Fortunately, Anya had the best night sleep thus far, sleeping from 6 pm to 4 am. So, she was alert for school. We packed her lunch and walked up for the meeting with her teacher prior to class. Then I walked away, knowing that she was a bit intimidated with the prospect of spending the day in a new school and immersed in Norsk! My spare moments were praying for Anya today!
I bused to and from Stavanger for meetings, chapel, and being introduced at the staff lunch. Each Monday, all the staff meet together after chapel for some fellowship and a bit of an employee meeting while they eat the lunch they brought (everything is a cold lunch). I had a great conversation with one of the PhD students from Madagascar who is working on a New Testament project, but we share the theme of reconciliation. I even made a couple notes! An Ethiopian master’s student has a different but related theme as well (the sins of the parents). I believe I’ll meet him tomorrow.
As I was packing up to head to Anya’s school, Anya called on our new Norwegian phone plans. Anya was already home, and her key wasn’t working. We’ll though it was cold (freezing), I knew she could get into the garage. I encouraged her to dance to the musical theatre music in her heart until I got home. It wasn’t a major ordeal, but it did make the day at school look really good in comparison to trying to get into the house.
I didn’t know that school is out at 1:50 pm! So, they start after 8:10 am (as Anya was welcomed before the other students arrived) and are done at 1:50 pm.
Anya’s seat mate is named Lena, and while she was nice, she wasn’t very talkative between class. Anya was able to track a bit in some of the social studies concepts, though not everything. Math looks really easy! She picked art as her elective. For those who know Anya, that’s no surprise. The art teacher complimented her on her project and someone stated that that was rare for the teacher. However, Anya misses Miss Colleen from middle school (who was perfect for Anya). Some students had heard she was from California and asked her where she lived in California. Later in class, the teacher brought Bellevue up on the screen (sounds like on Google Earth) and then zoomed out to the whole USA. She said that there is not a lot of time to eat lunch, so I need to make a smaller lunch. Well with such a short day, I’m glad the lunch isn’t long.
And…we’re residents!
So, we’re legal now. I can get a bank account set up, unless this requirement (below) will cause a problem. Why would I need a notarized copy if they see my actual passport? Why would I need to see a Norwegian embassy when I’m in Norway? I’ll keep you posted!
A notarized copy of your passport will also have to be provided. The certification must take place in one of the Norwegian, Swedish or Danish embassies or consulates and sent directly from them. (http://www.danskebank.no/nb-no/om-banken/InEnglish/Pages/ in-english.aspx)