
Here in Norway, the clock has struck midnight, the fireworks have fizzled out, and we are a few hours into 2022.
This final day of the year started with brunost on toasted Julekake, then proceeded with serving waffles and coffee to skiers and hikers throughout the day. In the evening, I went on a hike, ate dinner (main dish: reindeer), and watched fireworks from the lodge.
A simple, sweet wrap-up to 2021.
And what a year it has been.
In addition to packing up my full-time U.S. life, I crossed the Atlantic Ocean five times this year - to Croatia and back in May, to Spain and back in June - then to Norway in September.
I spent the first two months in Norway exploring the southern area of the country, and about a month ago I arrived in a region called Hallingdal, where I am currently volunteering at a mountain lodge in exchange for food and housing (similar to when I WWOOFed for a month on my first trip to Norway in 2016). I am sort of a ‘Jane of all Trades’ here - waiting tables, organizing books, assembling furniture, scrubbing toilets, making beds, serving waffles, updating the website, cleaning the kitchen, checking the mail…whatever needs to be done.
I make porridge each morning, drink tea throughout the day, and walk to the mailbox and back each evening - routines that have helped to keep me grounded. I am spending more time outdoors and have fully embraced ‘friluftsliv’, a way of life here in Norway.
In 2021 I made decisions that placed me on unstable ground, and at times I have struggled to find the next steps. I let go of parts of my life that were comfortable and familiar in the U.S., and navigating this discomfort and uncertainty has been overwhelming, and hard. But I signed up for a challenge, and accept that this process will be messy and difficult at times.
I am pushing myself, growing and learning along the way, and I am confident that the pieces will fall in place the way they are meant to.
A few weeks ago, I took the train to Bergen to submit my documents for a 6-month seasonal work permit, the final step in the application process. If my application is approved, I will spend at least the first half of 2022 here in Geilo, a community of about 4,500 inhabitants. It can take up to five weeks to receive an answer, so for now I must patiently wait.
So for at least the next month, I'll be here at 3,445 feet, eating far too many waffles, improving my skiing, and keeping my heart and mind open to whatever comes my way.
Wishing you health, happiness, growth and laughter in the new year.
Marla
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