It's amazing what journeys life can take you on. I have been on a crazy one this year. I have experienced so much, learned a bunch about myself in the process and I'm ready for this crazyness to be over. I came here last spring to be here for my cousin as she was going through some things. I got a job, met some great people, saved some money and now I'm ready to come back home. It's weird to think about Oklahoma as "home", and my home country as not being home. I feel like an outsider here. I mean, I speak the same language, I was born here, but it's no longer my home. I miss my family and friends most of all. More than I thought possible. I have grown closer to some of my friends while being gone and made some new ones both here and there :) I have rebuilt one friendship, something that I thought would never happen. Now, I'm wating on news about my visa and that has been one crazy, emotional ride. I'm normally not a very emotional person, but this has just got me on edge. I don't think the people at work notice because I try not to let it affect my mood or how I act around them. But, when I'm at home in the apartment all by myself, I strugle with the emoitions of loneliness and frustration. I know all will be well. That God perfects that which concerns me. That no weapons formed against me shall prosper. That the testing of my faith produces patience. That if God is for me, who can be against me? I am more than a conqueror. This is just a portion of what I'm feeling right now, the other part I'm not sure I can even put words to right now. It might take me a while to process everything that has happened this year. Ciao!

I haven't blogged in a while, but here is a little update on my life.... I was hoping to be flying out tomorrow morning with my new work visa safely inside my passport, but no such luck. I'm still waiting to hear from the Embassy. Yesterday I tried to get my flight changed, but I guess it was a restricted ticket so no changes allowed... Today I bought another ticket for next Sunday and hopefully my visa will come soon. I really want to be in Tulsa with my family for Christmas. I can't wait to have some girl time with Meghan, Tina, Jolie and Abby again... and to see everyone else of my friends too... According to my attorney I should be getting my visa, he says there's no reason for them not to give it to me. So why are they taking so long...? I have no idea, but I'm doing my best to keep my spirits up and keep being patient. James 1:2-3 says: "My brethren count it all joy when you fall into various trials. Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." This has for sure been a testing of my faith, it still is... Hope to see y'all very soon ;)

26 out of 99....

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain (hiking)
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

I am the disciple whom Jesus loves.....

I've also been thinking of God's love for me lately. Faith and love go hand in hand. One can't happen without the other. God loves me so much, he wants only the best for me. I was thinking about this all day at work and I had such a great day. God's love is amazing. When God is for you who can be against you?

I came across this in Faith - catch it! by Scott Webb....

"You also know that anyone or anything that crosses you is crossing God! Those who oppose God usually end up at the bottom of the Red Sea or under the walls of Jericho. And those who love God and know His love for them will live out their lives in His protection. Obviously, it is a good thing to know God's love! There is nothing like it."

I've been thinking a lot about faith lately. Most of you know that I'm in the process of getting my visa and that my visit to the Embassy didn't appear to go so well. I'm still believing for a miracle and that God will make a way where there seem to be no way! The hardest part about it, for me, is having to wait..... To still be happy and to stay focused on my job while I wait... Not knowing is always hard for me. I don't like to wait. I like knowing. I like the security of knowing what's going to happen and when it's going to take place. I'm very much a "on time" person and I like everyone else to be the same....

But faith wouldn't be necessary if there was no waiting involved... right? So, I'm working on my patience... I'm determined to win this fight. I will stay in faith about this. I will not allow any negative thought or scenario to dwell in my mind. God knows I have had a few lately, but I'm casting them out. No doubt or fear is allowed! So, with this I'm encouraging myself. I choose to believe the best and that it is now my turn. This is my year for new beginnings! And I refuse to give up no matter how things look or how I feel about it. How I feel has nothing to do with it. Because we walk by faith and not by sight! I serve a big God who is also my father. Who created the heavens and the earth and everything in it. Who's yo Daddy? :)

It's Sunday....

and the rain is coming down pretty hard....which it has been doing since I left work Friday afternoon.... I was planning on running down to the gym for a workout, but I think I'm gonna skip it today and just stay inside and read where it's toasty and dry :) Running in the rain is fun as long as you have adequate clothing to wear which I don't at the moment....

