To the Fjords of Norway… Part I

Pt.1

On the 12th of June, 2009, I have set out on an adventure that flies in the face of a typical approach to everyday life. In a matter of a morning and only three hours after I purchased my train tickets, I was on my first train, on my voyage to Norge. In my haste to pack for living self-sufficiently for six days and planning out my 5-star menu I would be lovingly prepare for myself, I anticipated missing out on a few items that I would deem as comforts. Only 7 km from Holsby, my mind exclaimed as my bowels moved… “Toilet Paper!!” truly an item of comfort, not necessity. And as this first item alarmed my senses, others surely followed: the toothbrush and toothpaste, a cup from which to drink, hand sanitizer, hot sauce, and the all-too-important garlic.

Looking forward to the next few days of solitude, my train from Nässjö is ready to depart. A cute girl to my right is watching Friends, Season 5, and I am reminded of those back home in the states through this mere observation. There are no doubts that I will be reminded of those whom I love back home…

I arrived in Oslo, Norway, around 11 pm last Friday evening, upon my first step outside of Oslo’s Central Station, I found myself in the midst of a local drug market being asked if I wanted anything from hash to cocaine by a variety and multitude of people; thus I received my first impression of both Oslo and Norway (later I’d find out that neither were anything to build a foundation on). I spent a few hours walking around the downtown area as a tourist, mainly observing the night life and its effects on its participants. My original plan for the evening was to find rest in the train station, but upon my arrival back to the station at 12:45 am, I shortly found myself courteously displaced by the stations security system named Thorbjorn. Coincidentally (and slightly weird) I earlier had thought to myself, “If I were to sleep underneath the stars within the walls of Oslo, here would be a great spot.” So upon the onset of my homelessness, I left the station a second time, only this time the “market” had closed and there was a man only meters to my left shooting up… an unsettling exit on to the streets of Oslo. And so I departed to a harbor area that had a garden of fountains and a solid two dozen park benches. I would find out this place was the common WC for the late night revelers and consequently found myself quite restless through the evening.

The train station opened back up around 4:30 am and as soon as that time drew near, I headed back inside Oslo Central to lay down on a bench for the next two hours before my train departed for Myrdal, some 5 hrs north of Oslo (about 2 hrs NE of Bergen). This train ride was probably one of the most beautiful trips I have ever been on as we went from sea level in Oslo to around 1500 meters and went through vast glaciers and through steep canyons that make up most of the fjord region. I arrived at Myrdal station around lunch, still not knowing what my next four days would hold. After some quick chats with the tourist information lady and a lady behind the café’s register, I set out to go from Myrdal to Flåm via foot without any real concepts of what lay before me or the places to end up making camp(s).

And so the hike began with a sharp descent of nearly 500 meters vertical, over an overall distance of less than 1.5 km as water falls displayed their glory on my right and my left from the melting snow which would follow me down in a torrent filled river that where Flåm meets fjord. Flåmsdalen would be my closest friend over the coming days. As I began the hike, I quickly realized I would have a thorn in my flesh for the rest of my tenure in Norway; in a rash and haste-filled decision, I opted for boots I have only worn a few times hiking, the result turned out to not be callouses (thankfully) but of sensitive-inner-ankles. This sounds odd, but the boots were designed for mountaineering (that which i inevitably did not do this trip) and where the boot-meets-"flesh" (sock); I'm not quite sure how it resulted, but I know the result all too well, that of tender-to-the-touch ankles which makes walking slightly difficult; nej, just not as comfortable. With this came both good and bad. Bad=discomfort and because of this I didn't feel the freedom to explore and trek as much as I had "hoped". Good = I had to slow down, in this came opportunity for thought, peace, and added flexibility; coincidentally it also directed much of my thought to the Lord, a most appreciated focus brought about in another way than I had anticipated. Isn't it strange how He uses the most unlikely of circumstance to draw us or remind us of His love towards us....

To the Fjords of Norway - Part II

Pt. 2

The hike has concluded at this point and there are many stories and descriptions which i would love to share with those who are more interested!! Just ask!!

Well, as i said, the hike is over and I currently have 6 hours to wait for my 1:05 am train to Oslo. I am sitting at the Myrdal train station drinking an absurdly priced cup of coffee flavoured water as i add an instant cappuccino mix to enhance the cup's body. With that now "satisfying" my palette, I embark on the warmth of love and resolve for living for something more.

