The beginning of my journey in Molde!

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

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

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

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

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

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

New York

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.

Best regards, Noah.

Off to New York for Orientation!

Saying 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!

7 Weeks Until Departure!

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.

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.

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.

Takk!
Noah

My Birthday!

This 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.

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.

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.

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.