US Embassy visit!

Didn't go quite like I had expected.... I was missing one form that my dad will have to fill out and send back to them. I was told it will take about 4-6 weeks to process.... The lady also doubted my qualifications to do the job as operations manager for my dad's business. Even though I have a Bachelors in Business management from TU and have had my own company for almost 4 years....

I had entered the country under false pretenses while I was a student at TU, which I didn't know until today... so I guess that explains why I kept being held up at the custom/immigration everytime I entered the country. My student visa was for Tulsa Community College and not the University of Tulsa... Anyhow, that's not a major issue, but it's forever in the system :(

I do belive, though, that God is the way maker!!! He can make a way where there is no way :) and I'm still expecting miracles to take place for me. Please pray for me right now. I need it! I'm doing my best to stay positive and to keep a smile on my face :) A person in faith is a happy person!!

This just made my day today :)

I was walking back from the gym listening to my ipod and this song comes on by Hillsong's new album - Desert song.

This part starts and I'm singing along so happy that no one else are around to hear me (lol). It just brought such joy in my heart I couldn't help but smile :)

all of my life
in every season
you are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

Happy news!

I received my E-2 employee visa application today. It got delivered at work and the first feeling that hits me is joy immediately followed by this really intense feeling of anxiousness.... I now have to make an appointment at the US Embassy for my interview - that was the part I dreaded the most.... After thinking about it some more and reading through the application from the attorney in Tulsa, I'm no longer nervous about it. It's done very well and I really think I have a good shot at this. I've waited for this day for months and it's finally here....:) My steps are ordered by God. I knew it was right for me to come here and I also know it's time for me to come home :)

My appointment is Thursday nov. 6th at 9am (7hr time difference from Tulsa). Please pray that I'll have favor with the people at the US Embassy and that they'll approve my visa quickly.

It got a lot colder outside today.... I think winter is coming on full force and I'm not sure how I feel about that. Not a huge fan of the cold.... We just turned back the clock one hour (Sunday) and now it's dark when I leave for work and when I come home :( I love fall, winter not so much. Good thing there is Christmas to look forward to.

Romans 12 (message bible)

I just love how this is worded in the message bible :) This is all about growing up and maturing in the things of God and if we can master this we'll be a great witness to the people around us... :)


So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life - your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life - and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

If you preach, just preach God's message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don't take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don't get bossy; if you're put in charge, don't manipulate; if you're called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don't let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face.

I'm back in Norway again after two awesome weeks in T-town :) I arrived yesterday at about 2.30pm local time (which is about 7hrs ahead of Tulsa time) and I was exhausted. I took a little nap, went to bed at about 9.30pm and slept until 5.30am when I had to get up for work. I only woke up once during the night which is pretty good - those of you that have traveled some this way will know this is true. I made it through work just fine, better than expected and now I'm enjoying some delicious Dillano's Black Label coffee before heading over to a friends house with some stuff I brought her from the US.

I let my manager know today that I want time off for Christmas to spend time with my family in Tulsa and she asked me if I was planning on staying there from then on.... So, I think this will work out just fine :) I was hoping she would let me go early and not have to stay on for three months... and it looks like she will (yay!!!) I thank God for his favor!!! It seems like I'm just walking down his path with everything pretty much worked out before I get there - I just have to take every step by faith. Now all I have to do is get my papers from the attorney in Tulsa and take them to the US Embassy in Oslo to apply for my visa. Piece of cake!

Went over to October fest tonight. Had a bratwurst with sauerkraut, some nachos with jalapenos and a free Pepsi...since I was my own dd (designated driver). Got free parking.... Thanks Paul! :) Hung out with some friends for a short amount of time and then went home cause it got way to cold out there..... mainly cause I didn't dress warm enough.... sorry Abby! Now, that I'm warm and cozy again I would love to just sleep, but have to go to the airport in about an hour to pick my brother up from the airport. Yay!! LOL!

