tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74957777118863428552024-02-20T09:13:09.668-08:00Noah's Norwegian Adventure!MY LIFE AND TRAVELS IN NORWAY....Noah Lanphearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08180894187701181562noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495777711886342855.post-66869248161260429552011-06-28T02:32:00.000-07:002011-06-28T04:44:35.308-07:00Saying goodbye, but not forever!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbCfbH6u3r3g2VG_viZNQ_XAMb2HwNANHGKxCctVx9zT_Pg5eGHrT49ale52uWTA9Nm83YPsygB3g2mupirgv_7Qd5kfFyu3a6Ow-Dsm-ZnurL-UqXPd8nt9HyWpiVUdIEhTO9_B5K_ZQ/s1600/SAM_1618.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbCfbH6u3r3g2VG_viZNQ_XAMb2HwNANHGKxCctVx9zT_Pg5eGHrT49ale52uWTA9Nm83YPsygB3g2mupirgv_7Qd5kfFyu3a6Ow-Dsm-ZnurL-UqXPd8nt9HyWpiVUdIEhTO9_B5K_ZQ/s400/SAM_1618.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623231683801886978" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3WcetL5_xSrR6bpv9dGtc9pjYMB0V7ikXZxZMR-wgkIAV5s0zYlhz_6LRqxZ92oN5VhRXaaP2UdgE1WwSjzwAL2wM4vWQXHIWdw5j9pC616HWS7TGVOi-PmwpPCdJSazPojLWW4Z9ej5/s1600/IMG_0993.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3WcetL5_xSrR6bpv9dGtc9pjYMB0V7ikXZxZMR-wgkIAV5s0zYlhz_6LRqxZ92oN5VhRXaaP2UdgE1WwSjzwAL2wM4vWQXHIWdw5j9pC616HWS7TGVOi-PmwpPCdJSazPojLWW4Z9ej5/s400/IMG_0993.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623231675943409810" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc66MfzP_G735jeMj4pU6GqyuiXXyO5qV7WCwwA2JjzaznzNNcREEpFcxjIN_1RGPTYyPW4MLFmuexYK68oTfhguQ4eGHm4C8c15rRRvteGug3yg3K8obBMtfZhZvZoUcRsEnGMGYUzZt-/s1600/IMG_1043.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc66MfzP_G735jeMj4pU6GqyuiXXyO5qV7WCwwA2JjzaznzNNcREEpFcxjIN_1RGPTYyPW4MLFmuexYK68oTfhguQ4eGHm4C8c15rRRvteGug3yg3K8obBMtfZhZvZoUcRsEnGMGYUzZt-/s400/IMG_1043.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623231669476404450" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlRnGZF3pEGud7tsQPvrpqEKMlWeoQbb3KNVY3Vm2QcxRPAema7K3P7tHJgbIvdtjy9SOdBwny2BP1KrOKL8jLPHGA60i79apoDEuRrGdm0fCBhqNnGZncShtUIAknBBBJkQlzOj1YSDt/s1600/IMG_1110.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlRnGZF3pEGud7tsQPvrpqEKMlWeoQbb3KNVY3Vm2QcxRPAema7K3P7tHJgbIvdtjy9SOdBwny2BP1KrOKL8jLPHGA60i79apoDEuRrGdm0fCBhqNnGZncShtUIAknBBBJkQlzOj1YSDt/s400/IMG_1110.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623231669276399506" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ieg5AP_6IVFrgR15cqHDxD-05KCFv7kCX-hA7Dprz3yKajMNeqUHk4D-P4LuDpkGjUEKgnS6Gw_PDwHfa4NiMlJaqQkgY5Dn-An4iVFk-shzqkVkEqzaOLAePeOft21HRlNWikb_2NlX/s1600/SAM_1670.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ieg5AP_6IVFrgR15cqHDxD-05KCFv7kCX-hA7Dprz3yKajMNeqUHk4D-P4LuDpkGjUEKgnS6Gw_PDwHfa4NiMlJaqQkgY5Dn-An4iVFk-shzqkVkEqzaOLAePeOft21HRlNWikb_2NlX/s400/SAM_1670.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623231661653110674" /></a><br />As I woke up today, on the last official full day of my stay here in beautiful Molde, I began to think about all the things I have done, all the INCREDIBLE people who have entered my life, and the reality that I now know I have the strength to be away from home. I know that no matter where I am, I will find new people to call family, new people to call friends, and my family and friends back home will always be there for me! I have been blessed beyond belief here, with everything. As I want to write and share about all the amazing things I have done in these last few weeks, my heart begins hurt, I LOVE so many here and saying goodbye has been and will be extremely hard. My friends have been more then supportive of my last days here. They have taken me on road trips, boat trips, cabin trips, always wanting to hangout, swim, dance, party, and even throw me a SURPRISE PARTY!!!! I have literally not slept more then 5 hours in one night for the past 2 weeks because I have been doing so many incredible things with my friends! and I honestly cannot thank them enough for this year. I have talked about all the things I have learned about myself here, I have told you about my feelings about leaving, my feelings about school, life in Molde and ALL about my year in depth, but the one thing I cant write enough about is the people! When I first came to Norway I was told norwegians were very shy, and timid about meeting new people. Well I am here to say the COMPLETE opposite. From day one here in Molde, I have been welcomed into open arms by (to say so many is an understatement...) and the only thing I can say is thank you to all of them for that. Because without even knowing that I was a loving, sensitive person, people just knew that about me, and welcomed me with such warmth. It was the best way to start a life here. The tears are pouring down my face as I write this, peoples names running through my head, hugs, kisses, smiles and laughs from them, all I will miss with an incredible amount. But as the pain tries to eat me away, I have to use that strength that I first gained while on my journey over here. I know that I will see these people again, I know I will find those precious moments with them again, and I know my life will be amazing, because THEY have given me the all time confidence to travel and meet new friends all over the world! A big part of my heart stays here in Molde, and I am more then glad that it is staying here, because it will bring me back for visits and hopefully bring some of Molde to visit me! I have to say it one more time, I have been blessed beyond anything that I could have ever imagined. Tusen tusen TUSEN TAKK Molde!!! <3 <3 <3Noah Lanphearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08180894187701181562noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495777711886342855.post-74224657524038561202011-05-29T08:07:00.000-07:002011-05-29T09:07:37.538-07:00One month left!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJVz_YFQbg97RUshH7ByngaWEDMcomxEFbwledWqWoyZRZu3S1_KZSGqd0bLa_nWyMKj8xtzfxNK9w2UcZ7BWxwDakmEZN6NWVA4kPGXwc9wmJWkYuZGxwGuMptje7oCTzxncsdk6ZRxzn/s1600/SAM_1482.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJVz_YFQbg97RUshH7ByngaWEDMcomxEFbwledWqWoyZRZu3S1_KZSGqd0bLa_nWyMKj8xtzfxNK9w2UcZ7BWxwDakmEZN6NWVA4kPGXwc9wmJWkYuZGxwGuMptje7oCTzxncsdk6ZRxzn/s400/SAM_1482.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612169984387818514" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKTv2AaYaE9OjSsFDeP6_ed4-WQ1LCmQuIkr1Kho7LY5qEiITkYatLYMNKWTubUhAsMZUX-QryDqjIJNhT910WH-rjqYoF2ggx0ONzXSMntV3EX5D-99nq8m_bFK-FNd89yyIsfqvAAu_/s1600/SAM_1481.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKTv2AaYaE9OjSsFDeP6_ed4-WQ1LCmQuIkr1Kho7LY5qEiITkYatLYMNKWTubUhAsMZUX-QryDqjIJNhT910WH-rjqYoF2ggx0ONzXSMntV3EX5D-99nq8m_bFK-FNd89yyIsfqvAAu_/s400/SAM_1481.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612169977482257554" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX92mQlHsb2KzHJZ91HsrHBV7vL7nzqQnRKws6jdip8Y-XlasiYBhgTbaOTMlpdNhQe_pGUHfnd_gIU6zRhKbGS_JMBUjLL4WU5HwCv6f5bcCrwJd-iRjSV3XpYQwryPJcY9gGckjNvgTK/s1600/SAM_1478.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX92mQlHsb2KzHJZ91HsrHBV7vL7nzqQnRKws6jdip8Y-XlasiYBhgTbaOTMlpdNhQe_pGUHfnd_gIU6zRhKbGS_JMBUjLL4WU5HwCv6f5bcCrwJd-iRjSV3XpYQwryPJcY9gGckjNvgTK/s400/SAM_1478.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612169976083835522" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOoevpYixs_5Nbr5u2YFsgK3BqZ73g2ALljdTUz2KKjW5C1ZxBL8LnnWZAuwDGrL9s8XxiI-35em5iot352M4_L-OzqNz2rL7Karag9_Q1gcq5r4yK8OgUDJpxb87kpvBOV4JTf3-1i0x4/s1600/SAM_1461.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOoevpYixs_5Nbr5u2YFsgK3BqZ73g2ALljdTUz2KKjW5C1ZxBL8LnnWZAuwDGrL9s8XxiI-35em5iot352M4_L-OzqNz2rL7Karag9_Q1gcq5r4yK8OgUDJpxb87kpvBOV4JTf3-1i0x4/s400/SAM_1461.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612169967202339186" /></a><br />One month from today I will be leaving my life here in Molde, to travel back to my home in Seattle. I wanted to write this blog post to look back on everything that I have done, and everything that I have learned along this journey in Norway. I want to start by thanking all of the people that made this possible and all the people that supported me in making the decision to come here. I was invited by my wonderful host family a little over a year ago to come live with them, and at first it sounded like a really nice thought, not thinking it would actually become reality. My mom talked with Astrid and Odd Tore about school, life in Molde, and how everything would work out. They were all so amazing about everything, and helped me so much in making this dream to travel a reality. I know my parents were both scared to send their son away for a year, to a place they had never been before, but I know they felt a sense of security sending me to live with this incredible family. We have had a bond with this family, the Eikrem-Finnøy's since we were blesses with the opportunity to have their daughter live with us in 2007, Siril (CC) <3 I was nervous about leaving my life and family in Seattle, not ever really being away from my family for more then 3 weeks or so, but I felt a certain comfort knowing that I had once met the Eikrem-Finnøy's and that CC would always be there for me if I needed her. It was so difficult to say goodbye to my loved ones in Seattle that day August 17th, 2010. I remember it felt like I would never see them again, the tears pored for the next few days. I felt immediately better once I was in the arms of my new family, the reuniting hug with my big sister CC, and the hugs from my new sisters, brother and parents here. <br /><br />I started school the day after I arrived in Molde, exhausted. In fact I feel asleep in the police station while waiting for some papers to be filed that day. I wasn't united with my class till the third day of school when I had my first class period with them. I felt the kindness from all, everyone was so welcoming and nice to me. Just after the first week of school I had made some good friends. My social character helped me alot over the next few weeks in months, always searching for new friends, meeting new people and even saying hello to strangers. I have always felt the loving, kind nature of norwegians, even though they all describe them selves as cold and shy.... My friends here are incredible, I have been acquainted with so many wonderful people here that have welcomed me into their lives. I consider many here to be friends, wether I have talked to them once, or seen them everyday. It has been one of my favorite things about this year, and definitely one of the hardest things to leave, my friendships with these incredible people.