassi. Delicious!
Walking back to the
bus to head back we were walking quickly coz it was quite chilly. But as we
walked I was so struck again by how many homeless people are on the streets of
Cologne. One man was even sitting with bare feet in a desperate attempt to gain
the sympathy of passers-by so they would give him some money. It was heart-breaking.
As we were walking down the stairs from the Cathedral to the station I walked
by a man who was busy organising his bag or something. I looked at him and as
our eyes met I smiled. He smiled back and then we were gone. But as I smiled at
him it was almost as if that moment brought dignity that was being taken away
by so many others just walking by. That the tiny gesture of acknowledging him
brought value back to him. I didn’t give him any money or help, but I believe
that you can never underestimate the power of a smile.
Well, my salad is
almost done. They’ve added fresh parsley which is a different but a quite nice
flavour in a Cesar Salad. It’ll be nice to be home in two-flights time (seems
so strange to fly up to Oslo to then fly down to Stavanger again, but hey,
that’s the itinerary so I’ll stick with it). I look forward to a free weekend
at home. Working last weekend makes me appreciate free weekends so much more.
Time to unpack my few things from this week and again turn my attention to the
things that make up my life and my day-to-day in Norway.