Kelly Says It Big

CLICK HERE FOR MY NEW BLOG ADDRESS!!!

2008-08-30T03:24:00.008+02:00

So I've decided to try a new venue for my blog. it's time for a make-over. kellylarson.wordpress.com is the more 'sophisticated' me(haha) that is still a work in progress.

Blogspot, you've been oh so good to me. that doesn't mean i'm trashing you all together, i just liked the look of the other one!

so click on the Title or "Link" below for my fresh new look.

enjoy,
kelly

2008-08-25T22:39:00.006+02:00

CSM 2008
Brussels, Belgium

Me, Nadine(spain) & Krystal(greece)

Time spent w/ beautiful friends in Brugge, Belgium

Students from every tribe & nation!

Me, Siri Helene, & Cortney-Lovin' Norway!

sportin' the chinese pose. love you girls!

This year at CSM(College of Student Ministry) we were blessed to have our 1st Norwegian representation!! We had 2 friends join us, Siri Helene & Johnny. I'm so grateful they were able to participate and get more of an idea of what student ministry in Europe is to look like. It was a great time of prayer, creative worship, training and teaching. I felt I learned a lot and was greatly encouraged as we met with our fellow missionaries(our 2nd family) from Europe. It was inspiring and uplifting esp. as we knew we were headed back for another year of student ministry here in Trondheim, Norway. I'm filled with so much hope and excitement for what God is going to do this semester and this year!

2008-08-22T12:11:00.007+02:00

Remebering Joe

A great colleague and friend, Joe Zickafoose, passed away Aug. 12th, after an 8 month battle with bone marrow cancer. Many of us on staff from Students for Christ-Europe were gathered for a meeting while at CSM when we got the news that Joe had passed away. The news was surreal, yet it was a blessed place to be because we were able to cry, pray & share memories of such a great man of faith and purpose. I thank God for having known Joe. Meeting him in Budapest, several years ago, our team felt a connection with him right away. His sense of humor left us with side aches from laughter and his ability to make you feel welcomed was truly a gift. We sat at his feet & learned much about life & ministry in such a short period of time. He unknowingly poured out wisdom that shaped those listening. For this, I am thankful!

I am encouraged by the life Joe led and am confident he left fingerprints on many people's hearts, including mine, by his love for the Lord and for people. He will be greatly missed, but I rejoice in knowing He is the hands of His Father in Heaven.

2008-07-31T17:02:00.002+02:00

TEAM USA!!

Chuck&Sally, Dan&Elisa, Dan&Sarah, & Nadia
All came to join us in prayer for Norway!!
I loved our time spent together! You're all
such an encouragement!

So happy to see one of my bestest friends, Elisa!
Reunited in Trondheim!

We had the privilege of meeting with several groups
of people from different churches to
pray and seek God together
What a great time of community and FUN!!

One night after a prayer meeting....

WE SAW MOOSE!!!!!!!!!

One of my dreams for living in Norway came true that night,
to see moose up close and personal. Boy were they close!!
SO COOL!

2008-07-31T13:29:00.006+02:00

OUR ADVENTURES
IN AFRICA!!!

chicken, beans & rice

girls on the town-Soroti

We had the opportunity to share in several churches
They received us w/ open arms, smiles from ear to ear and
amazing worship & dances

The guys in the village of Otuboi-
Dalmas, Magnus, Audun, Charles, & Brett

Me with some of the girls at Amuria Girls Hostel

We showed the Jesus film in 3 villages in their local language: ATESO!
It was a great time to share the story of Christ and pray for many.

The girls- Cortney, Elisabeth, Katrine & I

Learning how to crush spices

Amazing members and 'family' from Nakatunya church
We love you and you're so precious!

We purchased speakers with the help of many
people that helped us share the gospel with many people

Where we stayed

Jesus is Lord van!! whoop whoop!
This thing got us everywhere!

beautiful faces

2008-06-12T09:52:00.008+02:00

My Wonderful 'Summer' Adventures Begin
(the longest entry of photos EVER!!! haha)

Norway's Independence Day

17th of mai

Some friends wearing their traditional dress:
a bunad

Jess's going away party :(

We love you and we'll miss you Jess!!

Welcome to the U.S.A!!

First Stop: Kansas City, Missouri

I finally got to meet Dan & Elisa's babe, Caleb
They're great!

Amy was a trooper and drove all the
way from Colorado to see me!!
I love you AMY!!!

Ariel, Leah & I got to catch up:
weddings, weddings, weddings
CONGRATS U TWO!

Next stop: Houghton,Michigan
Home Sweet Home

I hadn't seen my family in 2 years!!!

I also got to hang w/ Christina,
my long lost chum!!

Next stop: Duluth, Minnesota

Reunion with old friends makes
my heart glad!

So happy to see Jordan & her family
I see where Mac gets her smile from :)

KATE!!!! it's been ages!

One of my 'sisters', Em & I

CONGRATULATIONS
MR. & MRS. BARRETT!!

The Wedding Party

Rebs was absolutely stunning!!
You're so beautiful.

Goodbye Duluth!!!

Final stop: Minneapolis,MN

I got to stay w/ Cara one last night before
heading back to Norway

Cara, Prego Becca, Jessica & I

Met up w/ the old gang

And got to see my good 'ole Jess again!!! hehe

All in all, my time prior to going home as well as being at home was great! i got to spend quality time with a whole lot of great/'crazy' Americans & who could ask for more?? I have to admit that it's been a whirlwind!! Time has flown by and i've had a lot of fun, laughter, tears and goodbyes, but I'm so thankful that I was able to get home. This whirlwind of events only seems to be speeding up as i'm now home & packing for our next adventure: UGANDA!!! we're leaving tomorrow morning...4AM!!! please pray for us & i'll show you more pics when we return on July 7th!

mucho love,
keldog

2008-05-15T11:59:00.001+02:00

Amazing Adventures in Norway!

Jess, Chantele & I went home w/ Linn & experienced the life of an
islander! We saw some amazing things! Mountains,
islands, puffins, fjords, trolls & the ocean!

Geiranger Fjord

Jess & I are leaving in 4 days to the U.S. The saddest part will be saying goodbye to her & leaving here there. It will be hard!!! She'll be staying in the states to start up school this fall.
I'll miss you bunches. I love you JESS!!!

Brooke Fraser - Albertine video

2008-04-23T15:44:00.001+02:00

This song has been in my head for a while now. She's an inspiration.

2008-04-23T13:30:00.006+02:00

UGANDA 2008!!

I'm happy to announce that I get to return to Uganda once again! I'm beyond excited thinking of meeting w/ friends that we made last summer as well as all the new experiences ahead of us. This time I'm going w/ a company of Norwegians & other Americans! there are 7 of us total! We're going for a little over 3 weeks -
JUNE 13-JULY 7!
This past weekend we had a chance to get away and pray, plan and talk about our trip. Here are some memories from last summer & our projected program for this year. It's going to be an AMAZING time!

We'll mainly be partnering with the local church of Uganda in Soroti, Uganda, where we have great contacts.
We'll be trying to visit several churches to be encouraged from them, worship w/ them, as well as being able to share our hearts!
This picture is from the small church of Nakatunya. Though small, it's filled w/ POWERFUL men, women & children of God! I left encouraged each time from visiting here. Continue to pray for a new meeting place for this church, as they're meeting in a small school room & have outgrown it months ago!

"LET THE WORD OF THE LORD RUN SWIFTLY!!"
~2Thessalonians 3:1~

We have a heart to see people's lives changed by meeting Jesus. We want the truth of God to be made known in this place & we want to invest in something that will be long lasting. God has put it on our team's heart to raise money for new speakers for the local ministry team, mainly used for showing The Jesus Film. They're in great need of new speakers to help them with their outreaches. They've used the speakers they have now for years and they're basically shot, which is hindering the Gospel from being heard in local villages. We've been praying & planning different events to raise money, so that when we come we're able to invest into their ministry. This is so GREAT!!! because it will go far beyond us simply being there for 3 weeks!! Please pray with us: that all the funding needed will come in so we're able to purchase new speakers & do our mission as well as bless their's!

If you have it on your heart to support this mission, you can email me: kelly.norge@gmail.com

Our main ministry will be traveling to smaller villages and sharing about Jesus. We'll be showing The Jesus Film in their local language, Ateso. We'll have the first day w/ the believers in that area to encourage and teach them & prepare for the film show that night. The next day we'll be meeting with those who have accepted Christ as well as connecting them to the local church. I'm really excited for this opportunity to share the gospel with people, especially in their own language!! PLEASE pray that God will move in the hearts of the hundreds that are drawn to view this & that they'd make the most important decision in their lives: to follow JESUS!!

Schools will be on our list of places to visit. We're planning on trying to go to secondary schools around the areas of where we're showing the film. This will be a fun time to interact w/ students and get to know them, even if it's just for a short period of time.
Pray for the students to be open for the gospel as we'll be freely sharing in the schools too.

One of the best experiences of my life was being with the girls of the Amuria Girls Hostel. They're filled with so much hope, joy, love & excitement for life in spite of what's happened to them. We thankfully get the opportunity to return and I pray that some of those girls we met last summer will still be there and that we'll be able to continue the friendships that we've begun. They LOVE to sing, laugh and have fun, can't wait to join them!!

I love children & I know God loves them even more!! We're going to be able to share a few days at a local AIDS orphanage started by YWAM about 10 yrs ago. When we were at this orphanage last year, I was overwhelmed with God's love for them & I couldn't help but hold them, kiss them & pray over their fragile little bodies. As AIDS continues to take the very breath out of lives, I choose to have hope that places like this are that of refuge, peace, & love in Christ in the middle of the STORM! May God bless this place, the workers & the children. Jesus' desire is to be near the children, he says,
"Let the little children come to Me..."Mt. 19:14

Elisabeth & I were blessed to stay with Michael & Deborah last summer. They're 2 of the most amazing people of God I've ever met! They blessed me beyond words! They're family is beautiful and their friends were so welcoming as well. I'm anticipating the time we get to be with all of them. For one of the weekends, we will be splitting up our group and staying w/ several families who are close to Michael & Deborah. We'll get the real Ugandan experience then!

Uganda wouldn't be Uganda for me w/o a wedding!!! A friend of Elisabeth, and now mine too, is getting married while we're there and has invited us to the village wedding!! Sam Agama(the coolest name by the way) will be getting married on June 21st!!

This was taken while at a village wedding last year. They love guest participation, especially from the girl's end. So...all 4 of us girls from the team will actually be in the wedding & even
MATCHING the bride!! Hehe It'll be a fun day!

So...theres just a rough overview of what we'll be doing! Please continue to pray for Uganda, for our work there & for the finances for the speakers!!

Bless u.
Kelly

2008-04-08T14:20:00.005+02:00

Refreshed- would be the word that i think of after the past few weeks.

Over Easter break, our team was able to go to a monastery on an island called Tautra. We had 5 days of solitude; you & God, your Bible & a journal. I found myself sleeping a lot, which is a good thing, but i guess i was physically exhausted & didn't really even realize it. tho hard at times, i'd HIGHLY recommend it to you if you've never just taken time to get away and rest in God.

how often do we separate ourselves from the every day life/rituals/etc...and take the time to contemplate, ponder God, and just rest in Him??

how often do the noises around you define who you are? vs. God's voice echoing w/in you, telling you the truth of who you are?

i found myself wanting to 'do this silence thing right'. but how? it was hard to simply sit & just be. relax & be enjoyed by God. this was a hard, but good revelation for me. how i long to be doing the 'good part' in God(which isn't a bad thing), but so often i allow myself to get carried away w/ the DOING. and then i begin to define myself by WHAT i do & not by WHO i REALLY am. i need to realize that WHO i am matters to Him more than anything, not solely what i do. He takes delight in me & i should do the same in Him.

I heard Him say to me, "Kelly, just enjoy me." so...i sat & allowed myself to look out the window for long periods of time just being w/God. looking at the fjord around me and i found myself in a new place of worship. how i delighted in God by simply, sitting, seeing, & pondering! my heart was full of praises! SO BEAUTIFUL! SO WONDERFUL!

It was timely that we decided to go the week right before Easter because i also began going through a wonderful prayer book meant for retreats called "Hearts on Fire". i took the scriptures leading to Jesus' death and resurrection and allowed them to change me. I let the prayers from this book usher me into a new relationship with Jesus. some of the lines of these Jesuit's prayers awoken places in my heart that i felt were dead. it was so great! i couldn't stop writing.

May you receive the GRACE of God...
This past weekend a group of us went to a cabin in the mountains for our Spring Get-Away Weekend. With extended times of worship, teaching on Grace & Identity in Christ & hanging out, I thought it went incredibly well. Our perspectives of God, ourselves & others were challenged, making it a time of newness and revelation.

so...to sum it ALL up, refreshment is the word!

2008-03-15T16:25:00.005+01:00

Hva skjer da?(What's up??)
Here is just a little bit of what's been happening in my life. Lots-o-Fun!

OSLO!!!!!!

On our way back from Scotland, Jess & I stayed with Sigrid for a few nights in Oslo!
Good times. Good times.

Aweseome scultures

We're becoming Norsk!
I'm wearing Linn's national dress & Jess is
wearing a traditional Norwegian sweater. hehe

Me & Rebs @ the Fort

Glen & Alejandro!! Norwegian Idol Rocks!

LENA'S BDAY w/ cell group

HAPPY Chinese NEW YEAR!!!

We made homemade dumplings.

Iranian Night Thanks Haseba!!

Open Mic Night

We had a great crowd come out for our 1st (& not last) night of sharing creativity! It was great.

2008-03-07T11:32:00.003+01:00

sorry i haven't updated this thing in ages! i promise i will!! i've been crazy busy the whole month of february, i'm not even sure where it went. but i'll be updating w/ pics & stories soon, i promise! i'm not even sure how many peeps even read this, but what the heck, i'll just keep updating it!!

Rebs & Travis are here visiting! wooohooo!!!

be blessed,
keldog

2008-01-29T11:55:00.001+01:00

Krakow, Poland

Thank you for all your prayers and support that have gotten me to this place in my life! I'm overwhelmed and filled with great joy to see the way God is moving in the midst of University students throughout Europe. This past weekend we had the opportunity to join with other staff members of SFC-Europe to pray and encourage one another in our ministries.

We went for a walk in the sentrum & found ourselves being a part
of a parade! Good fun in Poland!!

We were also able to go to Auschwitz, a very sobering & educational experience.

2008-01-11T12:03:00.000+01:00

Cara & Kevin made it!! YIPPEEE!!!

They'll be here for almost 2 weeks. I'll update more when i get a chance. I'm so
excited to see good friends from home!! AHH

2008-01-05T13:53:00.000+01:00

IT'S 2008!!! MAY YOU HAVE A BLESSED YEAR!!!

I had a great Christmas and New Years this year! Jess & I spent time with Elisabeth and her family in Levanger for Christmas. We had the chance to experience a traditional Norwegian Christmas with a family. Though it wasn't MY FAMILY, i felt so blessed to have experienced the holidays with them. we spent many hours in the kitchen baking and learning the tricks to the norsk cooking. I loved making Lefse!! mmm.....

Making Lefse

Lovely walk by the sea

Elisabeth's dad got the Macgyver episodes on dvd, so naturally we had to watch a few. I'd forgotten how much i love him! he's like an old school version of Jack Bauer or Michael Scoffield!

Solveig, Me, Jess, Elisabeth

ESC-European Student Conference, Nuremberg, Germay

We headed to Germany on the 26th of Dec. and made it into Nuremberg on the 27th!
We wondered the quaint cobbled stone streets and I loved taking pics of the old city buildings and bridges. I really enjoyed this cultural experience of seeing a city that was almost completely destroyed during WWII and has been rebuilt. There is so much history every step you take.

The youth hostel we stayed in aka a sweet action castle!!

Our group we brought from Norway!!

In smaller groups we reenacted Paul & Silas's missionary journey. We got the section when they were thrown in prison! Great fun & creativity.
Most of us were prisoners & sang, "Nobody knows the trouble I've seen"

We experienced the famous Nuremberg sausages, German potato salad & just a bite of
crout( i don't like it much).

Nuremberg, Germany

Many Dutch students that we traveled around the city with

Was able to hang with old friends and meet a lot of new ones too!

Me, Wi, Zhu na
(chinese exchange students to the Netherlands)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! We rang in the new year by watching thousands of fireworks from the castle balcony & with worship songs by a German band, Lightguide. Celebrating new years in Germany, I couldn't help but feel blessed! God truly is SO GOOD! I'm excited to see what this new year has in store! I know there will be much more excitement and experiences to come!
Happy 2008!!

After the conference, Cortney & I headed to Freidberg & Dresden(east Germany) to meet up with a friend, Anne!! It was a short trip, but what a great time to see her again!

