What am I doing in Norway?

What am I doing in Norway?

I am attending what is known as a Folkehøgskole.

What is a Folkehøgskole? 

The direct translation is, "folk high school" but it is something that is unique to Norway. It is a year of school without grades, tests or homework. The point of the year is to grow individually and socially. It is also a chance to experiences some new things.

So how does it work?

When you apply, you apply for a class as well. This class is your "main" class that you are in the whole year. But you have the opportunity to sign up for electives and participate in other school related activities. The school week is Monday through Saturday, which makes it sound like a bummer but usually our Saturday seminars as we call them, are pretty fun. 

Why did I choose a Folk high school

My Norwegian grandma told me about them when I was maybe ten years old and I though "that sounds like fun."  Here I am eight years later, and living the dream. 

What am I studying? 

The class a I chose is called "Social Engagement in practice: Oslo" and wow that's a mouthful! So it's nickname is SE: Oslo. This class studies the culture, people and problems in Norways capital city, Oslo. I find it very interesting and exciting and I am enjoying it a lot. 

What does my day look like? 

I usually start my day out by getting dressed and going downstairs to eat breakfast with about a hundred other people.  After breakfast I go to morning prayer, it's not required but it's a good way to start the day off. After that I go to Morning assembly and then to class. In class we either go on a field trip or we stay at the school. After class I go and eat dinner with 180 other people. After dinner it's off to any electives or other activities I may have that evening. 

The last couple of months have been really great and I have learned so much. This is easily one of the best decisions I ever made. 

This is Miriam signing off! 

The First of Many Adventures

  Hey Friends! 

     I have lived in Norway for two months now and have learned a lot about myself, God and others. I have also had quite a few adventures. 

    An adventure that I have had in the last few months is a rollator run. The rollator run is something the city of Oslo puts on for their elderly population. The whole school participated in volunteer activities. My class was in charge of helping these lovely elderly folk around the track. It was really nice and relaxing to spend time with these elderly people. 

     Another adventure I have had is a wheelchair day. Our class was split up into groups and were each given instructions to: sit one hour each in the wheelchair, take at least one form of public transport, and evaluate the wheelchair accessibility of places. I learned a lot from this experience and hope to be putting the things I learned into practice. 

     Something that I have found interesting here is how involved in American politics Norwegians are. It is also really interesting to see how the campaign is affecting the world in a way that Americans don't think about. 

    A few bible verses that have really been sticking with me are Matthew 11:28-30 and Mark 14:35-36. At my old high school we had a yearly theme verse and my senior year that was Mark 14:35-36 which reads as follows, " And going a little further he fell down to the ground and prayed if it were possible the hour might pass from him, "Abba Father," he said "all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from yet not what I will but what you will." This verse speaks of complete and total surrender to God the father. This verse applied some to my senior year in high school but it means more to me now. In high school I had so much more guidance surrounding my walk with God, than I do this year. This has taught me to listen to his voice  and surrender myself to his will more often. 

     Matthew 11:28-30 says "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” And I have found this to be profoundly true. Anytime I decide to spend time in God's word, whether it be at church or by myself, I feel myself entering this place of utter relaxation and rest that I have never experienced before. The familiar feeling of Jesus embracing you is like no other. There is no better way to rest. 

This is Miriam, signing off!