New Year's Resolution

New Year often brings along New Year Resolution's that will be forgotten soon. For years, I have tried not to go crazy with my resolutions and rather find a few ideas or phrases to help me guide the new year.  Two years ago, I decided to TAKE more time for reading, becuase I always say that I love reading, but then when you ask me what was the last book I read, I had hard time remembering because I hadn't read for a while. I still work on taking time for reading, although it has become a bit harder due to university studies at the moment. But I will get there! 

This year, I was driving alone on January 1st and put on some worhip music. There was a song that touched me and I have decided this to be my "motto" this year. My favourite phrase from it says: "I touch the sky when my knees hit the ground". A bit controversial, but that's how things work in God's kingdom. The song can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLaHl2wrg-Y 

Paastuaeg

Tänasest algab paastuaeg. Siin üks väljakutse, kuidas seda teha heldemalt, et jagada Jumala armastust maailmale meie ümber.
40 acts liikumine https://40acts.org.uk/signup/

New trend - Life

Someone posted this link from a Norwegian blog on Facebook about two weeks ago. I decided to check it out and it turned out to be an AMAZING blogpost. So I decided to translate into English and Estonian so that others can get part of it, too. The original post is here: http://fristendelavkarbo.no/2013/12/11/ny-trend-livet/

In English:
New trend; Life
I meet you on my way to the car. It has been a while since we met each other, we never find time. We stop and chat, talk, update. But then it comes out that we know most of the things anyway. -Yes, I heard that, you say. -I saw on Facebook that you have taken a trip, I say. -Your youngest has become so big, you say. -I saw the picture on Instagram. We agree to meet again soon. We would have liked to continue with the talk, but we don't have time right now. We hug each other tight and feel that behind everything we know about each other, there is so much we should have talked about. -I'll call you soon, I finish while sitting in the car. But days and weeks pass. The time from the moment we get home from work until the children are in bed and the kitchen cleaned, is filled with homework, food, activities, training, shopping, preparations, watching TV. After that we, grown-ups, want to rest and have time for each other. It is so hard to find time for a cup of coffee with you in the everyday life. It's much easier to take the smartphone and read how are you doing on Facebook. Click 'like' to the things you post, show you that I see you, I follow your life. I just don't have time for you. We postpone our meeting. We don't need to meet. We experience each other on the Internet, and we're updated about each other. Sometimes we even send an sms to kind of prove that we actually think about each other. But we have no idea how it is actually going. I don't know how are you doing behind your status updates. I can't see laughter in your eyes or know how you are actually doing through the words in a text message. To know that, I need to hear the sound of your voice or see your eyes. Suddenly I miss the talks. Talks over a cup of tea, legs curled to a sofa or over a glass of wine in a café. A talk where we chat about solved and unsolved things. A chat where we solve the world's problems and create new ones, not to mention the times where we let each other deep inside ourselves and talk about things that really matter. A talk that tells me how you really are doing, that goes deeper than a shiny update about what you have or where you are. Those fantastic talks that mean so much. It says that Norwegians are so trendy. Apparently we throw ourselves over trends. Therefore I would like to propose a new trend, trendy in real life or trendy irl (yes, it has to be in English. Apparently, that's also trendy). To follow friends' life through social media is hereby announced so 2012. To call or go to a visit, to meet for a chat, that's trendy. Chats are hereby announced to be super-trendy. IRL is the new thing.

