Hilsning (Greetings)

Hello again from Norway. Things are going well half way around the world. I find the people of Norway to be so very friendly and the culture to be enjoyable. In fact Stavanger where I am staying (the 4th largest city in Norway) was voted the European Capital of Culture 2008. But wow are things expensive. The average meal at a steakhouse is $60-$70. A car the size of a Ford escort wagon (Peugeot) is $50,000. I've never seen so many small cars in my entire life. A typical home is around $3,000,000 kroners (NOK) which translates to approx $550,000 and the typical home is modest ($1 USD = $5.5 NOK). They are taxed 25% sales tax on goods 11% on food, but hospitals and most education are free. So they are just used to paying outrageous prices all the time. Norway has a national church - the Church of Norway . Everyone born is a member of the church. There has been much debate among the people whether to continue this practice.

But now the News I really am writing about: THEY FOUND GABRIELLA'S MOTHER!

Blessed are you, God of Israel, our father

from of old and forever.

To you, O God, belong the greatness and might,

the glory, the victory, the majesty, the splendor;

Yes! Everything in heaven, everything on earth;

the kingdom all yours! You've raised yourself high over all.

Riches and glory come from you,

you're ruler over all;

You hold strength and power in the palm of your hand

to build up and strengthen all.

And here we are, O God, our God, giving thanks to you,

praising your splendid Name.

So they are keeping her at the orphanage or somehow under their care until we are able to get a new bioFamily interview at the Embassy. Kim has already e-mailed the embassy requesting one, and will try calling tomorrow morning. So although it's not a done deal yet, things look pretty good to get this done by next week. So we would appreciate your prayers to continue to cover us through this and all the way through next week until we get home. We need prayer for our children's health. Prior to this wonderful news, Kim was extremely discouraged, as Olivia was running a fever and then the school called to pick up Elizabeth as she came home early with an ear-ache. As a mother she is worrying about the thought of leaving sick children in someone elses care. There is some guilt in this as well.

Also if you could pray for my grandmother (Mabel) who is 87 and just entered the hospital today with congestive heart failure. Not only is this a serious health problem, but my mother, her only living child, is responsible with decisions and care. She is also the one who was going to watch the kids for the first 3 days we are gone in Africa. We don't want to be another burden to her during this difficult time. So we are praying for wisdom on what to do. Thanks again for your continued support and prayers. We believe whole-heartedly that God was glorified through your prayers.