There has been a lot to be sad and angry and scared about this week. But at the same time, there is so much that is good. I was reminded of this during my trip last weekend to the valley that has been home to the Norwegian side of my family for hundreds of years. Distant relatives I’d never met before welcomed me into their homes and their lives and showed me wonderful kindness and hospitality. In addition to the glimpse into Norwegian culture and history, they shared countless photos and stories and truly made our family history come alive for me. It was an incredible experience that’s still difficult for me to fully put into words. Instead, I’ll offer you a few photos…
Where have you been able to see the good in the world this week?
Thank you, these are really beautiful photos.
Thanks, Suzanne. Miss you and hope you’re well.
That is so amazing that you were able to meet up with family there! I’d love to try to do that… I know my great-grandma visited her cousins in Norway back in the 70’s, but I’m not even sure where I’d start with trying to get in contact. So great that you had that opportunity, and in such a gorgeous area. :)
It was a totally surreal experience, and one I won’t ever forget. I’m planning on definitely go back again in the future.
Luckily my dad has been spending a lot of time tracing the family lately, so I had a good amount of information — but I basically just sent an e-mail to a very old e-mail (circa 2000) address that my dad’s cousin had for one of the Norwegian cousins. Luckily, the e-mail account was still valid and she replied! It all kind of snowballed from there, and we’re all connected on Facebook now — maybe that’s a place you could start looking and/or asking around…
We are headed to the Gausdal Valley in hopes of finding our family farm. The red farmhouse sticks out to me because we are looking for a similar house up a small road looking similar to this. Is the church pictured the Ostre Gausdal Karke? Do you mind sharing the sur name of the family farm you visited?