<br /><br />I took on the challenge of learning a new language, I have to admit I was scared and intimidated, but most of all excited. It took awhile to get the hang of it, and I have had many conversations, especially with my norwegian dad about the different stages of learning a new language are. From the first big hump of familiarizing your self with the sound and rhythm, to learning words and grammatical rules, to begging to understand sentences and phrases, and the biggest hump of all which is convincing your self to begin to speak. This last one was the hardest part of all, but thanks to a dear friend Lukas Tietgen , who is also an exchange student here in Molde, we told eachother that on January 1st we would only speak norwegian! and surprisingly we stuck to that, and the language became easier and easier everyday. It was amazing how the learning pace just took off after we began speaking it everyday. I must say I thank Lukas so much for not only being a great partner in learning the language, but being an incredible teacher as well. He has learned the language, i would say perfectly, and many say that is because he is german and they are very similar, but i know that he is an extremely intelligent guy with a big brain in him. I still can't say that I am great at norwegian, but I am at the point when I'm speaking it with my friends and family, i am able to sit in class and understand, able to do my homework (even presentations) and at the end of the day feel confident in saying that I know norwegian. It definitely is cool, and I will definitely continue to learn and study norwegian in the future and hopefully become better and better. Once again THANK GOD FOR SKYPE!!! I will be able to see and talk with people here even when im back in the states, amazing thing! :)<br /><br />For those of you that have been following my blog, you know that I have traveled and seen beautiful places, met wonderful people, learned about a new culture and the traditions, tried amazing foods, learned a new language, grown as a person, become a more independent person and many more things. This year has really been a SPECTACULAR experience. <br /><br />I am glad that I still have a month to learn and experience more, hopefully as much as possible! I look forward to sharing pictures, telling stories and maybe even showing off a little norwegian with all of you back home. Much love, Noah!<br /><br />P.s. i'm putting up some pictures from the May 17th, norwegian constitution day.Noah Lanphearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08180894187701181562noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495777711886342855.post-83761111699305178312011-05-02T10:28:00.000-07:002011-05-02T11:43:25.253-07:00A Birthday to remember!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerBhHzcfK_1Xnzd1j0N6Vq_2BX2HYMHXEyDD_l8xN655cq0_RPZf3qqn-HYy9-SPWuW7jNANDY3NrSIYKYgrMl6rSvQSEywXj8jyqXbzR8oUC-7GpGKxmz04MiB1-wsem-1H8rzT6zN0p/s1600/SAM_1253.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerBhHzcfK_1Xnzd1j0N6Vq_2BX2HYMHXEyDD_l8xN655cq0_RPZf3qqn-HYy9-SPWuW7jNANDY3NrSIYKYgrMl6rSvQSEywXj8jyqXbzR8oUC-7GpGKxmz04MiB1-wsem-1H8rzT6zN0p/s400/SAM_1253.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602191163304041570" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzEsLA3Tp7sKXg9qCGPabiErEX77twECr3uNkGxb123tNbwMO4C0wIEGje29g5YnYVqMuWN_ahMTb1fvyubnnCzWzedzyh-Pn8Pd7sSXY0eH8B8FqHBFa-_URuOByHMKQNgAvCV0bIGSp/s1600/SAM_1235.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzEsLA3Tp7sKXg9qCGPabiErEX77twECr3uNkGxb123tNbwMO4C0wIEGje29g5YnYVqMuWN_ahMTb1fvyubnnCzWzedzyh-Pn8Pd7sSXY0eH8B8FqHBFa-_URuOByHMKQNgAvCV0bIGSp/s400/SAM_1235.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602191154661024242" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dHxbDtd-3KL8oZKcwKBg1LsJEE9GAlYHgFCXkPVqb6hkgP6TsJTA0SXJqTRSy19aOQ-gOfXjZqIm2y3BhyziM_ipg-Sv5iRcLAID7Lz_KwvhyTpnm46QSfeFIhjaXPYaH1-ejj7yXCAO/s1600/SAM_1218.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dHxbDtd-3KL8oZKcwKBg1LsJEE9GAlYHgFCXkPVqb6hkgP6TsJTA0SXJqTRSy19aOQ-gOfXjZqIm2y3BhyziM_ipg-Sv5iRcLAID7Lz_KwvhyTpnm46QSfeFIhjaXPYaH1-ejj7yXCAO/s400/SAM_1218.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602191150366526386" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFeZaTu85uxK0yu2bHT_EyPlHiptd0ED41ylRO4eMuSHQD2OXUSDPxnuQUkY1h3THcYSxc2XIBEsd4FAB8rHqNDsdJavefDh0DA0An3NQWakX6kLsApntkyCqkqpLpjEJ7bXfqJYR9Ofl/s1600/SAM_1185.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFeZaTu85uxK0yu2bHT_EyPlHiptd0ED41ylRO4eMuSHQD2OXUSDPxnuQUkY1h3THcYSxc2XIBEsd4FAB8rHqNDsdJavefDh0DA0An3NQWakX6kLsApntkyCqkqpLpjEJ7bXfqJYR9Ofl/s400/SAM_1185.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602191147987138722" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQBE1Szs0dr-M9MkV_kbXsEsOJXabLRXl6ubDw_0zfpHElYfkdb8fCPnYRArnNVfsGMO9liz2caRsgi67x2HrztyCo8ETS2bvlxp0Q3j5Z2DvbaqaacSijaoO1JuYfd4thbaZrfQbCrU3d/s1600/SAM_1184.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQBE1Szs0dr-M9MkV_kbXsEsOJXabLRXl6ubDw_0zfpHElYfkdb8fCPnYRArnNVfsGMO9liz2caRsgi67x2HrztyCo8ETS2bvlxp0Q3j5Z2DvbaqaacSijaoO1JuYfd4thbaZrfQbCrU3d/s400/SAM_1184.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602191132096817506" /></a><br />Hello all! I wanted to share with you all that happened on my SUPER 18th birthday!! <br />To start off telling you exactly what happened, I have to start from the day before my actual birthday, on April 28th. I had a little birthday party with 13 or 14 friends, we ate DELICIOUS deserts that Astrid and Odd Tore worked so incredibly hard on, including scrumptious muffins my dear friend Anette made for me. We played frisbee and soccer in the yard and just all hung out. We ended the evening playing a fun board game all together. It was a very nice party! Ok, so April 29th, "the big day" it was extremely nice out with the sun shining, perfectly blue sky and birds chirping. I woke up at 7:00am to talk with my mom, who was waiting in bed just about to fall asleep. We talked for about an hour until my brother and dad called, and after about 45 minutes or so my sister rang me up entering into our little skype group chat. It was so nice to see their faces and hear their voices and get a chance to just talk about all sorts of things. After almost three hours on skype it was time to get out of bed, take a shower and eat some food! To of my friends came and met me at my house and took me to play a little frisbee which was exactly what I wanted to do. After a little while they decided it was time for some ice cream, and of course I agreed :p They were so sweet and bought me mine. With our ice cream in hand we went and watched a beach volleyball match from a P.E. class that was in session, it was nice to see friends and watch them play. At this point I was almost ready to head to school and see everyone! (I need to explain that on fridays I start school at 12:30pm) When I got to school it was lunch time so everyone was just chillin on the steps outside the school, immediately when I arrived I was embraced with many congratulations and hugs. It was so nice to have so many hugs and having everyone saying happy birthday to me (in norwegian b.t.w.) ;) I had a big geology project due on my birthday, and so that I was not stressed I finished it two days early so that I could just relax on my birthday! It felt so good to be finished with this project, it is the longest paper I have ever written at 16 pages, not to mention it was in norwegian. So it felt really good to hand it in stress free. after my geology class was over I had art, which was super nice to have because it is really relaxed and fun. They were all super nice and wished me happy birthday. After school is when my day really got good, I came home to a package from my mom sitting on the counter. It was amazing, so many fun things and some things that made me cry with happiness, for example the book my mom had my friends and family and teachers write and draw in. It was indescribably beautiful and touching. I will always cherish that book, and things people said to me in it. I feel so loved and its the best feeling in the world! After I was done crying and checking out all my prezies, I went out to meet a bunch of friends for a fun game of Ultimate frisbee, and afterwards beach volleyball, all in the AMAMAMAMAZING weather! I left all my friends around 5:30pm to go out to dinner with family, we ate at a yummy restaurant, I had a kebab plate which was suuuuuper good!! After dinner 5 of my guy friends picked me up and took me out on a boat trip. We ate hotdogs, danced and listened to music, all while the sun was setting (gorgeousssss). We were out on the water till 11:00pm, and the sun had still not completely set by the time we were on shore. We weren't exactly ready to end the night there, so headed for another friends house where a dew of my ladies friends were hanging out, so we all just hung out, tried playing volleyball in the dark, and relaxed with the guitar and some chocolate muse, at this point I couldn't eat anymore, so I had to unfortunately pass on the muse :( <br />After all was done, I was exhausted, so my friend drove me home. It was so nice to come home and read all the comments I had received on Facebook (a crazy 254 comments!!) they were all so nice, and I went to bed feeling so much love in my heart and around me. I have to say that this has to be in my top 2 birthdays, but to be honest I am so lucky to have so many people that love me, and always make me feel special every year! Thank you so much to everyone, for everything!!!<br /><br />So how does it feel to be 18? I was asked that many times on my birthday and almost everyday since. The day after I was sharing stories from my birthday with my dad, and I got to thinking about everything that I want to do in my life, and the things I need to do in my near future. I have this incredibly strong urge to take a year off after high school and travel, to places that I can experience poverty, places where I can escape the addictions to computers, Tv's and cell phones. I need to experience something that will change my mind set, I want to become someone that can survive with what is necessary, not all the excessive junk that clogs our our brains from the internet and TV. I have always had what I have needed and more, and I feel like I could really benefit from learning a life style outside this world of luxury I have grown up in. I want to share what I have with those who are not as fortunate. My grandparent have lived in places all over the world, including Africa and India, and have learned so much about what is important in life, and what is exsessive. They have always shared with me their values and I respect the way they look at world, and I want to find that out for my self, traveling and witnessing the different classes of living. Its all stuff I have been thinking about, not just since I turned 18 but recently, and now that I have be gone away from my normal life in Seattle for this long and experienced learning a new language and culture, i want to find more places, learn more languages and meet incredible new people. There is so much to learn from the world, and there is no better way to learn about it, then to traveling. I feel strongly about going to university and I will go, but I also feel that I can learn so much outside of school, and I feel like the best time to do it is when I am young and free. I am ready to come home and see everyone, but I am also ready to continue with this journey i have begun, and I don't just mean norway this year, but the journey of my life that will take me around the world.<br /><br />I hope all are well, I look forward to hearing from you all! Much love, Noah!Noah Lanphearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08180894187701181562noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495777711886342855.post-31607122056411330012011-04-12T14:02:00.000-07:002011-04-12T15:03:56.104-07:00A beautiful feeling! Inside and out!