Freiberg, Germany

Dresden, Germany

Glad to be home now & in anticipation for the new semester to begin. A bit tired since we had about 35 hours of travel to get back to Trondheim! It was worth it & now I've learned what to do when you're stranded in an airport for 8 hours!! In less than a week we're starting up with this new semester and i'm SO EXCITED to be welcoming 2 great friends, Cara & Kevin who are coming to visit for about 10 days!!! I'll be updating when i get a chance, but i'm anticipating a very busy schedule for a few weeks.

May you find yourselves blessed this 2008!!

keldog

2007-12-25T17:15:00.000+01:00

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!

God Jul & Godt Nytt År!!

Felitz Navidad!

Hilsen fra Levanger!! Just been chillin' here in Levanger (Elisabeth's home) with an amazing family. It's been a great time to be with a family and to celebrate Christmas here again in Norway. I'm missing mine, but they've been a great alternative!! my 2nd fam!

We're off to Nuremberg, Germany tomorrow night. This is just the beginning of our crazy schedule & I can't wait, actually! I'll update more when we get back(Jan.4th) tho.

Klem,
Keldog

2007-12-15T20:25:00.001+01:00

ANNOUNCEMENT!!! I'm staying in TRONDHEIM!!!

I've officially made the decision to stay, God willing. I'm really excited & looking forward to being here for at least another year!! Please pray that everything will fall into place. Takk. Takk

Christmas plans and then some...

*Jessica & I will be going to Elisabeth's home in Levanger for 1 week to celebrate. Great chance to once again experience a traditional norskie christmas! filled with excitement to relax & be with a family, although i'm sad that i can't be w/ my own!

*Then we're off to Germany from Dec. 26th-Jan. 4th

We'll be celebrating New Years in a castle with other missionaries and students for the All European Student Conference, put on by Students for Christ-Europe. Should be great fun!

Gotta love the streets of Trondheim during the holidays. So lovely!

Thanks everyone for the wonderful bday wishes! It was a great day!!
I put to use a cake mix the mom sent me from the U.S. Ahhh how i miss American cakes! hehe

Linn bought me these crazy antlers! Takk takk LC!

Linn, Karen Elise, Marlen & I

We ended the night w/ one of my newest fave movies, ELF!! HEHEHE I'm sad to say that i've not watched it until now, i'd really been missing out....
Thanks Jess!

2007-12-15T18:57:00.000+01:00

Anyone up for Ski Hopping?
Jess, Linn, myself & 10,000 others got a chance to
check out what it's all about.

World Cup Championships in Ski Jumping, Trondheim, Norway

It was so great! I joined right in cheering for Norway.
We got 3rd place behind 2 Austrians.

Thanks MOM for the Bday & Christmas Gifts!!

So thrilled to be united w/ a piece of home

Introduced Linn to the most wonderful drink ever, Carpi Sun!!

It's time to make me some gingerbread cookies!

GOD JUL!!

Jess & I mean business

2007-12-05T13:54:00.000+01:00

Here are just a few pics of what we were up to in November!
Check out our website for Quest to stay updated with events.

Quest Waffle tables! Gratis Vaffler!
Students were drawn to the smell as they came out of their classes.

At one point, we had probably 40 people lined up waiting for waffles! HAHA

I LOVE Visitors!!

Jess, Me, Chuck, Pete & Pat Karle, Brett, Cortney
We had a great time of prayer and vision casting together!

Garbage Clean-Up!!

Cortney & I with our crazy blue glovies & our bags full of garbage one brisk Saturday morning in Trondheim. We had a good time picking up stuff downtown.

COUCH PARTY!!!

We had a cozy time welcoming
our new couch to our flat! (sorry you can't really see it!)

"Soon it will be Christmas Day!!"

Jess & I and our wonderful adventure in the snow!

This is our friend, Mr. Snowman Man and he's getting in the Christmas spirit
by advertising Julebrus, a Christmas drink(sugar water) specific to Trondheim

2007-11-16T17:16:00.000+01:00

have you ever heard things or read things and think, "somehow this person must have read my journal??" the way that they've expressed things are EXACTLY what have been on your heart?

this happens to me frequently, actually. when i was at IHOP, i felt like i would go in the prayer room & FOR SURE someone would begin singing about a situations that i was going through or a place in my life that i was dealing with. you see God in these movements & i love it!

i read something today& it was absolutely inspiring. it beautifully expresses what i've been thinking about lately. so....here are some thoughts, from an inspiring, amazing missionary in Mozambique, Rolland Baker:

"What motivates us to keep going? What puts energy into our spirits when we run out of answers and resources? How do we stay patient and upbeat when the outlook seems bleak, yet again? Where does our power to live, serve and give come from? The question is important, because missionaries do get tired, discouraged and down. Christians of all kinds run out of motivation, no matter how much they have. Leaders with huge responsibilities lose their peace and joy. Ministries become more like businesses, and preachers more like sales managers. But what makes the Kingdom run? What is the fuel that fires us effortlessly? What is the real thing?

Every day we find out more of the answers to these most fundamental questions, and every day we learn that what used to motivate us is no longer enough. We are going higher, pressing on to what lies ahead. We keep learning what Jesus is interested in, and lose interest in what we used to pursue. And we learn that unless Jesus is interested in what we are pursuing, the going gets tougher than we can bear.

But, ha, there is a secret place, a hiding place, a lower place, a holy place that exceeds our dreams. It is not found in anything external and impersonal. It is not found simply in activity, sacrifice and dedication. It is not found in goals, projects, productions and progress. It is not found in finances and growth. It may be missed entirely even when preaching, teaching, training and discipling. It may be forgotten completely when evangelizing and praying for the sick. The greatest and most powerful gifts don't necessarily contain it. Even ministry to the poor may become an impersonal effort that misses that greatest and most intensely motivating creation of God, that supreme display of His glory: relationship!

Love is a gift of relationship, not just self-sacrifice. The secret place is not necessarily found in a prayer closet or a posture of soaking, or in battling for a just cause, or in a massive prayer and fasting effort. Even the most amazing miracles can leave us lonely and without relationship. We can run out of motivation advancing the most noble ideals and working at all levels to transform society. We can minister until we have no more strength, and still go home and lie in bed without the relationship for which our hearts are made.

Everything is okay with relationship. It is all that Jesus cares about, all that motivates Him. He could do many more amazing miracles and dazzle the world with His powers, but He is interested only in relationship. The entire creation, all the grandeur of the physical world, and all His works are designed to serve one thing: relationship. Revival has no content without it. Renewal and manifestations are pointless apart from it. Miracles only find their meaning in it. Joy is shallow and groundless unless rooted in it. Without relationship we are the living dead.

There is no pressure in genuine relationship. When it turns into work, it is gone and finished. It is effortless to maintain. It is not the goal of struggle, but the fire of life. It brings the utmost peace, and washes away all tension. It is the point of living, the substance of existence, the atmosphere of heaven. It motivates to heroic heights, bringing out our best. In relationship we know we are alive, we have arrived, we are satisfied. When we turn away from relationship to pursue anything else, we lose. We have no strength to give and love without it. It is a haven, a rock, a river of living water, the perfect source of motivation to keep going.

As our Perfect Savior, Jesus provides us with relationship. For this He died and rose again on our behalf. He provides not only His Word, His promises and His gifts, but also freely fills our lives with relationship in response to the desire He has put in our hearts. No guilt and condemnation can keep us from drinking in all the relationship with Him that we desire. Nothing in our past can block us. No attitudes in others can prevent us from tasting and seeing that He is good. And from this tree of life that is our Savior, we can branch out into more and more relationship with those all around us. He takes away our loneliness. In Him we end our search and find our destination.

No, our hearts must have perfect relationship, a perfect union between us and our Savior, in the Holy Spirit. We were never meant to be alone for a moment. Our whole motive is to live life and do everything together with our God, to take pleasure in His company always. Our power to live comes entirely from our satisfying relationship with Him, and to stay there is to stay in our own private revival that cannot be disturbed by anything else. Only when that relationship is golden, incandescent and pure enough do we have the power to delight in all that God has richly provided for us to enjoy.

Therefore in Him we do not pursue revival, but rather revival pursues us! Church growth and miracles pursue us. His presence pursues us. He Himself follows us, responds to us, and takes pleasure in making us happy, for we make Him happy. We care how He feels. We satisfy His longing. To stay close to Him is no effort, but a relief, a release, a door to freedom. To get a miracle is never the point, but in our relationship with Him miracles are a delight for Him to perform on our behalf. In fact, we cannot live without miracles, and in the normal Christian life we recognize that everything is a miracle, "for in him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28).

...we press on to the best yet in Him, in faith all the way, as always! There is a massive amount of suffering still in Africa, but we can deal with it only as our motivation is steady, sure and secure, located in the unbreakable bond between us and our God and Savior."

WOW! just some food to chew on.

2007-10-23T23:53:00.000+02:00

IT'S AUTUMN IN TRONDHEIM!!!
i've been so blessed to have lovely scenery surrounding me the past month. Though, it's nothing like the great UP NORTH, it's extremely beautiful here during autumn. all the leaves are turning colors that i forgot exsisted. i've enjoyed going for walks and adventuring on trails i've never gone on. and of course, been taking pictures left & right! i've been thinking about trying to get into some sort of photography class on the campus. a great to learn more about one of my passions & meet peeps! we'll see tho...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Helena & Cortney!! hehe we had a great girls night of facial masks, foot & hand massages & of course....relaxing with a few MOVIES!

Helena, Me, Cortney, Jessica

Cort & I decided to have a bday meal out on the town! Gotta capture everything, especially 'cause we never go out to eat here in Norway!

I went home with Elisabeth & it was so relaxing & lovely!

October has flown by like none other! it's soon christmas! can you believe it?? we've been so busy that i've not really had a chance to sit down & remember what month it 'actually' is. but i'm excited for all that's ahead! we're going on a retreat in less than 2 weeks! can't wait! you'll for sure see pics of that!

be blessed.

keldog

2007-10-12T15:34:00.000+02:00

We've had a lot of great things that have happened in the last few months. One of the most exciting things is that we've officially come up with a name for our student ministry here!
We are now called: QUEST. (www.questnorway.blogspot.com)

This name has been birthed out of many things. but some include...our times spent together in prayer, discussion, meeting people & just wracking our brains to try to come up with a name that is fitting for our vision for the universities here in Trondheim. We want something that shares our hearts. so...here is a bit of what we're after:

QUEST: We are seeking the way of true Community, of Life, of Love. Passionately pursuing God. Rejoicing in the value of our existence and the wonder of our uniqueness- for we are not without a voice in this world. Impacting the future. Serving the poor and broken. Joining together on this Journey of Freedom, of Truth, of Love. Being inspired by creation, being stirred in our souls. Coming just as we are and being Transformed. Discovering meaning and purpose in our lives. Refusing to settle for self-centeredness. Being Real. Raw. Beautiful. Loving God. Loving People.

We're on a QUEST or a journey after one common goal & we're unable to do this alone. We need eachother! It's been so amazing to see the response of people when we've shared this vision with them. We began our student services and people seemed to really grab a hold of this! The atmosphere was full of excitement & people even started clapping after sharing about where we're wanting to go this year. We've been having outreaches on the campuses, handing out waffles, and many people were intrigued and have asked questions about who this 'new' group on campus is. this is EXCITING!!!!

Instead of writing out a huge long detailed description of what we've been up to, i'll just sum up the past few months through pictures...

Our adventures through the wilderness!

YES, it snowed, in SEPTEMBER!!

Girl Scouts payed off! Banana boats were a hit on this camping trip!

Of course the classic jumping pic.

Thanks for the TEAM U.S.A vest mom!!!

Not only were we warm, we were united!

This year we've decided to change things up a bit & have house gatherings every other Wednesday night. we're longing for true community & so far, the times shared have been great! i feel we're starting to become more of a 'family', and that's really something special.

We have a lot of fellowship & swallowship! we make dinner together, play games, hang out, & someone will share something that's been on their heart about how God has spoken to them during the weeks. I really look forward to these nights that we get to spend together.

IT's UGANDA NIGHT!!!

Elisabeth & I invited some peeps over to share our Uganda trip experiences with. We ate food from Uganda(we attempted to make it) w/ our fingers, shared pics from our trip, and had a really nice time!

Cort & Brett showing us how it's done w/o a fork

Mmmmm....yummy food

It was fun to dress up, get together with friends & share a bit of Uganda w/ Norway.

Brett was very into this 'harp' i was given as a gift.

Just have to say that I LOVE MY ROOMIE!!! Linn Cecilie is beyond COOL! it's seriously been such a blessing to be living w/ her + she makes me laugh REAL HARD!

so...there's just a bit. i'll post more pics soon. and...if by chance anyone knows someone who has a computer that they're not in need of and are wanting to sell it or give it away, let me know! mine is on it's last leg!

hugs.kdog

2007-09-06T13:01:00.001+02:00

Ladeda.......

Here are a ton of pics to depict what we've been up to lately. In August we got the privilege of meeting together with students and missionaries from all over Europe in Brussels, Belgium for CSM(college of student ministry). It's where many students can come to learn more about student ministry, receive from God and learn more about being a leader in this generation for Jesus on their universities. It was an amazing time to be poured into as well as pour into many student's lives. I was amazed by God in how He set up so many specific appointments for me, with some of the female students. We enjoyed each others company for almost 2 weeks and I thank God for the relationships that were built there. We even got 1 free day to explore downtown Brussels!!

We stayed at the Continental Theological Seminary

Our 'new' team. Welcome JESS!!!

Met so many great peeps

Enjoying REAL Belgian waffles

All my lovely ladies!!

Saw the ever so famous, & ever so small, Manikin Pis

Of course took some jumping pics dtown Brussels

Met some CRAZY Scots!

Just a few of us! People from ALL over Europe: Germany, Belgium,
France, Scotland, Ireland, Holland, Poland, Italy, the list goes on....

We had about 1 weeks to prep ourselves for the new semester after returning from Brussels. We were tired, yet very excited & expectant for this new season. Here are a few pics of things we were able to be a part of @ the beginning of this semester.

Thousands of students(mainly freshies) gathered on
the 'kick-off' day for classes

HAHA. Had great time @ our BBQ.

We were so blessed to have friends from the states, Paul & Sunia Gibbs, join us for about 10 days of music ministry on the universities and at a local coffee shop. It was a great way for us to get our name out there, to have a presence on the campuses, and to meet new people. They're AMAZING musicians, by the way! check 'em out if you haven't already: www.myspace.com/paulandsunia

Thanks so much Paul & Sunia for all your hard work & time spent here in Norway!

we're looking forward to what God has in store for us. we're not 100% sure what that's going to physically 'look' like, but I know that He's got a plan & we're just jumping on board w/ what He's doing & wanting to do here in Trondheim in student's hearts!

please pray for us! we're re'vamping' a lot of things(almost everything) this year, so it's a lot of work, planning, preparation, & unknowns. BUT...we're holding on tight to the promise that God HAS sent us here for A REASON!!!

much love fra Norge!
kdog

2007-07-21T13:27:00.000+02:00

Shalom!

Well...i'm back in business! After not writing for a good 2 months, here's a little update!

i got back from Uganda, Africa on July 18th, Wednesday. After a 4 hour delay in Entebbe Airport Uganda 'cause a bird flew into the engine, we made it safe & sound back to cold Trondheim. The cold was awaiting us i think!

i have to admit something. i haven't been out of my house since wed.!! i've somehow gotten a cold since we've gotten back so i've been resting and trying to adapt back into this life here in Europe. i can't believe i'm approaching my 1 year mark! has it really been 1 year?? i think it's gone by tremendously fast & i'm sure this next one will too!

so...enough blabbing. here's some stories about Africa & of course pics!! i took over 1,200 pics so it was kinda hard to pick & choose so this post is pretty lengthy. but...ENJOY!!

Elisabeth & I were able to spend a whole month in Uganda!! 3 weeks of that we were with a family in Soroti. It's in the mid-eastern north part of Uganda. We stayed with Michael & Deborah along w/ their 5 kids & 2 orphans! Michael is a lay reader(pastor) & Missions Coordinator for the Church of Uganda and is also running his own brick making company & Deborah is longing to become a lay reader as well, but for now she's a teacher in a primary school about an hour away. What an AMAZING family! They blessed us beyond words. We were SO LOVED & so taken care of. When we arrived they welcomed us with open arms, praising God with many songs & shed tears! I couldn't help but be filled w/ love for them & cry my eyes out too!!!

Our lovely Gateway bus that brought us to Soroti

we were able to share in many churches

Mamma Deborah, she's so beautiful

Their compound is located near the largest IDP camp where @ one point there were over 15,000 people crammed into a VERY SMALL area due to the LRA. It was so great to share life with this family. We had time to listen to their stories, make food w/ them, wash clothes with them, minister with them & pray & praise the Lord with them @ 5AM every morning!! now that's discipline!!

the camp near our house

Pappa & I eating lunch!