There seems to be a continual fountain of drive and vigor that befriends someone of resolve, of one who has something or someone to hope in. On this trip it has consisted of two parties administering these monuments of hope and love, those are both God and you. I'll begin with you. "You" who are reading this have somehow invested in my life in some form or another, and for that i thank you. Running reminders of the past and present have warmed this soul of mine and brought new joy to my step (both literal and figurative). So now I dare to make mention of those I have recalled on my adventure. (please forgive me if I don't mention you specifically... you are still loved :) )

-For continually caring for me in the midst of life and selflessly shepherding on this adventure; Patrick.

-Maria and Allie, as i mentioned earlier, I saw a girl watching Friends on the train to Gothenborg; my how much you both love them. And, Monica (i mean Maria), thank you for your love.

-I saw two touring cyclists on my trek (one of which i took a picture) along with the fact that i am actually in Norge; Kevin Marshall Jones, thank you for your friendship and honesty with me. Congrats on your graduation, let's talk soon.

-I sat down in the city of Flåm at a micro-brewery called Ægir Bryggeri and revelled in the five samples I received; each one reminding my of the boys back at home (myself, Patrick, Caleb, Kevin, and Kyle). xoxo

-This trip in general has been a step outside of normal or typical for me. Thank you Brett, Bri, Ben, and Devin for exampling a spirit of testing and freedom. Your encouragement, friendship, and love mean so much to me!

-I got quite sun-burnt today as I was laying under the sun for a few hours reading and it reminded me of most of my life, but specifically of two years ago when i visited you, Brett, in LA and one day at Zuma beach we both got fried. Man, that sucked! :)

-During my one night on the streets of Oslo, it was affirmed yet again, that "Somewhere deep down, we're all street kids." Thank you Paul, Forrest, and Brandon for many memories.

-As I sit down to my second cup of "coffee" I am feeling the BOOMS coming on; thank you Mich, Forrest, and Devin for the memories and the ones to come.

-Also, as I sit down to this cup that epitomizes the averageness of Joe, I can eagerly look forward to the one that awaits me back at Holsby, the Stumptown i got for my birthday. Thank you, you lovely, lovely girls: Mich, Kels, Jules, and Rachel.

-I went on a fjord tour boat and felt the loving feeling of familiarity as it reminded me of my time in Alaska. Thank you for the blessed memories Chris and Dan and for Ben and Kelly who get to enjoy it this summer. Also, Crabb, after all, it is your home.

-On my way back from Flåm after the "cruise" of sorts, i took a bus. On this bus I sat next to a lady, both gentle and kind in the way that she smiled at me that imitated that of Bev's, my grandma. Coincidentally remembering grandpa and his joy that is infectious.

-In town (Flåm), I saw a tourist with sketch pad and pencil, detailing the Majesty portrayed before them. Your gifts amaze me and unyieldingly hold my attention of their beauty and creativity. Thank you for the blessing of art Catie, EmLem, Rachel, and Alyssa. Your blessing will always be welcomed here.

-I was at the Flåm tourist center inquiring of the happenings in the area, predominantly areas of hiking and the like, when the girl behind the desk invited me to her house for tea and conversation with her and her roommates (coincidentally they were all of the summer help for all of what Flåm has to offer). This reminds me of you, Jules, and for your caring pursuitof me and invitation into your own life.

-My Ipod batter was dead before i even started, bummer.. But i was able to sing to myself and odly singing some songs of friends (Bear Carver, Aaron Cowan), and of Doug and the Good Lookings (Matt, Brett, and Jess). In this I was recalling also those who love music, primarily my cousins (Scott, Erik, David, and Tucker) who's lives are encompassed by song.

-Cooking last nights supper of penne pasta, onions sauteed in butter (Kim), fried ham, and Parmesan cheese, I desperately wanted something better :) Thank you dad for the years of great cooking and passing that love to me.

-The fat that I was just backpacking for a longer period of time brings forth fond memories of our expedition crew last year of Kara, Kat, Patrick, Jim, Keith, Carol, and Alicia. Wish we could have shared this one as well.

-As I was having my tour of brew, a couple from Holland brought company. We had a genuinely interesting conversation over our 0.5 L and was reminded of the love that has been shared over a pint or cup of coffee with you who have a genuine interest in me. Thank you to all, but specifically to Dave, Brandon, Jon Gon, Ben, Andrea, and Eric.

-Norwegians seem to be a strange breed, one that i can say I don't fully understand but am intrigued by. With this i quickly think of an ever-so-slight similarity to my friendship with you Billy Hague. I miss you Billy and love you. Continue being used by Him as a catalyst for His Kingdom.

