Introducing: Flokken!

It's way past about time to introduce what will be the three most important features of this blog, that's right, the rest of the Kenya team!

We've named ourselves "Flokken" (the flock), for two obvious reasons:

1. We're the largest team at Hald this year, consisting of four people.

2. We have a clear Sid look-, talk- and act-alike in our team. Guess who? Me... That's what you get for being from Bergen.

But let's introduce! We'll start off with Audhild, the calm, collected and wise "mom" on our team. Despite the fact that she's the youngest of us (sorry for mentioning it, Audhild), she takes care of the rest of the flock in a great way! Cool, reflected, and really funny when she hasn't slept in a while, that's Audhild for you.

Next up is Miriam, the backpacker from Flekkefjord. She's the only "grown-up" of us, but you would never notice. She likes taking walks and has a green hat sown on to her head (not sure what that means? ask anyone at Hald). Miriam is a "yes-person", spontaneous and in on anything. Too bad we never hitchhiked that boat, though...

Last, but not in any way least, is Ragnhild Elise (pjinsesse jjagnhild), from way north to be exact. Ragnhild is the typical Bedehus-girl, she knits and dreams of royalty. This is also why she has made the whole school refer to her as princess. Ragnhild is a wise girl, who always has a good advice in a hard situation.

So these are the wonderful girls that I will be spending my six months in Kenya with. I know very little about what it will be like, but what I do know is that "Flokken" will make the most of every minute of it!

(Photos by Serina Søyland Bru)

The last week in Mandal

I am back in Bergen after 6 very exciting weeks at Hald. It feels very strange not to be constantly surrounded by 80 wonderful people, and I have to admit I'm feeling just a tad lonely. On the other hand I am beginning to realize that in only 5 days I'm leaving for Kenya, which is just amazing! It's so inspiring to see how God has stuck to his plan of sending me there for such a long time, and I find it hard to understand that this plan is finally being put into action. It still feels more like a distant dream than anything else.
But, let's take that part when it comes. For now I'd like to tell you guys a bit about the last wonderful week in my favourite bubble. The highlight was without a doubt the Latin American party on tuesday. It was amazing to have 80 people from all over the globe dancing to songs from "back home". It was without a doubt a huge success, it really seemed like people enjoyed it.

Only two days later, on thursday night, we had out farewell-party (or "welfare-party", as a tired fellow-student expressed it very eloquently one early morning). We all showed up in our best clothes for a night of good food, entertainment and dancing.

But even more valuable and important were the late nights spent this last week, playing ligretto, listening to music and talking. Knowing we were about to leave we all tried to make the most of every moment we had together.

It's incredible how quickly the last 6 weeks have past, and it makes me realize how short this year actually is. This makes me want to be 100 % present in every moment of it, and fully take in every emotion that comes along. As time passes I find myself opening up in a way that I haven't done in a very long time, and it feels great!

Photos came up

Just a few snapshots from the everyday life at Hald. The first one here is from the dining hall where we spend some of the most important moments of each day (one has to eat!). Interesting conversations, "happy birthday"-singing and an infinity of practical information are just a few of the things you will experience if entering this room any day at 08:00, 13:00 or 18:00.

Many afternoons at Hald are spent playing football at the local field. I've tagged along a few times, even though, as many of you know, I am not at all a football fan. Hence, my camera is full of pictures of other people playing.

This last photo is of my entire class; FOCUS 2009/2010. Represented are Kaia (going to Brazil), Isaiah (from Kenya going to Oslo), Torkel (going to Uganda), Audhild (going to Kenya!), me (going to Kenya!!) Mesh (from Kenya, going to Bergen), Ruth (from Kenya going to Oslo), Kalisha (from Kenya going to Bergen), Dennis (from Uganda going to Stavanger), Rajen (from Nepal going to Kristiansand), Linda (going to Brazil), Miriam (going to Kenya!), Veronika (going to Nepal), Camilla (going to Nepal), Marie (going to Uganda), Ragnhild (going to Kenya!), Esther (going to Brazil), Devendra (from Nepal, going to Kristiansand), Erica (from Brazil going to Trondheim), Matt (from Brazil going to Trondheim), Peter (from Uganda going to Stavanger) and Malene (going to Uganda).

Now, do you want to know what "the flock" is? Then stay tuned...

Kristina makes an interesting, updated blog: take two

Kristina has found her way back to the world of blogging. Some of you might remember my last try, when I planned to keep family and friends updated about my "Mexican chronicles" which, well, didn't really work out. But guys, this time I promise to try a lot harder.

Now for a tiny update. Right now I am in the library/computer room (mostly computer room) at Hald International Centre, where I've spent about five wonderful weeks learning about everything from discipleship and spiritual gifts, to dealing with questions of poverty and climate change, not to forget such important life skills as how to break a sweat playing volleyball and handle 15 losses in a row playing Ligretto against Marthe.

But now let's get to the exciting part: In a little less than two weeks I am leaving this funny little wood-smelling country, heading for Kenya! As some of you may know, I've been waiting for this for a few years now, so I am very very very excited!! But first there are things to learn, ligretto-games to play and sweats to break, so I'll come back to you all soon with more groundbreaking news from the most international corner of Norway.

By the way: pics coming up.