Sore bodies and friendships

An Allison Post 8) -


Its almost like you don't really have to TRY to stay fit around here, without a car that is. I kept telling God while I was in the states 'I'm going to get back into shape' and 'oh yeah, ill get back on my workout regiment after my cold goes away'... good intended practices and semi motivated projects that didn't amount to too much for too long. That busy-ness I mentioned in my last post didn't help me either. I really did want to get back on the being-fit-horse, but I bet you can understand how excuses, and convenience, can get in the way of things.

I'm paying for it now! There are SO MANY hills, and mountains are 'no big deal' around here. Some sweet people from the church provided us with a few bikes to use upon arriving, mind you it'd been at least 2.5 years since I'd ridden a bike. I'd been previously banned from biking and almost walking altogether after I got hit by a car (twice), on foot and on bike. Jeremiah and I joke that I might have 9 lives. We got on our gifted bikes with big adventures in mind. We couldn't get to the next block before one of us knocked a chain off the cycle and the other nearly road into oncoming traffic! It wasn't too long before we remembered how to ride those silly bikes and now we can really feel cool...feeling cool also means sore thighs and buns. There has GOT to be a cycling seat pillow out there for us!

Beautiful Åletjern,
it was worth the trouble to get there.

As I mentioned at the top, part of really living here is getting to share the outside with other people. We've started to make friends, who have already helped us to discover so much already! Recently, we biked to a lake called Åletjern, almost a 10 mile round trip up a mountain. (Why do I always find myself trailing Jeremiah?!) It was much better coming down than going up!! While there, we learned that it is imperative for the Hursts to review our swimming technique for maximum survival, and that you should look before jumping off a diving board just in case you land on some angry ducks...a scary and amusing sight for us bystanders! We also shared henna tattoos, carefree conversations, and plenty of wild blueberries we picked in the forest. While taking in the lake, our conversation topic shifted to what it means to be a good friend. We took turns sharing what's really valuable to us in being known by friends.  My friend Christina shared a spin off of Warren Wiersby's quote with me that sounded so wise. I can't fully remember, but it said something like "Kindness without honesty is Sentimentality but Honesty without Kindness is Brutality". It resonated with meWe're focusing a lot on what it means to care for people through this perspective of friendship.

Christina and I enjoying a handful of our successful
blueberry picking. Searching for wild blueberries in Norway is
one of THE summer thangs to do with friends!

Awesome friends with amazing stories,
showed us a good volleyball time!
(Left to right, Mohsen, Jeremiah, Jamal)

So that's just one of the many meaningful gatherings of friends that we've been a part of where we realized the next day, I can't move comfortably today. We enjoyed another one of those on Thursday playing volleyball at a local park downtown near the center of the city. We found out that THIS is the cool scene where all the foreigners to come and play in the evenings. Jeremiah said to me "I think this is the first time I've been the minority in Norway". There were dudes of every shade everywhere! (that dude comment to be addressed in a future blog.) At first there were 6 of us, then 10 of us, then 12 of us, our team doubled in size with still more people waiting to play! It was so much fun, 30% of the time I had no idea what to do with the ball. My team didn't completely disown me though, and that was awesome.

Celebratory post 3-hour volleyball picture!
(top left to right, mohsen, jamal, jeremiah
bottom left to right, allison, marit)

In both of these spaces with friends, I've seen that part of my work as a Christ-follower is to simply know people for who they are and to value how awesome God thinks they are. In a lot of conversations we've seen that people are longing to be heard and the opportunity for real relationship happens when we listen and actually engage with people around us. Living in that kind of harmony is bringing
us a lot of peace, and the potential to break in to secret gardens that we often aren't even aware exist in ourselves, and that's pretty rewarding...even if that means I have to do some extra stretching when I get home.

Summer in Norway - Jeremiah

       

- Jeremiah      

Summer In Norway

        It is summer in Norway. The summer here is not very long so everyone goes to their cabin far in to the woods to enjoy nature. This means that there aren’t too many people coming to church, and the youth group is very small right now.This also means that we are waiting for our jobs to begin. As we wait we are using this time to talk with the Youth Pastor, Gabriel to learn more about the specifics of what we will be doing with the youth at Skien Baptist Church. 