Elisabeth & I attempting to carry water on our heads like real African women! hehe

Their children are absolutely beautiful & we really became a part of their family. calling Deborah, Toto (mom in their language, Ateso) or mamma, & Michael, pappa. We were even able to hold small conversations with the kids in Ateso. haha yoga noi! i think that was one of the best parts of this trip, just being involved with a normal family who love the Lord, SO MUCH!!!

Anne, Joyce, Rune, & Bruno

Lucy, youngest @ 4 yrs. old

Bruno my boy!

Sarah the oldest @ 13

Elisabeth & I were able to use this trip not just as 'vacation' but we devoted it to the Lord long before departing. He opened up so many GREAT opportunities for us to minister to many different types of people.

We visited a YWAM orphanage to love, hold, play w/, & pray for AIDS babies! WOW. it was very intense. All of these children have AIDS & have lost their parents to AIDS. it was a very sobering time. They're so beautiful. I couldn't help but pray, "God ,HEAL these babies!!" the whole time i was with them!

We partnered with Church of Uganda & jumped on board with all their outreaches. We went to the local prison to preach to over 500 men & Elisabeth & I were the only females around. What an amazing time. Many received Jesus that day & also wanted prayer for healing. The church has been devoted to visiting this place weekly & you can really see the fruit! When we arrived, there were men playing on their traditional instruments & praising God! So great to see & hear!! As we left, we were like, "I don't wanna leave!" haha kinda a funny response when leaving a prison, but you could see how God was moving in the lives of those men.

we weren't allowed to take pics inside, so here's the outside

The church also is devoted to visiting the sick, so we went to the local hospital. But they had never been to the maternity ward before & decided to go the day we were there.
My impressions:
1. We walked into the compound to find hundreds of people flooding the lawn. I was told that these were all the family members of those in the hospital. Many had traveled for days to get their loved ones care. They will stay there until their family member gets well again or passes away. WOW!!!
2. As we walked into the maternity ward, there were hundreds of beds just lined up in 2 rows, as far as you could see. People everywhere on the floor & mammas moaning & babies crying. I thought to myself, how do you even walk through here, but we did.

Emmanuel, Deborah(mamma), Elisabeth, Nathan

So...My translater, Nathan & I started with the first bed on the right & Elisabeth(Betty Atim while in Africa) & Deborah (mamma) started on the left, just kept making our way down the lines. We would ask the women how they were doing & talk with them if they were up to it. I explained why i was there & that i wanted to share with them about Jesus & also pray with them. It was very crazy the whole time, but Nathan & I managed to really have some great conversations with some of the women, even though i needed to be translated almost the whole time. God really was there with us as we prayed and shared the Love of Christ with these women & their families!!

We took a trip up north to a village called Amuria. There, the principal of the Bible school that Elisabeth went to, started an all girls hostel. This whole entire village was rampaged by the LRA during the war about 3 years ago. It left thousands of people without homes, children as orphans & with many emotional/physical wounds. Many of these girls have been directly affected by the war & diseases. Their parents & siblings have been killed, they themselves have been abducted & escaped, or their family members have died of AIDS leaving them as orphans to take care of the younger children in their families. These are just a few of the stories that were shared with us. This led many of the girls who are orphans to find other means of getting money to provide for their families & school fees. Many have sold themselves for money or have been brewing local beer just to make a few extra shillings. This girls hostel has provided a way for the young girls in this village to focus on their studies, to be encouraged in the Lord & to have a safe place to live. We were able to share with them about their value & identity. That no matter what happens to them, they are STILL VALUABLE & LOVED BY GOD!! that God has a purpose & a plan for their lives. it was an amazing time of sharing & prayer. I think this experience really opened up my eyes to the need in this single village alone. I pray that God will open up a way for us to return to Amuria & to see these girls again!

We showed the Jesus film in their local language while in Amuria! Over 1,000 people were there!! Many received Jesus & were clapping & crying by the end of the film! It was amazing!

We also went to local primary & secondary schools to share about Jesus & be the the kids! So great to let God lead!

We were also able to meet up with Inge's family (a friend who was getting married to a Ugandan, William) We took a long drive up to Masindi & headed towards Murchenson(sp?) Falls, one of the National Parks. It's located in the north-western part of Uganda. We got to see so many awesome animals!! what a blessed time it was to see so much nature & wildlife. i felt like i was on national geographic @ one point! hehe

Sunset over the Nile River

the large & extended family of Inge

Andrew the hippo

yes, we got SUPER close to these elephants!

the Falls
our Nile boat guide & friend, Sarah

Inspection...

We were so hardcore & tracked down a lion!

here are a few pics from the introduction in William's village & the wedding:

Inge & William

helping prepare food for the feast!

We danced our way in as we presented the BRIDE!

waiting...

she's so beautiful

some of the girls

Edog & the newlyweds!

We had to take the advantage of staying close to Lake Victoria & go for a dunk(@ least for our feet)! Didn't actually go swimming 'cause you can get these bugs in your lungs, but...at least now i've been by the 2 most largest fresh water lakes in the world! pretty sweet!

the girls dared to dip our toes in Lake Victoria

Overall, my African experience was unforgettable!!! I'm praying that in God's timing i will be able to return to these amazing friends & family that i now have in Uganda.

LOVE THEM!!

As for the rest of my life....i'm just preparing to receive another new member to our team, Jessica!! She's arriving on Tuesday, the 24th! i'm really excited to meet her & to introduce her to good 'ole Trondheim! I haven't seen Cort & Brett yet, even though they're in NORWAY! they've been traveling w/ Brett's parents for 2 weeks. I'm so excited to see them. it's been FOREVER!!! we're also preparing for our 2 week adventure for CSM(College of Student Ministry) in Brussels, Belgium from July 31st- Aug.11th!! It will be a blast i'm sure! reunion w/ old friends & a great time to learn more about student ministry, especially in Europe!

Hope you're all doing well & find yourselves blessed. I sure hope it's warmer where you are than it is here. i'm really sad to say that i'm freezing, i even had to get out the wool socks! YIKES!! and this is the middle of JULY!!! so sad...*tear* i pray the weather will get better, SOON!

MUCH LOVE!!
Keldog
(Ainapakin, my Ateso name=peace)

2007-05-31T15:33:00.000+02:00

is it really approaching june already??
well i figure since i won't be around much this summer, i better update what we've been up to, along w/ what the future holds.

since my last post was in mid-april, (too long ago, that's for sure), here's whats been going down.

late april, amazing Amanda & Maleah came to visit us. Amanda had been studying in Italy & Maleah in Spain. what a blessing it was to see familiar faces in Europe. We had great conversations & a lot of laughs! i love you girls!

last week of april, we had the opportunity to head over to Aberdeen, Scotland. we met up w/ some sweet action missionary friends who are doing Students for Christ in Scotland. They've been there a few more years than we have, so we sucked as much info in as possible to apply to our ministry back here in norway. it was so awesome to spend time w/people who are doing the same thing as we are. they know& can relate to all our struggles & our joys. we got to see a castle and of course, took some fabulous 'jumping' pictures!!

a week after scotland, we had the privledge & obligation to attend the All European Retreat in Spain. over 500 missionaries from AGWM Europe came together for 4 days of fun, prayer, encouragement, & reunion w/ old friends. We met many people who are doing amazing things for the Lord all over Europe. it was a 'never forget' experience. plus...we got to do some extra traveling around spain & it was so nice to see the sun for once! hehe

after returning from spain, we celebrated Norway's Independance Day on the 17th of Mai! it was so fun. the tradition is to eat lots of ice cream, hotdogs, wave your norsk flags & watch the neverending parades!! we had a blast. everyone dresses up in their traditional outfits,'bonad'. it's quite a site.

the end of great year! we had our last student service on the 19th. Cort, Brett & I all shared about the past, the now, & the future. we're so glad to see the way God has moved in hearts of students this past year, to see them changing daily, but we're also expectant for more in the year to come. we've been talking a lot about different ways to reach out to our community in Trondheim, but also the world. how can we be do'ers of the Word & follow the life of Jesus, especially when it comes to tough issues in this world like poverty, war, injustices, etc. it'll be exciting to see where God leads us in the next year!
PLEASE PRAY for the students! that they'd continually be seeking more of God & living lives of love & service. for their exams to go well & that they woudn't be too stressed, for those moving to other places, for those working this summer, & for those who need Jesus on the campuses! that God would make himself known to them.

we then hit the books. with the end of the semester nearing, we had our norwegian finals just last week, on the 25th. we had a 10 min. oral exam & then a 3 hour written exam. that's all i'm going to say about it!haha hopefully we passed! & we're DONE!!! (at least for the summer!)

this past saturday, to celebrate a great semester & year, we had a "Feast of Nations". we invited as many people that we knew to come over & bring a dish to pass that was from their homeland! i think we had about 10 different nations represented! so cool & fun! just a great time to chat & get people together! definitely going to do this again!! it was sad to say goodbye to friends who were only studying here for a year, but hopefully we'll see eachother again!

PLANNING! PLANNING! PLANNING!!! this week, Cort, Brett & I have been planning for next fall. it's been going really well. a lot of unknowns, but we're fully confident that the Lord will lead us & show us where HE wants us in the right timing. i'm filled w/ excitement for some of the opportunities we'll have on the campuses next semester. we pray that there will be more open doors in the relationships we have now, but also to meet new freshmen in search of a community.

as far as the future...
WE'RE MOVING!!! so sad, yes, we have to leave this amazing blessing of a home. but we're headed to places closer to the sentrum so we can be closer to the campuses. i think it'll be a good move, but sad to leave our wonderful, wonderful landlords, OJ & Annette!! I LOVE THEM!! but...we know where they live, so we won't be strangers. I'm headed into a place w/ a norskie friend, Linn Cecilie, & Brett & Cort are still in search for a place downtown. so please pray that they'll get a place ASAP!

this saturday will be the last time i see Cort & Brett for 2 whole months!! dang! *tear* my 'mommy & daddy' are leaving me! haha
i'm headed w/ linn to Sognefjord(amazingly beautiful, huge fjord) & Bergen & while i'm away they're headed to the states for a month.

6 days after i return from Bergen...

UGANDA HERE WE COME!!! In 17 days i'll be in AFRICA!! From June 17th-July 17th, Elisabeth & I will be booshwacking through Uganda w/ adventures everywhere we go. I'm so excited. We've been planning, praying, & screaming 'cause this is ACTUALLY happening. one of my dreams, coming true. it's so sureal.

we'll be doing so many things there: i'm excited for the experience of the culture through a traditional ugandan wedding, we'll be doing mission work, teaching, preaching @ an all girls school in the north, visiting some orphanages & haging out w/ Elisabeth's friends, just finding ways to bless them! the more i think about it, the more i get a heart for the people there, and i haven't even BEEN there yet! we're so open for whatever God wants & we just pray that we'll be led by Him EVERY SINGLE step of the way. He truly has opened the doors for us to go & has really shown us His provision. it's amazing! i also can't wait to experience the bush, the villages, their lifestyle & it's for sure gonna be crazy hot, so i'm gonna get my 'sun fix'! please pray for protection & safety in everything we do. especially for travels!

so...that's a whole lot of news, but it's just so amazing to see how God has been in all of these things. i've always dreamt of traveling, but who would've thought the time was NOW! i thank Him for all these amazing opportunites! it's stinkin' great!

so, my next blog will probably be when i get back from Uganda. i'll have lots of stories & lots of pics, guranteed! so...i bid thee well!

2007-04-14T13:58:00.000+02:00

so...i feel as if i'm becoming more norwegian for a few reasons. minus the fact that i can't speak it yet, i've began to call 'soccer' football & when i log into my blog, everything is in norsk! haha my life is changing! haha

Hope everyone found themselves blessed & filled w/ the fullness of Life that only Jesus can bring on EASTER!!! I thank the God-Man, who died & rose again for US!!

so...yes, yes, i'm not even sure how many peeps check this blogeroo, but i haven't updated bc we've been crazy busy. that's always my excuse i know, but IT'S TRUE!! so instead of boring all w/ what we've been up to w/ words, i'll share some pics. i've posted a bunch on facebook as well, tho i know not EVERYONE is a part of that crazieness!!

A fun dinner @ Bjerg's house
w/ Brook(Brett's sis)

We had an AMAZING time traveling around Norway!! We took a short little trip that led us to see over 17 different fjords! We saw mountains, waterfalls, the ocean, many small towns, & every form of weather imaginable! Truly an experience i won't ever forget!

The Atlantic= BEAUTIFUL!

Our new norsk family!! OJ's(our landlord) aunt & uncle
We had a great time visiting with them!

THE ATLANTIC ROAD

It connects many small islands in the middle of the ocean.

This road is so sweet!

We got to take 2 ferries. This time i snapped a pic
right before a HUGE wave hit us & 'rocked the boat'!
It was fun, yet i was glad to be on steady ground
afterwards! I LOVE MOUNTAINS!!

View from OJ's cabin that we stayed in. DANG!!

A nice walk, enjoying the sun & the view
on the day that it DIDN'T snow!

The Haaviks are here visiting!!! I've been so excited
to spend time w/ my long lost sisters again!
What a great time to be w/ the girls & the
whole FAM!

We found some random caves & HAD to investigate!
I think we're trolls?!?!

We decided to have another adventure w/ the haaviks, so we
took a ferry into the fjord, just to take it! HAHA
it's free, so we could've ridden it back & forth, but we
didn't! but...we were the ONLY crazies out on the
deck freezing our butts off! it was great fun &
worth every moment of it!

Emmy is so precious!

Celebrating Easter on the Campuses!

Halvor, one of the students @ NTNU, decided to memorize The Passion (Mark 14-16) & recite it in the halls while classes were out at both campuses. It was so interesting to see the responses of the students. Many walked right by, several stayed to listen for a few moments, while just a handful stayed to listen to the whole thing.We had bibles that students could take for free as well as some good 'ole Easter candy! If anything, this was a way to make our presence known on the campus as Christians & what better of a time to share the message of Christ than during Easter, that's what it's all about!

HIYAH!!

Idunn is a hard core taekwon-do star!! We went to watch her test
on her mad skills. she got a black stripe on her red belt! only 2 more stripes &
she's got a black belt!! YOU GO GIRL!!

HAHA i don't have much to say about this!
Linn & I went for a fun walk and had to kiss the bull!

2007-03-21T16:13:00.000+01:00

From Friday-Sunday this past week, we had a wonderful adventure to vassfjellet for our Student Retreat! we hiked it up a 'mountain', more like a steap hill, only to find a beautiful cabin placed in the woods. when it snowed there, it was like Narnia, for real!! there were about 25 of us all together. i loved the time we had there, talking, playing cards, being w/ Jesus, being challenged, laughing, staying up late, and running around in the snow! could life get any better when you're w/ some of the coolest norwegians you know?? Chuck is back for about 5 weeks and he really shared his heart this weekend regarding prayer! we even got new journals from the US! haha i was pumped! i loved the responses from the people! it was so encouraging to hear people's revelations and the way that God is speaking to them, TODAY!! i loved being able to pray for eachother and really allowing the Holy Spirit to move. i pray that lives were changed from this weekend, 'cause i know mine was!!!

Linn, Jorun, May, & I all paked up!

The guys praying for Chuck

Magnus, May, Erlend, & I chillin'

leah, you'd be proud to know that "Power UNO"
has now been revealed to norskies!

Adrian relaxing w/ his stimulant

Magnus' senior picture pose. HAHA

i can't believe i've stooped so low to teach others
how to line dance. what was i thinking?

Narnia!!!

i love this pic. they're so cute!

Erlend & his coffee

Arild rockin' it

not sure....

staying up late does something to you!

Siv, May, & Jorun

probably one of the funniest pics EVER! HAHA
you can't help but laugh too!

God is so good! I've been very encouraged the past few weeks by what His plans and purposes are here in Tronheim. This is obviously a good thing, but especially for us, as a team, being 'missionaries' here and all. There are struggles, challenges & roller coaster rides. but my heart has been changing since we've gotten here. I'm finding myself more passionate to see God come and change this place. It's a constant prayer of ours. I'm filled w/ God's heart for students & I long to see their lives changed & last week was another step toward seeing this happen.

on wednesday, we had a meeting w/ leaders and pastors from churches all over trondheim to talk about student work. there was also the leader of Ny Generasjon students from Oslo who came to encourage us & speak. we shared a meal together, had great conversations/discussions, & prayer! i felt that I 'signed up' again! meaning...i was filled w/ hope, faith, passion, excitement, and longing to REALLY see Jesus made known to students here!

on thursday, we had a service @ Salem church with students from all over the city. again, the prayer time was very powerful & it was amazing to see so many different campuses were represented! We were motivated to be heros who think of others! to reach out to those around us and to allow God to open up the opportunities for us.

