Goodbye Norway

Oh dear! I can't believe that I've actually left Norway. For the first time I left my homeland with tears in my eyes. Despite a clear call from God and a great eagerness to start the work in Vanuatu, it was still hard to say goodbye. I have traveled away from home to other countries far away many times before, but this is the first time I don't know when I will return home. It's a bit of a funny feeling. 

During my last night at home it was completely impossible to sleep. I twisted from side to side. It actually started to occur to me that I'm moving. It was no longer just something I talked about, but reality. A blissful mixture of emotions bubbled up inside me. Excited, scared, expectant and sad. Fortunately, I didn't have to stay in bed for long. I got up at 3:30 AM on Wednesday 4 September to catch my flight. 

I checked in my suitcase. Yes, that's actually all I have with me. Containing mostly summer clothes, sandals and Bibles. I also brought with me some Freia Milk Chocolate and a packet of Toro brownies in case I'm missing home. 

My journey went to Copenhagen, Singapore and then Auckland, New Zealand. As I sat on the plane, looking out the window, I was completely overwhelmed by how far away I was travelling. The journey never seemed to be ending. Just when I thought we had come a long way, we had to go even further. It took me 35 hours to arrive in New Zealand. At that point my eyes were both red and dry, and I was completely dizzy after little sleep.

Taxi ride

When I finally arrived in New Zealand I took a taxi to get to the hotel I had booked for the night. It was a nice Indian man who was driving. On the journey we had a really nice conversation where I had the opportunity to tell my testimony. He comments along the way that I was so happy and had such a "good energy". I explained to him how it is connected with the Holy Spirit who lives in me, who gives me joy and freedom. He thanked me for the good conversation and seemed genuinely happy for the opportunity to talk about God and faith. Then he drove off. It was fun to see how an opportunity to plant a seed really just fell into my lap. God is the one who can give growth.

While I'm writing this update, I am based at the YWAM base in Tauranga, New Zealand. I will be here for 3.5 weeks on a leadership training course before I go to Vanuatu. Looking forward to spend some time here to be filled up before I move. It really feels good to be here. Now I have actually started!

To see the travel video posted on Instagram, click on the link below. If you are not already following me, please send me a request.