Gabriel has become one of our closest friends, and is challenging us to continue to just be ourselves here in Norway. He told us that we will be doing many different things: Planning services, leading worship in large gatherings, creating spaces for youth to have fun, planning meals on Wednesdays for youth, challenging young adults and growing with them in leadership, and also going to camps and speaking. Preparing for our main position has been taking up a lot of our time, but we have also been building relationships with some refugees here in Skien.

There are three young men, Ali, Amin, and Mohsen who are in the process of seeking Asylum here in Skien from Iran. Ali has been one of my friends that I met on the very first day we arrived. He is helping me learn Norwegian. We both love to play tennis together as well and he has a similar sense of humor as I do. Amin is an amazing ping pong player and is teaching me to be a ping pong champion. Mohsen is a really intelligent guy and we play volleyball together. It has been really cool to see how we enjoy being friends with each other even though we are very different. It is difficult and sometimes awkward to speak to each other. Through the awkward moments and the miscommunication the Holy Spirit is creating new awesome friendships. As I am entering into these new relationships I am seeing again and again just how much God’s image is in every single one of us. 

When we have the chance we have been able to hang out with our landlords, Arne and Elsa as well. They are members at Skien Baptist and are becoming some of our greatest friends. They love to experience nature. This includes: going to their cabins, taking long walks in the woods, swimming in lakes, fishing and especially picking berries. Here in Norway we are finding that you have to search and explore to find the best places to pick berries. When you find a good spot you don’t tell anyone so that you can come back and pick them all summer. Arne and Elsa know where to find atlas 5 different kinds of berries and also a very rare kind of mushroom. Arne also takes me to particular places in the sea to fish where fish are very easy to catch. This is what I like to refer to as “secret food.” If you know where to go to find this “secret food,” there is an abundance of it waiting for.

I am learning that God provides a kind of “secret food” for us. It is abundant and satisfies my soul more than any food can. This “secret food” is being a part of the plans that he has made for us, and has welcomed in to. This is for all of us to enjoy and experience. When God has a plan nothing can get in the way no matter how big the obstacle. When he gives you a mission to complete he will be you strength and provide everything you need in abundance for you to take part in accomplishing his plans together with him. The difference between this “secret food” that God provides and the secret places to find the berries here in Norway is that you don’t have to travel an hour to get there, and it never runs out even in the winter time. The more I ask for God for this “secret food” the more God provides and the less I find myself relying on fear to guide my decisions.

Even though Allison and I are waiting for our jobs with the youth to start we are building awesome new relationships and witnessing God’s abundant provision. John 4:31-34 Meanwhile his disciples urged him, "Rabbi, eat something." But he said to them, " I have food to eat that you know nothing about." Then his disciples said to each other, "Could someone have brought him food?""My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work."

-----We appreciate all of the prayers and support everyone has been giving to us. You are a part of God’s provision for us and we can’t thank you enough. Be sure to Facebook me at https://www.facebook.com/jeremiah.hurst.7 and email us at jeremiahkhurst@gmail.com or allisonjcobwell@gmail.com if you would like to receive our monthly newsletter.

Taking a holiday - the dilemma of resting in Europe as a workaholic american

An Allison Post -

 a person who chooses to work a lot : a person who is always working, thinking about work, etc. - Merriam Webster

I had to analyze 3 separate results from my google search on "workaholic" before I could come to this conclusion. I can't believe I'm typing this: My name is Allison, and I might be a workaholic.

Voila, Vidar's Cabin, built by his grandfather.
Blueberries everywhere we stepped! 

BIG surprise (or not really for those who experience my day-to-day schedule). Jeremiah remarks from behind me that 'this confession is huge'. Pfft, that guy was born to relax. Busy-ness has been my way for forever! I try to reason with myself, making comparisons to justify my issue: "...but you enjoy doing this so its not really work..." and "...somebody's gotta do it!" But I saw some light the other day when I couldn't take a nap, no deadlines in sight, with no work to be done, in a brand new country I just moved into, WITHOUT spiraling into a guilty panic...it gets a little easier to name the beast.