-For those "Fashionistas" out there, I met a few English models and camera crew when I visited my friend's home (from the tourist center). They had set up this modern art play house sculpture with a backdrop of the Norwegian canyon which the house was set in. I don't quite know who to put here, but it reminded me of.... beauty, lovers of photography, modern-art enthusiasts, and those who revel in the unique beauty amidst the natural.

-As I look back to my time in Flåm, there was a sweater shop of classic Norwegian knit sweaters, and as I look immediately in front of me, there is a sweater hanging on the wall for decoration. Norwegians love sweaters i guess. Strangely, they all have the flare and similar knit pattern to the one you wear Roy (maybe it is retired now). Thank you for your guidance, mentorship, and friendship. I'm looking forward to a good steak meal with you and Mesu.

-I know that there are others out there that I haven't mentioned, but there is one that I want to if I can remember... who it is... oh yeah, mom. Plainly, thank you for your love and support, they are a blanket of encouragement and comfort.


Thank you all, both family and friends for your love, encouragement, laughs, and challenges, for life shared and life lived.

Many Blessings

I just finished working with a group from Kalmar, Sweden for the past five days and to say the least our time has been blessed. The group arrived last Wednesday evening and immediately our team bonded with their group of Konfirmanders and leaders. Our team had the opportunity to build relationships with most (if not all) of the twenty-five that we have been living and interacting with. From field games to initiatives, from the high ropes course to the low, from fast beating hearts on the giant swing to relaxed fellowship, from discussions about God to communion with Him. Again, our time has been blessed.
I am not sure if these last few days are going to present an accurate portraiture of what is go come, but I can say for certain that amongst our team, an excitement is being birthed, a willingness to invest springing forth, and a belief that what we do here for the groups that come through our program can actually be beneficial. I know, you may not believe that at all, but we have the chance to be used by our Lord for His purposes. It’s beautiful. It’s energizing in the midst of weariness. And to trot, our interns are catching wind of this; an aroma of resolve overwhelms our olfactory’s (as alliteration accompanies aspiration).
Springs approach to summer seems to only be a few methodical steps away. The month of May brings with it a schedule of business and potential busyness. As this coming Friday arrives on time, the next 2 ½ weeks will see six groups ebb and tide. With the Lord’s provision the potential is limitless. Recognizing my own propensity to indulge in tasks/work, I appeal for your prayer that I might find myself as a child lost in the delights of the Father.

**Thank you for your continual support and prayer. It would be a blessing to hear how you (whomever you may be) what is going on in your life.

Many Blessings,
Josh

A few weeks in Sverige

Sverige. It has been nearly a month and a half since i have been over here and it seems to have occurred in the blink of an eye. I have had the opportunities to do some really great things since being over here; from planning and executing two weeks of training for our Adventure Team training (Julia - Canada, Amy and Catie - USA, Katha and Rebecca - Germany, Yael - Israel). In the last week we have had the opportunity to facilitate 5 different groups through Holsby; ranging from day/evening groups to a few overnight Confirmation groups. The time that we have had in the ropes course and in doing activities/initiatives with the groups has proven to go as smooth as we had anticipated, being greenhorns and all. There is still learning that will occur (typically accompanied by mistakes) and over the next few weeks i am sure the opportunity to hone in on this camp skill-set will spring forth into growth and adequacy. So i am excited to see whatever is going to be coming our way. Needless to say, planning for these groups and facilitating them can take a large amount of time and energy. I put in two consecutive days of 15+ hours which i am hoping will not set forth to pattern but will be alleviated through the growing competency of the staff and interns of the Adventure Program. This coming week we have our longest group camp to date which will be 5 days. There is still a bit of planning to do in preparation for their arrival and would love to have your prayers specifically for that over the next three days (they arrive Wed. evening).
As you may have seen on my facebook photo album, i had the opportunity to go out on a sea kayak trip on the eastern coast of Sweden in the Baltic Sea for three days. It was a fantastic time to be able to set out with the Discovery Program students and with Joel for the trip. It came at a point where rest was a necessity after 2 weeks of planning for the coming season(s) and 2 weeks for training the interns. The geography of where we were was just north of Oskarshamn, roughly 100 km east of Holsbybrunn. We had a half day of training the day prior to going on the trip where we practiced rescues if someone were to have tipped over in their kayak (everyone had the chance to be rescued and to rescue). This day was at a large lake near the school on a day that was in the low 60's for temperature while the lake remained 20 or more degree colder; i'll just say that when i went under water, pin-and-needles were over my whole body. Once on the kayak trip in the sea we were met with immaculate weather of sunshine and 70 degree temps. The trip turned out to be a wonderful/restful/re-energizing one. I had the chance to get to know the ten Discovery students more as we were on the water for three days paddling around hundreds of islands as well as camping two nights on a few of them. It is hard to describe the beauty of the area, so i won't try too hard to do so. It turned out to be one of those trips where the only regret was that we did not have more time to spend together and explore the islands and the sea.
A week has passed since i went on the kayak trip and some of the planning and execution of facilitation has occurred as well as having the opportunity to go to Goteborg with my friend Andreas who i went to Multnomah with and grew up in Goteborg. It is a beautiful city in which i anticipate going back and visiting a few more times while i am in Sweden. We went to a soccer match while there which was a ton of fun.. had the chance to meet a few of his friends there which too was fantastic.. and had the opportunity to have a quick hangout time/ tour of the city. It was a short trip, only two days, but was great to have the chance to have another change of surroundings and have a tangible social connection.
I have started my outreach to the surrounding area here in Småland which is playing soccer for a local team. I have had the chance to train with them and had the opportunity to play for them for the first time today. We are: Skede IF. A Swedish League 6 team, so technically i am playing pro ball over here... I started today as Sweeper in defense and feel i have much to learn in the theory/principles of soccer and will undoubtedly pick them up more as the games come; which will go through September, so i am hoping that it will be a great ministry outreach while i am here. Skede IF is known as an international team in the local area; we are comprised of members from the US, Canada, England, Morocco, Thailand, Iraq, Bosnia, and Sweden. It will truly be a great opportunity for ministry and sharing the Lord as well as a time of challenge/growth both personally and skill wise.
well, i should be getting ready for bed. I do hope that all is well on in your life.