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1M452J-d1UvxpFuIdXDEC2Us-71BOTjCXkKBEJU_3TSrKh8q_q9G3Ov1fZp9MZ37Vy0wiNQx26JGT165DMHfWCfv1Elkcn1mmQfscJA7r1EFxWkM4fPpd5agzRkf0dawciHxzjmYlMX9R/s1600/photo-2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1M452J-d1UvxpFuIdXDEC2Us-71BOTjCXkKBEJU_3TSrKh8q_q9G3Ov1fZp9MZ37Vy0wiNQx26JGT165DMHfWCfv1Elkcn1mmQfscJA7r1EFxWkM4fPpd5agzRkf0dawciHxzjmYlMX9R/s400/photo-2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594819244788016498" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1l8Wo8D1uUrZkcz-384AVaWEA1WPQPcM-Jsj2Jq1u9G57AiMn-SH4H0vKtY_yP5GdEWlO7fJTGysmRbO-P3wOQJm54vf-ckXh0w9brOmyYSfe1WjL6XE-Tl6nHVXfYJA7IOFQgXQhVxM6/s1600/photo-3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1l8Wo8D1uUrZkcz-384AVaWEA1WPQPcM-Jsj2Jq1u9G57AiMn-SH4H0vKtY_yP5GdEWlO7fJTGysmRbO-P3wOQJm54vf-ckXh0w9brOmyYSfe1WjL6XE-Tl6nHVXfYJA7IOFQgXQhVxM6/s400/photo-3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594819244536162386" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCDzBCTqPthvFtNRac_LUPjdAsWicYA9hEtbA4hZcEVZ6_reN8fA3894y3hUll7Oo2i43n4L2VPUx5IJLLPC2GStByonCcs6sReQYIod4dOYXzNChLyphAxJ7bIpJTW8Yeb4zCCjtUTEa/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCDzBCTqPthvFtNRac_LUPjdAsWicYA9hEtbA4hZcEVZ6_reN8fA3894y3hUll7Oo2i43n4L2VPUx5IJLLPC2GStByonCcs6sReQYIod4dOYXzNChLyphAxJ7bIpJTW8Yeb4zCCjtUTEa/s400/photo.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594818404209918146" /></a><br />Ok so let me start out by saying sorry for not keeping up on my blog, I know it has been awhile. But where to start? I can't say that I have been up to too much (meaning crazy, incredible, outrageous things), but I can say that I have been and still am enjoying myself more then everrrrrr :) I have been a little stressed with school, just because we have a lot of tests and projects and so on at this moment, but at the end of this week I start a much needed spring break! <br /><br />It is so wonderful to be in a place that I can feel so at home in, I was realizing that yes I will be going back to Seattle in less then 3 months time, but to be honest its hard to think about that, because I feel so comfortable here, so natural and at home. I will always remember the streets of Molde, the way to my school from home, the different ways of getting to friends houses and so on. Its such a cool feeling, and I feel so blessed to get to experience it. I have the hardest time excepting that I have nearly just 2 and a half months left in this incredible place, I don't want to talk about it to much, but the thought of leaving brings tears to my eyes. I love Molde, and everything and everyone here.<br /><br />Last night I had a presentation on the U.S. with all the AFS people in Molde, it was a great experience to get to talk about my country, friends family and home in seattle. It was also a great experience to be able to describe, explain, and express myself all in Norwegian, and it was also nice to hear all the responses afterward :) they really boosted my confidence. I have really begun to feel confident in the language, there is a certain security I feel now that I can understand and speak the language fairly well. It is so nice to be able to sit and listen and converse with people, to laugh and make jokes with friends and family in a different language. It really is the best feeling to finally realize that if I just allow myself to feel confident, I can speak a new language without much to no effort. and I must say that it is sooooooooooooooooooo cool to think and dream in a different language!! That finally started happening only just a few weeks ago, and it was an amazing feeling! (of course after I am done writing this I will be thinking in English again, but its all good I'll get back to Norwegian in the mornin') ;)<br /><br />I have always thought Molde was a beautiful place, but recently as spring is showing up it has become this completely new incredible stunning place, and I can even imagine what its going to look like in a month or so. I'll make sure to take many pictures over the next couple month, so that I can share the beauty with all of you!<br /><br />Well I need to hit the sack, got a English exam in the mornin' so i need my sleep :p<br /><br />Love to all, and hope all is well! <br /><br />Pics!<br />(The Picture of Kaizer (dog) is from a walk we took today) was beautiful out today!<br /><br />(The picture of the Fjord and the mountains in the background was from a ski day with my school) Wow! how it couldn't have been nice out!<br /><br />(The cute picture of CC and her friend was from the first Molde Fotball klubb home game) was super awesome, even though it was just a tie 2-2 :)Noah Lanphearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08180894187701181562noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495777711886342855.post-92062416083077330112011-03-04T09:56:00.001-08:002011-03-04T09:56:26.539-08:00Taking advantage of the time I have left!I have been here almost six and a half months now, and I can really feel how fast the time is flying by. haha Im gonna be honest it has become difficult to write in english, so excuse me if I have some grammatical or spelling errors. This adventure in all has been an extremely life changing experience, and I am more the thrilled that I had the opportunity to do it. I think doing this, has opened many doors in my future, and really opened up doors in my mind to new possibilities, wether it is in my carrier choices or life choices. I now have this urge to go out and explore all parts of the world, and really get a feeling for the way other cultures live, and see the way things are done. I really do believe that this is the best start for me, and I know that Norway is not a dramatic change from my life in Seattle, but it has given me the confidence to become an individual, away from my parents and friends that have always been there for me. I now feel that I can make that step into adulthood, with knowing what real independence feels like. <br /><br />I am going to be 18 next month, and I know that is a big step to take, a step that means something big. It is just a number and I know that, but it marks a step in life, one that means you are given the responsibility to be an individual and make choices for yourself. I have always been taken care of so well by my parents and loved ones, almost to the point when I never really had to do anything alone, and I have always appreciated that, but my year here has really shown me that I can do things alone, I can make those decisions by self and that I can be an independent person. Many of my friends here have and are turning 18, and I have gotten a see the life of an 18 year old here in Norway, and it is exciting, because they can legally drive, buy alcohol and go out to bars and so forth. Those are all cool things, but to me I believe 18 is something different, a step for me to show the world who Noah Lanphear really is. This is going to be a good year, a year followed by many years filled with big decisions, big accomplishments, and extreme growth as a person. I want my 18th birthday to represent a stepping stone in my life, I have finished my childhood years, and I am ready to take the leap into adulthood. A beginning to real responsibility! <br /><br />My parents and grandparents are my inspiration in life, and they are the reason I am here right now. They have all moved away from the comforts of home , to go live in a place far away at one point in time and I can see how completely amazing people they are today because of those choices they made when they were young. None of them pushed me to do this, but simply showed me what it can do for the rest of your life. I thank all of them for giving me this opportunity, and I am and will continue to use this year to the fullest!<br /><br />It is hard to think that I have less then four months left in the incredible place. I know that it is a good thing that time has flown by so fast, meaning that I have had an incredible time, but I wish it didnt have to come to end. I am not thinking about it now, because I want to use these months I have left, to explore places I havnt been, to meet people I havnt met, and to try new things. I want to be able to take back things I have seen and learned and share them with all my family and friends. I know that this year will be in my heart forever!Noah Lanphearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08180894187701181562noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495777711886342855.post-22558396037938009002011-02-01T01:24:00.000-08:002011-02-01T05:09:23.747-08:00A good experience! A good now! A good life!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnhtyxECFaHI7I_xD3XL7EfVMwb8t5H03PqrGHP44n6jyTbH8FI_JCmCtDlril_woE4apT4htDfZn2Aq9mtghKZYg9ruO_6_BKwpo6thKZ_YvSyKqE8U1etWj1DVNIWUC131jTXAbYr7U/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnhtyxECFaHI7I_xD3XL7EfVMwb8t5H03PqrGHP44n6jyTbH8FI_JCmCtDlril_woE4apT4htDfZn2Aq9mtghKZYg9ruO_6_BKwpo6thKZ_YvSyKqE8U1etWj1DVNIWUC131jTXAbYr7U/s400/photo.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568707371770953634" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjbKrQduKfxeaS4WDdfVDYewS0YQhIfNgYagQ4pihhK9sOlR5NUValdenLLt4BRYweg_SIVNCi0arrD_CPtLPb-0s4CxuvBjy4Bi5_3lvjO4ACMO8jXpEWmwykwolN4qL_d8VSJBm1Pcx/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjbKrQduKfxeaS4WDdfVDYewS0YQhIfNgYagQ4pihhK9sOlR5NUValdenLLt4BRYweg_SIVNCi0arrD_CPtLPb-0s4CxuvBjy4Bi5_3lvjO4ACMO8jXpEWmwykwolN4qL_d8VSJBm1Pcx/s400/photo.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568707365659916738" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQNZoklshMXMEa4CLFkF1QLaTFfsvO0_eaJpeDj2YDzvMzqaBwkY1v1D-uieb8hJOxu82D5RNluys2ZBqwdc90yiyrlLYWuzcWDOQdcpg7wgrsRDEKpzerA_nawsyvLHRVDgKfPrFLAbf/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQNZoklshMXMEa4CLFkF1QLaTFfsvO0_eaJpeDj2YDzvMzqaBwkY1v1D-uieb8hJOxu82D5RNluys2ZBqwdc90yiyrlLYWuzcWDOQdcpg7wgrsRDEKpzerA_nawsyvLHRVDgKfPrFLAbf/s400/photo.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568707364315349634" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghe0HjltKtPSJfHf6i7_0NA-rocCOEonc79r_OkVyIz0RrH2Sm1WnBWyHsyWAbdzjYWBi9351NEQ6HwIBhsJzdOIiOcLxFNdBRnCJ3_yPykHGxFF6S9Zh9Sn1uF9s86gK3bTxKtbYjZY0h/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghe0HjltKtPSJfHf6i7_0NA-rocCOEonc79r_OkVyIz0RrH2Sm1WnBWyHsyWAbdzjYWBi9351NEQ6HwIBhsJzdOIiOcLxFNdBRnCJ3_yPykHGxFF6S9Zh9Sn1uF9s86gK3bTxKtbYjZY0h/s400/photo.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568707360450938882" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4xB7NaOf4KfkTbPcSBq20VNmhuSB059hCetqsVCTuLqJ6vssC0rUfWL8RcB44GggPMo1Rk1cHMksylPeWg3J2Q8XxTlQGvvyDvF9gWUhKoQZ7n4iVy2GGOlMEugrBOJlQE84rqE8Fu7w/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4xB7NaOf4KfkTbPcSBq20VNmhuSB059hCetqsVCTuLqJ6vssC0rUfWL8RcB44GggPMo1Rk1cHMksylPeWg3J2Q8XxTlQGvvyDvF9gWUhKoQZ7n4iVy2GGOlMEugrBOJlQE84rqE8Fu7w/s400/photo.