And in Estonian:
 Uus trend; Elu
Ma kohtan sind teel auto juurde. Viimasest kohtumisest on tükk aega möödas, me ei leia kunagi aega. Me peatume ja ajame juttu, jutustame, viime üksteist asjadega kurssi. Kuid siis selgub, et me teame suuremat osa asju niigi. -Jah, ma kuulsin seda, ütled sa. -Ma nägin facebook'is, et te käisite reisil, ütlen mina. -Su noorim poeg on nii suureks saanud, ütled sina. -Ma nägin pilti Instagramis. Me nõustume, et saame varsti jälle kokku. Me soovisime jutuajamist jätkata, kuid meil ei ole hetkel aega. Me kallistame üksteist kõvasti ning tunneme mõlemad, et vaatamata sellele, mida me üksteise kohta teame, on nii palju asju, millest me oleksime pidanud rääkima. -Ma helistan sulle varsti, lõpetan ma jutuajamise, istudes autosse. Kuid päevad ja nädalad mööduvad. Aeg sellest hetkest, kui tuleme töölt koju kuni lapsed on magama pandud ning köök koristatud, on täidetud koolitööde, toidu, tegevuste, trennide, šoppamise, ettevalmistustega ning teleka vaatamisega. Pärast seda tahame meie, täiskasvanud, puhata ning kahekesi aega veeta. Igapäevaelus on nii raske leida aega tassi kohvi jaoks sinuga ja nii lihtne on võtta kätte nutitelefon ning lugeda, kuidas sul läheb, facebook'ist. Klikkida 'like' asjadele, mida sa postitad, näidata sulle, et ma näen sind, ma jälgin sinu elu. Mul lihtsalt ei ole aega sinu jaoks. Me lükkame kokkusaamise edasi. Me ei pea kokku saama. Me kogeme ju üksteise elu internetis ning oleme üksteisega kursis. Me saadame isegi aeg-ajalt sms'e, et nagu tõestada, et me tõesti mõtleme üksteise peale. Kuid meil pole aimugi, kuidas tegelikult läheb. Ma ei tea, kuidas sul läheb sinu staatuse postituste taga. Ma ei näe naeru sinu silmades ega tea, kuidas sul tegelikult läheb läbi tekstisõnumis saadetud sõnade. Et seda teada saada, pean ma kuulma sinu hääle kõla või nägema sinu silmi. Korraga igatsen ma vestlust. Vestlust tassitäie teega, jalad diivani peal enda all või klaasi veini juures kohvikus. Vestlust, kus me lobiseme lahendatud ja lahendamata asjadest. Jutuajamist, kus me lahendama maailma probleeme ning loome uusi, mainimata neid kordi, kus me laseme üksteist endale väga lähedale ning räägime sellest, mis tõeliselt midagi tähendab. Vestlus, mis ütleb mulle, kuidas sul tegelikult läheb, mis läheb sügavamale kui üks hiilgav postitus sellest, mis sul on või kus sa oled. Need fantastilised jutuajamised, mis tähendavad nii palju. See näitab, et norralased on nii trendikad. Nähtavasti pühendume me trendidele kogu hingega. Seetõttu soovin ma teha ettepaneku uue trendi osas – trendy in real life või trendy irl (jah, see peab olema inglise keeles. Nähtavasti on ka see trendikas). Seega kuulutan sõprade sotsiaalse elu jälgimise sotsiaalmeedia vahendusel 2012 aasta trendiks. Nüüd on trendikas helistada või minna külla, kohtuda jutuajamiseks. Jutuajamised kuulutatakse seega supertrendikaks. IRL on uus asi.

Running for God

I went to church on Sunday and we had family service. So children helped to take up the offering. I really liked how this 7-year-old boy was taking up collection and there was confusion and he was on the wrong side waiting for the basket. So, anyway, what did he do? He RAN to the other side to take the basket again. I just think it was so beautiful! Do we RUN when we fill the tasks God has given us?

Be open

Recently I'v been thinking a lot about the topic of relationship(s). And yes, mostly the ones between a girl and a boy. How do they come to being, what kind of relationships I've had etc, etc, etc. Anyway, as I was thinking about it, I came across this blog post by Mike Patz (http://michaelpatz.com/2012/07/27/it-takes-a-village-to-connect-the-dots/) and I just think it is so true. This was definitely my favorite sentence: "It saddens me to think about relationships that never start because Christian guys don’t choose to communicate their intentions." I just feel it's so true. Well, probably the fact that I found out that a guy had had a crush on me for a period of time some years ago and I found out about it like three years later makes my feelings so much stronger. Anyway, I've thought about it a lot and what I am trying to say is that guys (and why not also girls) should express their feelings and intentions so much more. I KNOW it hurts to find out that someone you like doesn't like you back, but isn't it better to rather find it out than keep dreaming about them? At least you will know where you are, you can move on with your life. Yes, telling someone that you like them without knowing the response is making you vulnerable (talking about my own experience), but I think that's how we're supposed to be. Open, vulnerable, honest. And if you have God on your side and you follow His guidance, you might find out that this person actually likes you too! And if not, so what? As Rachel from the Friends says: "Who wouldn't like to hear that they are loved?"

I FEEL TRULY BLESSED!
And I mean it! I'm having the best time and I almost cried because God, MY Daddy is just taking so good care of me. He knows what I need and I'm happy to see that He's providing me all that and so much more! :)

