DEDICATING THIS YEAR TO THE MEMORY OF MY GRANDFATHER STANLEY H. CROW &
THE ENDURING SPIRIT OF MY GRANDFATHER
FREDERICK O. LANPHEAR

To Be of Use

The people I love the best
jump into work head first
without dallying in the shallows
and swim off with sure strokes almost out of sight.
They seem to become natives of that element,
the black sleek heads of seals
bouncing like half submerged balls.
I love people who harness themselves, an ox to a heavy cart,
who pull like water buffalo, with massive patience,
who strain in the mud and the muck to move things forward,
who do what has to be done, again and again.
I want to be with people who submerge
in the task, who go into the fields to harvest
and work in a row and pass the bags along,
who stand in the line and haul in their places,
who are not parlor generals and field deserters
but move in a common rhythm
when the food must come in or the fire be put out.
The work of the world is common as mud.
Botched, it smears the hands, crumbles to dust.
But the thing worth doing well done
has a shape that satisfies, clean and evident.
Greek amphoras for wine or oil,
Hopi vases that held corn, are put in museums
but you know they were made to be used.
The pitcher cries for water to carry
and a person for work that is real.
~ Marge Piercy ~


Thursday, August 26, 2010

The beginning of my journey in Molde!



I want to start this blog post with taking a deep breath, a breath that is well needed, a breath not just for me but for everyone feeling the strong tug in their gut from missing someone, something or many people like me. I have been struggling with homesickness pretty much everyday since I left home, but besides this my life here has been outstanding. Because of that I can end each day with a smile on my face and realize how grateful I am for being so fortunate as to be here in this beautiful country!

I can honestly say that Molde is completely different then I anticipated. Different in the best of ways, I love the views, the school, the people, and best of all my incredible norwegian family! Where to start with the Eikrem-Finnøy family.... Since day one they have been so welcoming and have really made me feel right at home. Not only have they made me feel welcomed, but they have been so supportive of me in school, helping me learn norwegian (putting post it stickies all over their beautiful home for me with the norwegian words for things), and helping me through hard times. Without them I don't think this journey would be the same. I am beyond grateful to them for everything they have given me, and all that they have to offer, they are amazing.

I started school, the day after arriving in Molde, and I can't describe how nervous I was going into school that day. My stomach was flustered in way I have never felt before, but thanks again to my family here I had help meeting friends and getting my school schedule sorted out. Astrid (my host mother) walked to school with me that day and made sure I had everything sorted out in my schedule before she left me. Sunniva (my host sister) made sure that I was going to make friends, and she also introduced me to sooooo many people :) It really is a great feeling to know how supported I am by these incredible people.

My classes at school have been very challenging, but in a very good and exciting way, I now feel like I am going to learn the language much quicker then I expected. I have made friends with people in almost every class at school now, and they are all helping me learn norwegian, which is so nice of them! I never expected to feel this much support, it really is an indescribable feeling. I am really REALLY enjoying this country, especially the little town of Molde!

I am sorry that it took so long for me to update my blog, I have been very tired and busy ever since I got here. I will try and update you all as frequently as possible, because I really do want to share this incredible journey with all of you!

I am sending out much love to all of you, and please send some back, you all know how much I love love!
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4 comments:

  1. Nina RhysAugust 27, 2010 at 5:51 PM

    Beautiful blog post. I love how you write. I'm so proud of you and look forward to hearing more of your stories in the days, weeks and months form now. What a great adventure you are having!

    I love you,
    Mom

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  2. KarynAugust 27, 2010 at 8:41 PM

    Lovely Noah. You ARE a good writer. You are so perceptive about how things are not what you expected. Life there must be very different. I hope you don't spend too much time worrying about doing the right things or saying the right things. You are an open young man that wants new experiences. You are going to have an awesome time there and just know that those of us here in mellow and cloudy Seattle are eager to hear all about your journey. I am proud of you baby and I hope you are feeling less sad and more excited every day. We love you!!

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  3. UnknownAugust 30, 2010 at 8:37 AM

    Noah, I am glad to hear that you are having a great time! I have never doubted that you would not enjoy your year abroad because you have a passion for life and have always grabbed any opportunity and fully made it yours. Learn as much as you can. I am glad to hear you are playing soccer since that is something that you really enjoy. We are thinking of you always and continue updating us with words and photos. Love you, Aunt Sandy

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  4. mikeSeptember 1, 2010 at 9:34 PM

    Noah -

    I can't believe you're in Norway! I really like how you began the post - I can identify with missing a lot of people this year. It's good to see that you're adjusting well and enjoying your time abroad. Have a great fall term!

    --Mike Fleming

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