Heddal Stave Church

While we were in Oslo for Zone Conference, we took a preparation day trip to visit the largest Stave Church in Norway.  A Stave Church (or Stav Kirke) is made out of wood from the early Christian years.  You can read more about this one HERE.  Norway's largest stave church built in the 1200s and is still in use. Rose paintings from 1600's, "bishop's chair" and incence vessels from mediavel times are still present. Heddal stave church, a masterwork of wood, is the largest of the 28 stave churches in Norway today.  Around the year 1250 the apse was expanded as it is today. Ore-pine from the woods in Heddal, beautiful carved portals and inventory are found.  It is also interesting that you find references to the Norse Gods in these churches, because the people weren't willing to give up all their traditions and adopt Christianity without "offending" the Gods.

The best part of the day was spending it with Elder Garlick from Texas and Elder McCourt from Utah. 

 

Elder McCourt and Elder Garlick

Farewell and Welcome to More Fine Missionaries!

Transfers happen every six weeks, and our city is usually affected in some way.  This transfer, we saw our dear friend, Elder Ian Rogers return home to Pleasant Grove, Utah.  He has brought with him so many talents and much energy, and we wish him continued success in his next adventures.

Elder Welch moved to Drammen, and Elder Baldwin, who we have met in Kristiansund came here.  Also, arriving in Trondheim is Elder JD Stephenson, one of the other missionaries from the Treasure Valley.  Enjoy some memories.

THE TOWER PIZZA BUFFET

Before moving on Wednesday, everyone met on Tuesday for pizza buffet lunch at Egon Restaurant, atop the turning tower near our home.  Interestingly, at the table next to us were some engineers having a business lunch with 4 engineers from Utah, who quickly recognized our name tags and talked with us.

Left clockwise: Sister Kinder, Elders Welch, Rogers, Naylor, Cribbs, Sister Naylor, Elder Brooks, Sister Wheelwright
(You can see the city and fjord in the background)

Me and Elder Cribbs selecting some of the finest.

From the tower, you can see the roof of our house.

The city, the fort/prison island and the fjord.

 Three ways to eat Norwegian Pizza

Lots of Garlic Ranch dressing on top (or dipped)

Lots at one time; missionary style.

With a fork and knife, without switching hands.
Lorrie has adopted the European method and even uses it here. 

CHANGING OF THE GUARD!

Elders Rogers and Cribbs

Elders Welch and Brooks

Elders Stephenson and Cribbs

Elders Brooks and Baldwin

The Northern Lights in Trondheim!

At about 10:30 on September 10th the elders called to ask if we were seeing the Northern Lights right over their apartment in the center of the city.  We looked out our balcony and could see them as well.  After getting permission from the mission president, we were persuaded to take them up the mountain, about 15 minutes from our apartment and we had a spectacular view.  These photos were taken by Lorrie with an iPhone and no tripod; but you get the idea.

Left back: Elders Brooks and Welch
Left front:  Kirt, Lorrie, Elder Cribbs, Elder Rogers

Return to Ålesund and a new adventure climbing Åndalsnes

In late August, we returned to Ålesund to help with some missionary matters, and hiked another version of the mountain above the city.

THE CITY

This is just something we saw along the way on the road.  

No photo-shopping was done in the making of this blog.  This is just Norway!

On the hike above the city.  We went above the tower.

This is Rundskue (Round View) donated by former city
dwellers who moved to USA

A view.

Just a stop on the road to Åndalsnes . . . not even our destination.

THE HIKE

On the drive home, we hiked Rampestreken from Åndalsnes.  The hike is just 1 km in distance, but you climb steadily to 580 meters above sea level (where you started).  You do the math .. . it is a steep climb.  Some of the reviews almost scared Kirt off as he is somewhat "height challenged," but we did it.  There are some nice stone stairs, built by Sherpas from Nepal as a sort of service project.  We asked locals where they got all the stones, and were told they were helicoptered in and dumped into big piles for placement.  Some of the paths were narrow, and climbing the steep stairs on the edge is not for everyone.  But the views atop the lookout were spectacular.  Here are just a few pictures to enjoy.

On the way up and down we spoke to nearly everyone and found people from all over the world on this hike.  We gave them cards about what we are doing and the Church of Jesus Christ.  We even met some college students from Trondheim (who were from Russia, France, and Latvia) and invited them to our young adult activities.

The hiking center; because there are plenty of options
in this area.

This was the last of "flat land" we encountered.

This is what the trail was like. . . 

and this . . .

Some of the Sherpa Stones

Markers every 100 meters give you motivation.

Yes, that little town down there is where we started.

A little more than 1 1/2 hours up, and a lot faster coming down.

Breathtaking views.

That is a frozen mountain lake on the top left of this photo.

This is taken across the fjord as we continued our journey home, looking across at the city. 
You can see the Hiking Center in the bottom right of the photo.