All this to say that it feels like our transition to Norway had some divine order to it for sure. We entered the country at a time when everybody is "on holiday". Down here in the southern half of Norway, every other person I meet either owns a summer cabin or knows somebody who does. There's this romanticism that comes with Norwegian summers in relationship to nature (most likely the direct result of long, cold,  snowmageddon winters lasting for 6ish months with a max of 3-5 daylight hours). You find these people running to the hills and lakes to catch as much warm and bright fun as possible, including all of our bosses! Who knew we'd get a turn so soon:

They don't use bait in Norway, their
fish just get on the hook!!! I caught for
that day. Probably need to tell those fish
in America to get with the program.

So after spending a lively evening [a rummy game that didn't end well] with our Pastor, Vidar, he drops us off at home with an invitation to come with him to his summer cabin the next door. We didn't know what we were in for but we found ourselves cruising through the county of Telemark the next morning, ooh-ing and ah-ing at the dynamic landscapes. After a couple hours of travels we parked on the side of a semi-beaten path and prepared to "walk" to our destination. It was an adventure just getting to the summer house itself! Each step into the woods marked with discovery: a woodpecker's pinecone station, a beaver dam, giant ant mounds, and plenty of evidence of a nearby moose. Covered with twigs and sweat we finally arrived at the glorious summer house. The whole experience looked like it came out of an enchanted storybook: a little house in the forest, built by the lake, surrounded by berries and wildflowers.

Our friend Vidar! He spent half the fishing
expedition trying to get that line untangled.
This man exudes patience, plus it looks like
he's doing my hair, ha!

The view over Dalen in the Northen part of Telemark less than 5km from the cabin.

Swallowed up in undisturbed nature, the LORD was ministering to my soul for real. It'd been way too long since I'd felt a silent peace like I did in the forest. We only stayed for a night, but it felt like home. It's almost like time stops, to be disconnected from the world like that can be so freeing. I got why Jesus took His disciples on retreats. Sadly we heard the news of terrorist attacks in Nice the next morning, another act of senseless violence reminding me of painfully fresh attacks in America the previous week.

I looked outside and thought about heaven on earth, peace and beauty like I was experiencing then, and a hope for the world to return. Its too loud in the world right now. God has conducted an amazing creation song of unity and peace we all need to hear, though it seems to be masked by fear, by selfish ambition, and by the ones who can sing the loudest. I find myself falling prey to this. I'm fighting myself to be quieter so I can hear that song above my plans, and above my judgements. There's a lot of work to be done in the world, but part of my work is being still and remembering who I am, it's rest too. I hope to take advantage of as much of this nature as possible. It shows me my weakness andreminds me that how big God is. Ironically that drives me, and that's making me a whole lot stronger.

Welcome to Norway! It is sweeter than honey - Jeremiah

- Jeremiah

We are in Norway!

We were welcomed so warmly as we arrived at Skien Baptist Church from the airport. We entered the fellowship hall and there were members of all ages there to eat and welcome us. We ate a delicious soup with carrots, potatoes, and chunks of ham. It was really easy to talk to everyone because they could speak English. I instantly learned the "cool," phrases from the youth. Mathias helped me a lot :) After we finished eating and introducing ourselves to everyone we went to our apartment.

Our new apartment felt like home the second we stepped in the door. They provided everything we needed. It was and is all here. They even printed out pictures of us from Facebook, framed them, and hung them in our living room.

Needless to say it has been overwhelming to see what has been waiting for us here in Skien, Norway. As quickly as we arrived we got in a car with our good friend Simen. He was been a generous friend from the moment we met him by the way. Simen drove us to a school in Stavern where graduates from high school go to earn credit for extra curricular activities.

We slept in tents and helped Simen and other Skien young adults by setting up for youth services and participating in worship. We met so many amazing youth and had plenty of time to learn more Norwegian. My Hacky Sack was a super fun tool used for meeting and developing new relationships. It was interesting to see the worship services at this camp. They addressed some controversial topics. I was really encouraged to see leaders being bold and using their voices with courage. As I learn more about my identity I am discovering that I want to use my voice with courage as well. I also feel that I am supposed to encourage those who haven't found out what their identity.  Without knowing  who you are how can you be happy and live a satisfying life? Also, without realizing how unique you are it's hard to appreciate what a beautiful puzzle piece you are and that there is a place specifically made for you.

