Voting in Sweden was an experience. It only happens every 4 years and 3 different votes. Local, Regional, and the entire country. One votes for a party more than a person but you can also vote for a specific person in the party. Whoever the top winners and/or the party leader are the people voted in. But there is something else, several parties work together, which makes sense and the one with the most votes is the ruling party for lack of a better word. But they all have someone on the team (if I understand it correctly) but the percentages of the voting power.

You vote in person. You select the ballots for the party you wish, or you can write in a party or name on a blank one. One vote per area. You then put one ballot of the three different colors in an envelope and take it to the voting registrar and they check your ID against your voting card, write down the number of your voting card, seal everything, including voting card, in one large envelope and drop it in the voting box to be counted by someone else. All a very interesting process.

It is very confusing as the ballots are brought to the voting area by the party, except the large ones I suspect, and if they aren’t represented there they don’t have ballots. I was glad to be able to experience voting and see how it all works. I have been watching the television for results, however, I was more confused than ever because each party has a percentage but the red parties and blue parties get grouped together to decide which side wins. The last time I checked it nothing has been decided yet, so it is exciting. What this means is a possible change of prime minister. Not sure I completely understand but interesting nonetheless.

Aside from the excitement of the parliament race is car trouble. It has not been figured out just yet but it has happened several more times now and more frequently. So far it has always been able to be restarted but fingers crossed it is something simple. The fuel injector is the suspect but not sure. One thing I dislike about buying used cars is that you don’t always know what you are buying. You think the person is upfront and honest but sometimes they aren’t. Could be it just started but I suspect not. Anyway, car repairs are on the way. Big or small is yet to be seen.

Walks around the neighborhood are always interesting because I often see something I did not see before. I love taking new routes. Yesterday I discovered a lot of different things. Lots of schools around and discovering some areas I would not mind living in. I have been working on the paperwork for a loan for an apartment but as interest rates climb we will see if I qualify. My income is not entirely taken into account and the process is made a bit more challenging because I am here and loan is in Arizona but it will get sorted out I am sure.

The statue of the boy lifting the rock really appealed to me. The plaque below it says it was created for ABF as a reminder of a person’s potential, that if given the right conditions can develop, grow and master their situation. One can overcome obstacles. I am reminded I need to pick myself up again and again and each time I make a little more progress. It is not always what I want to do, and sometimes I lay and wallow for a while but eventually, I will get back up and try again. I have been told I am brave and I am glad that is what you see. I feel weak and scared quite a lot. I keep putting one foot in front of the other and lift the heavy burden of my world and just keep holding on to the knowledge I am living my life the best I can.

On one of my walks, I think I discovered the Park Avenue of Malmö. It felt completely different. The walkways were cleaner, the buildings well kept, the areas around it so neat and tidy. The cars in the parking lot were newer. Interestingly though the people who came and went were like everywhere else, but maybe a little nicer clothing. It was a short 15-minute walk from my place, which is filled with bicycles, people and graffiti. There is a beautiful church nearby as well which I visited around Christmas. Its gleaming silver rooftop spires. On the other side of this church is the police station where I got my passport.

I am excited to have yet another place to explore in the future so close by. I mentioned earlier this week there were three graveyards. This is the middle one where the fancy gravestones are but as I walked home I saw the beautiful minneslund (memory spot) where your loved ones ashes get spread around the gardens. This beautiful fountain was there. The ring of eternity is only partially shown in this photo but on the opposite side, it is complete. There were many engravings along the sides but this was my favorite, reminding us we will meet our loved ones in heaven someday. Grateful for the peace which comes with that knowledge. May we not forget to appreciate those who are living as well. May God hold you in his hand and bring you peace, joy and happiness!