Church tonight was really good. The pastor spoke about the three kinds of love (Eros, Phileo, Agape). Eros = romantic love, Phileo = brotherly love or friendship, Agape = the God kind of love. It's the God kind of love that completes us. Without that we keep searching for completion without any luck. It is the kind of love that goes out of its way to do something for someone else just for the sake of blessing them without expecting something in return. That is the highest kind of love! that is the love that never fails that 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 talks about. If we, as Christians, could only get to this point, to get our "love walk" down, the world would definitely notice and be drawn to it. After all it is the Love of God that compels us! Nothing else. The love that gave his only Son so that we could be saved, with no guarantee that we would love him back....

I am sitting in my old bedroom again in my parents house and it is so nice to be back. I know this is where I'm supposed to be. Not in my old bedroom in my parents house, mind you, but back here, in Tulsa.... This is home to me now. God lead me to go back to my home country for a while to do some things and to grow in some things and I really have. I can see the changes in my own life when I look back at who I was seven months ago..... It has been a good seven months even if some days have been really challenging. I'm growing and changing into the woman God called me to be and it's an exciting time to be alive :). Not just to be a proverbs 31 kind of woman, but like Mrs. Hagin says; a Philippians 4:13 kind of woman. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength!

Hi all!

I'm sitting at the Chicago O'hare airport drinking an iced tripple grande non-fat latte and let me tell you how awesome that feels right now. After being up since 5.15am Norwegian time (it's now 9.20pm there) I'm in great need of some caffeine. I thank God for favor on this trip and it's gone smoothly all the way. I don't know what it is about my passport though, but the last two times I've come to the states I've had to step into some creepy waiting area to get checked out by the security guards. Everytime I sit there and wait while they take my passport into some other room, comes back out after a few minutes and just say "thank you ms Tomren, have a great trip". No one tells me why I have to be taken aside.... It freaks me out everytime, I think what have I done? nothing! I'm here on a regular visitors visa this time and last time I had a valid business visa - no need to scare me like that! Oh well, no matter the reason, I still have favor with both God and man and now I'm about ready to board my flight to T-town :)

Ciao for now and remember; Acknowledge God in all your ways and He will direct your path!

I'm a day away from being home and I can barely contain myself. I'm spending the night at my friends apartment in Oslo since Fredrikstad is a bit too far away to be able to get to the airport in time for my flight tomorrow. So, I'll get up at 5.30-6am, get ready and head to the buss stop for the airport shuttle. My flight leaves Gardermoen airport at 9.35am for Stockholm, Sweden. From there it's straight to Chicago O'hare and then to Tulsa int'l, arriving at 4.40pm!!! Yay!!

I do wonder a bit how Sheeba will react when she sees me again. She's my dog and I haven't seen her since February 28th..... maybe she'll just ignore me for a day.... it's happened before.... Oh, well. We'll have to wait and see.

After a night of little sleep I woke up feeling surprisingly awake. I made breakfast, brewed some awesome Dillano's coffee and went outside to get in the car. It's about 6.20am and the train leaves at 6.34am. Normally, leaving the house at 6.20am gives us just about enough time to get there on time and this morning I also had to scrape ice off the windshields.....I guess end of fall is near and winter is right around the corner... but I made it just in time for the train to roll onto the station... I parked the car under the trees and walked calmly to the other side to get on the 6.34am train. Then, as usual, I put on my ipod and today I listened to the podcast of Kenneth Copeland and Charles Capps on my way to work..... Good stuff! :)

I had the hardest time paying attention at work today. I think mentally I've already left for Tulsa and I'm in total vacation mode already :) Three more days to go people and I'll see you all again :) Yay!

there has been a change of plans..... I'm no longer in the chili cook-off at the church picnic. No worries Dre, we'll still use your recipe and cook up some chili Friday night :)

Ciao!