God truly is on the move. and it's only the beginning! our prayer is that these gatherings will be the sparks in christian students hearts to see the flame of God's love sweep over Trondheim!!!

Elisabeth is the coolest! haha what a great opportunity to be w/ old & new freinds! we had a great time @ Elisabeth's house last week. playing games, singing, being goofy & sharing life! as you can see, we're quite mature. but somehow i fit right in!!

elisabeth being the little mermaid, i think??

i'm also so excited to say that Elisabeth & I are FOR SURE going to UGANDA!!!! we're going to be going for possibly 1 month, June19th-July 18th. we're in the process of figuring out the best tickets, but we're going! we're going!! it's been so crazy to see how every open door that we've asked for, HAS SWUNG open! i see God really allowing us to be used & to do His will in this place. we'll be doing several different things there. but we're most excited to minister to the people there, especially @ an all girls school. we'll be teaching practical skills (how to use microsoft word), but also teaching from the bible and how to play the guitar & sing worship songs, to feed their spiritual needs! i feel so blessed to have this opportunity, especially 'cause these girls have all been victims of the the civil war and have been displaced from their homes, families & friends. my heart longs to for them to be healed emotionally, physically, & spiritually. what an amazing time it's going to be!! i'm also REALLY excited to experience the culture, be in the villages & be w/ the people! WOW! the more i write, the more excited i get!! so...please be praying for us! for protection, for wisdom, for guidance, for love to flow from us, for finances, & for our preparation time!

luv ya'll!
kelldog!

2007-03-03T21:35:00.000+01:00

we've been having a great time these past few weeks. especially enjoying our week of vacation from classes! here are some pics for ya.

brett w/ the german guys

don't ask...

the girls bowling

Nintendo!!! this is what happens when
you've been deprived for so long!

game faces

i wasn't very good, as you can see by the score!

saying goodbye to our beloved, Hilde!
I miss you already girl!!

hilde makes everyone HAPPY!!!

karen elise, hilde, me, cort

the lovely chicken we ate, then disected. hehe

cort is in love.

settle down boys, it's just a game of "spoons"

we went w/ skiing!

taking a rest.

tea from China! it was gooood.

FUN, eh?

2007-02-16T18:23:00.000+01:00

Beautiful Levanger!

winter walk

The Berg Family + me

Singing to their mom on Norwegian Mother's Day

Multe Berry Cake. Mmmm....so good!

Elizabeth & I

Elizabeth, I, 'mommy', Marianne

monkeys!

2007-02-16T17:21:00.000+01:00

this past weekend was so great! elizabeth invited me to come home w/ her to Levanger! what a great time we had. it a time of laughing, talking, praying, hanging out, eating, eating, eating. her mom is a great cook. i enjoyed the norwegian family experience very much so! i loved the love! her family is so great & i really felt loved while i was there. i fell in love w/ her house too. it's so beautiful. all wood. i felt like i was on a retreat. a getaway. in a log cabin! hehe SO EXCELLENT!!!

a lot of things have been going on lately. the free space on our schedules seems to be dwindling, yet I'm seeing God's hand in all that we're doing, so that's a good thing. i love going to the campuses to pray for students. it's been filling me w/ so much of a burden to see people come to know Jesus. this is such a good thing, obviously! i love my norwegian class, 'cause there are over 17 nations represented. that blows my mind. and it's so cool all the conversations that i'm having w/ these people. God couldn't have led me to a better place to get to know people from all over the world!

as we're planning and deciding what's going to be going on, i'm filled w/ hope, excitement and expectation! i'm so excited for our student retreat which is coming up in the middle of march. i can't believe it's nearing the END of feb. already!! can this be true?!? in norway for almost 7 months now?!? woof! it's flown by, for sure! i'm just overwealmed w/ the need for God to change people's lives here, the same anywhere you go. but i'm just consumed w/ the need for God to transform His church FIRST and make them whole! restore them. refresh them! give them life, peace, & hope w/in. may it flow from the inside out. and that's what our retreat will be about. the inner life. what it means to allow God to transform you from the inside out! ooooo i can't wait! i love prayer. i love worship. i love to see people meet my jesus!! I CAN'T wait for fun times w/ great friends!!! yipeee....

i'm also very excited for what is to come. many questions yet to be answered, but i think that i'm going to start berean, online certification classes through AG. this will really help me to be disciplined w/ studying the Word & i'm just really hungry for more, so this is such a good opportunity. i feel it's also a wise decision 'cause i don't know where i'm going next, but if it means me being a part of ANY sort of ministry (which i'm pretty confident it will be) then it can't hurt me to take these classes. i have to investigate a bit more, but i'm pretty sure i'll be starting them up asap!

i've also been thinking a lot about finishing my bachelor's from UMD. i already have 3.5 yrs completed, so i feel led to at least look into my options for completing a degree. i already have a minor in psych. so maybe my best bet will be to do a major in psych & then maybe i only have a semester left of classes. and who knows....maybe i can take them while i'm over here in Norway!

it's just crazy to see the plans of God here. i'm working w/ students & maybe that's led me to think more about what i'm going to do, where i'm going, & also wanting to be a student again. i dunno, but what i DO know, is that He's faithful in leading me. that i've always said YES to Him, no matter where that was bringing me; to ihop & now here to norway. so if He's brought me full circle back to studying again, let it be so! i want to be a learner all the days of my life so... like always, i want to do what's best & what God's leading me to do.
i know feelings don't mean everything, but the more i think about doing these two things, the more i get excited. maybe not soo much for the 'homework' aspect, but about learning & being challenged! so...please pray for God's will regarding my education!!

theres a whole lot more, but i'll save that for another time.

ohhh...p.s. please pray that God will open up doors if I'm supposed to go to Uganda w/ Elizabeth in july! THANK YOU!!

much love,
keldog

2007-02-01T16:58:00.000+01:00

lovely budapest!!

why a pic of the toilet you ask?
the hole is in the front...that's all i have to say

'da team

the pillows were seriously as big as cort! haha

sweet pals from all over the globe
doing university ministry!!

'the norway team' & joyce(japan)

Diana(belguim), me, Sara(scotland), cort, Anna(scotland)

Cort & I in front of the parliment building

Cool buildings in downtown Buda

Parliment Building

Inside the Basillica

2007-02-01T15:10:00.000+01:00

Well...it's been a while and i figure it's about time that i do the usual... update ya'll on what's been going on in my life.

as of recent...

Cort & I both got into a language class. not the one we were hoping for, but regardless, we're learning Norwegain! I'm excited for the relationships that we're going to build w/ all the internationals in our classes. In my class of about 25, there are 17 nations represented!! woof! I've already met amazing people from Poland, Czech, & Ethiopia. God knows what He's doing! The first day of my class I was able to share my testimony w/ a girl about what Jesus has done in my life. DANG God is so good!!!

We had a great time with Danielle, Cort's sis, being here. we went cross country skiing w/our friend Aida(from Colombia), & besides my crappy skis, it was a blast!

we went to Budapest just last week. I have to say that these two cities, Buda & Pest are possibly the most stunning that I've ever come across. Not that i've been to many places in my life...but, still. The architecture and the intricate details of each & every building is simply breathtaking.

Why in Budapest?
We gathered for about 5 days, all the U.S. missionaries through AGWM(Assemblies of God World Missions) who are in Europe doing Students for Christ(Chi Alpha, University Ministry). We laughed, prayed & fasted, cried, and talked about what God is doing in each individual, as well as the country they were representing. It's so amazing to think of all those people who God has hand picked to go out and to proclaim His life into the nations of Europe. And people are meeting Jesus!!! It's amazing to come together and to meet all of these gifted & talented people & to know that you're connected to them, someway, somehow. To be encouraged, strengthened, prayed for, cared for, loved, & filled w/ faith & hope. It's so easy to loose hope & faith when you feel somewhat 'disconnected' to the bigger picture. Especially living way up North in Norway. It's retreats like these, that i'm ever thankful for. They reestablish life, hope, love, direction, faith, pursuit of the Holy, and what i'm called to do! Thank you God!

There were a few nights that I layed in bed, unable to journal bc i had so many questions running through this small brain of mine. I wish that I had brought my computer so I could just blurb it up. Well...this was for sure a contemplative time for me and it was good. I was wondering what I was doing in Europe? Where next? Do i finish my bach. degree? do i try to simply finish so i get a degree? what does a degree mean to me anyway? do i take FSM classes online? do i take berean classes? am I called to Norway for life? to missions for life? do i want to pursue credentials through AG? what do i do God? what is my role in our ministry? why did God call me to Norway? why aren't i feeling satisfied w/ where I'm at? what was I supposed to be doing? Why wasn't I feeling fulfilled? how can I make Him my everything? why am I feeling so far away from Him, yet seeing Him in so many things? how do i learn to live life after being ruined by IHOP? am I compromising how He's called me to live/be? How do i live the fasted lifestyle(not just w/ food)? Do i really want to be changed, or is just another thing I say? how do we live in true community?

yadda yadda yadda... these are only a few questions that have been racking my brain.

I knew that i'd be in Hungry at some point in my life 'cause i felt that the Lord had told me this before I left for Norway. It didn't make sense then, but here i was sitting in Budapest, Hungry, & I was seeing His divine plans, His perfect leadership over the circumstances in my life. He's completely got me where He wants me, even if it doesn't make sense to me. Yet, it does make sense somehow...i must trust. what does this look like? how do i trust Him more?

More happenings....

We met a great bunch of peeps who are working in Scotland, and they've invited us to come and work w/ them & check out their ministry in Aberdeen, Scotland. We really enjoyed getting to know them and I can't wait to go and chill w/ them more!!

God is blowing me away with all of the opportunites that He's giving us to travel. I say this so often,but I would have NEVER have thought this was possible for me, especially now. I knew I wanted to travel the world since i was really little, but there's a part of you that wonders if it'll ever REALLY happen. well...it is!! we're lined up to go to Scotland, Spain for all AGWM missionary retreat, Brussels for CSM(College of Student Ministry for European students) we hope to bring some Norwegians to this 2 week training this summer!! And...if it works out w/ my friend Elisabeth, AFRICA!!! We may possibly be going to Uganda this summer. Please pray that God's will be done in this situation. We'll be having the opportunity to work w/, teach, pray, love many girls who are victims of the LRA and have been displaced from their family & homes. what a dream of mine!! my heart breaks and longs to see God come and bring His love, restoration, forgiveness & hope for these people of Uganda!

Prayer Requests!!
European churches & leadership-We really would love to see God come w/ His healing hand to heal the hurts, the sickness and the pain that we all know is very present in all churches today. The leaders need protection and prayers so badly!!!

Unity among the churches in Trondheim, Norway, in Europe, & the world. That God would prepare His bride to be heathly, loving, & united in His purposes.

Prayer movement in Europe. I long to see the spirit of prayer poured out upon Europeans!! LET IT COME GOD!!! Something has to change here in europe!! i believe prayer is the beginning & the answer!

here are a few pics of budapest. there are more on my picasa web album on 'my photos' link!

be blessed!
keldoggio

2007-01-11T14:27:00.000+01:00

just a quick note. i wish you all a wonderful new years!

i can't believe how fast this time here in norway has been. it's been great and i'm excited for what is to come.

cort& i just took a norwegian placement test w/ hopes of getting into level 2 of norwegian. so...we'll be finding out our results soon here, 'cause we have to start classes next week!

cort's sister, Danielle, has also arrived! exciting to see family/friend! she'll be here for about 2 weeks so it'll be fun to include her w/ our daily lives.

we'll have a more 'normal' schedule this coming up week. i'm excited to see everyone again. it's been way too long! i'm also getting excited for budapest. it'll be great!

i'm also getting really pumped for a week of 24/7 prayer w/ a lot of churches from all throughout Trondheim. it's an awesome way to get so many together to pray for this city and all that is involved w/ that, especially students!!!

so...just a little update since i've not written in a while. hope all is well.

the sun is out today, that makes me SUPER EXCITED!!! hehe

2007-01-01T15:56:00.000+01:00

We had a great Norwegian Christmas w/ the Mentzoni's

Went to the Trondheimfjord. It's so beautiful!

Kamilla & I

Cortney & I on Christmas Eve

"OH Christmas tree!"

HAPPY 2007 ya'll!!!!

I sure hope everyone had a most fantastic Christmas & New Years! we've been celebrating w/ a lot of feasts lately. went to the Mentzoni's on the 24th. Had a grand 'ole time here w/ friends on the 25th. Went to Kamilla's home to hang w/ her family on the 28th. and for new years we went to Trond & Heidi's house. we saw some great fireworks last night! i don't think i've ever seen so many fireworks going off at once before. the whole city was full of fireworks. it was like a warzone out there! they started shooting them off at 4pm and there were still some going off at 4 AM!!! our view made our 1st new years i Norway a perfect & memorable experience. we finished the night w/ a crazy game of Power UNO!! hahaha it was great fun!

i'm excited for things to be semi-normal again, although, who's complaining about relaxing? we've gotten pretty familiar w/ the show House. heard of it? well...you should watch it. not like i'm becoming 'addicted' to it and turning into a "House Advocate". but.... it helps for a good laugh though!!

i hope all is well and everyone who went to the ONETHING, i hope you got ROCKED!!

may you find yourselves blessed this new year and filled w/ JOY!!

klove

2006-12-26T16:30:00.000+01:00

Ireland pics!!!!

2006-12-26T16:11:00.000+01:00

God Jul!! Merry Christmas too all!!!

I'm happy to say that i've made it back safely from Ireland. it was so great! a wonderful time to get away & an awesome way to celebrate my bday! i was so blessed to meet up w/ some friends and travel w/ them!

i updated all my pics on picasa, so you can check 'em out on the link to the right.

i was speechless at some points of our tour of Ireland, especially when visiting Galway. it was what i've dreamed of. we got to see green rolling hills and all that jazz. it was very surreal, like it usually is when you're doing something you've always wanted to do. all i know, is that it did wet my appetite for traveling and i can't wait to go back!!

we had a wonderful christmas here in norway. celebrating w/ friends. on the 24th we went to Betel church for a service & then were so warmly welcomed to the Mentzoni's(the pastor of Betel)house. we had a great time fellowshiping and swallowshiping!! haha it was so nice to be in a home for the holidays and to feel so blessed and loved. then yesterday, on the 25th it was brett, cort, & I along w/ munson and michael (our friend from germany). we talked and ate and talked and ate. it was a nice day of gluttony. haha i do have to say that the gift brett got, of the 2nd seasons of House and Lost, made me joyful. it was nice to be w/ people, yet i did miss my family and friends back at home. i was excited to talk w/ some & that also filled me w/ joy and excitement!!

so...it's pretty slow here right now. it feels good to sleep in. to be rested. to get some things done that i hadn't had time to do before. but i know that right around the corner is the business of january approaching. we have a lot of things that are going to be beginning & continuing. i'm super excited for them, but i pray that my life will remain focused and not go whirling out of control. we'll be going to Budapest for a conference at the end of Jan. and i can't wait! should be a great time to get together w/ other missionaries doing the same thing we are. a time of encouragement, vision and prayer, & in Hungry! hehe

thank you Lord for providing such awesome experiences for me! it's seriously so amazing. i feel like my dreams to travel are beginning and will only continue as i'm here. wow! it really is great.

anywhoha, should go. can't wait for new years w/ friends, Trond & Heidi! should be another time of eating and talking. haha who doesn't like those two things??

i'm pumped too for the onething conference in KC! though i can't be there, i'm gonna try to listen/watch it online. should be amazing, it always is!

God Jul!
kelly

2006-12-12T16:37:00.000+01:00

What a great party we had! i thank all of you for coming! it was a great time to hang w/ friends and "family", to say goodbye to the Haaviks, & to celebrate my bday/&christmas together.
I feel so blessed to know such amazing people!!! we had a blast laughing, talking, & eating. i do have to say, Cort made some fantastic banana bread that we've been longing for forever! it was a dream come true! hehe i love b-bread!!
anywhoa...the countdown is still going. ireland in 2 DAYS!!! yipee...

here are some wonderful pics from the party. also check out my online picasa photo albums for many more, thrilling photos!

elisabeth is so hillarious, & apparently she thought something was too
we played the 'whisper' game aka telephone in norwegian, english,&german. what a mix.
fun chicas.
Anne & Rebecca
One BIG happy family.

Takk Takk for helg!!

ohh yeah...we got a christmas tree too!! none of my pics really turned out. but i was pumped. my 1st real real christmas tree EVER!! it's the bomb! yet it's having troubles standing up right now...haha

be blessed.

