It might be difficult to see me but I'm the little chocholate chip nearest you. This is exactly before the Bishop lays his hands on us and presents with the symbols of our ordination.

You can't see it in this picture but the cathedral was about 75% full.

i can't believe it but it is over. It was a very moving ceremony. it really felt like the Holy Spirit was very present.

as the pictures come in I will try to add them and for those who are not familiar with the CoS (Church of Sweden) I will try to explain. If you have any questions then feel free to ask.

I was so nervous. I had to pee almost from the very beginning of the 1½ hour service. I was so afraid that I might faint and then pee on myself. I kept praying, "God please keep my bladder in check".

In the picture you can see a cordless microphone closest you. This is because we had just, I was the last one, sworn our oaths. We have just sworne to preach the Gospel, the good news about Jesus, in as pure and easy-to -understand way as possible in accordance with our church's confession. we have promised to work so that God is glorified, the church is built up and the realization of the will of God in our world. We promised to have Jesus as a rolemodle ant to bear witness to Gods love and the mystery of reconciliation. All this will be accomplished with help from God.

yes it was big deal. I was presented with a stole and chasuble and then we passed out the elements (bread and wine).

I almost lost it when my oldest son, Eddie, and my youngest daughter, Nikole, came and received the Holy Communion from me. I was so filled with thankfulness to God for that moment.

afterwards there was a whole host of people who came up and congradulated me and wished me well. I am a very lucky person to have so many friends all over the world. I don't know how our why but I am very thankful for my friends and family. There are people who feel very alone and disconnected, so this, having true friends, is in no way a right.

Well today I turn 45 years old. I'm getting so old. I also have to stop writing because I have to go and meet the Archbishop of the Church of Sweden, Anders Weyryd. I hope that it goes well.

later on today I have to go to the hospital. If you think about it pray for me. They are going to check my lever and gall bladder.

The snow that we had over the weekend has now melted away again. The weather thing is really crazy.

Gudsfrid