The crazy life

What? What do you mean with that?
Let me tell you. Ingvild has told me before that you cannot plan much things in this family, then this point was definitely proven the last Saturday morning.
The plan was for Ingvild to go and visit her parents and siblings in the middle of Norway with the two little boys. They were flying from an airport two hours drive from us before Saturday noon. Ole was supposed to drive them to the airport and I was supposed to be with Selma that time. When I went downstairs 7.10 am, this is what Ingvild told me. Selma had been up from midnight, which meant that Ole hadn't slept at all and he won't be able to drive them to the airport. So instead, we gave Selma breakfast with her meds and hoped that she'll go back to sleep and Ole will be able to sleep a little also. I went to the airport with the rest of the family and drove the car back. And oh! It had started snowing that night. So the driving conditions were terrible! Of course, we were a little late out of the house plus the fact that it took us almost an extra half an hour to drive and what do you get? Arriving in the airport 10 minutes before the plane is supposed to leave! So we left all the check-in baggage and the trolley and the car seat for David in the car, rushed to the control gates and what were we told? The flight has been delayed 15 minutes, so now you can breathe! Which we definitely did! :) Well, they still didn't get to take the check-in baggage and other stuff, but they actually made it to the plane! I was so relieved. So they were off to having 4 great days with Ingvild's family. And I - I had to drive back home in the snowstorm, trying to figure out where the road goes. I'm thinking it was the worst trip for me. But I made it! Came home safe and found out that Ole had been able to sleep for an hour or so with Selma. That's something, right?
And then I'm thinking back at my original plan. My plan to be in Norway until January and how I was considering taking the flight home around 19th of January. I wouldn't have been here, you know. Well, they probably wouldn't have planned the trip then either. But still - I am so happy I am here. I am happy to see how me being here enables this family to do many things that 'normal' families take as granted. Like taking a four-day-trip to your family and siblings. Or going to church on Sunday morning. Or the parents having a weekend off. I am not sure how much of this they would be able to do. I am sure they would get some things done, but not all.
Just like yesterday - we are in the process of finding more assistants to help Selma (well, now we have like me and Maria, and we both don't work too many hours). In the beginning of last week, we had three people very interested and Ingvild had spent many-many hours in the office figuring out the work schedule, so that it would suit to everyone. Then one of them said that she won't be joining us after all, as she has one 50% job and it would be too much. And guess what happened yesterday evening? The other assistant, who was really interested in the training etc, said that she won't be joining us either, as she'll start studies in the fall. I don't think I've felt so sad for a while. And I definitely start to understand what Ingvild and Ole must be feeling. They have the money to pay people to come and help with Selma, but they don't have people. It is very hard. And again, my point is that I feel I am in the right place. I have been working a LOT in January, but I'm not complaining. WHY? Because I am glad I can help. And the fact that I get paid, is a bonus. I am glad I can be here and help train with Selma, so that she can improve. So that her everyday life can improve. So that she can be more alert and healthier and a happier child. The fact that I work like 12+ extra hours every week at the moment - not a problem. I will have time to have my own life soon. I know it. But I really want to see Selma getting a better life! Because she deserves it! She is this precious little girl, created by God and I have to say she has gotten the most awesome parents in the whole wide world! I was talking to Ingvild last night and she said that most families with a child like Selma would have the kid away every other week or weekend, so that the parents could have a rest. But she thinks that Selma deserves being at home. And I totally agree! It is hard - very hard, I must say. But if she has to be apart from parents from time to time - she deserves being in the comfort of her own home :)

So that's what's been going on in my life the past month basically. It's been exhausting and tiring and kinda crazy, but amidst all of it I feel that I am in the right place. And it's the BEST feeling in the whole wide world! :)

The message for the day

His steadfast love for US!

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

So who hasn't heard about the Millennium trilogy written by Stieg Larsson? I have, and I even managed to read about 50-70 pages from the first book. But that's where I left it. Because I just didn't have time.
So now has the first movie come out. Did I go to see it? Oh YES! Well, I just needed to get out of the house, so me and a friend of mine planned a trip to the movies. We were choosing between this movie and Sherlock Holmes. Well, Sherlock lost. BUT - I think it was a fair loss.
I normally don't really give reviews of the movies I watch, because I kinda suck at it - but I really enjoyed this one and want to share a couple of things with you. As I had read like the first chapter of the book, I knew who are the main characters (Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander), what they do and what will be Mikael's assignment in the book. That was it and I had actually forgotten about it too.
So, I was pretty much a blank page waiting to be painted on. And was that a way of painting! Well, there were couple of shocking parts in the movie - very graphic in a sexual and very very disgusting way. I mean like abusing way. BUT what I liked was that somehow they had managed to bring it forward so that I kinda felt what the suffering person might have felt. So although I kept my hand in front of my eyes and thought 'What the heck have I come to watch???', I liked it in the overall sense. It gave some spice to the movie and was very realistic. I mean, there was a reason for these graphic scenes and some funny (sarcastic way funny, though) moments came out of them later in the movie.
Another thing I thought of - our privacy. Basically, if anyone wants to know anything about it, they'll find a way. I am pretty sure there are enough Lisbeth Salanders in this world to find out whatever. So in a way it reminds me God. We might think that we can hide stuff and when no one knows, it's OK to do all kind of things. But we should remember that someone always knows. If it's not God, someone else might be keeping an eye on you. So I do think we should live so that we don't have anything to hide.
I also liked the movie's story. What happened etc. I think it was well built up and it was going fast enough so that I wasn't bored. At the same time, I had a doubt or two - most of them were wrong, but I guessed one thing. That was kinda cool! :)
Overall, I really liked the movie. It was different. Well, I mostly watch romance movies, so it wasn't hard :D But I really mean different. I would suggest it to anyone. I really do. And now I'm considering whether I should start reading much more, so I could read all the books before the next movie comes out :) (I have to read more, because I just started Lord of the Rings series and everyone knows that's like over 1000 pages - well, 1068 in my book and I've read 86:P)

2011

So everyone is giving overviews of their past year. I think it's about time to do the same. I mean - it could be really easy. I can just say that my year 2011 was really amazing and abundantly blessed. BUT I will also try to give a month to month overview, highlighting the best things in each month.

January
I was an English substitute teacher in Parksepa Keskkool and it was pretty good. I also made the decision to take an academic year from the university - probably the BEST decision I have done in my life (or at least in many-many years). You can read later, why.

