Leaving Norway
In three weeks we relocate to the States! 
I was unhappy and wanted to leave for so long. It isn’t that I don’t want to leave anymore but now that it’s actually happening the things I like about Norway and all the things that have happened here run through my mind. Also going through my active mind are the things which will change and things I don’t like about the US.
My main problem was finding new friends, making a brand new life. I have always missed my family and my friends back home. To make a new life I needed to get through the culture and the language. Norwegians tend to be more introverted, at least around new people. I can be introverted myself and purposefully meeting new people is not one of my strengths, at least not always. I haven’t had my family to hang out with, friends with whom I share a history, or a church I grew up in. None of the churches we visited felt quite right. I tried the American Women’s Club but that didn’t yield a lot of close friends. Having some employment didn’t help either but work hasn’t been a place where I’ve made life friends.
No matter how challenging it’s been here, there are ways Norwegians/Europeans operate that I prefer over Americans. Yesterday I was watching CNN, something I never did at home, and as usual noticed how the perspective is broader, looking at the whole world. A lot of times I did happen to see American newscasts, it seemed very nationalistic. I am more informed and want to stay thay way. I noticed the newscasters personalities and I think I prefer the Europeans. The term “rat race” may not apply here. People have goals and want to do well but I’m not sure it is as competitive. I am a little embarrassed. It’s like being embarrassed by a parent. Embarrassed but ashamed at the same time. I’m not sure what Norwegians think of Americans, but if they get ideas from tv shows, oi! When I think of the typical traits, they are arrogant and kind of dumb. Those are stereotypes like any others that are applied to a culture. Sometimes there is a bit of truth but with every new person we meet, they should have freedom from our presumption.
A new chapter of our life starts very soon. We bring Sara Ellen to what will become her home country. Even the approximate two months we’ll spend with my family will be the longest we’ll have spent as a married couple in the US, and now we’re even more of a family. We will have to find a new home and readjust to whatever Tim’s employment is, whether he can work for Opera from home or finds a new job.
A lot will change but we’ll remain our happy little family.
A couple days ago, Emily and I took the Metro to Arlington, VA…when we went to get farecards I “announced” “I miss Norway!!” After being in Oslo for five weeks, there are SO many little things that I miss, things that the US could certainly improve upon.
while we were there, Emily and I also made the observation that the newscasters there are so laided back and not so arrogant and pushy, trying to push a “celebrity” image.
And I miss that Norwegian cheese!!
As much as I love our life here, my memories of Norway will be treasured! ‘Course it helped that I witnessed the birth of my first grandchild there, but what a wonderful city Oslo is, how easy to get around, and such gracious people! Bringing those balloons home that Friday night is one of my favorite and funniest memories! So neat how you can laugh and joke with people when you have no clue what they’re saying yet in a sense you DO know!!
yes, things will change, you’ll make adjustments but you will be together and that’s what makes it fun
Love,
Mom