My favorite place

It was truly amazing to be at Brunstad again. It's my home away from home, place to meet old friends, hear God's Word in a way that you don't get to anywhere else, place that I love!! I'm so thankful that I got to go, and in a strange sort of way, it felt like closure. I walked down to House 33, the last day that I was there, to see how it was going. The last remaining person from my old team was working his last day there, and it was super nice to see him! When I walked up to see the dining room, I only managed to be in there for a few minutes, and had to struggle to catch my breath and couldn't even see for the tears. It totally caught me off guard, but I'm pretty sure they're not starving! :D 

I saw so many of my friends, old and new, and basically hung out in the coffee bar, going from one friend to the next. I am so rich in friends, it's almost unbelievable! I stayed in a friend's camper, and had fun wading through wet grass and puddles to get there and back! After the first day, in which I tip-toed in my nice shoes with a small heel that sank to the hilt with every step, I opted for flip flops that could simply be hosed off! It was pretty fun because I somehow couldn't get the water to work in the camper, except for the toilet, and had to carry in my drinking water, and got to use the old shower in House 4, in which you have to push the button every 10 seconds to keep the water flowing! :D Woohoo!

On the second day at Brunstad, there was a torrential downpour while I was in the hall, and of course I had forgotten to pack my travel umbrella! The only umbrellas that were left in the gift shop were expensive, trendy, frilly, designer umbrellas, which the shop attendant was quite proud of, and very eager to sell to me! I, however, just wanted a cheap, collapsible, $5.00 deal to get me through the week! The prospect of staying dry eventually took precedence over my limited budget, and I am now the proud owner of a $51.37 grey, pagoda~shaped umbrella with white polka dots, which I took great pains to bring home with me, as it was much too long to fit into my suitcase! It's a good thing the proceeds are going to Brunstad!! :D

I was pretty bad at taking pictures, actually, but I think that just means I was having such an amazing time that I simply forgot!

Sarah K~B picked me up from the train station when I got in from Oslo, and I stayed with her the first 2 nights. It was awesome to see her and catch up again!! The boys didn't remember me, but then I didn't really expect them to. Quentin offered to make me coffee in the morning ~ so CUTE!!

He even asked if I wanted milk and syrup in it. Who can resist??!!

Zach has gotten so big, and was super into books (and peeing on the deck)! :D

Beautiful boy!

Lunch with Teresa L~W

Probably my favorite place to eat at Brunstad ~ the Fish Restaurant!!

Lunch with Kim C. Brunstad is great for catching up with North Americans as well!!

Randi and Ken Leon Altingul <3

My favorite boss in the world!! I had lunch one day with Jane and Andrew. The Okun family, from Israel, was also there, and it was really nice to get to know them!

Jessika Altingul and her grandmother

The Okun family ~ minus one

Grete and I, enjoying one of the sunny days down on the boardwalk

My all time FAVORITE kind of melt down!!

<3

My favorite painting in "my" hallway.

I borrowed a key to go check for some things I had left behind in my apartment. I sure miss this view!! (more gulps)

The lovely and useful, but MOST inconvenient, umbrella. I tried very hard not to take anyone out on the way home, but got quite a few looks! Hey, if I'm going to pay 50 bucks for an umbrella, I'm going to take it home with me, one way or another!

Yup, this is where the other half of my heart still is. <3