February
My English teacher role in Parksepa continues. I also helped to organize the Senior Prom for the Võru county schools. It was a success! My longtime dream of having my own snowboard was fulfilled - my parents sponsored half of the cost as my early B-day present! Yay! AND I got my very own ballgown.

March
I got to try out an English substituting in my old school. Three weeks being a colleague with my previous teachers - it felt kinda funny, but it was a great experience.

April
My third official job in 2011 - translating materials from English to Estonian for Aldersgate Ministries. Great job, because I learnt so much myself :)

May
We had a group from Swedish Bible school visiting for a week. I got my best compliments - a 27-year-old thought I am older than her plus several people in the group thought I am Norwegian. I was so flattered.
I also spent a week in Norway visiting my old au pair family and got in contact with the family I am working for at the moment.
More translating of the materials until the end of month. AND buying tickets to the US!

June
Actually had some time to rest and work four days in a farm.
June 15th - My flight to the USA. My week long vacation in Sedona, Arizona, which also included visiting Grand Canyon! :) So just six more nature miracles of the world left to visit ;)

July
I was actually in the US on July 4th and was able to celebrate it the right way.
When back in Estonia, I worked with a VIM team from Kingsport, TN and with our Brazilian-Estonian Mission group.

August
Some more days with crazy Brazilians and Estonians and I left for Norway on 9th of August. Had great first weeks in the family and celebrated my 25th birthday in Norway.

September
Nothing too exciting, but did visit Vienna. I did get my Norwegian bank account :)

October
Just enjoying my time with the family and working. The positive thing is that I lovelovelove the family I am working for and I am realizing it over and over again.
I also took the Norwegian tests for levels A2 and B1.

November
Work work work, some fun with friends and more work. I got the results for my tests - I passed them ALL! So proud of myself! At the same time, everyone kept telling me they knew I'm gonna pass anyway. Thank you for believing in me! :)

December
Ingvild asked me if I would like to continue working with them for longer than just up til January. I took a week for considering it and I accepted the offer. I went home for Christmas for a week as a surprise. If you ask me, it was the best idea ever ;) Well, some other people don't agree, but well....they just don't like surprises ;)

I think this was about it - the highlights of my wonderful year! :) Thank you all for being part of it!

The moment

I love being with kids. I love taking care of them, having fun with them, being there for them. When being an au pair, there is the time that the kids need to get used to you. You know when they have accepted you 100% when there is this moment. The moment when they are upset at you (because you are telling them to wash their hands after peeing for example), but they still cling to you. They might be whining, but when you try to walk away, they really start crying. Yes, I know, who likes whiny kids. BUT for me it means that they want you around, they trust you and they believe you can help them. Maybe they are just whiny for a moment and don't know themselves what they want, but it's important that you are there.
Me and Gabriel had this moment this morning. Well, we've kinda had it before, but it was very clear today. I asked him to wash his hand after peeing like he always does, but he didn't want to. So I did it for him and he was kinda crying. We were done and came out of the toilet, he was in my lap repeating that he doesn't want to wash his hands. I kept repeating to him that he doesn't have to, that we've already done it, but he kept repeating himself. So I set him down, and he clang to me. I know, it's kinda silly, but I LOVED this moment. So he told me that he doesn't want to do anything, I have to carry him around. So I did - I took him upstairs with me, because I had to finish writing these Christmas cards. And the boy was happy! :)

