Well, we have been here for two weeks arleady and this my (Brett) first time blogging with the world. :) It seems that I have not had the time, or not made the time, to even reflect on the first two weeks. I am of course constantly thinking about the new culture and life changes that this new territory brings to my life, but without some solid life reflection time. These past two weeks have been in one word "wonderful," but all things wonderful are not great at all moments. There have been moments of complete confusion and feelings of helplessness, which I think everyone should experience from time to time. It proves to you that you truly don't know everything and are not all-powerful. But with the help of the angelic Norwegians we have come across, we have been able to get direction and comfort.

We have seen many differences in this country, and the biggest change to our lifestyle (alongside the language) is our mode of transportation. We walked about 20 miles the first week, but now we are taking the bus almost everywhere. We also have to walk 10 minutes to the grocery store and carry our food in our backpack or plastic bags. It is kind of fun, but ask me that again when winter arrives. :) Cortney and I were able to spend our 1 year wedding anniversary on the 29th by hiking in the woods and swimming in a lake that was very refreshing. I also had the opportunity to go fishing in the fjord and caught my first norwegian fish, a cod. These two weeks have been filled with Norwegian language class during the day, homework at night, and many times of hanging out with Norwegians.

It is exciting to think of what lies ahead of us in the future. We really have no idea what will happen or take shape, and as frightening as that is sometimes, there is also great comfort in that. I'm excited to further rely on my relationship with God and allow Him to guide me through the days and steps I should take. I often don't know where I'm going, but I know it will be an adventure.

I'll leave with my favorite passage as of late, Ephesians 3:14-21. "For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."