A Reminder...

In case you didn't know, or forgot about it, if you are going to be in the cities area TOMORROW (Sunday, November 22), Brett and I are hosting a Lunch and Celebration of our 3 years in Norway at Woodbury Lutheran Church in the Youth Room (called "The Bridge") @ 12:30pm.

We will provide lunch and take some time to share what God has done in and through us during our time in Norway-and what He is still doing- show some pictures, and share a short video with some of our Norwegian students sharing their hearts.

Anyone is welcome, it would be wonderful to see you!

More Updates coming SOON! :)

Some Enjoyable times back in Minnesota

Though we've had some rough moments of missing life in Norway since we've returned to the U.S., we've also had many wonderful moments with family and friends. It has been special to be back for the longest period of time since we moved over 3 years ago. We are enjoying the times of conversation and quality time with our loved ones back here. Here are just a few highlights, with more to come!

I was able to go up and visit my younger sister, Danielle, in Duluth for a girls weekend since her husband was out of town. It was really nice to be back in my home for my college years and 2 years of doing student ministry afterward. I was reminded again how much I have missed it (and my sister!)

Another weekend, Brett and I were able to make it up to Duluth together and spend a great few days with dear friends and my sister and her husband, Grant. Our good friends, Dan and Sarah DeLaForest are now living next door to them, so we had a great time together. We also were able to have dinner at Chuck and Sally Haavik's with them and our friends and Chi Alpha ministry partners, Jay and Lindsey Sykes (and their new adopted son, Caleb, from Ethiopia!) for an early birthday dinner for me. Turning 28 seemed crazy to me, but it was so wonderful to celebrate with some of our dearest friends. There is just something special about Duluth and the relationships we have from our time there. We left after that trip being so encouraged and hungry to see God continue to move there and each of our lives. It is so evident that He has amazing plans for every person in that community. What a special group of people!

GO TWINS!!!

Yes, I know they didn't make it all the way, but they sure went farther than people thought. We were blessed to be able to be at the game against the Tigers that many are labeling an "instant classic". I (Cortney) have grown up being a Twins fan and been to quite a few games, but I have to say that this was the best game I've EVER been to! (My dad agrees and he's been to many more than I!). It was a ton of fun and a packed stadium of homer hanky wavers. Brett even lost his voice from yelling so much! (The video below shows why!) . We also went to the playoff game against the Yankees that ended up being the official last Twins game at the metrodome (I guess i don't have to tell you who we are rooting for in the World Series- Go Phillies!). Sad day! But hoping to make it to at least one game next summer in the new outdoor stadium! Gotta love MN baseball!

WEDDING!!
And who can forget the fun times had at Brett's sister, Brooke's, wedding in August? It was a great time had by all. What a beautiful bride and a Jeremy a great new addition to the family. It was great to also have Cortney's whole family there. We danced the night away! (Pictures taken by the wedding photographer)

Saying Goodbye to Trondheim...for now

view from Gløshaugen (science and engineering campus)

Our last weeks in Trondheim were bittersweet as we tried to savor the last of the beautiful summer scenery and spend time with loved ones before departing for the U.S. Three years has flown by, yet at the same time when I think of all that has happened and how we have been changed- it is remarkable how much God can do in only three years.

Brett and I were blessed to be able to have some time to reflect on our experiences living in Norway after we returned from Italy and before attending the annual Students for Christ conference (Connect '09- see entries below!) in Brussels. When we returned from Brussels, we jumped right into the first week of arriving freshmen students. We had a group of students help us to share about Quest at the freshmen orientation in which they experienced many God-given connections with new students interested in getting involved.

It was a great chance for us to pray for what God has in store for the students of Trondheim this next year. Of course it was also difficult knowing that we were not going to be there to be a physical part of it all. We were encouraged though, watching our students boldly introduce themselves to new students and show enthusiasm for the community that God has brought together.

Immatrikulering= freshmen orientation

one of many beautiful Trondheim sunsets (from outside our apartment) lasting hours into the night

Brett and I took a biking camping adventure for one night- was really tough, but a worthwhile adventure!

Chuck and Sally Haavik were in Trondheim from the states for a few days after Brussels and invited many of our good friends out for a nice dinner

Day Before Departure- Goodbye BBQ

Some of our key students (and dear friends) who were freshmen last fall and have really been transformed by God through Quest

My good friend Tea- we have many wonderful conversations about life, God, and faith (still talking on Skype!)

Some of our favorite people- we are blessed! Many tears this day...

Hanging out at our close friends' house (OJ and Annette) our last night (we rented their upper level with Kelly our first year in Norway and stayed with them our last 2 nights in Trondheim)- was meaningful to spend it in a familiar, relaxing way with them and Kelly, Magnus, and Linn Cecilie

Our "Team", more accurately family, of 3 years- We love and miss you Kelly! (Kelly remained in Trondheim to continue working with Quest- we are continuing to hear great things!)

Me and Annette- we will miss her and OJ and their adorable little boys! Our last night in this place, spending it with them had a little bit of the "coming full circle" feeling to it.


Needless to say, the next morning was a difficult ride to the airport at 4am. I cried the whole way there! But I have to remind myself that it is the tears that are evidence of the love that we have experienced in that place, the relationships that have shaped us. If there were no tears, no breaking of our hearts to leave, we'd have to wonder if it was all really worth it. Thank God that there is no doubt about that.

amsterdam, netherlands

We were blessed to be able to take a few extra days on our way to Brussels to finally venture outside the Amsterdam airport. Brett, Kelly, and I spent 3 days bonding in what we soon found to be a really interesting city.

below: coolest public library I've ever seen (and the view from the top floor cafe)!

We decided to indulge and get a taste of America at the Hard Rock Cafe. Note: when travelling in Amsterdam, feel free to stop at the cafes, but avoid those marked "coffee shop"- this is where people hang out smoke marijuana, which is legal here- don't worry, you'll be able to tell by the haze pouring out of the front door!
One of my (Cortney) highlights was visiting the Anne Frank House museum. Reading The Diary of Anne Frank was my inspiration to consistently journal starting when I was in elementary school and continuing to this day! Emotional to hear the story of her life as we walked through the actual rooms they lived in hiding and see her real journal. She named hers "Kitty", so I had named mine too. :)One aspect of Amsterdam was heartwrentching in its reality. Our hostel was on the edge of the redlight district (a Christian hostel dedicated to reaching out to the area and to those passing through) and we saw firsthand the tragedy that holds so many in bondage- the selling of human beings. Looking eye-to-eye with those behind the glass, it is impossible to not feel burdened by the need of these cherished ones of God to experience true love and acceptance as only He can give. And so we pray with increased vigor that the Kingdom of God would break into this place and set people free...

CONNECT 09 STUDENT TRAINING IN BRUSSELS

Finally we are putting some updates on here from our 10 days spent in Brussels, Belgium in August for our annual gathering with Students for Christ Europe. Check out the slideshow that was put together and a few other photos below! As always, it was an amazing time and we were all changed as we experienced more of God in our lives through incredible teaching, worship, and community. So glad we could be there and bring some Norwegians with us!

3 Americans, 2 Norwegians, and 2 Fiinns :)

Cortney getting to help out with worship

The Norwegian team with our new Finnish friends

Being goofy- Siri Helene with Chuck and Sally Haavik; Brett and Kirk Priest (doing SFC in Germany)