Mark & The Norwegians

First, we are loved by a good and loving God--and that should go a long way in a world searching for anything to give meaning to life.

Second, we live a luxurious life by almost any standard (most of the world envies the kind of existence we take for granted). Certainly by a historical comparison, we live better than most royalty did from the 20th Century back. Just the mundane details of our lives are far superior than say King George's daily routine: heating; plumbing; quality and variety of food; entertainment; travel; etc. About the only thing where we are the loser is our lack of peasants and servants to boss around. But I'd bet King George would marvel at our luxuries.



Third, all of our basics (shelter, health, employment, familial warmth, church community) are provided, and many luxuries beside. We seem to be (relative to our surrounding world certainly) happier, more content, healthier, and more fulfilled than we have any right to expect.

Fourth, we are surrounded on all sides by God's creative handiwork here in Norway. Even the walk up the small hill to my work entrance rewards me with a vista of Gandsfjord with Dalesnutten across the way. My office windows provide a view to the north where I can barely make out snow-covered mountains toward Bergen. Granted, the construction site also outside my window threatens to take away some of that view, but I still have one of the best windows in the entire facility.






Fifth, I (particularly in this case) am blessed with a Godly and dedicated wife who is intimately and daily involved in the education, nurturing, and development of our kids. She supports me and helps me and loves me pretty doggone selflessly and unconditionally by any standard.

Sixth, the aforementioned kids. What a delight they are. Smart, funny (and fun to be around), and with Godly instincts already in evidence. Our only real regret is when they leave our house we will miss their presence terribly. We truly have kids we don't deserve.



Seventh, the actual job I have is a great mixture of responsibility, authority, and ability to make a difference doing something important. I try to lead two different communities to the best of my ability (one is my Army "platoon" and the other my NATO division)--and this comes with a lot of interaction with people of all types, which I sometimes even enjoy.

Eighth, we can travel to places we never would be able to otherwise. Monday we head for London for a couple of days. Later Elizabeth will get to go to Prague. The kids have been able to visit Germany, Russia, and various places in Norway (fewer than we like). At least they've gotten the opportunity to hike with their Dad--not quite as sought after as you might think.

Ninth, our American community here in Stavanger has been a blessing. Quite a nice luxury to be able to shop for American products in our 7-11-size/shoppette (o.k., a bit bigger) and use the American postal service to order from the internet.

Tenth, our church community at North Sea Baptist Church has been a true blessing to our family. A very international congregation that demands we view people differently than we are used to. Again, a luxury to go to a foreign land and have a church that operates in your native language.

Well, that's the top ten--there are many more. Not really in any rank-order, more in the order they occurred to me. Notably absent from this list is any mention of a small dog.

TTFN (Ta Ta For Now)