FAREWELL, COUNTRYSIDE

It's not Tintern Abbey, but it's not far from it! I know I am complaining about the lack of activities here, but I have to admit that it is kinda nice here as well:) It's been really good being at home, and having the chance to enjoy the beautiful landscape, the fresh smell of forest, grass and flowers. And spend some time with my family and friends. But now I'm heading for Addis Abeba, my second home. Apparently Ethiopia is the third most dangerous country to live in (I have now idea where my dentist got that information), but I don't think it's true. But it is a fact that I am leaving one of the world's most peaceful countries and going to a country that is situated in between countries with all sorts of conflicts, having a fair share of them itself as well. And I am staying there for another year. Well, who knows, I might decide that I need a break and fly off to......hmm, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar....or somewhere farther away! We will see! But you are most welcome to come and visit me, that would be great! I have a tiny spare room, so you don't have to book in at the Sheraton, don't worry:) You'll hear from me again when I'm back in Addis!!!!

FYI

I can see now that it was a little bit unfortunate that my post about my big cheek is right after the song.......(thanks for pointing that out, Maria;). Well, I don't think I did anything to deserve looking like I'm constantly chewing on this big piece of steak, but from my blog it looks like that's the result if you do what Casting Crowns is pointing out.....I'm pretty sure it's not, though:) And, it was meant to be divided into verses, but my blog is not cooperating with me, and I'm to lazy to bother finding out how it will. Och.....

WHAT IF....?

What if the armies of the Lord

Picked up and dusted off their swords

Vowed to set the captive free

And not let satan have one more

What if the Church, for heaven's sake

Finally stepped up to the plate

Took a stand upon God's promise

And stormed hell's rusty gates

What if His people prayed

And those who bear His name

Would humbly seek His face

And turn from their old ways

And what would happen if we prayed

For those raised up to lead the way

Then maybe kids in school could pray

And unborn children see light of day

What if the life that we pursue

Came from a hunger for the truth

What if the family turned to Jesus

Stopped asking Oprah what to do

What if His people prayed

And those who bear His name

Would humbly seek His face

And turn from their own way

He said that He would hear

His promise has been made

He'll answer loud and clear

If only we would pray

If My people call by My name

If they'll humble themselves and pray

(Casting Crowns: What if His People Prayed)

THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS.......

......when you allow a dentist to dig around in your mouth, cut, pull and do other sorts of horrible stuff for almost an hour!!!!! At one point I even thought my jaw was going to fall off! This picture may not be showing how big my left cheek (right side on the picture, but you got that, didn't you?:) really is, but I was afraid it would be too much for you! My mum just laughs at me (yea, I know, isn't that nice), and I keep on eating pills and porridge. But the wisdom tooth had to get out! It just couldn't stay there for another year! So a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do! Fortunately I'm not afraid of dentists! And he was proabably worse off than I, he even called me to check if I was ok today, said it was the most difficult job he'd had during his 27 years as a dentist! That's just great to hear! Oh, well, hopefully I wont be seeing any of you until I look more or less normal again......

PERSPECTIVES

Selandsdalen in Norway. My little valley. Can you see our house? It's just there, in the middle of the picture, to the right. In between the trees. You can't see it? No, didn't think so. Well, it's a very sweet little valley. Approximately 45 inhabitants, including me. Come visit sometime!

Addis Abeba in Ethiopia. You can't see my house from here, unfortunately. It's way out there. In between all the other houses, shacks and shelters. And the people. Approximately.....well, somewhere between 5 and 7 million people. Including me of course. They are having a census, and I was just counted. My household. Consisting of me and my maid Belaynesh:) You can of course come visit me here as well!!

SUMMER HOLIDAY

Summer in the forest in the south of Norway

Friends in Bergen!

Anna and I on a mountain close to Bergen that I at this very moment can't remember the name of!!!!!!!

From last year......sunset seen from the ship.....

Honningsvåg, the last stop on our route. Tiny, desolate place. From here we take the bus to the North Cape.

Lovely Lofoten

At home. Nice. It is raining here as well. But it only started today. The weather has been amazing since I arrived in Bergen two weeks ago. Sometimes I don't feel very Norwegian, but you would be able to tell that I am, because I talk about the weather all the time. I will try to be a bit more interesting:) Still, it cannot be denied that the nice weather in Bergen was marvellous, and really made my week there! Apart from that, seeing friends again was great! Dancing salsa, eating ice cream and relaxing in the sun - and just being in good old Bergen - the perfect holiday! And now I'm back in the forest in the south where the moose lives and where it is so quiet, so quiet.....quite a change from buzy, noisy Ethiopia. So I'm going to enjoy the peace(did you know that Norway was recently ranked as the most peaceful country??) and quiet here for a little longer, and prepare myself for another year in Habesha-land!

(The last summers I have spent working on a ship that goes along the Norwegian coast, so to show you guys where I was at this time last year: some pics!)