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568707358280668930" /></a><br />So, I just finished an incredible week working at an elementary school. This was an AFS work week, and to be honest at first I was a little skeptical about doing it, and the reasons for why we had to do it. but in all I am so happy I did it, and so grateful for the incredible support that was given to me during it from everyone at Sellanrå barneskole! I felt like I was part of the staff, a member of the team! Walking through the halls smiling and saying hallo to everyone, eating lunch with all the teachers and administration, and helping teach the students games, english, and about where I come from. I feel like I formed a relationship with these kids, I feel like they really wanted to learn about me and the country I come from. I talked to them about so many things, from the foods we eat, the shows we watch, the sports we play and they even wanted to learn a little about Obama and if I supported him. It was a very nice experience, and exciting to show pictures and explain different things about a place that most of them had never been before. Many were surprised to the resemblance of Puget Sound to the Molde Fjord, I had a picture with the Olympic mountains in the background and a ferry going across the water, when they saw it they didn't believe that it wasn't Molde. I was very excited to show them Qwest field and the Sounders because soccer is such a big part of their lives here. Their jaws dropped when I showed them Qwest field, the size blew them away. Molde's population is around 25,000 and Qwest field has a capacity of 67,000 meaning that more then two and a half Molde's could fit in Qwest field. So yeah they were shocked. They liked the space needle and all the tall skyscrapers. I talked with the 6th and 7th grade primarily in english because they were more the excited to show me their english skills. Although I enjoy a little break from the tiring reigns of learning norwegian once in awhile, this was actually quite frustrating, because afterwards when I needed to go be with the younger kids, I had to use my brain alot more when speaking and listening to norwegian. Overall the week was amazing, I made great little friends (who are so cute!!) and learned alot of norwegian, while feeling confident in my self to communicate with all the students and teachers.<br /><br />The language is really progressing I think! I am at the point when I can communicate in norwegian, and have a conversation with others in norwegian. I think I would say that it is definitely bad norwegian (grammatically incorrect), but hey I think its a good start! It feels really good being able to form whole sentences and understand the majority of what is being said, i think the most exciting thing is feeling confident enough to go into stores and being able to ask for help or whatever in norwegian! So yeah I feel really good about norwegian now, and I will continue to push my self everyday to become better and better! My good friend here, who also an exchange student, from germany has been an extreme help! He learned norwegian faster then I though possible, and he has given me the confidence to push my self to learn it! We also decided that after New Years we would speak just norwegian, and for the most part it has happened. I feel that in just one month I have learned an incredible amount, and I have been told that it will progress even faster if i continue to focus and speak it. I have said it before but I just want to thank all my friends and family here for the incredible help and support that they have given me with the language, because my time is only getting more enjoyable now that I can join into conversations and talk to my family every night at the dinner table in norwegian, and watch norwegian TV and yeah its all just so EXCITING!!! <br /><br />I decided to write this blog in just english, because this one is more for you all back in the states, and plus people here can read it anyway :p I just wanted you al to know that the language is definitely coming, and I am still doing as great as ever! <br /><br />Much love, Noah!Noah Lanphearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08180894187701181562noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495777711886342855.post-6111284666526744712010-12-31T04:14:00.000-08:002010-12-31T05:16:45.051-08:00Julestemning :)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_urs1O4cgmPiR3Cg3nJugXP0wk9atM8b1j2AWadoJCTnJWMHbYDEer9UO0WbuLTxsdy0xFXOvyLgqOB_-8HR7zNST41TCUdZYNrvfn0baEeJXQt80MmUJMNDYSyNwgGRQDxtgfwLeGoD/s1600/SAM_1033.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_urs1O4cgmPiR3Cg3nJugXP0wk9atM8b1j2AWadoJCTnJWMHbYDEer9UO0WbuLTxsdy0xFXOvyLgqOB_-8HR7zNST41TCUdZYNrvfn0baEeJXQt80MmUJMNDYSyNwgGRQDxtgfwLeGoD/s400/SAM_1033.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556830071837404786" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPpQNh67nH4yJcX2k5vLceX3r4zRREtR7bo9pbbFiIt2id0TjpyjZZOVYCe1psLTyzgZsN6pBnUcRVuyzz5v-M0MO3zlFhwSeWvzDtRRsEQUFJFr8URjXGgnyh7urQjf3sKTXaA8MWagI/s1600/SAM_1038.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPpQNh67nH4yJcX2k5vLceX3r4zRREtR7bo9pbbFiIt2id0TjpyjZZOVYCe1psLTyzgZsN6pBnUcRVuyzz5v-M0MO3zlFhwSeWvzDtRRsEQUFJFr8URjXGgnyh7urQjf3sKTXaA8MWagI/s400/SAM_1038.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556830071049158002" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAmIxU7WuuXQETjmvxZlQVyqxLnkKJly75X7x85g5y2dyQyuvQzN3gXDwvmLoQr0TCiyrXYTrGIik2qqtqeFZS-o7GFrPLk5rU6gb4azY9VL6fdBuu2v_xYyd5XJq15sTTs4QNBXUqJq3/s1600/SAM_1028.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAmIxU7WuuXQETjmvxZlQVyqxLnkKJly75X7x85g5y2dyQyuvQzN3gXDwvmLoQr0TCiyrXYTrGIik2qqtqeFZS-o7GFrPLk5rU6gb4azY9VL6fdBuu2v_xYyd5XJq15sTTs4QNBXUqJq3/s400/SAM_1028.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556830070231183698" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQpzAuLT7yJ5PHglldQ6Ddh7l82qu2p8sQ9vq0BRr6fZAewUdU46KLiVm-revP6OTdZf6K_cBQB0acGIL_FE2qv6Gx4RD8mOAi5U8RMUFqexaJXb6nx-pQvRVDmAcaOE8n1Mze8g3VMCc/s1600/SAM_1017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQpzAuLT7yJ5PHglldQ6Ddh7l82qu2p8sQ9vq0BRr6fZAewUdU46KLiVm-revP6OTdZf6K_cBQB0acGIL_FE2qv6Gx4RD8mOAi5U8RMUFqexaJXb6nx-pQvRVDmAcaOE8n1Mze8g3VMCc/s400/SAM_1017.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556830058825167938" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh185PNMpCcls9jMr-O_XzHMyqT1W-feSSI4Qggl4QbAJaY8xWcbqZrHgWAUroh8bjHxCgtUcHwLenQjBNo8ZlzWaL-Saf1Cl3BS_pvUNs-bPn9x_MxPoKz1gxFv_sQXqd4xdBsnF2p89zt/s1600/SAM_1008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh185PNMpCcls9jMr-O_XzHMyqT1W-feSSI4Qggl4QbAJaY8xWcbqZrHgWAUroh8bjHxCgtUcHwLenQjBNo8ZlzWaL-Saf1Cl3BS_pvUNs-bPn9x_MxPoKz1gxFv_sQXqd4xdBsnF2p89zt/s400/SAM_1008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556830060603464978" /></a><br />Jul! <br />Jeg var veldig spent til jul, norsk mat, tradisjon, og feiring. Julen var kjempe flott, alle sammen rundt bordet, og juletreet. Vi spiste mye MYE deilig mat, sang sanger, åpnet gaver, og ga MANGE klemmer etterpå! Norsk Jul har mye tradisjoner, og jeg var så glad for å oppleve dette, jeg har ikke savnet de hjemme veldig mye denne julen... Jeg savner familien min i Seattle, men jeg elsker Norge veldig mye og jeg tenker på dette som hjemme allrede. Familien min her, er så snille! og det har vært veldig koselig denne julen med alle norske søsken her, og mye annen familie. Vi har vært på mange mange mange mange MANGE juleselskaper, og det er kjempe artig! Jeg skal aldri glemme norsk jul, fordi det er så koselig og det har veldig rike og morsomme tradisjoner.<br /><br />I dag er nyttåraften, i kveld skal jeg og familien min dra til onkel, tante og søskenbarn og ha middag der. Etter på, vil det være mye fester og fyrverkeri. Det skal bli en kjempe artig kveld! <br /><br />Det er litt rart å tenke på at jeg skal være i 2011, når familien min I Seattle skal forsatt være i 2010... haha bare litt rart synes...<br /><br />God jul alle sammen! og ha et kjempe hyggelig nyttår!<br /><br /><br />English:<br /><br />I was very excited for Christmas, the Norwegian food, the tradition, and celebrating. Christmas was amazing, everyone around the table and Christmas tree, we ate delicious food, sang songs, opened presents, and gave many hugs afterward. Norwegian Christmas has much tradition involved, and I was so excited for it, that I did not miss home that much during it. I miss my family back in Seattle, but I love Norway so much and I already think of it as a second home. My family here is so nice, and it has been so nice to have all my Norwegian siblings here, and other family all celebrating together. We have been to MANY Christmas parties and they were all so fun! I will never forget Norwegian Christmas, because it was so nice, and they have such rich and fun traditions.<br /><br />Today is New Years eve, tonight my family and I are going to our uncle and aunts and cousins house for dinner :) After dinner there are many parties and fireworks. I think it will be alot of fun!<br /><br />It is a little bit weird, thinking that I will be in a different year then my friends and family back home for 9 hours... just a little weird i think...<br /><br />Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!Noah Lanphearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08180894187701181562noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495777711886342855.post-89545748835095194242010-11-28T01:25:00.000-08:002010-11-28T02:07:50.941-08:00Christmas is FAST approaching!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8bM9gWmqn_VSvl6gjgHOV-iLcrXZ-2tZQH1iAmSrnIOxMYvZqY6JmfcWoVh0Q9LTO9yGy88poJYT-LdXOKEfbyDGAuvgAtJq52U79X2WFFPNyViPZRriIC2i_QHKwdGm5WmPrgZPzztO/s1600/photo-3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8bM9gWmqn_VSvl6gjgHOV-iLcrXZ-2tZQH1iAmSrnIOxMYvZqY6JmfcWoVh0Q9LTO9yGy88poJYT-LdXOKEfbyDGAuvgAtJq52U79X2WFFPNyViPZRriIC2i_QHKwdGm5WmPrgZPzztO/s400/photo-3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544539740122991362" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIUMlSyW3AKVv8d5ANFF7_R5lt0KFHybj95DEODWYnuflDO0V7Sc7_unTS9uuaW4tkxCCFrbvxXwxQP4RKQTaaEOf-Ag9m41Id8HObITc7rRn0BXf3jPogYXDiSaSC_dgukPl_iY0mfT9U/s1600/photo-4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIUMlSyW3AKVv8d5ANFF7_R5lt0KFHybj95DEODWYnuflDO0V7Sc7_unTS9uuaW4tkxCCFrbvxXwxQP4RKQTaaEOf-Ag9m41Id8HObITc7rRn0BXf3jPogYXDiSaSC_dgukPl_iY0mfT9U/s400/photo-4.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544539697835651074" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hPN5v98ibaHTEw0sr35EuFewk3jtP2Whd_GMKnAbkYo2vPpoaH54FA6pZ9W8reRnKvEb3cLM31yYOldXHTo0lMf9dKSJMfZEfBzoHHnVVRE1wnfnvUf1th65lbeR7zTYwpBF0FzeHdlh/s1600/SAM_0993.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hPN5v98ibaHTEw0sr35EuFewk3jtP2Whd_GMKnAbkYo2vPpoaH54FA6pZ9W8reRnKvEb3cLM31yYOldXHTo0lMf9dKSJMfZEfBzoHHnVVRE1wnfnvUf1th65lbeR7zTYwpBF0FzeHdlh/s400/SAM_0993.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544539694854807538" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_8HoRqqSXcrZVVraVrJviA3Pfs6qzzQ0csFAug7Yf39008aWbnYVUzFNflQce9UjZ2KsYdhuxbgDwWi8pPZnHDeRv5IsmPwEy2TfSa2gt1mUCYGEGHXFSTgKxj1TQ-kWgk7O7EemjaGH/s1600/SAM_0971.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_8HoRqqSXcrZVVraVrJviA3Pfs6qzzQ0csFAug7Yf39008aWbnYVUzFNflQce9UjZ2KsYdhuxbgDwWi8pPZnHDeRv5IsmPwEy2TfSa2gt1mUCYGEGHXFSTgKxj1TQ-kWgk7O7EemjaGH/s400/SAM_0971.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544539689387615186" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAfkVSxZxCnOPPpufopEdANddaLZCbtLVXcEYNOeKz_DstsIOaFB_C55A9gi-f-46C47yNjfNwTFS-6UMF6Ei3DXnZSQWjNWWEIApJpdO23X10XtKDvgTuwoOaDfum-24ylaXA2-hNXqGE/s1600/SAM_0985.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAfkVSxZxCnOPPpufopEdANddaLZCbtLVXcEYNOeKz_DstsIOaFB_C55A9gi-f-46C47yNjfNwTFS-6UMF6Ei3DXnZSQWjNWWEIApJpdO23X10XtKDvgTuwoOaDfum-24ylaXA2-hNXqGE/s400/SAM_0985.