I Feel Like Walking the World...

...Or at least Lillehammer!

Sorry for the lack of posts in recent days...life has been full, days have been long, and this girl has been busy learning, listening and growing.

This past week was a delight, as I got a visiter from home...by means of Scotland! My dear friend Biz (who is living in Scotland for the year) opted to celebrate her birthday with me in Lillehammer, so I got to explore my city in a new fashion: on foot! We did a lot of walking, as the weather was warm, spring was in the air, and a strolling tour seemed more conducive for seeing as much of Lillehammer as possible in just four or five days. So walk we did! To and from Storhove, which is my home, all over the city, to the Olympic Center, Maihaugen...such a treat!

And beyond the opportunity to explore this place, it was such a blessing to have a familiar face-someone I know and who has known & loved me for a long time-share in this experience. To share news, stories, memories & laughter...so wonderful! And of course, many of these conversations took place over coffee, either accompanied by Oreo Deluxe cake at Dolly Dimples (my new favorite resturant in Lillehammer!) as a midafternoon treat, coffee from the kantine here at HiL, or even a cuppa from 7-11as we walked. We sipped, strolled, laughed...one of the most life-giving weekends I've had here in Lillehammer.

Aside from visits from home, the past week has been filled with epiphanies, great conversation and lots of walking. I'm not sure if it's the imminent springtime (YAY!!!) that is drawing me outside, but I've been relishing my walks throughout the city, often solo excursions which have provide time for reflection and thought. And from all of this walking, I've realized that I have finally fully landed here in Lillehammer. I am no longer clinging to the other nine Americans, have gained confidence and courage to venture out alone & create my own exeriences and beyond that, realized that it's okay for me to do things outside of the group. It's been such a treat to realize this, to settle into myself again, indulge my independent spirit and embrace this city and all it has to offer.

The funny and wonderful part of these recent days is that my walking has coincided perfectly with the beginning of Lent. I have never been one to give up something for Lent, nor have I ever felt the need to. This year, away from my communities of faith, family and friends though, there is something comforting about the practice of walking that connects me to those I am missing. I'm missing the youth and staff of Friends in Faith, my family, my dear friends and all that is happening on the other side of the world. It just hit me that I'm missing out on all of that. BUT...I'm also growing from this opportunity. Experiencing the chance to be strong in myself, make my own path and create my own story...even if that story is a bit different than those of my fellow travelers, or even what I could have ever imagined for myself.

So I'll walk. To and from the city. Up and down the slopes of Lillehammer.
And as I walk, you can be sure that I'll be thinking of you all...thankful for your love, prayers & support on this journey. Amazed at the blessings that each of you are in my life. Astounded and befuddled at the way our bodies work well enough to walk (I mean, our feet are pretty small...especially mine! How in the world can they support our bodies and balance and move and not topple over?!?! So interesting).

I feel like walking the world....