GOOD FRIDAY

Copenhagen, Denmark airport

Lots of luggage!

I woke up to bright sunshine this morning so perhaps the snow will disappear today.  We went for a long walk yesterday with Nora in her buggy.  The buggies here are made for all kinds of weather.  Yesterday Todd pushed it all the way up to Varden, a tower that overlooks the city.  I had never seen Kristiansund in the snow as when Howard and I were here for Christmas in 2006, there was no snow for the entire month that we were here.  It's a beautiful sight, especially when you know it's not going to last very long!

Drive slowly. Children playing.

Children skiing on the street!

Our trip over went well for the first three flights.  We were enjoying a cup of tea on our last flight from Oslo to Kristiansund when the captain came on to announce that there was heavy snow in Kristiansund and we would have to circle while the ground crew cleaned it off.  After several (long!) minutes he came on again to announce that they weren't able to get it ready so we would be landing in  Molde, about an hours drive from Kristiansund.  That was fine with us, better to have a safe landing than a risky one!  Soon we were on the ground in Molde.  It had snowed there too but not as heavy and it was melting.  Three buses were waiting for us as soon as we had picked up our luggage.  Laurel and I climbed in the third one and were soon on our way through the snowy, winding road to Kristiansund. We went over a long, high bridge as well as under a river in a long tunnel.  Both used to have toll stations but they are now paid for so no more tolls to pay! We weren't sure where Todd was going to be waiting for us but Laurel was able to send a text when we were 14 km away.  He sent a message back that he was at the airport.  Soon we arrived  and were greeted with Norsk flags and a special sign from Nora.  She and Kristy had been at the airport at 6:30 but when we were delayed a friend had taken them home.  It was around 9 pm when we got there.  In our excitement at finally arriving, one of our suitcases got left at the airport!  It was too late to pick it up by the time we realized it was missing. All was well as Todd drove back in the morning and the suitcase was safe and sound, along with a couple others that had been left behind as well.

Nora's welcome sign for Tante Laurel and Farmor

Todd and Kristy's three storey home on the left
(bottom level - entry, "bachelor suite", laundry room, storage
middle level - living-room with 5 windows to the east, kitchen and patio with rock wall on the west,
3 bedrooms and bathroom on upper level)

We had a relaxing first day.  It was almost like Christmas as Kristy's folks had sent a box of gifts and Easter decorations with us as well as gifts for Nora from several family members.  After the Easter service on Sunday at 11, Kristy and two friends are having a turkey dinner in the church basement.  Tomorrow will be a busy day as we have pies to make and the church basement to decorate and make ready. Laurel and I might have time to do a little shopping too! We decided to do the turkey ahead of time so it will just have to be heated up and ready to eat as soon as the service is over.

After the 11 o'clock Good Friday service today we are going to the park for a pølse (weiner) roast!  Norwegians take every opportunity to do things outdoors when the weather is nice.  Yesterday Kristy's good friend Gunn had been knitting outside in the sunshine.  We will take Nora for another walk in her buggy, perhaps down to the harbour. Right now she is having her morning nap outside the front door in her buggy.  A baby monitor keeps track of her!

Our pølse roast on Friday afternoon

Emmanuel and Nora on her first sleigh ride.

I will try to add some pictures later today but now I better get ready for morning worship.
ps Pictures got added on Monday morning!