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544539682414776274" /></a><br />It has been awhile my dear ones! So..... Basically, the year is going at a pace I cannot keep up with, and to be honest it is rather scary! I am having such a rich and wonderful experience that it is hard to slow down at moments to catch a breath. I have been very busy with multiple activities, socializing with friends, learning norwegian, and trying my hardest in school and playing two sports. It is alot, but if you know me, I like to keep moving and don't really like having to much sit down time (or else i get antsy and start squirming). <br /><br />Ah! Ok so, if you know... I love Ultimate Frisbee, and it has really been hard to separate my self from it this year. But in fact I do not have to do that! I have managed to find a group a kids (who already happened to be good friends) and got them excited and into the sport. At the moment they are all working on their throwing and catching abilities, but every single one of them are incredibly talented and are learning the throws extremely quickly! We are also in the process of finding a hall to rent out, because it is too cold to play out side... It has been so exciting for me to get to share my love of the game with people I really like spending time with. SO HURRAY!! :D<br /><br />An update on the language. The progress is really starting to pick up, just in the past week I feel that I have really grasped ahold of alot more. I am pretty sure, and I think my norwegian Fam will agree with me on this, but it is because I am stepping up and getting past my fear and embarrassment of trying to speak it rather then just listening and thinking that I will learn it that way. I speak primarily in norwegian on Facebook now, with a few exceptions here and there. My norwegian friends and to die for! They are soooooooo supportive of me learning the language, and they work me through the challenging steps, speak only to me in norwegian and give me helpful feedback when I make a mistake. They are also always complimenting me, which is of course always nice. I have been sitting down with sisters Sunniva and Stine quite often in the evenings, and we have been working one on one or two on one with learning sentences and words I do not know. They give me a sentence in English and I have to repeat it in norwegian, and then they correct whatever it is that needs correcting. Sunniva has also started a list of words I need work on (one mistake and another word is up there!) It is getting long Sunniva :( haha, but no all of it has been extremely helpful! Thanks Ya'll!!<br /><br />Christmas is fast approaching, and I am starting to get really excited for all the things that surround Christmas here! Family all around, suiting up, going to Christmas parties, and most of all the delicious food!! :D<br /><br />Well I need to leave you now, I am headed out in the cold for a fun filled adventurous day! :D Hope you all are having fun, enjoying life and are keepin' it real! Love to all! I am putting some pictures up, the last three are from my extremely powerful experience with spreading Stan's ashes, and two are of the beautiful sky here.<br /><br />P.S. I will be writing my blog in both norwegian and English from now on. (attempting to write in norwegian) :DNoah Lanphearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08180894187701181562noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495777711886342855.post-7816168954956764362010-11-01T12:21:00.000-07:002010-11-01T13:07:20.278-07:00The joy continues<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc24ETb7dheogbBR65-H3O67PJ2r17xdoEvIuLlt0DW63_jwbKocdHa_VLTjtfHzQWN9DEsxqdHcWUohOKhzatMQoXXrA76YBeC7AZAM9Mz9qQtgPGAAafV6pTsT5N74eppk2dKmy4IrF7/s1600/73870_440850147685_644092685_5505263_7247422_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc24ETb7dheogbBR65-H3O67PJ2r17xdoEvIuLlt0DW63_jwbKocdHa_VLTjtfHzQWN9DEsxqdHcWUohOKhzatMQoXXrA76YBeC7AZAM9Mz9qQtgPGAAafV6pTsT5N74eppk2dKmy4IrF7/s400/73870_440850147685_644092685_5505263_7247422_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534672066898885778" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMs9PmYiMp3Tv96cUVoYmJL2BjPmu3HLKSyhixMqlebqgq4ffT8-tBaVhUnOTlPYna5EAua5XKDY9A5opBmxuZCD9eF8X8C-QN-n_49vcFd1jpSLvnIius0ilGUMQ7jhhyphenhypheno5WlGArak5g/s1600/33932_438601787685_644092685_5469062_5421314_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMs9PmYiMp3Tv96cUVoYmJL2BjPmu3HLKSyhixMqlebqgq4ffT8-tBaVhUnOTlPYna5EAua5XKDY9A5opBmxuZCD9eF8X8C-QN-n_49vcFd1jpSLvnIius0ilGUMQ7jhhyphenhypheno5WlGArak5g/s400/33932_438601787685_644092685_5469062_5421314_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534672061689193474" /></a>
<br />So, where to start? Let me begin with saying how appreciative I am of my wonderful Norwegian family and friends. I honestly feel more at home then I ever thought possible. I feel that I have really grasped ahold of some amazing friends, and become very close with my Norwegian family. I can't tell you enough how incredible people here are, they have welcomed me into their groups, invited me to social events and some even say they love me ;) I feel that I have already made lifetime friends that I plan on visiting and hopefully having them visit me. I have only been here a little over 2 months and I feel that I have been here forever. I don't think that this would be possible if it wasn't for the warmth that the people around me give. So you Norwegians reading this now TUSEN TAKK! Dere er alle fantastisk og jeg elsker dere! <3 Dats wazzzzup! ;)
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<br /></div><div>I have to admit I was a little under the weather a couple weeks ago, due to the loss of Grampa Fred and not being able to be present at his memorial. I had a hard weekend, but I had a lot of support from my family back home, and my family and friends here. I just can't believe how much support I have around me, it really is an incredible thing. And I am so grateful for it. I miss Gramps, but I can feel his presence with me all the time, which is very comforting. It is November officially. November of last year I lost my other Grandfather, Stan Crow. That was an incredibly sad time, for it was very unexpected and sudden. Although it was a hard time for everyone that was close to him, it really brought everyone together and we were able to share our grief and tears amongst each other. On the 14th of November I will be spreading his ashes hopefully somewhere high and beautiful. It will be in the mountains at the peak of the cliff overlooking a beautiful sight. He had a passion for the mountains and nature, and I am very ready to set a part of him free in the beautiful nature that I am surrounded by. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>I enjoy writing these posts, they allow me to express and share my journey as I am on it. I hope you all can get a picture of what I am going through, because I would wish for everyone to be able to get to have an adventure like this. It is definitely the most amazing thing I have ever taken on, and I will continue to enjoy my time here as much as possible. I will try and keep up to date on the blog entries, but my life here does a very good job of distracting me from writing blogs and so on. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>I hope all is well with everyone. I love reading your comments so please tell me how you are and what you have been up to. Much love to everyone! </div><div>
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<br /></div>Noah Lanphearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08180894187701181562noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495777711886342855.post-47710628111777428552010-10-12T04:56:00.001-07:002010-10-12T05:44:35.958-07:00The long awaited blog post!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZlNS-7X5jI-x7EHYBVksXcutd23u8gs22BxA1mSdLVRfm7Q9XgLbaC24qwYQwiL3w8JJxPZwqSNvepMT1U1eIfKP8irJpgvrku3YuEp-AReN2DdWz7LL0JOt-jCwMTBp9IwDSSdwoFxsc/s1600/Eikrem+Finnoy+Family+party.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZlNS-7X5jI-x7EHYBVksXcutd23u8gs22BxA1mSdLVRfm7Q9XgLbaC24qwYQwiL3w8JJxPZwqSNvepMT1U1eIfKP8irJpgvrku3YuEp-AReN2DdWz7LL0JOt-jCwMTBp9IwDSSdwoFxsc/s400/Eikrem+Finnoy+Family+party.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527139319993354450" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AJU0kIUBesH78MJAEOfmKOGLj0bDL_gY5T46UrFnTROfGN10WtbRng86tePAHwEYARNJ8Hf7MLtSk51aEhvdcZo1oJV251aeE9jucQmZMuNnOz3_mFE1ygheBFiqbBc6JCpI6UcR_pt0/s1600/stine+and+odd+tore+Bjorli.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AJU0kIUBesH78MJAEOfmKOGLj0bDL_gY5T46UrFnTROfGN10WtbRng86tePAHwEYARNJ8Hf7MLtSk51aEhvdcZo1oJV251aeE9jucQmZMuNnOz3_mFE1ygheBFiqbBc6JCpI6UcR_pt0/s400/stine+and+odd+tore+Bjorli.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527139305561218130" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGRHzTYKlsJgDONVWzXEqslVVqf9zbNzKY3G8BKORSJ6YK0zqQRgliMiVRjpWbXIoESWBrxyaBVqKYLCs2Oe0KT3nW8wEdc7ePsSPothKF79tdYRRirKh3dBOQ_faNWj72RC5jTRx91sKs/s1600/stine+and+noah+Bjorli.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGRHzTYKlsJgDONVWzXEqslVVqf9zbNzKY3G8BKORSJ6YK0zqQRgliMiVRjpWbXIoESWBrxyaBVqKYLCs2Oe0KT3nW8wEdc7ePsSPothKF79tdYRRirKh3dBOQ_faNWj72RC5jTRx91sKs/s400/stine+and+noah+Bjorli.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527139302959523394" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-tLVFmCttR1pykrg4jc0xz6mC8VXI2tEB4vxHGxWrjRifB0ebrkV0j7ZZEUnluk_TU99EpdmfB8OF8vHOwNiZvG_BOEHELsCR-WOcvTyDHacxWL-JWvTWEbb9tCzUSnH6W32PfsL7ZZK/s1600/Bjorli.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-tLVFmCttR1pykrg4jc0xz6mC8VXI2tEB4vxHGxWrjRifB0ebrkV0j7ZZEUnluk_TU99EpdmfB8OF8vHOwNiZvG_BOEHELsCR-WOcvTyDHacxWL-JWvTWEbb9tCzUSnH6W32PfsL7ZZK/s400/Bjorli.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527139302622688354" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8U_L6voM_UfyX-2L1ZNJ8mEkuqVYTj11F6o9TStIJwnNQdxVYDqRSQJyMdzWXOWy5sqoent_pfzSoyx1nHLcmKpfG-4dKYI3U9LLqEiBkYESqsmYCab0wzKFL3_I2I_qFGlbyEs7lVKPp/s1600/Bjorli+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8U_L6voM_UfyX-2L1ZNJ8mEkuqVYTj11F6o9TStIJwnNQdxVYDqRSQJyMdzWXOWy5sqoent_pfzSoyx1nHLcmKpfG-4dKYI3U9LLqEiBkYESqsmYCab0wzKFL3_I2I_qFGlbyEs7lVKPp/s400/Bjorli+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527139295762136018" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Sorry to you all that it has been so long since my last update, I hope you all can understand that me not writing is also a good thing, because you can know I am occupied with enjoying every moment of my life here. I feel that now is a good time to write because I just finished my first one week break on Sunday, which I spent doing many things. At the beginning of the holiday, I went with my family to their house in Bjorli, where we went on a beautiful walk, went bowling, swimming and enjoyed the extreme luxury of their exquisite house. Bjorli is a beautiful place, with so much to do. From the front door, I can see the ski slopes where we will ski, of course we have to wait for the snow :( I hope it comes soon! The rest of the week I spent hanging out with friends, seeing movies, have dinners, relaxing and of course much sleeping! It was really hard to adjust back into the normal school mode, in fact I woke up 20 minutes before school started yesterday because I slept threw my alarm clock. I had to rush to school, luckily I live so close! (I made it on time) My parents have decided that there will be no internet after 11 o'clock, I think this will be very good for me, and it will help me get good needed rest for school. They are really fantastic parents, and I trust their method of parenting entirely. After all they have raised 4 amazing children whom I love dearly! