Reach Conference

Last year we held our Debut for Reach Conference here on our center. A time for lots of Young People, ages 16-30, to gather together for lots of great singing, sharing from the Word, live Links to tribal missionaries, amazing fellowship and fine dining - just to name a few. Last year we had 120 young people join us for the week-end. The place was hustling and bustling this year as we turned the first two numbers around - we had 210. From our experience last year, we had more of an idea of what to expect this year, along with things to change, delete or improve. Besides being on the planning committee and quite involved during the Conference (MC on Sunday, helping to man the ‘Time Out’ Table and part of the Drama), Ragnar did all the registrations. Tons and tons of emails went back and forth. Besides folk coming from all over the U.K. , a bus load made its way here from the Netherlands, several groups joined us from Germany as well as a number from Italy. After the dorms and classrooms (made into dorms) were full, the overflow came to staff housing.

We rearranged all our furniture to make ‘beds’ in several rooms in our home, and had plans to sleep in our office building. However at the last minute, after seeing the beautiful weather, several decided to sleep in tents, freeing us to actually sleep on our own mattress after all. We are glad we had a few stay with us though - a great way to get to know them on a more personal level. Coffee break - we were busy baking cakes, cookies and other goodies the few weeks prior to the conference. Lining up in the dining hall.

Information on Short Term opportunities. Saturday afternoon the group was divided into 3 for observing different events. The Cross Cultural Communication Class did a fantastic job of showing things they have studied in class - Literacy, Medical, Tech Tips and much more. We were involved in a scene in an African village. The hours both students and staff spent in preparing this ‘tribal village’ were well worth it.
A great job done in bringing Africa to this remote corner of the world. People were busy sweeping their yards, cooking yams and bananas, pounding rice and much more while a very real tribal event was taking place.

Recognize the coffee maker?

A great way to show folks, in a ½ hr. time slot, why we are involved in the job we are - why we want to share the best news in the world with those who have never yet had a chance to hear it.

Enjoying Spring

We are loving the beautiful spring weather - lots of sunshine and warm days. - back to digging in the garden - back to mowing the lawn each week - back to enjoying supper outside - back to coming home from a day in the office to some time of outside ‘non office’ work - back to planting your own veggies and later enjoying the harvest. So far Ragnar has planted lettuce, beans, tomatoes among other things. - back to getting lots of rhubarb for making jam

The daffodils have come and gone. Tulips are here now as well as the beautiful cherry blossoms that line our path on our way to work.

I am so glad Ragnar is enjoying his new hobby and it’s that time of year again to get his hands dirty after working on the keyboard all day.

Last week-end, Ragnar and our neighbour replaced the fence that divides our back yards. (We live in a duplex.) It had seen better days. When the old fence came down, so did lots of ivy that had made its home there.

Ragnar and our neighbour getting rid of the ivy and putting in new panels.

3 Birds with One Stone

Let’s kill 3 birds with one stone - welcome home an Associate couple who recently returned from Africa – celebrate our little Sunshine’s first Birthday – attend a Workshop relevant to our current ministry. Since these ‘events’ are all 2-5 hr. south of us, let’s combine them in one trip.

Peter and Sue Fry willingly left their comfortable surroundings for a couple of years, making their way to Africa as NTM Associates, giving of their time and expertise to help and encourage others. They are back in the UK now, in the process of settling back into a ‘normal’ British life. Wanting to get together with them and hear of their adventures, we choose a meeting place, just outside of Bristol - our 1st time in that area.

We so enjoyed meeting them and were blessed as they shared their experiences with us, of living and working on the mission center, branching out to help their neighbours in the surrounding area and missionaries in the tribal areas; learning bits and pieces of the culture surrounding them, while carrying on the work they went there to do. We are so glad they brought along lots of pictures of their time in that hot, humid country, making their adventures come alive. What a rich experience! Backdrop view where we enjoyed our conversation with the Frys. We are thankful for the Niclasen ‘Bed and Breakfast’ that always has the Welcome Mat out for us. Spending the night there before we met the Frys in Bristol, and than again before going on to Northampton for the Workshop saved us hours in the car. Plus I’m sure it wouldn’t take too much convincing to get you to believe that we so enjoyed the extra time with 3 special pumpkins there. It still is hard for us to believe that our youngest grandchild has already celebrated her first birthday. Although it was a few days before Lydia’s actual birthday when we were there, we have learned over the years to celebrate early, late or in-between. It is just always great to be together. We love being ‘woken up’ by Ellie and Bekah’s ‘BOO’ as they come charging into our room in the mornings. What a fun way to start the day! We are sure that quite soon Lydia will make that duet a trio.

Before we were on our way to the Workshop the following morning Ragnar was able to join Craig as he shared in their staff devotional; Claire made her way to school with Ellie and I took Bekah down to feed the ducks. The venue for the 2 day Seminar was our next stop. People from more than 20 Mission Organizations gathered to attend well planned Workshops, learn from experienced lectures and share with each other. They offer classes on particular subjects several times a year. When we notice topics involving Short Term Oversea Workers, we always take note. They are invariably encouraging and we come away with much to think about. Since we are still quite new in this department, we have lots yet to learn. What better way to discover than from with those who have been down the same path?

Monday-Friday

Just some little ‘extras’ that were thrown in our week. Not the everyday or weekly rituals of office work, committee meetings, housework, piano lessons - you know what I mean?

Monday - Tea with Italians

The Italian group that came for the recent Reach Conference stayed for a couple extra days. We had them over for ‘coffee’ in the evening - or so we thought. After brewing a couple of pots, we found out all of them preferred tea. (I guess that makes up for about 95% of our British guests taking coffee!)