2006-12-12T16:23:00.000+01:00

The fam in the back of the bus. I seriously felt like the Brady Bunch!!
Annlena & I being thoughtful...maybe...
Linn-C, Annlena, & I at the Tofte Game. so great!
yummy norsk mat!
cort&I chillin in a motel lobby 'cause we were cold and had nowhere else to go! haha

2006-12-06T23:22:00.000+01:00

here are another few pics of what we've been up to.
~Rebecca, Emily and I
~A sweet action little hut we found while hiking in the snow
~Action Hope table at Dragvoll
~Turkey Day
~Super Heros??

2006-12-06T18:37:00.000+01:00

"i'm so excited, i just can't hide it!!"
in about a week i will be headed off to Ireland for my birthday, on my birthday, the 14th. could it get any better?

on top of that, i get to see maleah who has been studying in spain, and mike who has been studying in england. seriously, the lord is so good!

upon our return(mike is coming to trondheim for christmas, etc.) we'll be spending this christmas away from family and friends, but w/ new family(cort, brett & I) and w/ new friends(mike, and karl-axel(our pastor) invited us over on Dec. 24th)!!! i'm excited to experience something new and to join in on a traditional norwegian holiday.

it's pretty much been a month since i've written and a lot has gone on!
we've had a great student service, have been able to spend time together as a team praying and planning, and we've been hanging out w/ a lot of students. Going to their prayer meetings have been great times of encouragement!

we're in the process of things calming down now due to the holiday season. but in January, things will be up and at 'em! we're planning on beginning student small groups, hopefully getting into another norsk class at the university, increasing our student services from once a month to twice. and the list just keeps going. the Lord has really opened a lot of doors and opportunities for us w/in such a short period of time. granted, we need wisdom as what to do and when to do it. the last thing we all want is to be burned out w/in 5 months of being here. so please pray that we'll be lead by the Lord as what to do w/ our time, and what to invest into. i'm so thankful for all the relaionships we've made w/ amazing norwegians!! they're seriously so great! i love their hearts to do the will of God and to be lead by Him.

this past weekend at Betel church there was a mini-conference called "Breakthrough". a missionary from Germany from Betel church came and preached during this time. it was a great time of worship, preaching, and allowing God to really speak to us. i simply pray that we'll continually be reminded of the areas in our lives where God wants to breakthrough with His power & Holy Spirit. the places that we need to be set free from. to revive us where we're sleeping, and for the fire w/in to continually be burning for more of Jesus DAILY!!!

since it's officially christmas time, i have to admit that i've been listening to some christmas music. i'm trying not to overdo it, but it helps when it's 2:30pm and it's dark outside. makes you a bit more cheery!!

i love you all and be blessed!
kel

2006-11-14T19:45:00.000+01:00

*Having fun at Karen's birthday party
*I made Elisabeth try a Reese's! hehe, not sure if she'd choose to eat it regularly!
*View from our walk to the bus of the fjord and mountains. Winter Wonderland.
*I GOT TO DRIVE!!! haha it was fun. My first round-a-bout! I'm really European now!
*HAHAHA Snow scooters rock! they're all over. i need to get me one so I'm 'in'

2006-11-14T19:13:00.000+01:00

hei hei. so, yes, it's been a while. i don't really have any excuses, so i'll just state the truth of the matter. i'm slow!

a lot has been going on. i honestly can't remember what we've done yesterday today. either i'm losing my mind, or we're just busy.

i'm proud to announce that my passion for ireland and all my prayers to God to send me there may all be worth it after all! i was invited by some friends to go there on Dec. 15th! what an excellent bday present this would be! i hope i can go, but it's still in the makings as of now. so you could pray that i get to go. i think i'm gonna cry whenever i go there. i've dreamed of going to ireland since i was little i think. i don't even really know why?!?! i've just always had an obsession w/ it. i just hope going in the winter will be worthwhile. although, i don't care, it's stinkin ireland!!! hahahahaha i get so happy thinking about it.

i've found myself longing to travel the more i talk about it. this could become very dangerous. i have the travel bug. our team will be going to Budapest, Hungry in Jan. for a student for christ meeting w/ all missionaries in europe. it's gonna be most excellent. i for sure can't wait for that either.

the Haaviks went to London for the girls bdays and i was for sure jealous, yet, obviosuly so pumped for them. it's great to have them back. but it's somewhat of a teaser, 'cause they're only here for about another month! i'm not sure how it'll be w/o them here. i mean, they're so incredible. it's been such a blessing to have them here. and it's gone by way way way too fast. we're getting comfortable w/ our "routine" of life, and now they're leaving us. haha. it'll be cort, brett and i. i'm excited for this yet nervous as well.

i'm looking forward to the opportunites God will put us in and we'll have to step out more 'cause our 'leaders' aren't here. it'll be a great time of learning, experiencing what this is all about. what it means to minister the gospel to Europe as a team.

sometimes it's frustrating here, other times i'm knowing fully why God called me and us here. it's like i'm bi-polar sometimes. haha you could have a super good day, but by the end of it, you're discouraged and wondering where God is @?? i know there are many things that play into this. i know that spiritually speaking, it's a different feel here than it is in the states. i feel that the level of attacks are much higher and you feel the weight of everything hovering over you, most of the time. the lack of sunlight doesn't really help either! it's getting dark at like 3:45pm here. wow!! i've been feeling ready for bed at like 6pm. haha i'm a grandma, that's okay.
i'm still praying and in search of really deep relationships with people here. granted you can't expect to just step into a best freindship instantly. but that makes it hard. they never said that ministry and pioneering would be easy. what 'they' say is it's a lonely place to be in. these friendships will come w/ time. i have no doubts. but in the mean time. please pray for them to come quicker than expected. i want to be w/ people(new friends) who share the same vision as i do. who are hungry for more of God. who want to see Him move. people who are passionate about prayer. people who won't settle for anything less than experiencing Jesus. to have him come and transform our lives together. this is one thing that i'm loving about our team. i'm so thankful for having familiar faces w/ me daily. such a blessing. and people who are willing to give it all up for Him. i love that we're able to wait upon Him for direction and it's been so amazing to see where He's led us as a team.

what else....hmm...ohhh yeah, cort, brett & i were invited over to Anne, one of our german friend's house, to eat a traditional german meal. i can't for the life of me remember how to say it, let alone spell it. but it was stinkin' good!!! she even whipped up some homemade applesauce. she's a true cook.
TUSAN TAKK ANNE!!!

i'm pumped for this coming up weekend 'cause our whole team is going on a retreat w/ John Koeshall, his wife Anita, and Tim Sotherland our area director for Northern Europe. i'm sure i'm gonna cry when John opens his mouth. that's usually what seems to happen. i'm excited to hang out w/ them, to be encouraged through fellowship and for John to share at our monthly student meeting this coming Sunday.

well...i probably could write another novel, but i'll call it quits now.

ha det.
klove

2006-11-01T01:33:00.000+01:00

Hei Hei!

just letting everyone know that i've made a link to view more pictures of what's happening here in norway. i got a bit fed up w/ only being able to download 5 at a time through blogger. so...i've now made it quite easy to check out millions of fun, and maybe not so interesting photos of every day life here in norway.

hope you enjoy!

i'll be updating this soon, i hope!

much love
kelly

2006-10-19T16:08:00.000+02:00

something like...good bye on the the bathroom you old chocolate...doesn't make sense...that's why i like it! hehe

if you want to see more pics of what we've been up to, check out my myspace, it's linked on the side!

2006-10-17T23:50:00.001+02:00

ha det pa bade din gamle sjokolade!

i enjoy this phrase.

hehe

2006-10-17T23:50:00.000+02:00

hei hei. just a little shalom. we finally have internet back! PTL!!
when i get a chance, i'll put more pics up from this past weekend. cort, brett, ellen and her husband havard(like howard) and i went primative. we drove 2 hours south, to Budal and then hiked about an hour uphill. we found ourselves in the middle of the mountains, w/ beauty that took your breath away. in a small little cabin we stayed and it was so great!

we went hiking up the mountain and picked wild berries and mushrooms. we then brought them back and added them to our most delicious meal. it was one of the best meals i've had in a while. haha somehow that just seems weird. camping and i'm eating fine cuisine! it was a little taste of heaven cort said. it felt so great to look out the window, hear the water fall and stream that were in our 'back yard' and to smell the fresh air. ohh this reminded me so much of the good 'ole days of girls scouts! haha. yes, i'm proud to say that i was a girl scout. and it taught me a lot of things. especially how to become obsessed w/ fire! haha i love to make bonfires!

anywho, God has been rocking our socks off for sure! i'm going to bed now, but when i get a chance, which might be tomorrow, i'll go into more detail. i love the norwegians. they're so amazing. they love us so well. they've opened their hearts to us in such astounding ways. thank you Lord. you truly know what's best for your children!

sove godt!
kelbell

2006-10-12T17:34:00.000+02:00

well...it's been a wild ride.

cort, brett, the haavik girls and i joined 30 others on a wonderful excursion to southern norway, Stavanager, this past weekend. it was for the group Ny Generasjon who we've been working closely w/.

it was a great time to get to know those we were with since it was a 17 hour bus ride down there, or so we thought. we travled from trondheim to oslo and our bus broke down. so we ended up hanging out at IKEA for almost 4 hours! while we waited for a new bus haha it was a great time. we played some cards in the cafeteria. we bought some blankets for cheap. we stayed there until it closed at 11pm.

finally our wonderful christmas colored bus came at midnight and we travled the rest of the way, 9 hours, to get to Stavanger just on time for the morning session of the conference to start.

we freshened up in the bathrooms since we slept on the bus and went directly to our sessions! ahhh it was great fun. yet very tiring, since we had to be translated to 'cause almost everything was in norwegian.

we slept in a large gym w/ a divider in the middle splitting guys and girls! haha i really felt like i was at a youth conference then. there were about 150 girls all using 2 bathrooms!! CRAZIENESS!!! that's all i have to say.

ny generasjon started with a vision to reach college age students, but it has grown so much lately in the high school campuses. it was great to see so many young people going after God in Norway. some people even traveled as far as Iceland to come and take part. cort, brett, and i along w/ the other university students that came w/ us, joined at max. 40 other students that came. we sat through sessions talking all about university ministry and how to reach our peers. they went well, tiring at times, but we made some great connections.

we were able to meet the man who began ny generasjon and share our hearts and vision for about an hour after a session one day.

my most favorite part was getting to know all those that we went w/. it was so fun to just be yourself and hang out w/ people you're really beginning to become friends with.

all in all our time in Stavanger was a blast!

MIDNIGHT, Sat.- as we were 10 mins. from the conference center heading for Trondheim, our new bus, BROKE DOWN!!! yes, you heard me right, 2 different busses, 2 break downs!! so...we made our way to a place where our bus could get looked at. 2:30am rolled around and no news of us moving any time soon, so...the majority of us fell asleep. well...to many's surprise, when we woke up 7 hours later, we hadn't moved! we were still in the same place....ahhhhh so...the Lord really worked patience in all of us this weekend. to make a crazy long story, shorter. we ended up flying home from Stavanger! and the tickets were for free! what a miracle!

other than that...we're all recovering well. it's cort's bday tomorrow, and i hope to do something fun for that! our internet is down, so we're in a coffee shop right now. not sure when it'll be back up and running. so i'm trying to write a bit now, 'cause i don't know when the next time will be. so...i'll show some pics of the crazy crazy weekend!

ha det!

2006-10-05T00:33:00.000+02:00

2006-10-05T00:17:00.000+02:00

"Oh Rosenburg, Oh Rosenburg, Trondheim's futbal lag... Oh hey, oh hey, oh hey, oh ho!!" WE got to go to a most excellent futball game on Sunday night! there were over 20,000 people there. so fun.

My friends Linn, Annlena, and I went for an adventure near the fjord. they're so great! jeg liker dere!

just a few more pics for your enjoyment!
much love.

2006-10-05T00:00:00.000+02:00

this will be quite short, but i just wanted to say that we're on our way to Stavanger, Norway. we're going to a Ny Generasjon Conference. Stavanger is in the southern part of norge and it'll be a most wonderful, interesting experience. w/ a 15-17 hour bus ride, i'm sure there will be room for great stories and wonderful scenery on the way! i'm so excited to be blessed w/ amazing people around me who are longing for more of God.

so, please pray that we get there safely, that the youth and the university students on this trip will be transformed. that our relationships will only strengthen w/ those we're becoming close w/. and for our patience w/ the language, especially w/ the translations.

takk for i dag! that's one of my fave phrases. i use it for everything. as well as nei takk. haha they're so comforting to me. to find a phrase, that sometimes doesn't make any sense, but to use it anyway...i know i'm weird, but it's so great!! haha

pics will be coming. along w/ my newsletter sooooooon!! i really am trying to finish it. no excuses except for jesus is rocking my socks off, there's just too mucht to choose from!

ha det,
keldoggio

2006-09-26T15:26:00.000+02:00

heylo.

i'm still alive. just been busy and i've now gotten a myspace(so sad), but i did do it. so i've been trying to update that and chat w/ a lot of people that way as well.

it's been going very well here. we're constantly meeting new people and really making lasting relationships.

we've been busy w/ prayer meetings, waffle outreaches, we went to a debate regarding "Intelligant Design" last night at the student center, and we've really had some great times talking and hanging out w/ norwegains. they're so great. i say this almost every day i think, but it's really true.

**funny story**
so we were so kindly invited to go to a tea party after the friday service. my 1st question was, is this going to be lame? haha i was invisioning a bunch of girls sitting around drinking tea. which would be fun, but i was up for something a bit different. but to my surprise, all were invited and it wasnt' going to be 'lame'!! so we walk in the door and there are 50 people packed into this living room. ALL DRESSED UP! we were the only ones not dressed up. so...apparently we didn't get the memo. 'cause it was a "T" party. everyone was dressed up in costumes that started w/ the letter "T". HAHA it was great. so...to improvise, we were the "TEAM", dorky i know, but i guess it works... regardless of our lack of goofy apparel, we had a great time!

i do have to say that we're still in the process of adjusting though. sometimes i forget that we've been here for 2 months already! yet other times it seems like there is so much more to go w/in a 2 year period. there are obviously challenges all around the board, but I've really been learning from everything that has come our way, good and hard.

we're truly wanting what God wants. and we have no real idea what that looks like, sounds like, or how to go about it. we've hit some walls, but we've had some amazing times in prayer and vision casting as well. it's always a process. back to the drawing board after a divine conversation w/ someone. back to the drawing board after you're feeling burnt out already. back to the drawing board when you're longing for intimacy w/ God and it's hard to make time for it...

these are all things that we wouldn't have known prior to actually being here. maybe faced back in the states, but it's simply just a different feel here.

so overall, it's been good. it's a journey, and i guess we can choose to enjoy it regardless of what happens or complain and ask God why or why not? i don't think these questions are bad to ask, but sometimes i need to realize He's truly in this, even if i can't feel it or understand it. but...We're here. He made a way. HE's provided! He's been so faithful. HE's given us amazing blessings since we've arrived. friendships that are awesome! HE's SO GOOD! This IS for a reason, and HE knows. I can have faith and trust in HIM. He is my strength.

PRAYER REQUESTS!!
*we're having a block game (Kubb) competition this Saturday. Pray that the weather will be nice for people to come and hang out.

*direction, wisdom, strength, and unity for our team

*patience, perserverance, and discipline for learning the language

much love to all.

ha det.
kelly

2006-09-14T19:47:00.000+02:00

some shots from the Heart Corner @ Dragvoll. We cut out about 750 hearts with different encouraging phrases on them and handed them out as students walked by our table. as you can see, we also had a large heart costume! so fun! it was so great to see people's faces light up as they read "you are loved"! I hope it made a difference in their lives.

2006-09-10T23:55:00.000+02:00

some fun, yet random pics. trondheim is so fitting for my crazy personality, i've really met some amazing people who i adore!

Samuel(Ole & Annette's almost 2 yr. old) He's SOOO CUTE!
Brett & Cort:a romantic evening...& i was there too! haha. hanging out, being goofy!
Karen, Me, and Rebbecca making boller(sweet buns!)
Making cotton candy, i wonder if i feel better about consuming straight up sugar if it's in a fluffier form?
My artwork! highlighting Annette's hair, who's next?