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I came here with two tasks that I needed to accomplish, and in fact one of them I have already managed to fulfill, that is eating with a knife and fork. I thought it would be impossible, but it just happened, now I do it without thinking about it. The second thing is the language, I have been really frustrated lately that I havn't been able to understand the conversations around me. The people here all speak close to perfect english, so it is no trouble having a conversation with them, but its not being able to join in one that they are all having together. So yesterday I told my family and many of my friends that I only want them to speak Norwegian to me, and if i don't understand then I want them to repeat it again slower, so that I can find the words I do know and try and form the sentence. I feel that it is very important to learn Norwegian as fast as possible now, because as the year goes on, everyone will expect me to know the language, especially in school. This leads me to my next topic, school.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">School has really begun to feel natural here, the teachers know who I am, they expect me to do most of the things that all the other students do, and I have already taken a few tests, which were extremely difficult. I am trying my hardest in school and hopefully I will know Norwegian soon, so that I can really apply myself to the academics. I always knew I was mean't to be at a big school, with many kids. I love seeing lots of new and old faces everyday in the halls, I love saying hi to all the people I have either met once, or the ones I consider friends. You all probably know how loud and social I am, so its nice to get to be like all the time. I have to admit I really miss Waldorf and all my Waldork friends and teachers! They are my home, and always will be. I hope they are all doing well, and I bet its quiet and peaceful without me there ;) Just be prepared for when I return, senior year is going to be CRAZY!!! :D Ok back to Norway, Norway is Fantastic, THE END!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I hope all is well with everyone, I miss your faces, your laughs, your hugs and kisses! I will try and keep up to date with my blog but please forgive me if I can't find the time. Just know that I am doing well, and that I have been and will continue enjoying my life here!!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Much love to you all, Noah!</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(136, 136, 136); font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><div id="gt-res-tools" class="g-section" style="width: 611px; vertical-align: top; display: inline-block; zoom: 1; margin-top: 8px; "><div id="gt-res-listen" tabindex="0" class="gt-icon-c" style="color: rgb(17, 17, 204); text-decoration: none; cursor: pointer; float: left; margin-right: 1em; outline-style: none; "></div></div></span>Noah Lanphearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08180894187701181562noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495777711886342855.post-68367474291624466642010-09-17T16:16:00.000-07:002010-09-17T16:40:56.101-07:00FRIENDS!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFI0ktZ8wAXkt5HzkeQUkqQHtPPG32wr0boCiUuYltBANueySGmBfAztOYsXOac1kPY5lPa-_EnrxShgaBg-9kO9CnRitmJPDcq6lKJlHnh6QzFv0wG0wRqciF1wZJdexeirceBeC7Mgl/s1600/Bilde+915.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFI0ktZ8wAXkt5HzkeQUkqQHtPPG32wr0boCiUuYltBANueySGmBfAztOYsXOac1kPY5lPa-_EnrxShgaBg-9kO9CnRitmJPDcq6lKJlHnh6QzFv0wG0wRqciF1wZJdexeirceBeC7Mgl/s400/Bilde+915.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518031569289687762" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My social life in Norway has been fantastic. The people here are all wonderful, infact I am currently sitting here at my dear friend Ellen's house with her and another amazing friend Ida :) We are watching TV, talking, looking at pictures,and eating candy all while Ellen is chewing on a plastic snake (shes weird... :p). Everyday here is awesome, I havn't had a chance to feel homesick, or lonely in a long time, which I think is a farely good thing... don't you agree? ;)<br /><br />I must admit I am a tad bit scared about how fast time is flying by, I have already been here for 10% of my year and the days go by faster then I can keep up with. I know this is a good sign, it means I am having a great time and enjoying my life here but it is sad to think I only have 9 months left... It sounds like alot, but if i think about how fast 1 month went by, then 9 will go by in the blink of an eye.<br /><br />I am so greatful to be making such great friendships that will hopefully last a life time, and I am so excited to see lies ahead for me on this incredible journey.<br /><br />Much love to all, Keep it real.<br /><br />NoahNoah Lanphearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08180894187701181562noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495777711886342855.post-64792976343973723192010-09-10T06:10:00.000-07:002010-09-10T07:28:27.033-07:00Letting my emotions flow.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEG6qwNCKIK0X_UWFpSOVDTSRuUr1_9VWA3b7HbLG-pyhcTbv6gqlduKCMbK4mkLTs3WLOjlIzBzJ0nEN8iUWZYrozBitxaKAOKDEZCW2fcCBiC1tejlfIIQ651kyNbUg34IShyuFCZoPo/s1600/gandpa-fred.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 351px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEG6qwNCKIK0X_UWFpSOVDTSRuUr1_9VWA3b7HbLG-pyhcTbv6gqlduKCMbK4mkLTs3WLOjlIzBzJ0nEN8iUWZYrozBitxaKAOKDEZCW2fcCBiC1tejlfIIQ651kyNbUg34IShyuFCZoPo/s400/gandpa-fred.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515291455496090834" /></a><br />I woke up this morning to a knock at my bedroom door, It was my host mother (Astird) she informed me that my mom was trying to reach me, but wasn't able to because I was asleep. Immediately I felt my stomach drop because I knew what It was going to be about. When I got on Skype my family and extended family and even my sister (who is living in Scotland) was on Skype there, we were all gathered around at my grandparents home. I was expecting to hear that my Grandfather had passed away, and that they wanted to make sure I knew. But he hadn't, he was right there along with everyone else, he was able to share with me how proud he was, how proud he was of me for taking this step in my life, by going to a foreign country and spending a year away from home. I told him how happy I was that I made this decision as well. His words have always meant so much to me, and they stay implanted in my heart and always will, so when he told me how proud he was it meant the world! <br /><br />My uncle took the computer in the other room and shared with me the reason for the urgent call. He told me that my grandpa didn't have much time left maybe a few days, and the tears began to roll down my face. I talked with my dad after this and he told me a little more about the whole situation, he said that grandpa might not be here in the morning. I broke down crying, I told my dad to take me into my grandparents room where my grandpa was so that I could see him, he was in the middle of his nightly ritual just like any other night. I watched him get situated in bed, and then all the family came into the room, at that moment we all witnessed this incredible man pass away in peace. My grandma was holding his hand with her head on his chest crying, everyone was watching as he took his final breath. This is the way it was supposed to happen, it is the way we all wanted it to happen, with the family gathered, and him lying comfortably in his bed, it was the most peaceful thing I have ever witnessed in my life. Quiet and calm. Beautiful. I am more then grateful for the way it happened. <br /><br />I will never forget the memories I have with this man, he shared his wisdom, his talents, his love of working with hands, and most of all his love. He changed my life and so many others in the best of ways. He was caring, thoughtful, compassionate, loving grandfather.<br /><br />Grampa Fred, you will be in my heart forever, thank you for always being there for me, for caring for me, and loving me. I love you so much, we all love you so much. Rest in peace.<br /><br />Moments likes these help us appreciate the things in life that we have now in the present, they help us to remember old memories that are stored inside. This moment now, allows us all to care for one another, to take a deep breath and realize that this man has been relieved from pain. Even though it is hard for us to say goodbye, it is time for us to let him free.<br /><br />He will be remembered! He will be talked about for generations to come! He will be with us all forever!Noah Lanphearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08180894187701181562noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495777711886342855.post-10773968082903567992010-09-08T06:40:00.000-07:002010-09-08T07:22:25.603-07:00Life in Norway<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1YN2gXEaJ7_HsNJVgBYIWNDj9s2u2d0Y3miyOpIqetWHxmZC8gubqyLae36A5i-Zp-jlvKoL4kEQtau6xlLBp4WhuKlR_j3LGvmIdNCq1SVKa2Ip_Izj1CED9gWdAqGthaYXCPdKBXg_j/s1600/SAM_0798.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1YN2gXEaJ7_HsNJVgBYIWNDj9s2u2d0Y3miyOpIqetWHxmZC8gubqyLae36A5i-Zp-jlvKoL4kEQtau6xlLBp4WhuKlR_j3LGvmIdNCq1SVKa2Ip_Izj1CED9gWdAqGthaYXCPdKBXg_j/s400/SAM_0798.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514547469663295842" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXanAyPkmKKfYBT1DCMipsYielhK92ka26zjwIkkeRB4IEPhoLXh6oM4nIplJI_AV9jUFxznP-d8ZAP9VHtyrqocLlDtsn74STV8aZU8STrn6P5_ZxddBK1fC9ne61uiL8MEi0G91he-he/s1600/SAM_0380.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXanAyPkmKKfYBT1DCMipsYielhK92ka26zjwIkkeRB4IEPhoLXh6oM4nIplJI_AV9jUFxznP-d8ZAP9VHtyrqocLlDtsn74STV8aZU8STrn6P5_ZxddBK1fC9ne61uiL8MEi0G91he-he/s400/SAM_0380.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514547457305254258" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTDPvfKTZr9uXK2r6up_osNas5fRGz4renF_nS-2nGKWC8A7UV2lrZ83Xl2W_SXyBMfufj5VeNHZjeHYSoNdpDtW0PSilS7WwekXcJHcM5eKuLGp6Q1IZKooZGibTv699xigFszlyR9to/s1600/SAM_0388.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTDPvfKTZr9uXK2r6up_osNas5fRGz4renF_nS-2nGKWC8A7UV2lrZ83Xl2W_SXyBMfufj5VeNHZjeHYSoNdpDtW0PSilS7WwekXcJHcM5eKuLGp6Q1IZKooZGibTv699xigFszlyR9to/s400/SAM_0388.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514547446864943986" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidC23EMFTGaBCALOWI4C38DXOtpU0AfoVo5T7T4blSNRkg3FDA7kQexaXpaw4tszFuZS9clP7MFJpCAdaq5liM8jUh5aN9YQCk2YMEItoo9XzPX_5BMWKnljdZxj3hU8fYfne2cssv47_3/s1600/SAM_0788.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidC23EMFTGaBCALOWI4C38DXOtpU0AfoVo5T7T4blSNRkg3FDA7kQexaXpaw4tszFuZS9clP7MFJpCAdaq5liM8jUh5aN9YQCk2YMEItoo9XzPX_5BMWKnljdZxj3hU8fYfne2cssv47_3/s400/SAM_0788.