What a great group - we admired their endeavors in using the English that they knew, and not hesitating to try food they had not previously had. (Me and my ever growing fondness of trying new recipes - this time Strawberry/Kiwi tarts.)

Tuesday - Survey Reminiscing The evening found us talking about a people group in Northern Luzon that would love to have missionaries come live with them. At a recent barbecue here in our back yard, Ragnar was casually talking about a survey he did a few years ago, causing a young German couple’s ears to perk up, as this area has still not been reach. Wanting to know more details, and to see pictures of the survey, they invited us over for pizza and salad before the questions began.

Oh the great memories of slugs, walking through rivers and over mountains in the heat, but the joy of meeting the people at the end of the 12 hr. hike. Exciting to know people are interested in that area!!

Wednesday - Grading Papers & Hospital Run

The Last day of Literacy Classes, which I have been assisting. Liz Cuthbert who taught Literacy in PNG, and is now ministering in Northern Ireland, comes over each year to teach the class. After joining us for lunch, we spent the afternoon grading papers, writing up evaluations and returning files to the proper place for next year.

Just when we were beginning to see double, we received word that a dear friend and coworker who had gone to the hospital for some tests, would be taken by ambulance to another town, 1½ hr. away.

Quickly dropping our pens and papers, we called Ragnar and the 3 of us were soon on our way to the hospital. His wife would need a ride to the next town. As we were speeding along we realized we didn’t have a pence between us - hopefully we wouldn’t need to buy gas. Thankfully we were met with good news on the other end - plans had changed, the surgery would not take place that night and our friend would go home instead.

Arriving back home 1½ hr. later, we were greeted with 6 smiling faces on our front lawn. A soccer game would soon be starting - let’s go in, put the coffee pot on, get out the Doritos and Salsa and see if the ‘right’ team won.

Thursday - Waffle Night

One of the sweet volunteers from last year who was on her break in Germany, offered to come help for 3 weeks. Her smile lightened up the campus and her help was much appreciated as well as her presence at our Monday night meetings.

On her last night here my friend and I were blessed to be invited to join her and her housemates for her ‘farewell feast’. We followed our noses to the apartment featuring that flavorful aroma of freshly cooked waffles. And to top that of, they were served on purple plates with a yummy cherry sauce!

Driving her to the train station the following day, gave us extra time to talk about her recent experience here.

Friday - Pizza Farewell

Last day of classes for this semester. Another volunteer is on her way back to the States. We have really gown to love her and enjoyed having her in our home on Monday nights. You know the type that stays after everyone else has left, lays down on your coach and chats til 1:00 a.m.!! The type that keeps ya young!

Two couples (that we went to Norway with) were taking her out to Xtreme Pizza and invited us to go along. A bittersweet evening. Of course we enjoyed our time together and the food was excellent, yet at the same time it was not far from our minds that the sad good bye was quickly approaching. It is the week end now - the beginning of a 2 week break for the students. We’ll still be going into our office everyday, but I wonder what little extra things will be awaiting us this coming week?

Celebrations

A New Couple

I remember receiving a phone call from Ragnar, around this time last year, when I was in Birmingham helping Claire with Ellie, Bekah and brand new little Lydia. He told me he had exciting news - there was a new couple on the campus. He didn’t want to tell me who they were though ‘cause he wanted to be with me and see my reaction. He was quite surprised when I responded, "You don’t need to tell me, I already know - it’s Erlend and Anne". I don’t know how I knew - I just did - a 6th sense???

An Engaged Couple

I also remember a few months later when our house was quite full of people, viewing one of the final games of the world cup, I received another phone call - this time from Anne. She and Erlend wanted to come over and she had something to show me. From the excitement in her voice, it didn’t even take a 6th sense this time to know she would soon be showing us her engagement ring. It was BEAUTIFUL and we were soooooo happy for them.

A Married Couple

When a German lady and a Norwegian gentleman, who are studying and surrounded by oodles of friends in England, become engaged, how in the world do they decide where to tie the knot?

Getting married in Germany in December; a celebration in England in January and a reception in Norway in February sounded like a great way to cover all bases!!

What a thoughtful couple to make arrangements to allow lots of us to join in on the celebrations, even though we couldn’t be in Germany in December. The date was set for December 18. It was fun seeing their relationship grow, leading up to this fabulous day. An evening together in our home in December. Celebration in England

Students, volunteers and staff enjoyed an evening of celebrating Erlend and Anne’s new life together. Lots of people did their share in decorating, creating a special little nook for the newly weds. Chairs were arranged for many small groups to enjoy conversations, and of course lots of yummy goodies were part of the evening. This handsome man, who has enjoyed nearly 35 years of martial bliss, shared some special thoughts on marriage. Lots of friends enjoying the celebration.

Reception in Norway

When we were first invited to go share in the 'Norwegian wedding’ it sounded great and we were excited, but we didn’t think it would be possible. However as the time got closer, so did the possibility of us being able to go. Suddenly we had tickets in our hands and were on our way.

The night before the big occasion found us in the Reception room helping to get ready for this special event - setting tables and arranging flowers.

The big night was here - the Rosvik family and friends gathered to celebrate.

It was so fun and interesting to see how similar the Norwegian and Faroese wedding receptions are -

- songs written for the occasion

- speeches from the crowd

- traditional dress worn

- huge variety of delicious desserts

Ragnar sharing and Markus translating.

The happy couple opening their gifts.

Ragnar practicing his Norwegian with Erlend's father.

The other 5 siblings singing to the couple.

We were blessed to be included!!