The Cat's Pajamas

I have news to share with you. Last Friday, twelve people, the same number of sleeping bags, a few tents, some clothes, and a few boxes of food all migrated together about two hours northwest of Skotselv to a lake sprinkled all over with little islands. I was one of those happy twelve. I'll tell you about the trip later, but first I must share with you the event that took place on the road as we drove toward this idyllic lake. As the seven of us who shared a van made our way down the road, a movement on the roadside interrupted our steady forward motion. As the driver slowed, the passenger sitting in the seat sometimes known as shotgun called out a single word that changed my experience in Norway irreversibly. In a voice that carried clearly throughout the van, she exclaimed, "Moose!"

I jolted upright and leaned over the seat in front of me to see more clearly this long hoped-for sight. Indeed it was moose. And not just a single moose on the other side of a large field, so far that he could be mistaken for a boulder (or vice versa). A mother and her two mooselings were making their way across the road not thirty feet away from our headlights. I gazed in awe as the magnificent display of God's creation passed before my eyes. Others in the car responded with similar excitement but in different ways. One who was next to me jumped and shouted, "Moose! Where? Whoooooaaaaaa!" in a voice that carried out the windows and into the ears of the astonished animals. Their leisurely stroll turned into a quick trot and they galloped away into the woods, increasing their speed when another member of our party began to pound on the windows in her excitement.

My gaze followed them until our movement in a different direction from theirs tore them from my vision. Then, I leaned back and sighed with joy. At last, I have seen moose in Norway. That is the fourth and final goal I absolutely had decided to accomplish while living in that great country. My sojourn there is now a fulfilled one, and time is the only thing that keeps me there. Not that I mind. I intend to fully enjoy this coming year that I have commited to staying there. (By the way, more on the camping trip when I get all the photos together from that and put it on my photosite. I'll let you know as soon as that happens.)

Part of enjoying that is enjoying my work, which has been leading me to different parts of the world in quick succession this summer. It has led me most recently to Dallas, Texas, where I am currently sitting in my room at the Gaylord Texan. The Adventist-laymen Services and Industries (ASI) convention took place here from Wednesday to Sabbath of the past week, and my coworker, Erin, and I have been here to represent the Heartgood Foundation with booth and smile. God has blessed, allowing us to talk with many people who have interests in our project for various reasons. We look forward to seeing the results of our time spent here. Also, it's been a great opportunity to run into some old friends and make a few new ones.

Another invaluable part of the convention is the inspiring meetings. The messages, music and testimonies have shown me a little piece of what heaven must be like. Of course, the hotel itself has also been an important part of making this a pleasant trip. For those of you who are familiar with the Opryland hotel, picture it Texas style. That is where I'm staying. The lobby is full of gardens and moc-buildings and streams. Waterfalls pour into the outdoor pool at intervals, and we are welcome to try some of the grapes growing in the vineyard that stretches out beside the jogging trails.

I have taken more pleasure in the steam room and sauna here than anywhere before. After dropping off my stuff in a locker and enjoying some super hot wet or dry air with a cup of lemon or cucumber water nearby to cool me off when I wish it, I can hop into a shower with the provided shampoo, conditioner, bath gel, razor and shaving cream. When I've finished there and wrapped a giant towel around myself and a smaller one around my hair, I can grab a q-tip, cotton balls, a fresh toothbrush and mouthwash, if I'd like, and some body lotion. Then, once I've gotten dressed, I'm free to do my hair with their sanitized combs and mousse, hairspray, gel, or whatever else I need. There is no longer a need to use the shower in my room or my own toiletries if I would rather not. I can pamper myself as much as I please for the remaining night that I am staying here.

So I have gotten a small taste of the lifestyle of the rich and famous. And being just after a weekend of island camping heightened the contrast. After this experience, I've concluded that I am still content wherever I am. Too much of either of those extremes would quickly grow old, but a happy middle ground with a few variations from time to time is quite a pleasant way to go about it. So, I praise God for putting me where I am, and continuing to lead me as I go forward in life.