with love,
josh

It Commences

Things are going well over here. We are starting our intern training tomorrow (Monday the 6th) and will be involved in that for the coming two weeks and have our first group around two weeks from now. It seems as though the coming weeks will become a whirlwind of activity in preparation for the ministry at hand. I am excited for this time as i know (or expect) it to be a valuable time in getting to know the six (female) interns that we have for the next two months as well as what my role There have been a few faithful who have departed from Holsby over the last few weeks. In all of their cases, it was literally just time to move on to another ministry or pursue schooling or return to paying work. A few of them had been here at Holsby for 3+ years and then there were two interns who's job was up because of the end of the term. So no bad blood had been brooding, it just so happened to be a mass-exodus around the same time. So in that, there are now needs for long-term staff to fill their spots. One of them was the principal of the school, another directed the sports ministry (with wife and kids), another was assistant head-chef, and then two sports interns. Their loss is felt amongst most of the staff. I had only a small window of opportunity to get to know a few of them, and absolutely loved the time that i was able to spend with them.
But, after two weeks of their departure and with the students gone on their Spring Break, the students are back. It is great to have them around for multiple reasons. First, with their presence, it means that Patrick and i don't have to eat reheated leftovers for our dinners anymore, nor do we have a set breakfast menu consisting of cereal or granola. Second, we had the chance to play soccer yesterday with them, and it was great. The day was incredibly warm, probably around the mid-60's and sunny with the slightest of breezes, just wonderful. Thirdly, The students bring a variety to this community that is energizing, spontaneous, and fun. We had a hang out time last night in The Bik, and from that time i was able to meet a few more students that i hadn't had the opportunity to yet, as well as having a really good conversation with one of the students for over an hour getting to hear and respond to what is going on in his life currently.
Now for an update on my health... I am feeling better. Patrick has assumed most of my sickness and is currently fighting through what i went through last week, so that's a bummer.
I would continue, but it is lunch time, and it just so happens that i am hungry. Please continue to keep me updated on your lives as i will continue to with mine.

Thank you for your support and prayers.

Joshua Clouser

Giving my best Våffeldagen (Waffle-Day) face.



This is Ekhaga, the dorm in which i reside.



Enjoying the "big" town of Vetlanda.



On a hike south of Holsby.

The Crescendoing of a Vision

Friday. The end of full week 2. The beginning of hosting a weekend marriage retreat.

