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!