IrishOboe

October 4, 2007

After writing my last update I scanned my emails to see if anything need to be taken care off.  I clicked on the one about BCF Bible study randomly, even though I had forgotten they were moved to Thursday nights.  I read that this week’s study was at Valda’s house, which I’m quite near now, and since it was only 8:10 I decided to catch the end of it.  It turns out I only missed the singing.  I didn’t realize how much I’d missed people until I was with them again.  I was so excited I ran most of the way there and it was just so good to see people again.  I know, it’s only been three months, and no, it’s not like seeing family again, but they are my family while I’m here, it is a bit like.  I had to question myself hard about whether I would still want to come back even if everyone I knew moved away (which is almost possible) and I did finally conclude that I would, but the people were certainly a big draw on top of that!  I was sad to hear that one of the ‘gang’ has moved churches, and Stephan was too busy with work to attend (that must mean work is insane), but a number of others were there and we had a lovely study with apple pie afterwards.  It was a bit strange to empty my brain of German and put on my British English ears, but I’ll get it back.  The extra blessing of the evening was an invitation from Valda to use her wireless internet anytime I need it.  She’s a five minute walk away and my time with the dial-up computer made the offer all the more sweet.  They get high speed for 49 Francs a month and it just splits the phone line so I can probably get internet at Veronika’s without much trouble.

I still better not write too much because I’m on one computer battery until I get my stuff.  As for the rest of the day, Veronika took me on a little walk to nearby shops (and the bank that’s there is my bank, too – how convenient!) and then we made dinner.  I made a salad dressing with no directions for the first time in my life.  It was, well, interesting, but I’m not a picky eater, so I ate it gladly.  Veronika spoke well of it, but she’s also very nice and polite . . .

I got some nice maps and information from the Binningen office I registered at and they’ll send my application off so I’ll get my L-permit in the mail.  I thought I’d have to go to Liestal or some such, so that made me happy.  I haven’t decided yet whether to get a tram pass or not because I can’t get the junior discount and the year pass is no cheaper because it shaves of two months, but I’m only here three months!  Oh well, those are boring details.  It was another good day full of provisions.  God is so generous to me through his servants!  Hopefully you’ll be reading this Oct. 5^th thanks to Valda!  And to think I made her feel guilty for not writing me back because I complained that a number of people ignored me this summer – to which Nigel replied “You didn’t write me!”  So, I did my share of ignoring I guess.  When will I learn to hold my tongue?  He gave me a ride home anyway, which was nice because it was after dark even though I feel quite safe in the neighborhood.