In the past week and a half, I have really enjoyed getting to know my host family. The Solberg-Brandtzæg family has been great! The family includes Tor Olav (father, Communications Director for a large Norwegian food company called Nortura), Astrid (mother, General Secretary of 4-H Norway), Bjørnar (15, brother, student), Kjersti (12, daughter, student), and Ingvild (9, daughter, student).

   Last week, I attended a conference for 4-H employees of Norway. It was three days and nearly all of the people who work with 4-H were present. I attended some of the sessions, although it was a little difficult for me to understand because it was all in Norwegian. I also had the opportunity to present to the entire group about the IFYE program, myself, and 4-H in Kansas. It was fun to share some of our methods of 4-H with them! I also had a chance to meet and socialize with many wonderful people! They are all very devoted to their jobs and the program is well organized! We also traveled to a local glass company and watched a glassblowing demonstration. It was really amazing to see how they created one of a kind masterpieces! Look at my photos link to see some pictures!

   It has also been snowing here! Astrid, Kjersti, Ingvild and I took some time to play in the snow! The girls built a snowman and had a snowball fight! They also showed me one of the traditional methods of transportation used during the winter in Norway. It is called a spark. It is sort of like a sled, but you stand on the back and kick to make it go! It is a lot of fun! I will have to put some pictures of it on here when I get the chance!

  I really cannot believe that I am traveling home in about 9 days! I have mixed emotions about leaving. I am really excited to see my family and friends at home, but I am also very sad to say goodbye to all of the amazing people I have met! It is hard to know exactly when I will see them again, but I certainly plan to come back! And of course, everyone is welcome in Kansas at anytime! Hope you all have a great week, I know that I will! -Love Martha