2006-09-02T00:23:00.000+02:00

Merry September 1st!

hvordan gar det?

unnskyld jeg har ikke skrive. (sorry i haven't written, i think!)

we've been pretty busy the past week and it's been great! i have to go through the whole week to help myself remember what we've been doing.

monday we were on gloshaugen's campus meeting w/ students. we were able to plan some events which is always exciting.

tuesday we were on dragvoll's campus meeting w/ more norsk students. we have better relationships w/ these students just because some of them already go to Betel church, so we've been in more contact w/ them. again we were able to pray for the campus and plan more events w/ them.

wednesday we had some friends from our lang. class over to our house. it was so much fun. i love them! they're so fun and great to be around! we learned a new card game, kinda like nertz. i'm pretty competitive(in a healthy way), and this game is all about speed and who can get rid of their cards 1st, so...i went crazy inside!! haha it makes you all nervous and intense! at least for me! haha it was real fun. i'm excited to hang w/ them again sometime real soon!

and today we helped an on campus christain group Ny Generation make waffles and hand out coffee on campus. i have to say that mixing 10 liters of waffle mix in buckets is a workout! haha

so..that's what we've been doing recently as well as resting and spending time together as a team praying for God's leading as to where we're to go and what we're to 'officially' do. we'll be meeting w/ a few students and leaders this coming thursday to dream together and get a grid for what our purpose is here!

my heart has been so encouraged by many people from back at home as well as from some sermons i've downloaded from ihop. so thank you for your encouraging words, it means so much!!!

i've really felt like i've been in a rut lately, actually for a while, but it's been good in a weird way too. i've met God in ways i wouldn't have ever been able to if i wasn't going through what i am. (did that make any sense?)i felt that i've never had a harder time in my life than right before i came here to norway, but yet God was so close and leading me the whole time. it's a strange feeling. the only thing i can relate it to is when i was preparing to go to ihop. strange...knowing now that these 2 places are where God has wanted me to go, no wonder it's been a struggle! HAHA i just had a lightbulb go off. my destiny is being played out and yet i'm not in control! wow! but there is a true and real battle for my destiny, my heart and my soul. *ding, fries are DONE!*

He longs for us to be leaning on Him and not ourselves, SCARY, but it's meant to be! yet it's amazing to think that even when i felt so far away from Him, at the same time, i felt Him so close.

i know God has many plans to move here in norway, and i long to see them, FOR REAL! i long for Him to reveal Himself to people and for students to truly come to know Him. i want it to go past what people know, but i want them to experience this God i love!!

sometimes on the bus i watch people, think about their lives, their joys, their excitements, their hurts and pains and wonder, is it worth it? is it worth little old me flying all the way across the world to be here. there are so many people! The harvest is plentiful, especially on the campuses!

but that's it. it's not about me. it's about Him. it's about our Great God using broken and weak willing people to transform others! Pray that the Lord of the harvest would send out laborers. i'm constantly reminded of His heart.

Jesus saw the multitudes and had compassion upon them. for he saw that they were like sheep w/o a shepherd. He is the perfect leader, the sheperd that they're in need of. yet how many truly know that they're in need? or care? how often am i confronted w/ my lack? do we even realize we're lost?

His passion for His people blows my mind. Unto death for love.

His love reaches to the heavens! it's for ALL and He's called us to be bearers of this love. if that's all i do, i long to love well. i long to show people Him through love. i have to face the fact that w/out God i can't love. so my biggest prayer has been, God, give me more of you! i need YOU!! i am nothing w/o you, for real! i'm lost, broken, weak and can't find my way. HELP!

he comes every time and comforts me in times like these. not always the same ways, but he's near, i know it! He loves me well and i have the best teacher to learn from on how to love!

on a different note, one thing i've really been missing from ihop is being able to sing. i guess i didn't realize how much it was a part of who i am. i mean, i'm always singing little ditties here and there, but singing the word and having it live inside of me...man...i'm really wanting that right now!

so i was thankful for tonight @ UNBAD, it's like a youth group but some college students go, but they had some really awesome worship! and time of just singing whatever you wanted, ahhh so glorious!!! so i'm soaking up all of those times for sure!!

...i'm a wee bit tired, even though i took my daily nap and it's going on 1:30am! yikes! but thankfully i get to sleep in tomorrow!

i hope everyone is blessed and doing well. i hope to have some more pics up sooner than later!

peace out.
kel

2006-08-22T22:00:00.000+02:00

Some of the most amazing sunsets i've ever seen, EVER!! these are all from the deck at our house.

2006-08-21T16:14:00.000+02:00

hei all!

sorry it's been a while since i've written last. i've been quite busy this last week. cort, brett and i officially finished our 3 week norsk class. it went well overall, yet our final test this past saturday, was pretty tricky. we had to write an essay in norsk and i thought that part was the easiest! haha

today, was literally the 1st day in a while that i was able to do whatever i wanted to do. it was great! i slept in to catch up on some sleep, journaled and read on our porch in the sun! so glorious. then i was picked up by Trond who took me to meet chuck, rebbecca, and karl-axel at the airport to pick up sally and emily. it was great to see them again! i was very excited for chuck to "re-unite" w/ sally, 'cause they haven't seen eachother for a whole month.

i'm excited to start really focusing on the campuses. to meet new people and to really seek God here in Trondheim. i'm excited for meetings w/ our team and to hear from the Lord.

the more we've been talking about the campuses, the more i long for people to know Him. to know the One and ONLY! to have a connection w/ the real and living God. the God who is above all and who truly loves us.
i long for more of a burden for this place and especially for the students and the campuses!

my prayers have been seemingly elementary, yet it's where my heart is at right now.

i want you God. i need you! what do YOU want? how are YOU feeling? help me to feel what you feel. to see w/ your eyes and not my own. help me to seek things of the spirit and not of the flesh! help me to love well. i need your grace. what do you want me to do? lead me, God. guide me Holy spirit, daily and show yourself to me. why can't i see you? feel you? hear you? help my heart let go of all i don't need. help me spend all my life on you God, on what is true, on what is real. my heart longs to long for you! OH GOD!!

i'm so thankful for His love! His NEVERending love! showing me what truly matters in this life! for leading me, protecting me, providing for me. He truly is THE ALMIGHTY! there is One who deserves all my love!

well...that's just a little picture of what's been going on in my life, head and heart!

bless you.

ha det,
kelly

2006-08-14T22:38:00.000+02:00

here are some pics from our weekend at Selbu. the glorious view from the top of the mountain we climbed.

2006-08-14T19:07:00.000+02:00

jeg er sa trott! (i am so tired)

this past weekend our language class traveled to Selbu, Norway. it's about an hour away by bussen.

it was beautiful! there were 8 cabins lining the side of a hill, each person got their own individual room w/ a bed, sink, desk, lamp, and closet.

we had an amazing salmon feast friday night! amazing!!! we were able to hang out and talk w/ many internationals, play kubb again(the block game), go swimming, go canoing, rest,go hiking. so many fun things to do.

on sat. we decided to go on a hike to a lake. noone had ever been there before, so we just followed the trail hoping we'd get there eventually. haha that was fun, until i stepped in a huge mud hole and my shoes got full of crap and were wet from then on out. haha

we made it to the lake after a 45 min. UP HILL treck! what a good time. it was blazing hot, but it felt so good to jump into that cold lake!

while some people decided to go back, a group of us saw a mountain in the distance and decided to be brave and pursue it's heights! ohhh man...

so, for another 2 hours, we hiked vertically up this mountain! haha the whole mountain side being covered w/ blueberry bushes like mad!

from our adventures i managed to get hurt(like usual) on a twig of somesort and was bleeding all over. haha i laugh, because i didn't even notice i was bleeding until brett said, "Kelly, look at your leg!" oops. but i figured it wouldn't have been a true excursion w/out me getting damaged somehow!!

when we FINALLY made it to the top, it was the most amazing view ever! it literally took my breath away(or maybe that was the hike up!) I sat there and was swallowed by the beauty of our Creator. and i couldn't help but ask myself, who can't believe that my God is real, look at this!!!! it was a most glorious experience.

on the way down, we met w/ our good old friend mr. rain! that was rough, but i liked it better than going up! haha

i pretty much felt like i never wanted to walk ever again after that, bc if you recall, i'd had a pretty painful time w/ shin splints a few weeks ago. so...wisdom, would've been to not hike all the way up the mountain, but i didn't want that to stop me, so i did it anyway. well...smart or not, i'm still able to get around w/ minimal pain, so that's a good thing! PTL! w/ just a few scratches on my leg and arm to monument our accomplishments!

well...back to my 1st comment, jeg er trott! i'm tired due to the fun, yet exhausting weekend along w/ having to wake up quite early again for a final week of norsk!

it's a weird feeling thinking that you've studying a language for 3 weeks and you can't really really speak it. but that's okay, i'm considering myself as a kindergartener/1st grader, that helps me to put things in reality. like brett said today though,"I can't wait until we're fluent!" haha that'll be so nice, but that's gonna be for a long while!

anywho, i've blabbed enough. hope all is well w/ everyone.

ha det bra!

kel

2006-08-09T23:11:00.000+02:00

a few more for the eyes.
the old viking ships being made. passing the time by playing kubb(a block game), and where is kelly? i wanted to become one w/ the hills of gronn(green)!

2006-08-09T23:00:00.000+02:00

10:55pm

can't type much 'cause i'm exhausted, but i thought i'd just write a little bit tonight.

well...still chugging along like usual w/ the norskkurs. it's been going well, yet once again time consuming, mind boggling, and some good fun.

this week cort, brett and i rediscovered a new way to the bus stop. it's amazing! we've realized that it's much closer, so it saves us some time at 7:30am.

tonight we made a big spagehtti dinner for our friends anne, ole(ooooolah), and annette. that was much fun. we definitely made more than enough. we also splurged and had some is(ice cream)!!! then the day kept getting better!

our cell phones came in. the church hooked us up w/ a sweet deal. we got free phones. sony ericson's the newest video conferencing ones. all i know is that i don't need all that stuff. but they're pretty sweet. we get to call anyone on staff of the church for free! and then call whoever else for only a little cost. thank you jesus! i can now save cortney from having to wake me up every morning at 6:15 'cause we only have 1 alarm clock for all 3 of us! i can now use my most nifty new phone.

another awesome thing! i was able to hang out w/ my friend elisabeth who is from norway. i'd met her a year and 1/2 ago when a team of us came from UMD. we've been emailing since. so it was most wonderful to see her and talk.

well...like usual, i only think i have a bit to say and i ramble on and on. so...i must go to bed now. must sleep and dream of norwegian verbs!

sove god!(sleep good)

ha det,
kel

2006-08-06T15:06:00.000+02:00

dirt road in the norge country, Rebecca, Cort, and I swimming at midnight in the mountains, Cort and I wearing traditional Viking hats, A german foreign exchange student(Christine and I) sailing in an actual Viking sailboat!

2006-08-06T14:50:00.000+02:00

and the pics just keep coming! a pic from the fjord we live near,view of downtown,nidaros domen(old church), and true vikings from MN!

2006-08-06T14:39:00.000+02:00

some more fun pics for your enjoyment. trip to ikea, our living room/deck and the beautiful view we get each night!

2006-08-05T23:21:00.000+02:00

here are some pics of my buds before i left for the norge.

2006-08-03T18:44:00.000+02:00

6:40pm

well...it's almost been a week of norskkurs(norwegian class)and i'm pretty much fluent. haha yeah right. Nei,jeg snakker litt norsk(i speak little norwegian).

dude, this language is hard! i think we're doing well, but i wish i could carry more than a 2 sentence conversation w/ someone. there are a lot of germans in our class(for foreign exchange programs) and they've been able to pick up norsk very easily. we've met several and I'm partners w/ a girl named Anne who just laughs at our accents or lack there of, and our inability to pick up the lang. it's been fun getting to know her and she has really been helping me out. yet..i am constantly reminding myself that we've only been studying this for a week. we have been in class from 9-2 every day. and at night we have about 2 hours of homework to complete. it's tiring yet i'm really enjoying our class and i'm excited to see how much i retain after 3 weeks!

it's really fun to be on the campus w/ students too. we've been meeting quite a few internationals and will meet more on our weekend trips for lang. class. this sat. we're going hiking in the mountains.

other than being consumed w/ norwegian nouns, numbers, and verbs, we seem to be doing well. the weather here has been god(good) and we've been able to go swimming in some lakes.

we've been so welcomed by our friends living below us. it's great to have norwegian friends who don't get impatient speaking to you, when you're speaking like a 2 year old. ole and annetta are amazing! they're mr. and mrs. fix-it too! they've been working hard on our house and are repainting right now.

i'm looking forward to praying w/ more students in the church and to see where God leads us in pioneering campus ministry. for now we're in the building stage w/ prayer, prayer, prayer and relationships. God has provided all of our needs and more! we met a girl who was moving, so she decided to give us some of her old stuff! He shines His face upon us in the most random ways!

well...i best be on my way. it's time for me to eat some dinner. brod og ost!!! (bread and cheese)

hadet
kelly

2006-07-31T20:16:00.000+02:00

8:15pm

Hey there,

just a quick update from the mountain side. We've been going, going, going since we've been here. trips to IKEA, Smart Club, working on our house, going to Betel church, town center, reuniting w/ old friends and meeting a ton more!

we went to the police station today and waited for about an hour and 45 minutes today to get our official transcripts-work permits in our passports. everything went swell, except Cortney, Brett and I had to be at the main NTNU-Gloshogon campus at 12 for our lang. class. we didn't get out of the police station until 11:45 and it's on the other side of town, on top of us trying to figure out the bus route!! haha we thought we'd be right in line of the bus that would bring us to the campus, but we were off by an hour!
so we had to run to the next stop(about 5 blocks) to get the next closest bus before we were left in the dust! haha it was hillarious. we then had to treck up a vertical(practically) hill for about 15 mins. to get to the campus! wooof!!!! what an adventure. we made it 30 mins. later than need be, only to find out our "official class" didn't begin until 1pm! haha we felt like dorks, but it was still fun.

i'm looking forward to our lang. class. the majority of the class is from Germany, with about 23 countries represented in all. we're the only 3 from the U.S. we've been split up into 5 or 6 groups and from there we go on excursions at night and on the weekends throughout the country. For 3 full weeks we're going to be eating, breathing, sleeping and learning Norwegian. Every day our classes are from 9am-3pm(15:00). With "field trips" in the evening. Next weekend, we're going camping! i'm so excited to meet people, learn norsk, and be able to finally understand people, somewhat.

everything has been going great. we had an awesome time of prayer last night overlooking the mountains and the sunsetting. it's truly an amazing view and God has been so good to us. we can't cease to give Him praise for all HE's done to get us where we're at. we've been contending for cortney who has been very sick. she was sick before the flight over, but her ears haven't unpopped from the landing in Amsterdam. it's been a set back for her bc she can't hear anything and is always saying,"WHAT?" so PLEASE be praying that God heals her hearing and restores her health!

I love the walks every morning. they've given us great times to get to know eachother as well as pray for the city as we go from one side to the other. our house is about a 45 min. walk to town center, so it's a ways, yet it's refreshing to walk a lot. although, i'm coming down w/ a horrible case of shin splints, so please pray they go away miraculously. it's hard to walk 'cause it feels like someone hit me in the shins w/ a bat, yet all we do here all day long is walk!

rebecca and chuck are flying out early tomorrow morning to go to Brussels for 12 days. i'm so excited for them. they're getting together w/ student for christ missionaries from all over europe. cort, brett and i wish we could go, but we have our norge classes. please pray that their flight goes well and that they have safe travels.

well..i'm tired from a long day, i pray that you find yourself doing well and that you'd drop me a note when ya get some time! i love you.

hadet,
kelly

2006-07-29T12:01:00.000+02:00

2006-07-29T11:43:00.000+02:00

2006-07-29T11:08:00.000+02:00

for all of you who were wondering, lindsey, the peanut butter in that pic is stuff we brought from home. and the tp it was for napkins!

here are a few more pics of our home and the view.

2006-07-28T14:05:00.000+02:00

wow, i thought my computer was being dumb, never mind. the comments made it to the right pics. enjoy. there will be more to come. i'm off to a store something like Sam's Club! peace out!

2006-07-28T14:02:00.000+02:00

sorry my comments didn't make it to the right pic, but you get it!

2006-07-28T12:38:00.000+02:00

our first meal in our new home in Norge.

I got to hold a baby from Ghana on our flight to Amsterdam

2006-07-28T00:08:00.000+02:00

12:30AM Trondheim

That's for Rebs, and for ya'll so you know what time it is when i'm writing all of this jazz.

Day 1.5 in norway.

we all slept in, prayed together, found that our luggage is still lost, and then set out on an adventure into downtown Trondheim by foot, taking us about 45 minutes w/ a few stops here and there('cause we got lost, not to take pics of the scenery), so it'll probably take 30 mins. walking briskly(ewwwww!!!). it was an exciting event to say the least.

we made our way past the university-NTNU and then onto "Nierous Dooman" one of the largest churches in trondheim used for tours and events. there is a pilgrimage festival going on now celebrating all the travels of many people long ago who traveled far distances to come to this church in seek of God. it's sad to think that this place is scarcely used for worship anymore. but the cool part was that we saw guys jousting in the front, sweet dude!

after some sites to see, we found ourselves in the town's center w/ many exciting shops and cobblestone streets. we exchanged all US Dollars into Norwegian Kronars w/ an exchange rate of about 6.1(which is bad for us, but what ya gonna do). it's crazy to think that i have no need for the american dollar anymore...

we found some food and then onto the bus station to pick up some passes. made ourselves look like tourists w/ our maps, english, and attempted norsk. then rode the bus home, getting lost only once, only to find our street only a few feet ahead.

what a looooooong day. we had a bit of time to rest, watch a storm roll in w/ lightning and thunder and then out and about again!!!

