Another Birthday

September 14 .... there is a feeling of Fall in the air.

The rain stopped, so we went for a birthday walk.

The "famous" Norwegian slugs were out sunning themselves.

Black ones.....

and brown ones.

Saw this cute, "Children playing, drive carefully" sign.

This older lady must live in the care center near our apartment.  We came upon her, taking a rest from her morning walk, sitting on her walker, enjoying this scene.
"When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love."
                - Marcus Aurelius

Friday brought some fun surprises.
Flowers from the R.S. presidency

A yummy birthday cake from the YSA's along 
with cards and kind words.

Tom brought down this piece of edible art made by Turid.  Layers of bread, spreadable caviar,
topped with cucumbers, shrimp, lox and 
red and black caviar.  The YSA's, including the 
missionaries, devoured it!  

Speaking of missionaries - these four have been
our total district for the past 6 weeks.
Eldstes Broadbent and Nelson, served in Arendal.
Søsters Smith and Peterson in K-Sand.

Eldste Nelson and Søster Smith were transferred.

The new Kristiansand missionary force -
Eldstes Jefferies and Sogla; Søsters Williams and Peterson
and the Ektepar.
It is always sad when these amazing young missionaries leave - but we have learned that new, amazing young missionaries will come to take their places.
This is going to be a fun group!

After some shopping on Sat. morning, we brought home a kebab pizza, from "Happy Time".  It is delicious!  Topped with kebab meat, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce and corn.  

A wonderful birthday week surprise - the three big, noisy
fans that have been drying out our apartment, were picked up
and taken away.  It is so quiet!  So, in preparation for
the apartment to be put back to normal, (after new carpet
and baseboards are installed), Jim shampooed the couch
and love seat and oiled the shelves and the new, free, coffee table.
One of our YSA's works at a recyclable center where people
can drop off anything they no longer want and other people can just
come and take what they want.  Jim and I stopped by one evening, and there was this wooden table - so we took it.  (We felt a little like thieves - but that is how it works).  The table matches the kitchen table and other wood in our apartment perfectly. 

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I have shared how much Norwegians love hearts - they hang them on their homes, doors, flower pots, candles, baskets, etc.
Recently, I saw these - heart shaped Fiske Kaker.  Fish cakes.

We heart our mission!
The older we get, the more we heart 
our family and friends
on both sides of the Atlantic!  

Seinsommeren

This photo is titled "Seinsommeren i Kristiansand", 
and Adam Read gets the credit for it.
"Late Summer in Kristiansand" is beautiful!



It has been so nice to return to our regular schedule
at the center and to start a new Institute course.  We are looking forward to studying "Jesus Christ and His Everlasting Gospel". In the first lesson we read from, "The Living Christ", " His life which is central to all human history neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary.  He lives.  He is the light, the life and the hope of the world.  
He will return to earth and rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord 
of Lords".

I love my Savior.  

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It's so great to be back meeting with this group on a regular basis!!
The group is a little smaller these days - Camilla is in England
working as a nanny; Benjamin left for Scotland;  three of our original YSA's graduated to marriage, (Hurrah!), so we are hoping for lots of "visitors", baptisms and move ins!

Hanging out at the center. 

Even some of the "older than YSA's" like to 
hang out here.

Home made root beer floats were the 
"welcome back" treat.
Atle and Frederik, (who served missions in the US),
 know root beer....

...and they are fans!

Others, like Ola, were not big fans.  They think
it tastes like toothpaste.

These two super young adults, Mats and Hannah,
 just received their Patriarchal blessings.  It takes
 a bit more planning over here.  The Patriarch lives 
in Bergen so that means about an hour flight is involved. 
 It's a little more time consuming and a lot more expensive here.  

This super young adult is leaving for Scotland where
he will continue his education.

We sure are going to miss Benjamin!!

Recently, we received a surprise package from
President and Kristy Clason - a 2 pound box of
SEES chocolates.  Everyone loved them!!
Tusen takk, Chris and Kristy!!

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Mission Conference in Bergen

Elder and Sister Johnson from the area presidency
visited our mission.  This is the north, west and southern
zones of the mission.

Bergen is a beautiful city.

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Jim and I decided to hike in a new area last Saturday.

It was absolutely beautiful!

An Indian summer kind of day.

We were tempted to go for a ride.

Somebody's private "water park".

Wild blackberries free for the picking.

I think the postman must enjoy delivering mail here.

"I have an easier time reflecting on my life when I'm outside of my everyday setting, whether that's travel far from home or just stepping into nature for an hour or two.  It's a gift to allow - even encourage ourselves to be swept up in such reflective contemplation."
                                           Carrie Clark
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Boat ride 

We had a delightful boat ride around the many islands near  Kristiansand with Tom and Turid.

Have I mentioned how much waterfront property there is here?

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Not so fantastisk - our apartment flooded!  There were puddles
of water in the bathroom, hall and bedroom after a huge, late summer downpour.
 Help came early the next morning, though, tearing out the carpet and baseboards, moving our bed into the front room and setting up three fans to dry up and draw out the water. All is well!

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Visiting teaching on a beautiful seinsommeren day 
was a joy with this fun lady!
She is the best Bjørghild I know!

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