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514547432774598834" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBcwOWN2zstCxm1jDQoeB3kAg339pUR9FHSmUmx9SwrZ3_YEU_V2fn_LeRjjUZXO7et6UftWLbf56HO2NCqfH7xxIpm-CHhkLPTG9Fpjompk1rmf-tdIahDPhkBSZgXJwhE_kS1MrMSdG/s1600/SAM_0646.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBcwOWN2zstCxm1jDQoeB3kAg339pUR9FHSmUmx9SwrZ3_YEU_V2fn_LeRjjUZXO7et6UftWLbf56HO2NCqfH7xxIpm-CHhkLPTG9Fpjompk1rmf-tdIahDPhkBSZgXJwhE_kS1MrMSdG/s400/SAM_0646.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514547422977401570" /></a><br />The days have begun to merge together, I am really getting into the "groove" of life here in Norway. I wake up 20 minutes later then I set my alarm clock for every morning, eat a quick breakfast and rush to school. Ok that might sound a little bad, but its not it only means I am feeling more at home, and adjusting to life here. I am enjoying school more then I ever expected to, and I have made great friends quickly. I can wake up with a good feeling in my stomach now, knowing that the day will be filled with many unexpected but enjoyable things. School is still very difficult because i still don't know the language, but i can really feel that I am going to grasp ahold of this incredibly difficult language soon. In school I usually sit in class listening to the teacher talk, and to me it really is just listening (no comprehension what so ever) but I am starting to be able to pick out words I know and and try and fill in the other words that i think might be right. I think this is a good step for me, it gives me confidence in this challenge of learning norwegian. <br /><br />I am so grateful to be making friends in Molde, it has really made my life exciting here. The people here are all so kind and welcoming, they invite me to parties, soccer games, hand ball games, dinners, and my favorite is when they invite me to jump on their trampolines!<br /><br />The days are going by so quickly now, I can already realize how precious everyday here is, and that I must enjoy every moment I have in this spectacular country. 3 weeks in and I can already say that this year is going to be remembered for the rest of my life. I am more then grateful to have been given this opportunity and I could never thank the people that made it happen enough! but for now one big TUSEN TAKK!! :)<br /><br />I hope everyone is doing well, I miss you all sooooooooo much, but I am being strong and enjoying life to fullest! Please leave me comments, I love hearing from all of you! <br /><br />Find the things you love the most and hold them close, enjoy life, enjoy the beauty that surrounds you and be appreciative of it. We can all find happiness in our lives, grab life by the hand and run free! <br /><br />Much love, Noah! <br /><br />P.S. here are some pictures of places I have been the past couple of weeks, doing the most incredible adventures!! ask me about some of them :Noah Lanphearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08180894187701181562noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495777711886342855.post-31362305885163464752010-08-26T12:49:00.001-07:002010-08-26T15:46:58.657-07:00The beginning of my journey in Molde!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLT4mNYNFIeMzb1exeDqKQgZpBFmGX__NYhc7fTadRtsRMyKIb0kggP651w3W3oDSiyeUfQea0yBHey7pGrGZ78xk5JaXPehSLZcGjKad_GM58kxX7QqLlIYbvvURib9Kxq2BhU0NnB9bX/s1600/SAM_0192.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLT4mNYNFIeMzb1exeDqKQgZpBFmGX__NYhc7fTadRtsRMyKIb0kggP651w3W3oDSiyeUfQea0yBHey7pGrGZ78xk5JaXPehSLZcGjKad_GM58kxX7QqLlIYbvvURib9Kxq2BhU0NnB9bX/s400/SAM_0192.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509843020517151506" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKtH6TXPj2dmyZIG7PTD0BWb2eOiRVHCmBVElZTBaaqiv99ub89U4y5W4kWDNvqQJxLcOCu5za8i0jL7u2MR5ZSqyxbGfQxflow6pq38TpTVbq0NULCBILKJFVeMssTe0rL_vQaxSRpPf/s1600/SAM_0189.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKtH6TXPj2dmyZIG7PTD0BWb2eOiRVHCmBVElZTBaaqiv99ub89U4y5W4kWDNvqQJxLcOCu5za8i0jL7u2MR5ZSqyxbGfQxflow6pq38TpTVbq0NULCBILKJFVeMssTe0rL_vQaxSRpPf/s400/SAM_0189.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509843012550875938" /></a><br />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! <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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!<br /><br />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!<br /><br />I am sending out much love to all of you, and please send some back, you all know how much I love love!Noah Lanphearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08180894187701181562noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495777711886342855.post-80254032772591402852010-08-18T18:38:00.000-07:002010-08-26T15:31:46.612-07:00New York<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VCvEe8R6ao_se69wtXsZOboCNS3o_O4bYEIOoSYR1UOnnLKmc-qilH1qgendXQje3JFrH35nie1ZLJWU1EYPQrPA5jt1jBE63QACx1wHF6mqqwwjSakd6O418rgudJBwsG0kivn8juti/s1600/SAM_0085.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VCvEe8R6ao_se69wtXsZOboCNS3o_O4bYEIOoSYR1UOnnLKmc-qilH1qgendXQje3JFrH35nie1ZLJWU1EYPQrPA5jt1jBE63QACx1wHF6mqqwwjSakd6O418rgudJBwsG0kivn8juti/s400/SAM_0085.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509848936553419794" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24Whc8p26bCSW1J-_cyE-SZgZr2KbVEjvqZ4PydQbea-VPGNB4TQG7cbSBAlnqptBBdzCsEFjTq4cpSd-3nIpD9ZXISGi2OcoPIyGKl_hAtG0cuY8dH_4y5JA0TzDJkN4TlkMBW28X0YI/s1600/SAM_0068.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24Whc8p26bCSW1J-_cyE-SZgZr2KbVEjvqZ4PydQbea-VPGNB4TQG7cbSBAlnqptBBdzCsEFjTq4cpSd-3nIpD9ZXISGi2OcoPIyGKl_hAtG0cuY8dH_4y5JA0TzDJkN4TlkMBW28X0YI/s400/SAM_0068.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509848926658513682" /></a><br />I arrived in New york this morning (the first to arrive) when i got to the hotel I was welcomed by the AFS volunteers warmly, and was offered breakfast and coffee. No other student arrived till much later in the day, so i decided to join in the activities with the student that are leaving for China and Russia in the morning. I soon realized how tired i was, so I went to my room and passed out for a couple of hours. When I woke I went down to the lobby where other students were starting to arrive, so I began to mingle and introduce myself to the other kids. There are 9 kids going to Norway from the US. The rest of the night consisted of discussions, activities, dinner and asking question. I am still fighting the sadness i have inside from missing the people i love, but I am going to stay strong and fight through it. <br /><br />Best regards, Noah.Noah Lanphearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08180894187701181562noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495777711886342855.post-42566103592220328362010-08-18T07:49:00.000-07:002010-08-18T07:51:13.697-07:00Off to New York for Orientation!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9g-El-J_XZeE1KVJondgbc2uxLbo4qJZKoezQHPxHRkNIsYHvw0lCoHjbov2cUYTn9bVg-WCGCziwXiYZanBBd-rED9TnDGhNxoo4KXtZE-QHCtt7kscaZQ66sC7kv_BR9xynhJWd_GLS/s1600/P8170018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9g-El-J_XZeE1KVJondgbc2uxLbo4qJZKoezQHPxHRkNIsYHvw0lCoHjbov2cUYTn9bVg-WCGCziwXiYZanBBd-rED9TnDGhNxoo4KXtZE-QHCtt7kscaZQ66sC7kv_BR9xynhJWd_GLS/s400/P8170018.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506762452215642562" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AdY57D5tWlkPhZ5c5KwWkboPhZhk-ypaMJ12sEmwzaAkjuUSCSFENKn1Q_0O310NN8YylOshyyor_F6-02U4ECSkwKl3zPx93PQF-315H5-thLypEOtZEWqWH4swQyk1ekZR69j3FDV2/s1600/P8170016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AdY57D5tWlkPhZ5c5KwWkboPhZhk-ypaMJ12sEmwzaAkjuUSCSFENKn1Q_0O310NN8YylOshyyor_F6-02U4ECSkwKl3zPx93PQF-315H5-thLypEOtZEWqWH4swQyk1ekZR69j3FDV2/s400/P8170016.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506762443904075186" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrXlfkYvgs3c1P3VUUrQbXIweyrAVmSlmvdzb5v1c_buG1R2whYykzjsfSqDjFHPfI-S3eoblMoO18tMAOLTScTJqRRYxfKSoF6nxGllDPoXmabHQU2feqkhY0ZAWhRC7Flt95q9DscUK/s1600/P8170013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrXlfkYvgs3c1P3VUUrQbXIweyrAVmSlmvdzb5v1c_buG1R2whYykzjsfSqDjFHPfI-S3eoblMoO18tMAOLTScTJqRRYxfKSoF6nxGllDPoXmabHQU2feqkhY0ZAWhRC7Flt95q9DscUK/s400/P8170013.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506762440392243602" /></a>Noah Lanphearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08180894187701181562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495777711886342855.post-60564512948775828832010-08-17T18:11:00.000-07:002010-08-17T18:37:15.561-07:00Saying farewell!Today is the start to a new journey in my life, as I say my goodbyes and give the last hugs and kisses, the tears roll down my face and I feel the pain in my heart of sadness. It is hard, but I know this is going to be an extraordinary experience for me. I need to look past the sadness and think about what lies ahead. I love everyone and will miss everyone so much!Noah Lanphearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08180894187701181562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495777711886342855.post-16670881626563664372010-07-04T10:45:00.000-07:002010-07-04T10:47:26.505-07:007 Weeks Until Departure!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLUyx8Z-11bkMOwhM6Hpz_zcSpI1T-2Nq3CWxH3VCXJ5WQkx2JMf_5pIgB9p05toa0aR2x_NAnB2mB0-stvGTFBtrXtEIcooTD1Z9ITLq78NAmxgjbKHpaaFYcCWf7fJ-IPGdtFrjz8SY/s1600/P6120221.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLUyx8Z-11bkMOwhM6Hpz_zcSpI1T-2Nq3CWxH3VCXJ5WQkx2JMf_5pIgB9p05toa0aR2x_NAnB2mB0-stvGTFBtrXtEIcooTD1Z9ITLq78NAmxgjbKHpaaFYcCWf7fJ-IPGdtFrjz8SY/s400/P6120221.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490108982267798114" /></a><br />So, I'm 7 weeks out before departing on this extraordinary adventure that I have been so blessed to be able to embark on. I woke up this morning with a rush, or an excitement for what I am going to encounter along my journey in Norway. This is the time when I must pack away the things I'm going to leave behind, and gather the belongings I will be taking with me. There is so much to do in such a short amount of time, but I will do anything and everything that needs to be done. <br /><br />Though I have not received my departure date, the butterflies in my stomach are apparent. I am excited, scared, nervous and most of all just curious about the things I am going to encounter. <br /><br />I have been working at my grandparents house for the last couple of weeks earning money for my trip, and also I am so glad I'm getting the chance to spend as much time possible with my Grandpa Fred before I leave. I love him so much and I'm going to miss him more than anything I can describe. My farewells to all my friends and family will be hard, and I know I will miss them all so much, but I know this trip will open up so many doors and broaden my perspective not only of the U.S. but how I look at the world. I know this is the first of many countries that I will immerse myself in. I’m looking forward to exploring a new culture and gaining a greater appreciation for my own.<br /><br />Takk!<br />NoahNoah Lanphearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08180894187701181562noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495777711886342855.post-43082023497521756812010-05-06T16:26:00.000-07:002010-05-06T16:29:48.064-07:00My Birthday!