Henna

Today a girl from Bangladesh gave me a henna tattoo. It's so beautiful! The English name "henna" comes from the Arabic حِنَّاء, pronounced [ħɪnˈnæːʔ] or colloquially حنا.

The Four Candles burned slowly.

Their ambiance was so soft you could hear them speak...The first candle said, "I Am Peace, but these days, nobody wants to keep me lit." Then Peace's flame slowly diminished and went out completely. The second candle said, "I Am Faith, but these days, I am no longer indispensable." Then Faith's flame slowly diminished and went out completely.  Sadly the third candle spoke, "I Am Love and I haven't the strength to stay lit any longer." "People put me aside and don't understand my importance.  They even forget to love those who are nearest to them."  And waiting no longer, Love went out completely.  Suddenly ... A child entered the room and saw the three candles no longer burning.  The child began to cry, "Why are you not burning? You are supposed to stay lit until the end."Then the Fourth Candle spoke gently to the little boy, "Don't be afraid, for I Am Hope, and while I still burn, we can re-light the other candles." With shining eyes, the child took the Candle of Hope and lit the other three candles. Never let the Flame of Hope go out. With Hope in your life, no matter how bad things may be, Peace, Faith and Love may shine brightly once again. 

(Adapted from unknown storywriter)

Global Week

Now I'm on my way to Global Week. I have guided some of the participants around Oslo. We saw the Opera, Karl Johans gate, the House of parlamente and the Royal castle, but no King Harald or Jens Stoltenberg. The tour ended at Nobels peace center. I'm looking forward to the week. Pictures will come later..

Summer reading

I just finished reading A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. It's a good book and you should read it when you have time. Maybe this summer? :)

My dear friend

Chathura Maduranga Hettiarachchi, my dear friend was a partisipant on the GoCY-program 2010-2011 together with me.we were bought in Kenya. He was in Mombasa and I was in Kisumu. Last chrismas and new year we celebrated together in Lamu and Mombasa. The exchange ended three weeks ago, and Chathura went back to Sri Lanka and I came home to Norway.

Some days ago Chathura fell sick and last night he died. Im numb. I dont know what to say, but I miss you Chathura! You are on my mind and I remember all the good times we had together. Ill always, always remember your smile and the way you answerwd " Poa Sana" (verry good), when someone asked you, "How are you?" I hope your poa sana right now, where ever you are. May God bless you!

I send my condolences to all your family and friends. Kristoffer is now on his way to Sri Lanka. He will represent the GoCYs in your funural.

Tuanane badai Chathura.

Back in Norway

This morning I arrived in Norway. It's so strange. Now I'm at Årholdttunet in Tønsberg with Maria, Mari, Kristoffer, Ridma, Jackie and David, all from the GoCY-program.

Happy Easter

It is not much that reminds me of the norwegian easter with snow and small yellow chickens. But at least I have the sun ;)

In one week i'll be on my way back to Norway. Kristoffer and two friends are now on their way to Kilimanjaro. I wish them a wonderful trip!