Changes

So I am guessing the fact that I changed the layout of my blog symbolizes the changes in my life too. Well, at least partly :)
I know that a lot of people are kinda sad or disappointed that I am staying in Norway for longer, but there's nothing to do. I mean - I just cannot go to Estonia because of others. I have lived so long for others and I feel that it's wrong. I have learned through others that we cannot live for someone else. Even when we really want to. I mean, we can, but it will definitely end with a catastrophe. And I don't want that. I believe that everyone who knows me at least a little, knows that I love doing everything possible for others. I love making people around me happy and I basically live to please people. But recently I have understood that I cannot keep living like that. Because I just know that if I do that, a very big disappointment will be on it's way. And I don't want it. I want to live under God's guidance and I feel that that's what I am doing at the moment. I have this peace in my heart and I won't change it for anything else. I got a letter from my mom yesterday - yes, a real letter. Because my parents are old-fashioned and don't use computers - like AT ALL! And I kind of love it. I love getting letters. Anyway, I called her last week and told her the news. So yesterday she wrote that it was a shock in the beginning, but her and my dad had discussed it and they said that I am old enough to make my own decisions. And it made me so happy! I mean, I know I'm 25 and a grown-up and in charge of my life, but it is still great to know that your parents are behind you and support you whatever you decide. And they haven't been the only ones. I've been most moved when my best friends, who miss me sooo much, have told me that although they would want me in Estonia really bad, they prefer me here and happy. Before I made my decision, I prayed that God would give me a sign and peace in my heart. I believe I have been given more than one sign - all these people telling me they want me to be happy, because that's what makes them happy. I am just so happy! :)
I also want to share about the changes I mentioned in the beginning. When I made the decision to stay here longer, I got this peace in my heart. And it feels so good. I feel that I am in the right place at the right time and it's just the best feeling in the whole wide world. I feel that I am needed and appreciated here. I am glad when Selma has the opportunity to train, because I'm here. Because that's what matters. Helping to improve someone's quality of life. But most of all - I feel like I can finally start planning things. It's hard to explain, but I'll try. When people know that you are here for just a short period (like 5 months), they aren't very keen in investing much time into you. Or getting to know you. Because they know that you will be leaving soon again. But when they know that you are staying for a longer period, they involve you in things, want to know you etc. When I mentioned to one of Selma's assistants that I might me staying for longer, she said that I have to join her at her gym. (Which, by the way, I am planning on doing:) I myself feel that I can plan things more. I want to do more and be more involved in things. The 'younger' couples and other singles (like me and two more people in the church :D) have taken up this initiative to start having Bible studies two times a month. We had the first one on Dec 1st and the next one will be somewhere in January. I was so sad to think that I will be able to attend just one and then I'm pretty much gone. Imagine my joy when I made the decision to stay. I can actually take part in things now :) So I am guessing my own attitude has changed and I'm happy about it :)
BIG NEWS today - we are having JULEBORD today. Julebord is like Christmas party at a workplace normally. Ingvild and Ole have invited me and Selma's assistants to a dinner in this great restaurant (that I have never been to before:P). I am really excited, because when I start thinking about it, it will be my first official Christmas celebration with my colleagues. I've never worked anywhere long enough to have something like that. So exciting! Well, I've had one before, but that was just eating little cake and that was it ;)

Ok, I think I'm done now. Have to get dressed :)

Snow???

Where is the snow? This white stuff that makes it feel like it's time for winter and Christmas preparations and glogg and tangerines etc. I really do miss it. And I'm guessing that's the reason I've been listening to Frank Sinatra's "Let it snow" the whole day :) Because that's what I mean. Please LET IT SNOW! :)
I have had great past three weeks. I am really enjoying my time here. Almost every day I feel that I am needed here. And Ingvild said just yesterday that she is very happy I am here. I love the feeling where you know that you are in the right place at the right time :) It is just the BEST feeling! Well, if I haven't mentioned it yet, I am staying in Norway for longer than planned in the beginning. Ingvild asked me if Id like it or if it would be possible. So I took one week to think about it, consider it, pray about it. AND now I've made up my mind. I am staying. And I have peace in my heart! :)
We had girls' "julebord" yesterday evening. It was me, Daniela, Krasi and two of Krasi's friends. To explain it, "julebord" is what Norwegians normally call a Christmas party at work. So we just had it with the girls. And it was nice. We ate ribs and potatoes etc in the beginning and then hanged out the rest of the evening. It was very cozy and great. So we chilled up until 11 pm or so, and then Krasi and her two friends went out on town, while me and Daniela went home. I know, we're old :D But I am really happy I went. I am finally starting to feel that I actually have life here. It takes time to develop relationships, find friends etc, but I finally feel that it's happening. And I am guessing that the fact I am staying longer is also helping. Who wants to invest a lot into a person who is leaving in a couple of months? I totally get it :)

That's all for now :)

A great week!

Yes, I've had a great week. As I mentioned in the last post, my relationship with Gabriel is really great. And I do enjoy it :) He's one-of-a-kind boy, he has his temper, but in the end of the day he's this little sweetheart with a big heart :) SO that has made my week!
But it's not all! I have finally started thinking more about my thesis paper that I have to get done in the next half year and although it's kinda scary, I also feel that it's the right thing to do. I still don't have the topic, but I do have some good ideas and I'm doing my research in this field at the moment. It's not going very fast, as I'm pretty tired in the evenings normally, but I'm trying. I still have 11 days :)
Monday's Norwegian class was great. I baked S'mores cookies with me and everyone loved them. Ole and Ingvild loved them too. Ingvild said that they were maybe a little too good (meaning she wanted to eat them too much :D). What a compliment! Anyway, back to the language class. We had a nice class, got tons of homework. I have actually done some of it already. I normally do it at the last moment or write the things during the lesson (I know, aiaiai :D). Although the level we are studying at is kinda low at the moment, I still enjoy meeting people and just getting out of the house. And it definitely helps me to revise the grammar and get stronger in it. I actually haven't studied that much of grammar the last two years, so it's good to look it over and think why do we say things one or the other way in Norwegian.
Tuesday we had the Julemessa möte - Christmas fair meeting. Me and some of my friends from church got together to finish some of the things we had started previous times. We finished our hearts and pigs and angels. We also wrapped candies they had made on last Saturday when I was working :) They looked so delicious! :) Anyway, it was a nice evening. I do love such evening with some work and mutual goal and having it cozy and chatting :)
Today (well, officially yesterday, but my rule is that it's the same day until I go to sleep :D). Anyway, today was the big JULEMESSE! Or for those, who don't understand Norwegian - Christmas fair. The Arendal methodist church has been organizing benefit Christmas fairs for several years now. They normally donate all the money they get for one or another cause or project. This year was a little special, as the church is getting a new roof. So half of the money will go to the church and the other half to some project. We went with the whole family and I was helping. I was supposed to be Selma's assistant, but I ended up running after Gabriel in the end. He ate basically just chocolate cake today, so you can imagine how energetic he was. Our little boy who doesn't really eat that much sugar normally :D Anyway, we had it cozy. There was tons of people, tons of different lottery and nice things to buy :) The thing is that most of the things are made by the people in the church :) I think it's just amazing how they work for this mutual cause :) So now we're waiting for the numbers to be announced - how much did they earn this year! :) It's always exciting! :)
Oh, and Alexander (from my previous family) performed. It came to me as a shock! I found out that he has been going to this Christian children's choir. And I was so proud to see him performing. He has really grown up! :)
Well, tomorrow I and Maria will be babysitting Gabriel and Selma overnight, as parents will have a night off. They definitely deserve it! :)
How has your week been?
Grete