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzvswLNBqP-EO2lL6fzv2fu7jBbGDiZ6JXGg2FBZDj8BTqilCq-Jabdxo55WdqlKedBGbEKCvDpFGxSvG9q0ONoOF3nTvS3X_okoOAiclAvWeLYHK37qrVpEiflBS31mMRnSPzGfGdk_F/s1600/P4290154.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzvswLNBqP-EO2lL6fzv2fu7jBbGDiZ6JXGg2FBZDj8BTqilCq-Jabdxo55WdqlKedBGbEKCvDpFGxSvG9q0ONoOF3nTvS3X_okoOAiclAvWeLYHK37qrVpEiflBS31mMRnSPzGfGdk_F/s400/P4290154.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468303320110810450" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_c-F1g2mQzsGQBdvE2kQvjEP4tsEw-p3JqZ0LHPr0mUJhfcg65oL8cBFven_RT2TySqYSMU7suiDLeV8cYKKUJ3x6moeIqCSRbLSRipKXO3tcEGevOpvqg2IvCHsp7D_nfifAcue0s_f/s1600/P4290176.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_c-F1g2mQzsGQBdvE2kQvjEP4tsEw-p3JqZ0LHPr0mUJhfcg65oL8cBFven_RT2TySqYSMU7suiDLeV8cYKKUJ3x6moeIqCSRbLSRipKXO3tcEGevOpvqg2IvCHsp7D_nfifAcue0s_f/s400/P4290176.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468303135195016002" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBKS21YZj-OZTeZZ65khvsiUkkI4cYD8tPnwDg9tp0DLDHJSbpn8B25lpYa9F7AhLc89z65_KOTpFaBL5tY0sdLXKZSJrzZhCkgmqWAxHtFtIZwTPlglmHGsAeIhzCJ4ocxixfAnrG6Pj/s1600/P4290174.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBKS21YZj-OZTeZZ65khvsiUkkI4cYD8tPnwDg9tp0DLDHJSbpn8B25lpYa9F7AhLc89z65_KOTpFaBL5tY0sdLXKZSJrzZhCkgmqWAxHtFtIZwTPlglmHGsAeIhzCJ4ocxixfAnrG6Pj/s400/P4290174.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468303012688678114" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazHfVsK1YPWgmjVj4BYIwQa_EqmdaMmCSK1A3lFHELxRo6utZnQmvQeQmRWVcSUypssVhaRPfhg_b8_SbojgadyjR8ADSHnnW1j7ANmCxqVbP3eEG-DALIobJQUZYDlHk6_fz5zI6WlCi/s1600/P4290152.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazHfVsK1YPWgmjVj4BYIwQa_EqmdaMmCSK1A3lFHELxRo6utZnQmvQeQmRWVcSUypssVhaRPfhg_b8_SbojgadyjR8ADSHnnW1j7ANmCxqVbP3eEG-DALIobJQUZYDlHk6_fz5zI6WlCi/s400/P4290152.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468302679815416466" /></a>Noah Lanphearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08180894187701181562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495777711886342855.post-34083030896270979402010-05-04T16:48:00.000-07:002010-05-04T17:33:50.496-07:00This past week I received final confirmation for my travel to Norway. After being accepted, I found out that my application was so strong that all six Norwegian families in Molde had requested me as their choice of student. It was exciting to hear and I promise not to let it go to my head, but I have already chosen the Eikrem-Finnøy family, who I am very much looking forward to living with.<br /><br />I have been in touch with my host sister Sunniva through Facebook and have been asking many questions regarding school, social activities and friends. I have also been getting to know a little more about her. She has told me many interesting things about the school i will be attending, which is the same school that she goes to. I'm pretty excited about starting classes there next year.<br /><br />My Norwegian is progressing. My class has begun learning to translate minor sentences, reading short stories and learning more vocabulary. I'm also becoming familIar with the rules of the language. It was really exciting when i translated my first ten sentences with little help and it is amazing how much i am understanding in just a few weeks of class.<br /><br />This last week I celebrated my 17th birthday. We went out and had a nice dinner and I got to spend time with my friends and family and then entered into my last year as a youth.Noah Lanphearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08180894187701181562noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495777711886342855.post-89929731227793919872010-04-13T21:03:00.000-07:002010-04-13T21:28:04.906-07:00learning the languageFor the past three weeks i have been attending Norwegian classes, learning the history of the culture and the basics of the language i will soon become very familiar with. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Norwegian isn't as hard of a language to learn as i expected, but the pronunciation of the words is a different story :/<br /><br />I started this class with an open mind not knowing what to expect. I am very happy with the teacher and the group i am learning amongst. It is interactive, fun, humorous (saying some of the words and hearing other attempt as well...) and overall enjoyable. So hopefully i will come out of this class at least knowing how to ask "where is the restroom?".<br /><br />Norge her kommer jeg!!<br />(Norway here i come!!)Noah Lanphearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08180894187701181562noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495777711886342855.post-78982739507450532012010-03-29T10:17:00.000-07:002010-03-29T10:46:33.346-07:0016 Weeks Until Departure!This past week I had my home interview with Damian from AFS. It went really well and I enjoyed hearing Damian's stories about his time in Switzerland in the 1980's. He told me about all the rules for AFS and asked some good questions. I felt very comfortable and confident in my responses. One question he asked was "Why do you want to go to Norway?" and my reply was that my family has all participated in overseas experiences and I want to continue with that tradition. I know that that their experiences were more traumatic, given that they lived in third world countries, but I feel that this is a good first step to becoming a lifetime traveler. I told Damian that I am excited about living away from home and learning simple life skills like managing my own money. <br /><br />Over the last few weeks I have been able to raise a little bit of money. I cleaned my Uncle Bruce's car and he gave me a generous donation. My other uncle, Heiwa, kicked off my fund drive with a generous donation as well. I got a letter and donation from a friend of my grandparents, John and Lynda Cock, which was such a welcome surprise. They shared with me stories about my Grandpa Stan, something I really appreciated. Today I'm going out to start working for Grandpa Fred and Grandma Nancy who have offered to hire me in return for their donation to my trip. I'm excited to see them and get to work! My Grandma Carol has offered to have me clean her car as well so I will get that done this week as well. Let me know if there is anything that I might be able to do for any of you. I'm open during the next two weeks while I'm on my spring break.<br /><br />Last week my dad and I purchased a Norwegian language program, not knowing what to expect, but it has been a nice tool. I also bought a Norwegian App for my IPhone so I can learn it on the go. Tomorrow I start Norwegian classes at the Swedish Language Institute in Ballard. I'm excited to meet other people who want to learn the language and to learn with them. I realize that the language is going to be very difficult to learn but I feel like it's important to learn as much as possible before I go because all my classes will be in Norwegian while I'm in Norway. <br /><br />I talked to my new host sister Sunniva this week on Facebook and I started the conversation in Norwegian asking her "Hvordan gar det?" which means "How are you?". She seemed to approve. I asked her about her friends, and asked if she liked her school. She said that she loves them both, which I think is a good sign. I explained to Damian during our interview that my biggest concern was school, because I really love the way I learn at my current school. It's important for me to like my school and make friends, so I'm glad that Sunniva has good friends and likes her school. I look forward to meeting new people and learning about a new school environment. It's going to be very different from my current school and probably my biggest challenge while I'm in Norway.<br /><br />I feel very fortunate to have such a welcoming host family because Damian was telling me that for most AFS students the most challenging aspect can be bonding with their host families and feeling at home. I'm not worried about this at all. <br /><br />So, I really want to hear some thoughts from all of you. Write to me and tell me what you think about this upcoming adventure. Maybe share some of your stories of life abroad. I know many of you have lived overseas and traveled. Tips?<br /><br />Takk!<br /><br />NoahNoah Lanphearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08180894187701181562noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495777711886342855.post-60554104978527944112010-03-09T12:44:00.000-08:002010-03-09T12:47:49.892-08:00FUNRAISING!Hey everyone!<br /><br />So today marks the beginning of my fundraising efforts. There is a button right here on my blog if you would like to make a donation to my trip. I am also available for childcare ($10/hr) in exchange for your donation right here on the blog. Your donation goes directly to my AFS account! Easy! <br /><br />My goal is to raise $5000 so please help me to reach that goal. I'm open to all ideas for fundraising and I really appreciate any help that you are able to provide me. This is going to be a great adventure!<br /><br />Thank you,<br />NoahNoah Lanphearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08180894187701181562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495777711886342855.post-75717844810488235602010-03-09T10:01:00.000-08:002010-03-09T10:04:28.968-08:00My Grandpa Fred<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4uSPyTRMUhs0uQxMvU2KAJk1IN5nGH_NJcmWz7Qafofsmueua-PZXReFI893yaua-t0i6Ooq150XyN_uMdoBmypj6bTI2wyPh4SOjmdbsXUptWIp1lTsyDEnsOEwd7z319lVT15xY3Psu/s1600-h/P9260091.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4uSPyTRMUhs0uQxMvU2KAJk1IN5nGH_NJcmWz7Qafofsmueua-PZXReFI893yaua-t0i6Ooq150XyN_uMdoBmypj6bTI2wyPh4SOjmdbsXUptWIp1lTsyDEnsOEwd7z319lVT15xY3Psu/s320/P9260091.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446696131218553010" /></a> This is my grandfather, Fred Lanphear, who is an amazing man and living with ALS. This is the annual ALS Walk in Seattle. Pictured with us is my younger brother Mason. Both of my grandfather's have been inspirations to me. I've been so lucky in the grandparents that I was given. They are all amazing people.Noah Lanphearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08180894187701181562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495777711886342855.post-30123941740519879442010-03-09T09:50:00.000-08:002010-03-09T10:06:14.320-08:00My Grandpa Stan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYWcW2D-eDKBqYawT4C_SkQyXiD8YGub8ZEQ2Gms7FUpw6ufGzrQgMyYZ-PgtjL5fbx6kjo2KtoOuXQEXxbJe0910GhFhHIa4Up9WA9b-161E81dQvk6rn91sSHuN7IdwRl4CsuVkqA7iD/s1600-h/P6130032.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYWcW2D-eDKBqYawT4C_SkQyXiD8YGub8ZEQ2Gms7FUpw6ufGzrQgMyYZ-PgtjL5fbx6kjo2KtoOuXQEXxbJe0910GhFhHIa4Up9WA9b-161E81dQvk6rn91sSHuN7IdwRl4CsuVkqA7iD/s320/P6130032.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446693602200009986" /></a>This is my grandpa Stan who passed away on Nov. 15, 2009. I miss him so much. This is my Auntie Karyn, who is a sweetheart, and misses her papa too.Noah Lanphearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08180894187701181562noreply@blogger.com0