Tulsa here I come!!

it's Sunday morning and I'm already in travel mode. I've started packing and I don't leave before Friday.... How am I supposed to hang on until Friday morning...? LOL

I fly into Tulsa at 4.40pm Friday afternoon, and then I have a hair appointment (thank God!) on Saturday morning.....I'm not quite sure how this happened, but I got talked into entering the Chili cook-off at the Rhema Bible Church annual picnic on Saturday... How I'm supposed to make that happen....? I don't know....shoot, I have never even made chili... I like to eat it... and the spicier the better... :) but from what I've heard it takes a while to cook.... Oh, well if any of you have any good recipes send them my way

camillatomren@gmail.com

Whatever happens, it will be fun :) and I'm so happy to see everyone again..........Better get back to packing and cleaning and my workout before church this afternoon :)

Ciao!

Sanctuary

This is such a great song. Make this your prayer today... I am.


Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary
Pure and holy, tried and true
With thanksgiving I'll be a living
Sanctuary for you

Lord I'm willing to be a sanctuary
pure and holy, tried and true
with thanksgiving I'll be a living
sanctuary for you

I guess writing this blog is turning into a once a month thing.... not much has happened since last time.... Fall is here and with that the temperature has dropped a bit and it's raining.... I was dreading fall earlier, but it's not really that bad. It's actually really pretty with the leaves changing, the wind is blowing differently and I am no longer dreading it... I bought some warmer clothes and now all I need are some really great shoes and I'm ready - for colder weather! It's been about 13 years since last time I had a Norwegian fall/winter so I've decided to make the best of it and enjoy it while it lasts :) It won't be long before I'm back in Tulsa and with that the cold prairie wind and little to no snow.... And thank God for spring in February!! :)

Hello!

I'm still apartment sitting in Oslo. This is the last week though, and I have to say I am ready for it to end. Even if going back to Fredrikstad means I have to get up at five thirty in the morning again.... Right now I'm taking care of one dog (a rotweiler named Atlas), two cats, and some fish (lol). Lots of fun!

Last weekend I went to see my brother, sister in law and my niece and nephew. We went fishing, swimming, and just had a blast. The weather was great and I loved it.

Hello!

So, I'm apartment sitting in Oslo for a while for 3 different people. It works out great for me; shorter way to work, free rent and it gives me something to do :) Since last time I logged on, I've been to Italy and let me just tell you; if you haven't been you should definitely go. I loved every minute of it! Rome was awesome. Tuscany was absolutely beautiful. And Tina and I both agree that we need to get married at our castle (Castillo de Oliveto) in Tuscany. It's not exactly our castle, but that's where we stayed. They produced their own wine as well as olives. Florence was nice as well, but we ended up parking at the wrong end of town and had to walk for over an hour before we got to the cool part, so I didn't have as good of an experience there. We managed to get hit by a scooter! Man those scooter drivers are nuts! They seem to have their own set of rules and you better just watch out, cause they seem to come out of nowhere.... Anyhow, I've uploaded most of the pics to my facebook account: www.facebook.com/camillatomren. Be my friend on there and you can check out the pics too ;)

Miss you all and hope you had a great 4th of July celebration.

It's finally summer!!!

So, I haven't been on here in a while.... how ya been? It's finally summer here with temperatures in the 80's (25+ Celsius). I'm lovin' it! Too bad I'm stuck inside an office all day.... Anyhow, just wanted to drop in real fast and say hi to everyone. Happy birthday to me ;)

Ciao!

Pentecost!

Yesterday I ran in the Holmenkoll run. It was fun. My part of the race was almost 400 meters (which is one lap around a track).
This weekend is Pentecost and we celebrate that in Norway. We don't work on Monday. I don't think most people here even know what Pentecost is. They are just happy for a day off. It's too bad. The day of Pentecost was one of the greatest days in the history of Christianity. The Holy Spirit came on the 120 in the upper room. And from then on they baptized not only with water but in the Holy Spirit. The helper, the advocate, the guide, the teacher, the direct link to the Father was available to everyone who believes!! Glory to God! Jesus (God the Son) left to sit at the right hand of God the Father and sent us God the Holy Spirit. Someone to always be with us on the inside. What a great plan. Jesus is our intercessor with the Father and the Holy Spirit is our helper and our guide down here. It's a win-win situation for us!!
http://www.revival.com/www/r.aspx?p=18&aid=1411


Happy Pentecost everyone!!