Even though camp only lasted for about four days I will never forget the experiences of hearing our friends on the local radio station, waking up unable to move from playing too much Hacky Sack, and singing with new friends by the fire at midnight.

Each day here has been proof that we are extremely blessed. God has gone before us and provided all of our needs. This kind of provision is fulfilling our souls in a way I haven't experienced many times before. I am satisfied even though I have no idea what tomorrow looks like. Today I stumbled upon Psalm 19:7
The laws of the Lord is perfect, refreshing to the soul...
Psalm 19:19
They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey form the honey comb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

New Beginnings

An Allison Blog-

I prided myself as a teen on being a "lover of change" or someone who "gracefully channels transition". I didn't understand that this was credited most likely to my naivety to living as a responsible adult in life and also to the many hormones/endorphines shooting through my bloodstream as a result of my pubescent brain.

WAKE UP TIME!!!!

I've learned about my treasures in life, and what I'm connected to most. It was hard to let go of my teapots, but I adjusted. Even harder to say goodbye to my "sorry" compost (of which i was very proud, even if it did have 20 squash plants in it). I got over that too. It was THE HARDEST thing i had to do to leave behind my friends and my family. Tears still flow if I reminisce for too long. People are harder to leave than stuff.

As much as it pains me to be away from the ones I love, I'm thankful 1) that the Spirit has rooted in me a hunger to love people more than my stuff, and 2) a call to search for people who are meant to be known. This is a common thing that happens to bible characters. God mixes us up, sometimes in a way that seems contrary to what we want, for the good of others, ourselves, and ultimate for the LORD's glory.

Goofing off in a clog at Amsterdam-Schipol Airport

The beach at Stavern, less than 2km walk from our camp.
Opening up to the North Sea.

So we arrive into beautiful Norway (I have no landing picture on account of my dead phone, sorry) after a brief excursion in Amsterdam. In less than 2 days we find ourself sleeping in a soggy little tent at a retreat type of camp for ALL the baptists in Norway in the beautiful town of Stavern. While being there, I found myself spending time with two sweet teen girls from Estonia, Lisij & Nastija. None of us really speaking Norsk or having a crew of friends we knew, we bonded immediately. One of the most profound moments for me was in the first moments where we met and explored together. We wandered to this little white hobbit-looking chapel nestled into grassy hill. It was beautiful. The floors were made of granite, and the room was full of light. We surveyed the acoustics and many small candles laying on the altar by the small silver plated cross before Lisij and I sat, Nastija still taking her time to discover relics. I quietly said a prayer, and continued to look around. Out of nowhere Nastija asks:

Nastija: "Do you believe?"

Me: (after thinking about it) "Yeah. I do believe."

Nastija:"Do you go to church?"

Me: I do go! (taking a second, I turn to Lisji) "Do you believe?"

Lisji: (With a look of allegiance) Yes, I do believe. And I also go to church.

Me: (back to Nastija) And what about you? Do you believe?

Nastija: (She takes a moment, considering the questions, for real for real.) Yeh, I think I believe, but I don't go to church.

(We're quiet for some moments, taking in the space.)

Me: Would you guys mind if I prayed for us? I think now is a good time.

They said why not, we found some matches in Nastija's purse, and lit the candles together as I prayed for a Holy Spirit fire to ignite in our hearts.

What a question. A million things I could have said...probably should have said. But there was this piece and this simple stirring in our hearts that was meant to be a seed I believe. Maybe they were the comfort I prayed for, the hope for new relationships. God's generous gifts show up in weird ways. Still missing the ones I've known, and yet adding to my company those who will receive me. That day we were all known by one another, and its moments like this that give me hope about starting something new.

Jeremiah sandwiched between Ada (left) & Vetle (right)
ME sandwiched with Lisji (left) & Anastajia "Nastija" (right)