IKEA!!!!! i think this was the longest time i've ever spent in a single store. we've had some success w/ purchases. it's so sad, but we're having to re-buy almost everything we've owned in the states. beds, lamps, bedside stands, mirrors, pots, pans, towels, decorations, pillows, the list goes on and on. it's great to get new stuff don't get me wrong, especially from IKEA,but still...it's so expensive here, even the cheap stuff is a lot!

we've been so blessed by our host family. they've provided so many things for us these past few days it's not even funny! they're SO AMAZING!!!

i'm feeling tired, yet energized, if that makes any sense. i'm glad to finally be here, but i'm excited to get settled in 'officially', get my luggage, unpack all my stuff and make this room my own. i'm not really looking forward to language classes quite yet, 'cause i'm still jet-legging and a bit overwealmed w/ all the transitional stuff, yet i'm loving it all as well!!

God is sooo good. i love this community and the heart we have. He's so strategic in His plans. this is for sure where He wants me. I would NOT have been able to make it here w/out His provision and His call. thank you my Jesus! PTL!

well...i best be on my way to bed, i love you all.

let me know how you're doing!

kelly

2006-07-26T18:59:00.000+02:00

Hvordan har du det?

How are you doing?

Hi all, I'm proud to say that i'm writing from my new room in Trondheim, Norway. I've got an amazing view of the town as well as the Trondheimfjord. I can't believe I'm really here.

The plane rides went very smoothly. haha funny/great story:
so...cortney, brett, rebbecca, chuck and i were all sitting in a close area on our plane ride to amsterdam. before we took off, a woman w/ 3 children came on late and didn't want to seperate from here kids. so they asked me kindly if i'd like to move seats. i said sure, and so they proceeded to lead me to the front of the plane into the business/1st class. there awaited a plush overstuffed plane seat. i was definetly out of my element. all around me people were eating wine and cheese. haha i laughed out loud, literally!! HAHAHA

get this...our seats reclined! i had my own personal tv/movie screen and got enough leg room for an elephant. i guess the Lord really wanted me to know that i was suppose to go to Norway! haha i feel so overlly blessed i can't even begin to explain.

our house is for real a plush palace. this is not what i thought the life of a missionary had in store. granted, it's our 1st hours here, there will be many trials to come our way, but this is the complete blessing of our Father!

the only problem now is....chuck, rebbecca and I lost all of our luggage. so i'll be living in the clothes that i left in as well as a few pairs that i packed in my carry on. so PLEASE PLEASE pray that we get our 8 bags of luggage in ASAP!! we think that because our connecting flight from duluth to amsterdam was so quick they just got lost in the hussle of all the things. so hopefully, we'll get them tomorrow.

We were picked up by Ole, our landlord. His wife, Annetta, and their son, Samuel, are awesome! They're the cutest couple. They were so generous and welcoming to us. it's been great getting to know them thus far. they fixed up the upper level of their house(our place) w/ heated floors in the bathroom even! dang! thank you jesus! i have to remind all of you and myself that this is one of the most elite countries in the world. so...to them this is normal, to me, this is like crazy!! but either way, i'm thankful for the Lord's amazing faithfulness to provide for our team.

we've already been to the local grocery store nearest us. so...the norge experience has begun. and i'm really loving this 'team' thing. i love all my roommates-cort, brett, chuck and rebbecca!

i'm excited to see what God has in store for us this week alone. It's been so great depending on Him for the past hours of my life. Literally as we began this journey, I've felt Him so close. I'm excited to see what's to come!!

beyond a really long day/2 days, i'm so thankful for actually being here. i feel as though i can take a huge load off and breath for once. i give all the praise to my God who has been the only way I could've made it through these past few months. PTL!!!

well..i should go, i'm a scrub and i'm a wee bit hungry. we're gonna eat cheese and bread, YES!!!

love you all,
keldog

2006-07-10T16:32:00.000+02:00

I feel so blessed to be a part of this day!

2006-07-10T16:27:00.000+02:00

2006-07-10T16:08:00.000+02:00

Dan and Elisa's Great Day!

2006-07-10T07:59:00.000+02:00

The stunning bride herself. You're SO GORGEOUS BEC!

2006-07-10T07:48:00.000+02:00

bec, carrol and i goin' crazy

2006-07-10T07:47:00.000+02:00

Here is the beautiful wedding party from Becca and Jeff's Wedding!

2006-07-10T06:52:00.000+02:00

so...i know it's been a very very very long time since i've updated this. i'm sorry to all who check it frequently....aka...noone!!! hahaha

but if you're ever so bored and find yourself looking at this page, HI!!! yes i've been super busy and on top of that i don't have internet.

so...what have i been up to??

the latest in a nutshell. I'm living on my friend's futon only for 2 more weeks bc I'm then on a plane to Trondheim, Norway for 2 years! I'm getting perty pumped and it's for sure not sinking in YET!!

I've been in 3 weddings since the end of April. My dear loves Elisa, Becca and Lace! I love you all and am praying that you're staying sane whereever you may be!

I've also been raising financial and prayer support for the past 2 months. it's been altogether nothing that i'd ever EVER imagine myself doing, but it's so God's leading and timing. This time in my life has been the most stretching and by far the hardest, but it's also sooooo good. I can't even praise my God enough for how good and faithful He is.

so...i spent 2 weeks in Springfield, Missouri for missionary training. Simply put, getting prepared for the field. the ups and downs, the good and bad, the do's and don'ts of being a missionary. It was so amazing meeting everyone with a call of God to reach all the nations of this earth. I feel very blessed to be a part of this and so excited to see where God brings all of the friends i met there.

i've got so many amazing stories of how God has been providing for me, not w/out the pain and hardship of losing something prior, but, HE'S SOOOO GOOD!!!! truly there is pain in the offering, but I will ALWAYS PRAISE!!!

i'm trying to sit back and soak up my life in the states, for it will soon be much different and all that i cling to will be gone. what was once so familiar will no longer be there. and i'm praying and asking for prayer for myself as well as for cortney & brett and the haaviks, that we wouldn't be easily offended. that we'd learn to serve and love oneanother, especially during the hard times of transition. I pray that we'd grow even closer as a team and that God would protect us from any schemes of the enemy. Thank you for your prayers.

so in the meantime, i'm still chugging along, raising my monthly budget and praying that God will do a miracle. our plane leaves july 25th and I only have about 25% of my budget raised! He WILL come through! I trust in the Lord and will not lean on my own strength. For He is good and His love endures, even while support raising! HEHE

i love you all.
i hope to update w/ pics soon of my life the past few months. also w/ updates on Norway!

peace out my friends,

Keldog

2006-05-18T03:03:00.000+02:00

Snuggled in her swaddling suit!

You look a little ferklempt there....

Bend and stretch Mac.

Look at that mohawk!

Family's First Foto!!

2006-05-18T02:54:00.000+02:00

Mackenzie the Beautiful!

2006-05-14T21:56:00.000+02:00

I'm an AUNTIE!!!! Congrats Jordan & Chris!

Mackenzie Joseph! She's now mine to spoil and adore FOREVER!!! i love her so much. I'm sad to say that it's not allowing me to post pics. but once i get it figured out, i sure will.

peace out,

keldog

2006-04-25T03:06:00.000+02:00

hey all,

shalom! i love that word. so, yes, like usual, i'm slow w/ this whole blog thingy. i know that once i'm in norway, i'll be updating it a lot more. for real, i will!!! haha

well...let's see. what's been going on? i was able to go home fore easter! that was great to see the fam. and i brough leah w/ me. she's never been in michigan before so it was great watching her get all excited about the unknown territory.

i really missed my mom and gpa and my dogs. so it was splendid to hang w/ them. definitly didn't want to leave though.

i've been super busy with weddings. dan & elisa are getting married in 5 days!!! yipee!! i'm so pumped! 2 of my best friends getting married to eachother! woof! powerhouse! they're amazing, incredible people!
becca and jeff are hitchin it on june 3rd. and lace and josh on july 1st! DANG!!!!
i'm so blessed to have amazing Godly friends. you all rock!

also, jordan is gonna pop any time now! she's due may 9, so she has a few weeks. but i've been so moved by who God has made her to be. she's one of the most beautiful people i've ever met! I LOVE YOU JORGE!!

so...i'm getting a bit nervous to go to Norge, but excited as well, of course. all emotions have been coming to the surface lately. which is good, but it's been kinda hard. surrendering ALL to God. trusting Him with the unknown. trusting Him financially. trusting that He knows all and i don't! i'm such a planner and detailed person, that He's driving me crazy, i know on purpose. He's stretching me and making lean on Him. which i should be doing always, but sometimes i think i know better! HAHAHA that's a big laugh! He truly is the perfect leader.

our departure is pending as of now. hopefully the end of july or beginning of aug. that's our plan. we just need to pray that our visa forms come back w/in 1 month vs. 6 months.

i realized yesterday that i have a bizillion things to do, got a bit overwealmed, but God is so good. He filled me w/ His perfect peace today. He's so good! HE IS THE PROVIDER!!! I long to think of Him rightly, and i'm so gratefull that He's changing my screwed up views of who He is.
i can say who He is, but does my heart know what my lips say and my briain thinks?

i thank Him for all He's done thus far! I'm so thankful God! I can't even imagine where i'd be w/out YOU LORD!!!!! He is so faithful to complete and fulfill ALL of His promises and some! He is an extravagent lover!! THANK YOU JESUS!!!

please keep me in your prayers. much love. be blessed.
keldoggio

2006-04-03T00:27:00.000+02:00

Hello my dear friends,

so, it's been a while, like usual, but i thought i'd update ya'll what's been going on in me life.

i'm happy to say that the weather here in duluth has been getting nice and i'm so excited for the sun to come!! i was able to go on a hike this past week, and it was so freeing!

i'm still chuggin along at trillium working as a job coach. it's a challenging, yet rewarding job. it's definitely brought out a lot of things that were in me that were on the service. God has been using this time to build me, shape me, and change me. He's really been working on patience, kindness, and showing me my "junk" according to Pastor Ryan. it's sooooo good, yet it's hard, but i'm loving it. He's always willing to use our everyday lives to shapen us!

i'm so super duper excited to go to my 2nd home this coming week-IHOP!!!! a group of us from duluth are going down during the Israel Mandate conference. several peeps going to the conference and several of us just chillin. I'm thrilled to see old intern chums and spend some long hours in the prayer room once again.

Norway update-
We're still in the process of getting visas and praying for fast delivery w/ the papers so we can get to Norway by our planned time-end of July.
Finances are going well, i'm simply hacking through the process of making brochures, prayer business cards, and personalizing letters to be sent to all those who i long to sit down with and reveal this God vision to.
God has been so faithful in blessing me w/ random gifts and acts of love through others! thank you Jesus for your beautiful and extravagent love! It's amazing!
We still don't know where we're going to live (which is a neccessity, i think?!?) so please be praying that God will help Trond(our contact man in Norge) find places for us and doors will continue to open.

With all the craziness, i would still have to say that God is so amazing. He's given me this crazy awesome peace. even though there are so many walls, and seemingly HUGE mountains to climb and overcome before all is in place, i'm leaning on Him. He's the one w/ the vision. He's the one w/ the heart, i've simply said yes to His call. He's the one to get the "impossible" done! For with God ALL THINGS are possible!!! I'm so excited to see what He's going to do! Every day is a simple yet extraordinary testimony of who He is and His love.

This weekend was a blast! i'm happy to say that jordan, becca, cara and myself all had a sleepover on friday! hahaha just like old times! i love my girls!! i truly love and cherish you. you have no idea what you mean to me!
I was also able to spend some great time w/ Rebs and go down to the cities to pick up Ophelia from Nicaragua. it was an adventure for sure!!! we were able to go to the mall of america and walk around for a bit. ohhhh man, guess what we saw?!?! An Elvis contest! HAHAHAHA hillarious!!! All these guys dressed up like Elvis and competing to see who made the best Elvis! hahaaha please, i never want to see that again!

well...i best be going. God is good, ALL THE TIME!!!!

love ya lots,
kell belle

2006-03-08T05:20:00.000+01:00

2006-03-08T04:56:00.000+01:00

PTL!!!! (praise the Lord) My mom found out that nothing was wrong. they just have to keep hawk eyes upon her thyroid. i'm soooooooo thankful! i love you mim.

this is a shorty, but i just wanted to write a little somethin somethin.

this week is almost overwith. thank goodness! i'm really pumped for becca's bridal party at wisconsin dells this coming up mon-wed. i love her so much, i took those days off of work! she's worth it for sure! i'm excited to relax, chill w/ me chicas, and maybe watch a few good oldies! top gun anyone? haha

i'm also going to be hooking up w/ a few ihoppers this coming up weekend!!! i'm so pumped to see keri and cathrine! we're going to be going to Rochester, MN to help w/ their prayer vision. so please be praying for all the churches that are going to be involved along w/ all the worship/prayer times! i'm really pumped!!

other than working a whole lot and dilligently doing support raising stuff, my life has been going well. God has really been using the everyday situations, good/bad, to teach me, shape me, prune me, and redefine me. it's been a hard process, still is, but it's ohh so good. knowing it's Him, it's funny, i'm seemingly okay w/ the pain and realizing the hard things about myself. i know they're only making me more like Christ and He died for me, man, the least i can do is suffer through small revelations of my humaness. my goodness is honestly nothing apart from Him. I'm learning that when I am weak, broken and raw, He is strong. He is my strength and my Rock!!!

i was very pumped to meet w/ a good 'ole chum today! Lexi!!!!!!! Lex- i love you and i'm glad that we were able to talk. just wish there was more time to really go deeper. i'm excited to see where God leads you and uses all of your gifts and passions, along w/ what you're learning at NC! be blessed chica!!!!

w/that, my eyes are bugging out of my head from staring at this screen. contacts i love you!!!!!

peace out my beloved ones!!
kelle belle

"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake, He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich." 2 Cor 8:9

2006-02-27T00:26:00.000+01:00

WHAT IS UUUUUUPPPP????

hey hey hey,

what can i say, i had a blast this past weekend w/ leelee. we went on a semi-unexpected road trip to the cities and saw the david crowder band along w/ third day perform at the target center. it was exuberating(if that's how you spell it?). good times. good times. YEEEESSSSS!!!! we also had to splurge a wee bit and stop at the tanger outlet mall, of course! after the concert we crashed at jacobson's casa, ending the fun filled day watching the olympics on the teli. made it safe back to da'luth just in time for church this mornin!

i'm very excited for what God's been doing. He's been moving in very unexpected, yet of course, profound ways. i love that about Him. He's so very cool in that way! He's been challenging me more and more with the hard things in life. like depending upon Him, and stop trying to be self-sufficient. my goodness is nothing apart from Him. the lean upon Him. That HE is the perfect leader, i am not and not only do i have to accept that, but i have to believe it!! The LORD is my shepherd, i'm a sheep. bahhh bahhh He's the ONLY ONE who truly knows and He's the source of all things! I shall not want. i WILL be protected no matter what. What can seperate me from the love of God? NOTHING!!! it's so amazing!

the more i'm stepping out into the unknown w/ God the more i realize how much i really really need Him, and how amazingly kind, gracious, loving, compassionate, and true He is to do what He's promised to do! HE IS SO GOOD! i can't get over it. I've also been enlightened to more of the spiritual battle that we're living in daily. The more you trust in Him, the more the enemy rises up against all the truths you've known and that God's established w/in you. We're not fighting against flesh and blood, but against the pricipalities, powers, and the rulers of the darkness of this age(Eph 6:12). Man, i've been feeling the attacks, yet, God's been giving me forewarning to them and has been protecting me throughout them all. He truly is mighty in battle. i'd not want to be on anyone else's team, but God's!!!!

all of that said, things regarding the norge mission have been going well. we've been hacking through some deep grass, yet finding there is a path, and God's paved it for us! we've been able to catch up w/ several of our contacts, making that anxiety levels simmer down, and providing a refreshing hope that our mission is still very much so going to happen!!

thank you all for your love, prayers, support and friendships! what would i do w/out ya'll??!?!!

well i gotta jet, but here are a few prayer tidbits for ya to chew on:
1. wisdom as what to do regarding my hours at work
2. my future prayer and financial supporters
3. my mim-HEALING!!! she has a doctor's apt. on march 1st about her thyroid
4. continual surrender on my part to God and ALL that He wants to do in myself along w/ our team going to Norge!