Ciao!

I went to Sweden las weekend. Had a great time there with my cousin and a bunch of other people from the church here in Fredrikstad. We were in Uppsala for the spring conference at the Word of Life church, and also attended Jesus Manifestation in Stockholm Saturday. It was pretty cool to see more than 12000 people come together to celebrate Jesus :)

Stockholm is such a beautiful city. We toured the old city and took lots of pictures, too many to fit in here... but here are a few of them :)

Spring....

I think spring has arrived!!! I just love spring! It's my favorite time of the year. The birds are waking up and the grass is getting greener and here it doesn't get dark until 9.30pm right now and that's pretty awesome! Especially when you don't get home until 6pm everyday and there is still plenty of daylight/sunlight left to enjoy. It was so nice outside today, too bad I had to be inside most of it..... But I did get a chance to take some pics yesterday to show you how pretty it gets when the sun finally comes out.... One was of the sunrise yesterday...view from the apartment door...




view of Oslo from the train!

Sunrise from the door of the apartment yesterday morning at about 6am!

I declare!

I found this written in one of Joel O'steen's books and I really liked it so I wrote it down for myself, and I'd like to also share it with you....

I declare!

· I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom, and I have clear direction for my life.

· I declare that I am blessed with creativity, with courage, with ability, and with abundance.

· I declare that I am blessed with a strong will and with self-control and self-discipline.

· I declare that I am blessed with a great family, with good friends, with good health, and with faith, favor, and fulfillment.

· I declare that I am blessed with success, with supernatural strength, with promotion, and with divine protection.

· I declare that I am blessed with an obedient heart and with a positive outlook on life.

· I declare that any curse that has ever been spoken over me, any negative evil word that has ever come against me, is broken right now.

· I declare that I am blessed in the city. I am blessed in the country. I am blessed when I go in. I am blessed when I come out.

· I declare that everything I put my hands to do is going to prosper and succeed.

· I declare that I am blessed.

Hey!

This getting up at 5.30am thing is getting old fast! I leave the house at 6.20am and get home at 5.45pm.... that's a long day! I thank God for his strength and mercy to get through the day with a smile on my face :)

Phil. 4:13 says "I can do all things through Christ who makes me strong", it also says in Isaiah 40:31 "but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint".

It's almost 10pm and I'm so ready for bed :) Hopefully this trip won't last me too long and I can get back on the plane and come home. Good night everyone!

The new job.....

I'm working as a customer service representative for a media house in Oslo. My cousin also works here, which is partly the reason why I got this job. I'll be part time until June, filling in where needed, after that it's full time.

I spent second day of training sorting through returned papers and updating addresses of current customers. It's not the most exciting job in the world, but its not bad either. Besides, its kind of fun just filling in where needed for a while.... My coworkers are all really nice and friendly too, which is awesome!
I like it here. I'll tell you more later....... Ciao for now :)

fianlly sunshine.... yay!!

I can actually see the sun today and I really hope it lasts all day.... I think its been raining or snowing since I got here....

I'm off for my first day of training today and I'm both happy and a little nervous.... Don't really know what to expect, but I'm sure it'll be all good :)

My cousin left for Costa Rica yesterday (a bit jealous) so now I got the apartment all to myself ;) Well, I better get ready.

Ciao!

still raining......

So, I've come to the conclusion that I was born in the wrong country. I don't like cold weather; I tolerate snow for about a day (lol), I love 100F days in Oklahoma, and honestly the mountains are somewhat overrated..... j/k the mountains are gorgeous, but only when the sun is shining and the temps are above 75F..... ;) Everything here is tiny; the houses, the streets, just try parking your car if you've been used to the American way of living - hah!! not such an easy task at first... No wonder everyone has those little smart cars.... hahaha So, by birth I'm a viking, but in heart I'm a true American (Yeah!!!)

later dudes!

Happy weekend!!

Hi friends!

