The Invitation
to Norway.

It is with delight that our next chapter should take place in Norway! Nestled among the mountains at the north end of the Hallingdal Valley, we have been given the great privilege of living at a large working family farm located near the small town of Ål. We will share in the joys of living within a small population of 5,000 in central Norway and learning more about how to tend to hearts while also tending to land.

We are elated at the fact that the farm has a long history in the valley as conveyed by historic buildings and furnishings (there is even an ancient pump house within hiking distance). In more recent years this land has played host to a myriad of guests as well as provided a variety of ways to support the family and the local community.

This perfect balance between hospitality and cultivating the land is so unique and intriguing to our hearts. Searching out all the good things God has for us ‘to handle, taste and touch’. To learn, grow, explore, play, rest and wonder. Training and apprenticeship opportunities abound from cheese making, baking, fence mending, construction, playing host and serving in the local community and church. We are absolutely enchanted by all that is possible for each one of us.

The Cafe

Jenny has the special opportunity to volunteer at a nearby coffee house and organization. Cafe TID works with young students in a school meal project as an alternative learning program, as well as helping people of immigrant status and refugees in language practice and skill development. Under the banner of “Trust, Inclusion and Participation”, Jenny will contribute to the follow-up and training of the participants in the practical work at the cafe, the social work environment and facilitating the helping participants to contribute new insights and knowledge.

Additionally, our status as “professional” English speakers will be a huge benefit to the volunteer work at the cafe; helping with the work they are doing in collaboration with the University of Southeast Norway (Center for Social Innovation and Co-creation), Norwegian School of Theology, and Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, to develop effective methods and tools that can be transferred to other companies for bridging language and communication barriers within immigrant and vulnerable groups.