July Hosting Extravaganza
One of the goals for our Norwegian adventure, was to learn from our hosts how they have incorporated hosting in to their lives and the farm that they live on. We have discovered all sorts of very practical tasks of building and land maintenance; the need to keep organized track of these seasonal needs, while challenging, is paramount to success. There are objective tasks as well as the many subjective tasks of repair and restoring. How to mitigate the potential stress of a ‘living’ to-do list is something I look forward to figuring out as we continue to learn.
One of the subjective tasks is hosting. We watch our friends host friends, strangers, church events, personal retreats, mission groups, holidays, friends of their kids, festivals, and full-blown weddings. While separate from general maintenance this is an ongoing dynamic that makes ‘normal life’ different.
Within the home for dinner and also without for events, we see the way that beauty can come forth in many simple ways: a small vase of wild flowers on a table, a variety of plates and glasses that are practical and pretty, a fire glowing, and candles burning. We have seen how the Norwegians remember the art of hosting, but have the delightful cultural layer of simple elegance. (Side note: my favorite touch was thin ice formed in a bucket, turned out and a candle put inside to light a snowy path!)
The entire month of July brought opportunity to see how we could participate in some intensive hosting in a different space and country. A few others had visited us over our time here, but few and far between, so our four weeks of guests was going to help us apply what we’ve learned practically AND give us immense gratitude for familiar faces that we know and love.
It was busy and non-stop. It was filled with fantastic conversations of depth and laughter. We swam in cold waters, ate amazing food (lots of Thai food believe-it-or-not), hiked many trails, sat by the firepit roasting smores, visited the fjords, went to the kafe, and grew in appreciation and love for Hallingdal as we shared her with earnest guests. Having so many come from far away, some to Norway for the first time, afforded us the consideration of a what we’ve enjoyed and what we still wanted to do, while letting our guests desires lead the way.
The privilege of having a separate guest house (hytte) on the property made this level of engagement so much easier. Some of our guests chose to stay in our home (which we loved!), but several chose the hytte. We did not dine for breakfast together every day, which allowed for families to move at their own pace on holiday and for our family to connect while hosting. The balance of this was amazing to us. We saw the health that it brought for the time shared.
I would never have been able to do this a few years ago. I would have the underlying fear of missing out on the precious time with these travelers; wanting to squeeze every second out of the visit. But I experience that trusting the Lord with His sense of time and space is restful and joyful. It seems to me that what is most important in relationship comes to the surface peacefully and that this peace and the resounding gratitude is what remains after departure.
This satisfaction has overridden the anxiety of getting it all ‘just right’.
We can set the table and can expect Him to fill it with all that our guests may need. What a sweet gift God gives us in trusting Him: the water to wine, the loaves and fishes, the bread of life, and satiating waters. We have such a fantastic table from which to eat.
Additional Reflections
“I found it very refreshing to communicate with fellow Americans and old friends face to face. It brought me great joy to share our lives with them and participate in wonderful conversations and experiences. We must have gone to Eidfjord at least three time in that month. I’m not complaining, mind you. The town is absolutely fantastic, with an excellent bakery and an amazing Thai food truck. I really enjoyed our time with friends this month!” -Karalee
“It was super fun and at the same time it was super tiring, because it was super fun. I really enjoyed seeing our friends and family and speaking to English speakers. Also, eating dinner and laughing over funny stories at night was spectacular. Some of my greatest highlights were carving swords and then fighting with them, going on expeditions to the forest, showing people our treehouse, and launching each other on the trampoline. I guess what I mean to say, is that when you’re living in a foreign country, having your friends visit is just beautiful.” – Alister
“When I think of July, 2026 the word “fulfilling” comes to mind. July was filled to overflowing with precious memories and experiences that can only happen with extended time together with those you love. I’m grateful for the opportunity connect with our guests through adventures, meals, laughs and “conversations that matter”. It was also wonderful to play host in a foreign land and to be the “local” guide during our adventures. Even though Ål is on the rail line from Oslo to Bergen, it takes a long time to get here. For that my heart is filled full that many came our direction this summer. Additionally, I’m reminded that Jenny and I just love hosting and look forward to doing it again.” - Clayton