I've almost been over here one month now, and I just quit my coffee job and I'm interviewing for some other more grown-up jobs (hehe). After working my first shift, I figured out I was actually pretty tired of the retail world. It was time for a different industry. So, I've interviewed for two jobs the last two days and I got one offer so far, but I'm waiting to hear from the other job before I decide..... The other one pays better, so naturally I'd rather have that one..... The weather is still pretty glum here and I miss spring in Oklahoma.... there's nothing more beautiful than watching the lightning storms in Oklahoma.....

So, good weekend everyone and I'll check in with you all later.....

Remember; Matt. 6:33 "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you....." As you stay focused on God and what he wants you to do, He'll focus on you and take care of all your needs :)

Easter break!

Here are some pictures of my hometown.  I didn't get to take very many because the battery in my camera died....  I went skiing with my aunt and ran into some old friends and family.... and also went bowling with my cousins....

I had my first actual day of working today and it was crazy busy. I got there at noon and it never slowed down. My head was about to explode and my feet were hurting pretty bad too... I'm beginning to wonder why I'm wanting to be a barista..... It's stressful at times and not as easy as it sounds.... Anyhow, I got a two month trial period, so I guess I'll use the two months to figure it out. Besides being crazy busy at work i missed the 7 o'clock train back to Fredrikstad and had to wait two hours for the next train. Sucked!!! Then I met Janne at church and we rode in a friend's car to another friend's house for a birthday party which was another hour away by car way out in noman's land (lol). The house was gorgeous!! Newly remodeled older Norwegian house and absolutely fascinating. We ended the night by watching "when the Spirit gets to moving" with bro. Hagin and it was a great way to end the night. I'm going to bed now, its 3:44am here. Good night and good luck! ;)

Missing home

I'm a tad bit homesick today. It's weird. I'm born here, but I'm missing the US so much right now. I really miss the feeling of freedom there and the ability to just jump in my car and take a drive if I felt like it....
I just got a job, so now I'm looking for an apartment in the city, closer to where I'll be working. It's all so expensive - it's insane! I've been looking online for the better part of the day and the best I've found so far is a room for rent in a bigger apartment for about $1000 a month + utilities. Crazy!!!! I'm believing God for great favor right now. He has to provide. And He will!!! I'm sure of it! If it sounds like I'm trying to convince myself, I am (lol). Sometimes you have to remind yourself of God's goodness and mercy. For the Lord is good and His mercy endureth forever!!! For the Lord is good and His mercy endureth forever!! For the Lord is good and His mercy endureth forever!! Bro. Hagin used to say that all the time. I'm saying it now, and for every time I say it I can feel my spirit rejoicing. For the Lord is good and His mercy endureth forever!! you can't say that and stay down.

Anyhow, I love reading your comments :)

I'm a Barista once again!

Today I got hired as a barista at one of Oslo's largest coffee companies. My store is located right behind the royal palace, facing the park. It's a very nice neighborhood and I'm so excited to be there. I know I'm in the right place, where God wants me at the moment and that is the greatest feeling in the world. When I get my camera working again (I left the charger at home) I'll take some pictures to show you the store and the view from it. The manager is really nice, and so are the workers that I've met so far.....

psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with my eye.

This was my view from the train going back from Oslo today. Beautiful sunset. I also spotted 4 deer running across a field, but I wasn't quick enough to take a picture of them.
I had my first interview today, and I believe it went quite well. I'm expecting to hear back from them tomorrow sometime. This one was at the kaffebrenneriet, which is one of the largest coffee companies in Norway. They are set up a bit like Starbucks, but so far only has about 18 stores which are all in Oslo. They are not growing to fast, but are rather concentrated on quality over quantity which I think is great. They also have their own bakery which delivers fresh pastries to every store twice a day. Pretty impressive! I believe I could learn a lot from them.
Friday I have another interview with Studentkafeen AS, which is a coffee shop right next to a university. If I got that job, I wouldn't have to work weekends, which is a nice perk... We'll see what happens :) I truly hope I get a job quick. I went grocery shopping today and spent $100 on food, and it was only two bags of stuff.... Ridiculously Expensive!!!!!
So, I thank God for supplying all my needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus!!!! (lol)

I miss each and everyone of you.