My sweet Gabriel!

So yesterday turned Gabriel THREE! Can you believe it? Every time a child has a birthday, feels it just unbelievable that they will turn a WHOLE year older :) We had a great birthday. We actually celebrated it on Sunday. Ole, Ingvild, Selma and David woke Gabriel with a song and he got hot cocoa in bed. How special! And he got presents - REAL tools. They were mini-size, but real. He was soooo excited! AND he got these real workman's trousers with 100 pockets. He went around with them for two days! :) In the afternoon came Ole's parents, grandma, his brother's family and also sister's family. We had a great time with food and just enjoying Gabriel's excitement over the presents. And later had we cake (chocolate one of course ;), chocolate pudding, vanilla buns etc etc. I think it was kinda too much. The sad part was that there was soooo much good, but I didn't have enough room for it in my stomach. One of the ironies of this world. BUT I have decided that Ingvild has to teach me to bake those vanilla buns - oh it will be heaven! :)
We have had really nice days after the Bday. I don't know what has happened, but me and Gabriel have this really great relationship suddenly. He asks me to play with him like ALL the day. And like at the moment, he's here in my room doing all kind of things. First he was looking for chewing gum from my drawers, then he thought that playing in my wardrobe is cool, then he slept in my bed like for two seconds, then he found my tweezers and wanted to attach them on my PC and now he's sitting in my wardrobe discovering the feminine world (I mean make-up, of course:) Anyway, he's having fun, if you ask me :) And when he's happy, I'm happy :)
SO this entry is to say that I am so proud of Gabriel, the sweet little thing :) He's such an intelligent and kind-hearted boy :) And he's deep in my heart :)

Three months!

Today it's exactly three months when I got here. It feels weird. Sometimes I've felt like the time is not passing at all, and the next moment I feel it just flies by. Very weird. So when I start thinking back to these past three months, a LOT has actually happened. I mean it!
Well, of course - first and foremost - baby David was born in Sept 15th. This cute and precious little boy, who just melts all the hearts. I can't believe it - he'll be 2 months on Nov 15th and he has grown so big. He's not that 'bitteliten' anymore :) But still 'bitteliten' compared to the rest ;) Anyway, he has gained like over 2 kg and grown ca 6cm. He makes some more noise, but I think it's because his tummy is bothering him from time to time. He still loves to fall asleep on my chest - and I love it too ;)
Secondly, I've basically seen the whole Ingvild's family. I only haven't seen her dad and the youngest brother yet. Her mom visited us for two weeks when David was born and her sister with the kids spent almost a week with us during the school holiday. Her brother's family visited us during that time too (but just for two nights). So I'm guessing the record of people staying over in this house belongs to that time - we had 13 people sleeping here for one night - I know, crazy! But again, me like crazy :D
Thirdly - I actually took two official Norwegian tests in the end of October. One for level A2 and the other one for B1. I don't know the results yet, but it's just crazy. Why? Because it takes normally at least two years to reach the B1 level...and I've studied Norwegian for a year (had a two-year cap) and studied another month and a half before taking the test. No, I'm not bragging. I'm just amazed myself. It shouldn't be possible. I am so grateful that somehow I've managed to pick this amazing language up and it really inspired me to learn more, develop etc. Maybe one day I will be able to interpret from Norwegian to Estonian. Now THAT would be cool! :) AND, I read a little about polyglots the other day and that's my dream - to become a polyglot. So I just have to pick up another couple of languages and become like fluent in then. No problem, right? :D
Another one - I celebrated my 25th birthday in Norway with a bunch of great people. I totally loved it. It was kinda hectic and I didn't really have too much time to communicate with everyone, but I just enjoyed the buzz around me and people having a nice time together. Most of them were all from the Arendal Methodist church, so they all knew each other and so there was no problem with finding topics to talk about etc. But anyway - I'm TWENTY FIVE now. I am kind of finally starting to realize that I'm a grown-up and am responsible what I do, how I live etc. Well, don't get me wrong. I've always been a very responsible person, but I feel how I'm big now, I should start living my grown-up life (financially and otherwise) and I feel that I'm not this baby girl anymore that everyone looks down to. It's kinda hard to explain...I'm sorry. I am really lacking words today :D
Well, there have been another thousand little things during these past three months. Several visits to Daniela, Kay, Alex and Julia (my previous family, who lives 20 minutes from me), Norwegian courses every Monday, amazing Sundays in the church etc, etc.
I am really happy here! I am. Satisfied and thankful for this experience! I was thinking just today what would I had been doing in Estonia if I wasn't here? And to be honest - I am not sure. Yes, I could have done a little this and little that, but I don't think I would have found something that would have given me the feeling I have now. That I am needed here. That I can help this family. And this feeling is overwhelming! :)

