I Miss These People, Places & Things

I'm back home in Utah after spending seven weeks in Norway. The mountains are green and beautiful here and I have enjoyed spending time with Spencer and Chaddy BUT I really, really miss these people, places and things......

Megs, Shya and Hunter @ YWAM San Diego/Baja, Mexico

Elin @ Del Coronado Beach, Coronado, California

Ann Elisabeth & Ivar from Kristiansand, Norway

Astrid & Helga from Bryne, Norway

The Lighthouse on Flekkerøya, Norway

Syttende Mai - Norway's National Day on Flekkerøya, Norway

Knekkebrød, the best thing ever!

Alt for Norge!

Oddernes Church (Oddernes Kirke)

We visited an historic site in Kristiansand today: Oddernes Kirke. A runestone which was originally in the cemetery reads that the site has been central to the community as far back as the time of Saint Olav Den Hellige! Discoveries in burial mounds in the area bear witness that the settlement dates back to 400 A.D. 

In 1630 the Church was extended to prepare for a visit by Christian IV in 1635. In 1699, the present Church Bell Tower was built. It holds three bells and the oldest is from the 13th century. (We've heard the bells peal several times and it's a beautiful sound, by the way.)

There is a Baroque altar and some amazing painted works along the ceiling and woodwork through the church. It is considered one of the oldest churches in this part of the country and is very popular for weddings and special occasions.  I love the sense of history in all the details. It really is a lovely church and well-worth seeing if you're ever in the Kristiansand area.

Oddernes Kirke in Kristiansand at Sunset

And in the Sunshine

Candles against the painted ceiling with blue sky and clouds

Sunlight pouring through the aged glass by the altar

Beautiful silver chandelier in front of amazing pipe organ

 Runestone carved with Viking script declaring the God-son of Olav the Holy

used his inheritance to build this church in 1040 A.D.

Standing in front of the preacher's pulpit: Ann Elisabeth, Vivien and Me

Paintings along the front of the choir loft depicting the Saints

and also virtues. This one is for JUSTICE

True story: I had my heart set on seeing the inside of this church because I'd heard it was spectacular. We tried going there the evening before and it was locked so we went this afternoon in hopes of seeing inside. It was locked again  so we decided to stroll through the graveyard and check things out. A young guy popped up and I caught sight of him just as he was going through the back door of the church. Ann Elisabeth bravely chased him down and asked if we could see inside. Not only was he happy to let us in but he knew a lot about the church and gave us a private tour. Isn't the Lord sweet to answer the desires of our hearts?

What a wonderful Father You are!

Kristiansand & Flekkerøy

We finally arrived in Norway after thirty-two hours of travel. The sun is shining and we've had a break today and it's lovely. We are staying with a YWAM family who is also involved in worship in the area. They have a lovely house that was built in the 1700s and Ann Elisabeth has made it both beautiful and cozy. It has been nice staying with them as we share the same heart for worship and the nations.

Here are some snapshots of life right now:

Jet-Lag (Also known as Yet-Lag)

Smiling Jesus Painting in our Bedroom (Soverom)

Typical Norwegian Breakfast (Frokost)

Ivar and Ann Elisabeth Hanging Out

Ivar's Cat Sunning Himself on the Roof

Beautiful Spring Crocus in the Garden

 Possibly the Best Chocolate Cake I've Ever Tasted!

Kudos to Ann Elisabeth :)

Worship Last Night in the State Church on Flekkerøy

We are in the Kristiansand area until Thursday evening when we travel to Bergen for a Reform Norge conference. We will stay a few days after the conference to learn about Bergen and see the sites. 

It is SO good to be back in the Motherland!

Tusen Takk, Far!