The wind was brisk, the sky sunny,and the waters blue as we entered Kristiansand harbour this morning. We ate breakfast and headed into town. Another ship 15 times the size of ours was also in town, and as we walked off our ship we encountered an avalanche of passengers, mostly from the UK on their Easter break, heading in the same direction.
In Kristiansand we encountered a delight – a free organ and piano recital at the cathedral. The acoustics were superb in the wood lined sanctuary. After an opening prayer, we were introduced to hymns and melodies of Norwegian origin. The organist also sang acapella – her voice ringing clearly. My heart was lifted up by this praise to God. One wonders if other tourists were as affected as I was. The gospel shone clearly for half an hour.
After we left, the need for the gospel was also clearly on display. As we walked through the town we encountered, what seemed like drug affected people abusing each other and those, like us, who crossed their paths.
Currently I am sitting in the lounge of our ship watching containers being loaded and unloaded. The joy of music, the tragedy of drugs – but in the harbour life goes on.
Travels from Ur 