The Harpers Come to Visit!!

April 15, 2011





Cheri and Doug (in blue behind her) Harper arrive
in Karlstad by train!  Gary and I both met them at the station
which is a very short walk from our apartment.



This was a long-awaited day for me especially.  On Friday afternoon, April 15th, Gary and I walked down to the train station and met Cheri and Doug Harper who arrived on the train out of Stockholm after they had traveled around Europe for almost two weeks.  We were thrilled they would come this far out of their way to visit us.  Getting to Karlstad from any place is no easy or short trip. 

A little bit of history:  Cheri and I have been Bible Study Fellowship International (BSF) friends for years and remained part of a lunch group called "The Roman Sisters" after Cheri led the group through the study of Romans. Prior to our move, Cheri and I were in leadership together.

We had a delightful visit.  Karlstad had just won the national hockey championship the night before and the town square was all abuzz with excitement and celebration.  So, after we got settled with their luggage in the apartment, we walked down to the square to check out the festivities where a crowd had congregated. On our way back to our apartment we showed off the downtown area a little bit. Since the weather has been much nicer, and the threats of winter snow have passed, outdoor seating has been set up for many of the restaurants. 

Saturday morning after breakfast we drove to Arvika and had lunch at a little café in town.  Cheri got her meatballs that she had wanted to try and enjoyed them in a sandwich.  Stores were already closed for the day, so there wasn’t much browsing going on.  When we returned to Karlstad we went for another walk around town after dinner.  Gary and I were so thankful that the weather was beautiful and sunny and many of the flowers were in bloom.  

The next day, after lunch, we drove to Stockholm where we sadly dropped them at the airport after enjoying a dinner of pizza in a pizza place that was once a – get this – Applebee’s!!!  In fact, after going into the still-like-Applebee’s restroom, I played a little fantasy game that I was back in the states, that is, until two Swedish fellas walked in and were talking rather loudly – that bounced me back to reality rather quickly.  I passed Gary on the way to the restroom again before we left and he said, “You have to go again?”  I said, “No, I’m just transporting myself back to the states again…” (GRIN)

We had a wonderful visit and enjoyed spending time with the Doug and Cheri. Great house guests!! Precious sweet friends…