TUSAN TUC!!!!(a thousand thanks in norwegian)

peace out,kelle belle

2006-02-13T02:36:00.000+01:00

Well...well...well...it's sure been a while.

i'd have to say that it's been an adventure the past month!!

God is sooooo GOOD!!!! AMEN?!?!? He's been changing me daily in my times w/ Him as well as teaching me so many valuable things through my every day encounters with people.

i've been working at Trillium Services as a job coach and it's been going very well. i'm very fortunate to be with the co-workers that i'm with as well as consumers. it's always a challenge to be doing something that you're not 100% passionate about, yet i truly see God's hand in my placement at this job. so..i go where He leads me and i follow His plans, not my own.

Speaking of His plan, I'm slowly preparing every day for the transition from the states to Trondheim, Norway. Our team could sure use your prayers for the details regarding our mission. the big and the little details are God's so i'm not worried, i'm kind of anxious though! we need a breakthrough with visas, housing, and our connections with the local church. we also MUST be covered by prayer and full of God's armor before even attempting to step into the enemies territory!! so please be praying for us!!!!!

i'm being blown away with what God has been teaching me this past month. i'm seeing the true change that He's done in me and it's really something worth getting excited about!!! I'm FREE!!! He's showed Himself so clear to me that I can honestly say that He's the ONLY ONE who can satisfy. all the other loves in my life come 2nd to HIM!!!! and in fact, these other loves have become so small in light of the TRUE LIGHT, that they're becoming not even a struggle for me!!!! PTL!!!(praise the Lord) haha thanks corey russell for that one!!

so...that's me in a nutshell. i've been enjoying my time here in Duluth and am really excited to see what God has in store for this month and those to come!!!

i'm ALWAYS up for talking so CALL ME please!!!! i miss all my homie g's @ the HOP and i'm letting ya'll know that i'm coming down for a brief visit the last weekend of this month(24,25,26th) with few friends, so i'm getting pumped for that!!!

Thanks for all your prayers!
love ya lots,
keldog

2006-01-09T00:39:00.000+01:00

well well well....

it's been a while hasn't it.
i'm sure all ya'll have been busy just as i have been due to the holidays and whatnot.

so...what has kelly been up to?
i drove back to duluth, mn. on the 26th of Dec. and unpacked all of my stuff in lace's house aka my new home. on the 27th lace, josh, amanda and i left duluth and headed toward the cities to meet up w/ the rest of our peeps that were going to the Onething! it was great to take a rest at Ariel's house and see my chums that i haven't seen in 6 months or more.

so...we travled all the way through the night and landed in KC around 4:30am!! haha PTL(praise the Lord) we had connections and crashed at our friend, Sarah's house.

the conference was off the charts incredible for me. it wasn't neccessarily the preaching and all that, it was for sure good, but it was what God was doing in me, just completly blowing me away!!
i could probably write a book about it, so i'll spare you detail by detail, but let's just say that my love for Jesus only intensified! if i did the 6 month internship just for me to end my ihop experience w/ these 4 days of the conference, it was more than worth it!!!

i was super pumped to see some of my homies from the internship! ohh how i love you all! i can't even begin to express the love i have for you!!! the is FOR SURE a special place in my heart for all of you. But i do have to say that it's harder to say goodbye the 2nd time around. i was bumming a lot longer after saying bye than i was after our graduation. hmmm....who knows...

so...we made it back safely on Jan. 1st at 8 pm. thanks to josh for driving the whole time!!! you're a lead footed man, but you're still great!!! haha

i've become comfy cozy here in the attack of our apt. the only hard part has been my lack of warmth in my body aka horrible circulation in a house w/ little to no heat bc of the sky rocketed heating prices. haha i'm living in the arctic. but maybe it's just a training time for Norway since it's so close to the Arctic Circle!!!! either way, i'm making good use of the long underwear the mim gave to me for christmas. never thought i'd have to pull those out!!!!

i'm proud to say that i'm employed!!! i went to my old place of employment to say hi and the first thing they asked me was, "When do you want to work?" I was so pumped! PTL!!!!!

i'm also proud to announce that my pastor, Ryan, and his wife, Krista, had their first baby on Thursday!! she's so beautiful. Aria Ann Bauers! Congrats!!

so...i've been seeminly busy, yet i'm finding truly how much time we have in one day. i've been relaxing, lighting the candles and reading while i have my misty cd on pretty much every night. it's glorious. every day is truly about another time to encounter the Lord, and it's been amazing!

my plans from here are to get in as many hours as i can at Trillium continuing to be a job coach. and to being to support raise for the Norge. along w/ keeping my passion for Jesus alive and stronger as every day goes by.

i love you a bushel and a peck
a bushel and a peck
and a hug around the neck!

prayer request:
FINANCES!!!! trust in the Lord for provision, especially regarding Norway!

much love beloved! peace out.
keldog

2005-12-26T02:41:00.000+01:00

Hello all!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

i hope you all had a most splendid day today. i was very blessed to be w/ the fam. to eat some turkey and to open gifts. i loved being able to chill all day and talk to my extended fam on the phone all afternoon. it's been a while since i've seen/talked w/ all of them.

i do have to mention that the packers lost tonight. a very unhappy feeling flooded my house upon the pac losing, although i was indifferent in who i wanted to win. the gpa is an avid packer fan. i'm not sure if he'll still be after this season though?!?!

well...i'm off to duluth tomorrow in mid-afternoon. i have to get big red all packed up and head toward the freezing rain country!! yipee... Jesus, please keep me safe and on the road, AMEN!!

i'm getting really really really excited to go to the ONETHING conference back in KC. i'm praying that the roads will be clear for all of us going, especially in dreaded Iowa. "I'm so excited, I just can't hide it!!!" i've loved being at home, but i'm feeling a bit restless and there really isn't anything to do way up here. i'm praying that God will dramatically change all of our lives this coming up week. i pray that He'll interupt our plans and change us from the inside out. even beginning w/ the drive down there!! Lord, have Your way in every way, that's what I say!!

so...once again, i hope you all had a most wonderful day! blessings! much love. call me!!

love ya,
kel belle

2005-12-20T23:42:00.000+01:00

well...i'm done.
i've made it home to 'da U.P. eh! my mim(mom) came and got me from KC this past weekend. We all graduated w/ flying colors and said our goodbyes!! Dang am i going to miss ya'll. i can't say that i've ever went as hard after God w/ anyone else as i have w/ all my chums in the internship. you're all truly amazing people and lovers of Jesus! i love you all!!!

the mim and i traveled from KC to the Twin Cities on sunday and made it in at about 3:30am(monday). crashed at my good 'ole roomie's house(cara joy). then left there at about 10am and made our way to Duluth. it was good to see the city again, yet it was still so weird for me to 'be back'. i was able to see several of my chums and stay the night at my to be new house on arrowhead rd. living with lace and jessica. dan and e-money(elisa) came and helped haul my stuff from my old house to my new one. what a job! thanks guys!!!

so...then the mim and i left duluth this afternoon and finally made to houghton at about 5pm. wow!! what a trip. i love my mom and i'm so thankful that we were able to hang out in our van for about 3 days together! haha we had a good time keeping eachother awake by singing oldies and frank sinatra.

i'm pumped to be w/ the gpa and the pooches finally. i've missed them so!!!

i really am not sure how to feel as of now. i'm thankful to be somewhere for at least a little bit of time to settle and let things sink in. i do miss the prayer room already, but God has been really meeting me, even on our trip in the car!! thank you Lord, i love you!!!!!!

i'm excited to see kate kate. i haven't seen her FOREVER!!!!!!! i'm also very excited for the ONETHING conference coming up after christmas! i'm thankful that there are so many people from duluth coming down. so in about a week, it's back to KC to hang w/ old friends, interns and to encouter God together!!!

i love you all and i'm praying that you'll be blown away w/ deeper revelations of our God made flesh this Christmas! This is truly how much He loves us, that God became man, for all!!!! WOW!!!

be blessed, and if you get bored give me a call at home in houghton ('cause my cell doesn't work way up here in the north)
906-482-5133, or my mom's cell: 906-370-2202

prayer requests:

my family
onething conference
everything involving missions to Norway(in Aug.) finacial supporters, visas, open doors in the campuses, etc.!

thank you for praying for me! I LOVE YOU!!

peace,

keldog

2005-12-04T20:11:00.000+01:00

2 MORE WEEKS!!!

dang! this time here has literally flown by. i can't even believe i've been here since july! wow.

well..this past week has been intense. God is opening my eyes in so many areas and revealing Himself to me in deep deep places! it's crazy good!!! HE IS SOOOOO GOOD!!!!! i've also been sick, so put that in the mix of the crazy lifestyle, it's hard to keep going when all you need to do is sleep. but i'm thankfully getting better every day!

here are my plans as of now, they're definitely up for changes.
we graduate on Sunday, Dec. 18th. My mim is coming!!! yeah!!!! i'm so pumped to see you mim!!
then we're gonna head to duluth to drop off my stuff and then up to 'da U.P we go for christmas!!! i'm so excited to see my gpa and my doggies!!! i've been so dog deprived, it's horrible!! haha
then i'm back to duluth w/ big red to meet up w/ peeps and then come on right back to KC for the Onething Conference.
then, officially in duluth on Jan. 1st!! and i'm living w/ Lace and Jess!! i'm very pumped!!!!

my future plans are to begin looking for a job and raising support for Norway. I've really been feeling the call to go to Norway recently. i was living in turmoil for a few weeks here trying to figure out where to go next. But, my Father, HE is God, and He has done great things, and HE will continue to do great things!! i'm holding onto this!! things that are far far beyond my own abilities, specifically in the financial arena!

Our team is planning on leaving late July/early Aug. to begin language school in Norge. Wow, the more i think about it and talk about it, the more excited i get! thank you Lord for this opportunity.

this coming up week is our big 7 day Global Bridegroom Fast!!! our internship is really longing to go hard these last weeks, especially crying out for the up coming Onething Conference attendees and preachers!! i'm really pumped for this.

so...prayer requests:

for an excellent last 2 weeks, finish going strong and hard after the Lord, especially this week during our fast
for the transition period from IHOP back into the 'real world'
finances regarding Norway, as well as pieces falling into place for the team
Onething Conference!!!!!!!

i love you
a bushel and a peck
a bushel and a peck
and a hug around the neck!!!!

mucho love,
kel belle

2005-11-27T19:59:00.000+01:00

hey all!!!

Happy belated turkey day!!! i hope everyone had as much fun as i did! the interns all rented out at cabin type place and had a big fiesta w/ oodles of comida!!! i'll post some pics for ya'll.

there is only about 3 weeks left of the internship! let me tell you, this has flown by! it seems like every year of my life is moving faster and faster. my day of birth is ever drawing nearer and nearer- Dec. 14, i'll the be the big 22!! dang! i'm excited to be celebrating it w/ all these sweet peeps here in KC!!

i'm for real, unable to even begin to write about what God is doing in my heart! i definitely don't want to just go on and on, which i have a tendency to do, but He's so amazing!!! like usual, getting rid of the crap w/in and bringing me low! revealing the Cross to me and what that entails. what it truly means to take up my cross daily. to live is to die! i'm dead to self and alive in Christ! HE is all i need!!! He is the only one i desire! all else fades away when i'm in His presence!

God is beginning to place a message w/in me that i'm unable to articulate right at this moment. it's a very weird feeling, yet i know that it's His work so He'll get all the glory! this time here has been an ever increasing pursuit into the knowledge of God. i've been so blown away w/ the reality of who we are as humanity- sinful, disobedient beggars, and the reality of who this God is- HE's totally other than, He's HOLY, where He is there can be no evil(sin), He is uncreated, no beginning, no end, always pure, always true! This shows me how much we needed a savior!!!! w/out Jesus, we're nothing. i love psalm 16- my goodness is nothing apart from You. I NEED JESUS!!! and i need the revelation of what HE's saved me from to actually begin to allow my heart and my life to be a constant worship that is every before His throne!

i'm so utterly excited for what God's doing in Duluth. i haven't heard all of it, but from what i've read in emails and whatnot, i'm pumped! it's so crazy to be somewhere else while all this is going on, yet my heart for Duluth has only increased since i've been here. i've interceeded for Duluth more than ever before!!!

i just wanted all in Da-luth to be encouraged, to be motivated to keep going! keep pressing in! keep reaching, seeking Him out! keep knocking!! Press in and never look back!!! God is really raising the bar and looking for those who are truly going to seek His face and His face alone! this whole prayer meeting idea is the bomb! it's been on my heart as well! isn't Jesus the best?! i love how HE's keeping me connected to the vision and the heart of those in Duluth. and so...i'm super duper pumped to go to the Onething Conference w/ all ya'll!!! (haha that's a little southern for ya) to have unity amongst the group and to allow us all to go into something expecting God to move and speak to our hearts!!

i'd just like to ask for everyone to be praying for me regarding my release from the bubble(IHOP) hahahaha. no, seriously, though, i'd really love it if you'd be praying for me about the transition from IHOP to home and all that comes w/ that. also, for my finances!!
thank you so much! i love you all and i'm pumped to see you once again!

be blessed!
Keldoggio

2005-11-06T21:38:00.000+01:00

hey lo!!!

so...yeah, happy birthday joel! it's a little late i have to say, but it still counts.

i know, i know, i haven't written on here forever!!! i'm officially a bad blogger! haha well...i want everyone to know that i love you even more than ever, regardless if i'm really bad w/ communication!

God has been transforming me like no other! i have novels of what He's been doing in my heart. i really feel the call to go back to Duluth after the internship! thanks for all your prayers in regards to my decision. i think it's so funny how we can make our plans, but the Lord will determine our steps!!! i love leaning on this verse! i was actually thinking about possibly staying here in KC for a short time after the internship, but i love the leadership of Jesus!! He's so good!!! i've slowly, day by day been able to "mourn" the departure of this wonderful place! granted, i know i'm going to ball my eyes out whenever i leave, but i love that i'm feeling the release w/in my heart to "go". so yes....Duluth here i come in a month! and then...............
Norway here i come for a long time!!!! i really feel the call to the Norge country following my time here at IHOP! so...you all can be praying about this leap for me, that would be greatly appreciated!!!

i'm blown away w/ how fast this time here has gone by. i wouldn't have asked for it any other way. i've met the most amazing people who are genuinly going after the heart of God and encouraging me to go w/ them! i love AMY!!! she's been my best friend here for sure. what can i say, we have too much in common it's almost not funny. yes...we were both in girl scouts!! whoop whoop!!! i love how God places people in your life who have gone through similar things and you feel so closely knit w/ them! Thank you Jesus!!!!

i've been enjoying my classes A LOT!!! getting revelation of truly who Jesus is! dang!! i want the reality of this man on the cross. the One who died for all humanity to hit my heart, not just my head! what did He feel? wow! He's really blowing me away w/ who He is!! and i'm praying that He's doing the same w/ you!!

i have to jet, but i wanted everyone to know that i'm going strong. excited for this last month. and i'm pumped for what God's doing in you! let me know what He's showing you and doing in you!! can't wait to see ya'll!!! hehe

much love,
keldog

2005-10-09T20:59:00.000+02:00

shalom!!
we've just gotten done w/ a weekend filled w/ fun. we attended the women in the prophetic conference w/ over 1000 women attending. it was really really good. i was awakened to many things w/in my life. Thank you Jesus!

it was great to hear some of the same scriptures preached on. it's so amazing how God is perfect in leading us deeper and deeper into Himself through His word, over and over and over again. i felt as if i was in a bit of a funk, but at the same time, it was God in His perfect leadership allowing me to feel the way i felt, to draw me closer to Himself. I'm feeling His burdens more and more and it's such a blessing and an amazing gift to know that our God loves to communicate w/ us. we're like little grasshoppers, for real, compared to Him, yet the turning of our hearts toward Him takes His very breath away. i don't even get this! that the God of the universe needs nothing, not even us, yet He desires us! WOW!!!

this is the time of refining and equipping i really feel. it's been overwealmingly great to allow God to do things in me that i'd never allow Him to do prior to coming here. i'm learning so much i don't know if i'm going to be able to contain it all in my peanut brain of mine. i praise the Lord for this opportunity to be changed by Him and the counseling of His Holy Spirit. also, to be around so many other passionate lovers of Jesus. there's something about it, it keeps you going, even when you don't think you can go on anymore! I'm seeing why God made community. it works! it brings out the worst and best that's w/in. and it's hard, but it's ohhhhh soooo rewarding!

i'm missing everyone like crazy. i can't wait to hear from you and SEE you!!!!

please keep praying for my destiny. now and after this internship. i'm feeling many things, so i really need the voice of the Lord to break in and give me discernment! also that God would provide financially for me! thank you so much!

much love. peace out.
keldog