Bye for now. I'll try to be better in blogging. Btw, this blog entry was inspired by Katrina Kalda. Thank you, sweety!
Love you all!
Grete

Being thankful

I got to thinking about being thankful today. Or maybe that's not exactly the right thing. Well, I'll try to explain what I mean.
When I got to Norway in August, the first month everything was just superb. I mean it - like 100% perfect. I would even say 1000%, but that's not scientifically possible, says Bones (yes, I've been watching too much Bones lately:D). Anyway, when someone asked how are you doing and I answered that everything is great, I felt a bit weird. Because a lot of my friends were having kind of hard times - a new job in an unknown town, not knowing if they are going to like the job or the new place, uncertainties in their lives etc etc. I felt like I was boasting about how good life I have, although at the same time it was just the truth.
Now I've had also a bit more difficult times. I have worked long hours couple of times for different reasons, being kinda homesick (I know, I'm shocked too :D) and have been fighting with some things in my life. So when someone asks me now, I'm kind of happy to say that it goes ok, not GREAT :) Isn't that weird? I feel like I have to be having difficulties to be a normal person, not to feel myself guilty. Why do I feel myself guilty when my life is great? Why do I think it's not right?
I don't think God has meant that we have to go through difficulties ALL the time. I am sure that He wants us to have an amazing life. He is our Daddy, and that's what Daddies wish for their kids. And our Heavenly Daddy wants that more than anyone else. And now I'm saying it to totally myself! Grete, stop worrying that your life isn't hard enough, but enjoy it! Because if your life is great, that's a gift from above! So just be thankful and smile and spread the joy! :)

Another great Sunday

Yes, another great Sunday. Different than others, but amazing in it's own way. Let me explain.
Arendal Methodist church had their congregation's weekend the last days at Vegarshei. About 50 people travelled there to spend time together, worship, hear teaching etc. As you notice, I'm writing like I wasn't part of it. Which is true. I didn't have the opportunity to go, although I was considering it. In the end, the reason was that Ole (the father in the family) was asked to play the drums there, which meant that I stayed home to help with the kids in the evenings. And I don't regret. I am really happy he was able to do sth he really loves and serve the church. And I do believe that me staying home and helping with the kids was my way to serve the church this time. Feels weird, because I've never had to do it before. But I'm guessing I have to get used to it :D
BUT we did go up there with the whole family today morning for the Sunday service. Yes, we packed in David, Gabriel and Selma and got on our way - a half an hour later than planned, but we were on our way! And I liked it there. When I walked in, bishop Christian Alsted had just started his sermon. And it was good. It was a bit hard for me to follow, as he was talking in Danish. Well, I understood most, but I just had to concentrate much more than with Norwegian and sometimes some things just slipped by me. But he talked about the story where the disciples had been fishing all day and when Jesus told them to cast the nets back in, they did and got tons of fish. The key thing was that normally when people fish, the cast the nets on the left side, but Jesus told them to throw them on the right side. So the point is that sometimes God tells us to do things differently. And I think we shouldn't be afraid to do it. Because when God says it, there will be blessings! :)
OOOHHH, and the bishop talked about Artur Põld from Estonia! So cool! My friends all asked me if I heard it and said that they all thought of me the moment he mentioned Estonia :) They are so cute! And of course we had Stein, Eva, Kathrine and Elin singing all amazing. We sang the song for Norway again. Just so powerful! And the most important part - God touched me today during the service. He is just amazing! And I just cried....I know, so me :D But I know He loves me, although I haven't heard it so much lately. So in that way I'm starting to understand why do we need Christians beside us - to show God's love to us! :) There's like all complicated thinking behind there last two sentences, but I just don't know how to explain it very well. Skype me to ask more :D
I have had it good in the meanwhile. I have really been enjoying my job and life here. The weather was amazing last week, so we had a barbeque last weekend, but now the autumn is really getting here. It's raining today. And I actually love rain. I just have to get the right clothes on! :)
Well, hoping to hear how your week has been! :)
Love you!
Grete

