Fun with family

Like last year, Jenn's mom and her husband came for a visit during the boys' fall break. We had just finished up a visit from a colleague and a week with our first volunteer team, so we were a bit tired when they arrived. But even though we kept things low key this visit, I think everyone had a great time!

Ready for Winter

Zack bought me an early birthday gift while we were out with family last week.
Now the cold weather can get here whenever it wishes!

A taste of the USA

We had a great time with our first volunteer team a couple of weeks ago. Eleven folks from Cross Pointe Church spent just over a week in Norway. We enjoyed introducing them to our country, the food, friends, and other things that we've come to love over the past 20 months.

We appreciated their energy, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn. We enjoyed their support and encouragement. We loved introducing them to our friends and local partners here. And we were grateful for the way they approached every day with a heart for serving.

And as if that was not enough, they also surprised us with lots of gifts and treats. You should have seen the boys' faces light up over Pop-Tarts, macaroni and cheese, muffin mix, candy, toys, and so many other things.

Real Life

Some days the expat life is great. Other days it can be a struggle.

But a couple of recent days stand out as days where I have to pinch myself to be certain this is real life.

Out doing some work in our neighboring city, Tønsberg

Coffee and conversation with a local friend

Hamburg Highlights

While our focus was more on catching up than on tourism, we did manage to see a good bit of the city. It was beautiful!

So long, old friend

Last week was a tough one for our family. Zack said it well, so I will simply copy what he posted on Facebook...

Our sweet girl Adie died on Monday. She was almost 16 years old! Hard to move overseas and leave her behind and hard not to be there with her in her last days. Thankful to my folks and brother for caring for her and also to Deceased Pet Care.