These Frosty Days

I went on another hiking trip on Sunday. This time our goal was Esja, which is the mountain that over looks Reykjavik. I have taken many pictures of it and I was excited to finally be on top of it. Our afternoon adventure turned into a long exciting one because we missed the first bus which caused us to miss the next one, but we did succeed in making it to the top (despite the misdirection we got from a local while hiking) before the sun had fully set. My body now is tired from working so hard. Esja was harder (to me) it felt like a never ending cross country meet. A joy and a burden. I knew I would finish (if there was enough day light to get down) but the finish line seemed to never be in sight.

The last few days here have been AMAZING weather wise (Yes, I am very Minnesotan to mention the weather – again). The frost has started to collect on the grass, trees, windows, and my breath is visible. I get chills of joy just thinking about it. Yesterday after classes Maggie and I ventured downtown to Hallgrimskirkja (a church I have also taken multiple pictures of) and went up to the top of the steeple. The view of Reykjavik from there was spectacular! The buildings were dotted about the city with their red and green roofs and the ocean was so close. There are days that I completely forget that I am on an Island, but yesterday I was reminded of that beautiful fact.

Also yesterday Charlize and I went to a bible study of University students (Icelandic and exchange). I was blown away by a few facts: they deal with the same struggles I do, they know the same worship songs I do, and they enjoy Apples to Apples! People in this world really aren’t that different once you get to know them, even if they grew up in another country. Again meeting all of these amazing people has brought a wave of sadness because I don’t want to leave after making new friends. These two months are going to fly by, and I know I should be thankful that I finally did meet some Christian students and enjoy each day I have here with them.

Homework calls me. Good thing today is a gloomy day because that means I will actually get things done!