The job hunt!!

So, finding work is somewhat of a challenge. Even though I don't have the "visa" challenge here, there are plenty of other challenges. Either I don't have enough experience or I have to much. I sent in several applications for barista (espresso related) jobs today. I Sure hope some of those come through. Surely I should have enough experience for those.... right? I'm meeting with the lady at the Kaffebrenneriet tomorrow and hopefully that works out...

Here are some pics that I promised...

having coffee.....Finally!!!

view of the apartment.

view from the apartment...

something to think about

"Words affect your thoughts.
Thoughts affect your emotions.
Emotions affect your decisions.
Decisions affect your habits
Habits affect your character.
Character affects your destination."

The sun is shining :)

Hi everyone :) today is Sunday and the sun is shining. I can't wait to get outside. I'm going to talk my cousin, Jane, into taking me to the "old city" for some coffee and I'll take lots of pics to show you all on here. I miss every single one of you, but I know God has me here for a purpose and that makes me feel so much better and a little less lonely. Besides, I'm rooming with my cousin and other family is right around the corner, I have other friends here too - so all in all it's not a bad situation. God is faithful and like Cristin said, I am a WOG (woman of God) and I'm walking in the FOG (favor of God). LOL!

Anyhow, I'll catch y'all later with some pics.

Ciao!

Day 2

Today I slept in and it was really great :) Later in the afternoon Janne and I went to my aunt and uncle's house for dinner and it was amazing. Oven baked salmon with potatoes, veggies, and sour cream - a real Norwegian feast!

This evening was the singles service at church. I met a lot of new people and some that I already new from Tulsa. Fun times! Not quite like Synergy (Tina and Glenn will know what I'm talking about), but not bad either. Their hearts are in the right place.

I'm about to fall asleep now, so I think I better stop and go to bed. It's almost midnight here and I'm still not used to the time difference....

Until next time.....

Jer. 29:11
for I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Bon voyage Tulsa

So, after almost 13 years in T-town, I'm headed back to Norway for a while. I left Tulsa yesterday afternoon at 4.30pm and arrived in Fredrikstad at 5pm today. It was quite the trip and I'm trying as hard as I can to stay awake for another hour so that the transition will be easier on me. There is a 7hr time difference for those of you who doesn't know this. Remember that if you want to call me sometime ;) As someone said the other night, I'll be in the future while you guys in Tulsa are in the past (lol).

It's funny how you meet people when you're out traveling. On the plane from Tulsa to Memphis I sat next to a guy who works for the Ford glass factory in Broken Arrow. He travels all over the world doing consulting for them. He was on his way to Saudi Arabia for 6 weeks, then he comes back to Tulsa for 3 weeks before going to Brazil for 6 weeks, comes back home for another 3 and goes to India for 6 months. Wow!! some people really get to rack up those frequent flyer miles quick (lol).

On the plane from Memphis to Amsterdam, I almost thought I got 4 seats to myself (what a trip that would have been). I could have laid across the seats for the whole trip and had no swollen feet... nope! that was not in the cards for me this time. After sitting there for 30 minutes wondering who my travel companions would be, in comes a Muslim family on their way to Morocco on vacation. Husband and wife with two seemingly adorable little girls. They looked adorable at first, after a while they became rather annoying with their screaming and complaining and the dad kept wanting to get out of his seat all the time. And in stead of making his wife move, he kept waking me up so that I had to move to let him out. Gah! not only that, but during my movie, I swear he started chanting next to me. I was tempted to start praying in the spirit to keep up with him (lol). It became very funny after a while. He apologized later about bugging me all the time, and after being somewhat rested I had to, and his kids looked way too adorable again too :)

In Amsterdam I was so excited to find Starbucks Coffee!! I ordered my iced double tall non-fat latte, and I had just enough euros from a previous trip to pay for it (yay!!). Norway = no starbucks yet :(

I miss you all and please come visit

until next time....

Col. 3:12-17
12 Therefor, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;
13 bearing with one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through Him.