Four weeks down & to celebrate - SNOW!

Go here to read the article and see a video (it is in Norwegian).
 http://h-a.no/Nyheter/Nyheter/tabid/72/articleView/true/moduleid/183501/Default.aspx

Winter has come, so why hasn't the understanding of the language come as well?  Yes, I must admit that I am not fluent yet.  Most of you will not be surprised, but I think I am disappointed a little.  You may have noticed I did not post last week.  A quick recap, at the end of week three I had got a horrible headache, felt sick and didn't study for 3 days (It's hard to say I did not study, as I live with Norwegians who speak Norwegian around me all the time, but I  was not very proactive about my learning.  Let's call it a bit of a breakdown.) 

So, last week - week four - I took it easier to avoid any such breakdowns again.  I think I took it too easy, because I feel like I am going backwards as it is harder, not easier, to understand when people talk Norwegian.  The truth is I hear Norwegian quite a LOT.  This is good, but so frustrating when I do not understand.  Let's just say, I am quiet at the dinner table and my roommates know they can still speak privately even if I am in the same room.  I pick up words and sometimes sentences, but complete thoughts are a blur to me. 

The good news is my two months are not over as I do not leave here until December 9th.  I knew it would take a couple of months, but secretly, I hoped I would be an amazingly fast learner and BAM! I would know Norwegian.  I suppose I need reminding from God that learning...IS A PROCESS.  Honestly, this is a good reminder, often when I am in a process of building character I want "instant" results, as well.  Character, language, so many things take time in life and should be pursued but not rushed.  Society, technology tells me different, they say that I should do things in a rush.  They say if I wait life will be boring or worse my life, what I want out of life will become obsolete.  Some things are worth the time and are actually better with time.  Things like: character, relationships, learning things (playing guitar, engineering, medicine, etc...and apparently language).  

Norwegian isn't the only thing I am learning during my time here, and I am sure this will continue to be the case.  I must remember growth...is a process!

Week Two of Learning Norwegian

Week two can be summed up with the word: Improvement. 

When I first arrived here speaking, having an actual conversations in Norwegian was not a reality, but now I can have small conversations.  Of course, the subject matter is limited, but at least now I am able to practice speaking.  The Norwegians here continue to have a LOT of patience, and they agree that I have improved.  The highlight of my week was when a friend from Skien called and we had a conversation for 45 minutes in Norwegian.  It was so nice and my friend was SO patient.  I still have trouble understanding people when they talk at normal talking speed, but I believe that will come with time.  It is also apparent that my vocabulary needs to increase.  I do read Calvin and Hobbes in Norwegian (here they are called Tommy og Tigern) as a learning tool.  I realize from reading, or trying to read, the comics and other books I have that I need to know more words. 

Last week I also had the opportunity to help someone who is trying to move.  I used the bus and after a few mistakes, misunderstandings and an hour long walk to the place I really needed to be I now understand the bus system.  It has been nice to help people and to have the ability to just be a blessing where needed.  Tonight I am off to help in the cafe and will get more practice conversing in Norwegian. 

Thanks to all who have been praying for me, I truly appreciate it and if you would, please continue to pray. 

Takk (Thank you in Norsk)

A music recommendation

I have a friend who has a blog and she has "New Music Monday" where she recommends a song or artist (Lyndee http://lyndeej.wordpress.com/, she has great recipes too, check her out).  Today, I was listening to a song and was struck by the lyrics, but could not find a video to post for you, so better yet (I hope this is better), I have a way for you to download it free and legally at http://noisetrade.com/cautioners.  The lyrics that caught my attention is from the song 'Treasure':

"Tell your past mistakes that you're through with them. Grace has spoken up made you clean again, just believe..."

 



 

I was going to post a couple of their videos as I recommend their songs, I really like their lyrics.  I have both of their cd's.  You can go here to hear their first album and see videos from it: http://www.youtube.com/user/CautionersMusic?feature=CAQQwRs%3D

 

 

Be blessed today and remember...tell your past mistakes that you're through with them. Grace has spoken up made you clean again, JUST BELIEVE!

Off to a Great Start!

The first week in Hamar or should I say...først uken i Hamar:

I have travelled to Hamar to live with four wonderful youth leaders that work with the Free Church (Frikirke). Since July, I had planned to move outside of the YWAM base for a month or two to learn Norwegian.  YWAM Skien is mostly Norwegians, but because of the international status the people at the base speak primarily English, thus it was recommended that I go away so I could learn, breath, and think Norwegian.  I arrived in Hamar on the first of October. 

This week I have heard more Norwegian than ever.  My housemates mainly speak Norwegian around the house, unless I cannot understand what they say and they are talking directly to me (this is often, sadly, as my vocabulary is not large enough, but usually they try to communicate first in Norwegian).  I have also continued my studies to increase my vocabulary, needless to say my mind is quite tired after a day.  Trying to think, talk, listen, read and communicate all in Norwegian has my brain spinning.  I have been frustrated, VERY frustrated, during this week and I hear that is a good sign (it does not feel so great though).  I am so grateful for the kindness, gentleness and patience of the Norwegians here, truly they are so kind. 

I have also had chances to help out at the cafe run by several churches in the city. (A group of churches came together and run a cafe 3 days a week for the local community, it is so wonderful to watch the body of Christ come together and serve the city in this way.)  I have also gone to a prayer meeting, helped with some practical things at the house and church, been to the weekly youth meeting, attended the Sunday service and met many great people. 

Please, when you think about me - pray.  Pray for breakthrough in understanding. Pray that I would bless and be a blessing to the church and people here.  Please pray that I would have patience with myself and the learning process.  Lastly, pray I would have fun!

The picture is the view from the kitchen window.  Often in the morning I sit by this window to eat breakfast, so lovely!