Update

So no posts for a while. I'm trying to pick it up again.
I went to Vienna last weekend. We had the EMYC (European Methodist Youth and Children's) Council meeting there. I know! I feel just so blessed to be able to travel because of 'business'. That's the way we do it! :) It was my 7th meeting and I was among the three people who have been there the longest. It felt just so wrong. The other two were from Ireland and they have been at the meetings 10 and 11 times. But yes, I really enjoyed the meeting. We did some good work, but we also had fun. I learnt this SPOON game and I'll definitely start teaching it, when I get back. It just seems kinda pointless, but it's sooo much fun. We enjoyed it, anyway. What else do I love about the meetings? I love the personal relationships, the talks, sharing of stories. It is very special. As I said, we work there hard, but the evenings are time for socialising. So we have night cafés every night. And as I heard, this year some sat up until like 3am. Very cool!
I got back to Norway on Monday and have been busy with work. But I've had great time here. I just can't describe how special it is to have little David here. Yesterday evening David started crying while Ingvild was feeding Selma. So I picked him up, sat in an armchair, took a book about the Tigger in the Winnie the Pooh and started reading. And although he was hungry, he actually calmed down and was asleep for like 15 minutes. It felt so special! :) There has been several cosy moments like this, but this one is somehow especially vivid.
Yesterday evening I went to visit Daniela and Kay. They had Krasi and Karitha over and we had a nice evening just chatting, kinda watching TV and eating some chicken. I liked it! And Daniela was so cute in the end, when I was leaving. She was like 'well, call me more often and come to visit'. And I've actually been visiting them every week so far. Well, the last weekend was an exception, as I was in Vienna. But you know what I mean. So it was very special and I just love her for that! :)
OK, off I go now. I have to study some Norwegian, as my tests are soon!
Love you all,
Grete

Our bitteliten

I've been thinking about writing and now I'm finally getting to it. I have been trying to figure out the feelings I've been having the last days. It just seems that so much has been going on.
Like Sunday. We had the project weekend in the church. So kids helped with the service and they had had a family choir practice the day before. The family choir sang just amazingly. I mean....I shouldn't be surprised at all by this point anymore, but I do enjoy all kind of singing. I do. And the kids did all kinds of things. Like helped to take up the offering. And Jonathan was so funny. He's this 7-year-old in our church and his dad is this amazing pianist that I've talked about before. He was helping to take up the offering. OK, bear with me, I'm trying to explain this situation. The offering basket was on one side and it was sent to the other side, so he RAN to the other side to collect it. I mean it, he literally RAN. I just loved the picture. Yes, it was funny, but had a very strong message for me. Jonathan was just so EAGER to do what he was asked to. Sometimes we, grown-ups, have done things for a long time and we have grown tired of them. So we do things because we have to, because we are used to doing them. I challenge you to look over the things you've been 'always' doing. Where is your heart while doing these things? Are you doing them with joy? Are you doing them to the Lord? I just think it is sooo important to enjoy what you are doing. Yes, I know, there are things that just have to be done. But I also believe that God can give joy in these things too. Because He is just so rocking awesome!
I have to say over and over again that children just amaze me. Like Gabriel. He is turning three in the beginning of November and he is just the cutest. He is just so funny sometimes. On Monday evening he was trying to chase one of the cats we have and followed the cat everywhere. So the cat hid under the small table we have in the kitchen and Gabriel tried to follow. He got stuck between the kitchen bench and the table leg. It took a minute and we got him out again. So he came to me and dad and mormor (Ingvild's mom, who's here to help us at the moment) and told us with all his sincerity that he went under the table and SUDDENLY there wasn't enough room for his head. We just couldn't stop laughing. And today. Gabriel came from the kindergarten and had to check on the baby, of course. So he came back to us and told that he took the baby with his beautiful sharp claws (at the same time holding his hands like claws:D) and he DIDN'T break or start crying :D What do you say to the kid? We were all laughing like crazy again. I LOVELOVE the sincerity.
And our bitteliten (in translation: tiny one). Yes, that's how I call David. Because he just feels sooo tiny at the moment. He weighs like 3,5 kg and is 48cm. That's like nothing. When I'm holding him, I feel like there's nothing in my arms. But at the same time, there's soooo much in my arms. This tiny little person, who will grow and develop and learn. This tiny boy full of potential. AMAZING. And do you know what's the best part of it? He's here like ALL the time. I have never had that. I've always wished for a younger brother or sister, but as you know, I had the honor of being the youngest one in my family. So I've never had this little baby around me all the time before. So no wonder he's lying in this crib in the living room and I just go and peek at him....again and again and again. And I'm amazed every time! And I so wish that I could hold him like all the time....(reminds me of Rachel from Friends :D) He's this precious one there lying and sleeping most of the time. And he's so calm. He was very active in the stomach the last month, so Ingvild had to sit up sometimes in the night. But now he's this calm baby that wakes up like every three hours, eats, we change the diaper and he sleeps again. We are really blessed. I am just amazed at life! Because this really is the miracle of life! And do you know what? I want one! I do. And I do pray that one day (soon, I hope) I can have a baby of my own. Because they are so dear and I'm sure that I can't even imagine what it will feel like when I'm going to have my own baby lying in the crib. My feelings are kid of overflowing already now...but it will be like 1000 times better then.
Love you all,
Grete