This week has been a monument to the surpassing greatness of our Lord. The course director, Joel, currently is up in Norrland with a group of students on a week + tele-mark ski trip, thus leaving Patrick and myself to ourselves to chip away at a "to-do" list of sorts. In this weeks list, we had been given the visionary task of seeking out and developing a curriculum that will be implemented with the various groups that will come through Fackelbarana this Spring or Summer.
After a chance to seek the Lord in a personal time, we came together to share vision for the lives with whom we will come in contact with. This time has proved to be encouraging and exciting as we feel the same direction for the coming months. The book of Ephesians is where we have landed, primarily circling around the premise of the Trinitarian unity of God and how Christ followers are to be unified with Christ, living in intimate relation with the Lord.
I guess i should allow you to catch a vision for the groups who will be coming through our program. This spring will be primarily devoted to school children around the same age as those who i have worked with previously at the challenge course on Mt. Hood, which is sixth graders from public schools who will come in for day-long programs. The other primary group whom we will facilitate are Confirmation groups. These students are usually around the age of 15 or 16 and come for a variety of reasons. To begin, some will come because of tradition, others because of obligation to parents, others to hang out with their friends, and/or others will come because of the Kronor they hope to accumulate from their grandparents upon completion of the Confirmation program through their local church. The sad truth is that the majority of these students will never step back into the church once they are done.
A vision and passion have been stoked through the conversations that we have had. This dream is to convey what is the height and depth of the Love of our Lord through Jesus Christ, and the extending of the invitation to BE in relationship with Love, Himself. Patrick and i feel that we have the honor and privilege (marked with responsibility) to extend knowledge of Him and the hope in which He has called them. We will use Ephesians as our primary text to share the message of Truth, the gospel of their salvation (Eph. 1:17). There is a mystery that is introduced by Paul in Eph. which is representative of Christ followers partaking of the union with God. The depths of this mystery i do not claim to understand, of the glory of Christ in those who believe, living in union with the Triune Lord, but am excited to explore this wonderful invitation with Patrick, Joel, Heide, the interns, and the participants who will come through our program this year.
Thank you all for your continuing investment in my life. If you have any insights into what it means to live in union with the Lord, any questions, or general thoughts, please comment below or email me.
I look forward to keeping you up to date and giving over the work that Patrick and I do over this coming week in Ephesians.

Joshua Clouser



i'll encourage you to read this as well as mine regarding the thoughts that have been excited over this past week:
http://pmerles.blogspot.com/2009/03/beloved-and-thief-swe.html

19.3.2009

Hej! Hur mår du?
Both Patrick and I seem to be settling in to this place that is before us. There are still many unknowns as to what our job descriptions are, but in due time we will get a stronger grasp on what they are. I can say with surety, that with each day that has passed so far, my competency for my position has increased dramatically.
We have now been in Sweden for a week, a crazy fast transition into where i am. I can say that as of Tuesday, i feel that any jet lag that had been clinging to me, lost its grip. I am enjoying the Torchbearer atmosphere so far. It has been an interesting transition as i am now present in the midst of established friendships, but the students and staff have been more than welcoming and i am looking forward to getting to know them as Spring Term rolls around.
I had the chance to hang out with the Program Staff this past Monday. We went a little North of Holsby, not really sure where, but we were in what i would consider the countryside of Småland. We visited an old Viking marking stone that dated back to the ninth century, had the opportunity to walk on two frozen lakes, share an abbreviated version of our stories in a few centuries old church, eat a "Swedish" meal together, and talk and pray over the Adventure Program. It was a pivotal day in respects to team unity and acceptance with those who i will be serving with.
The interns for the Spring Adventure Program will be arriving in just over 2 weeks. I am stoked to get to know them and capitalize on experience and be a tool for the Lord to change lives. The intern team will consist of 5 interns, all girls, and there is a chance at having another intern who turns out to be another girl. Should be fun. Until they arrive, both Patrick and I are going to be "on our own", as our boss will be out on a Discovery trip with some students, and will be preparing for the coming season and the upcoming training for the Spring interns. I feel that this time has the potential of allowing a sense of settling into the coming months and would love prayer over the next two weeks for that.
Well, i need to get some rest for tomorrow will be a big day.
Thank you for your prayers.

Josh

Frozen Lake Walking
Frida.Patrick.Josh


The Adventure Team
Joel.Patrick.Frida.Heide.Josh

First Full Day, half-way through

As Patrick and I begin to settle in to what will be our lives over the coming months, we are both struck with the possibilities and opportunities will bring. Although I am currently battling jet-lag in an arm wrestling match (an epic equivalent to Over the Top), i know that this will be a place of growth and adventure.
I wish i felt i had the competency to finish this entry, but i am tired and the lunch bell just rang. Im out...

Peace and Love

Finally in Sweden...

March 10-11, 2009

Today I have arrived. Not in the sense that I have become who I am to be, but literally in Sweden. I am here!

It has been a whirl wind over the previous 48 hours. Beginning with the arrival of a Passport, Patrick’s also arriving; booking plane tickets; packing; flying out or PDX to Seattle to Copenhagen, commuting via train to Vetlanda; and then meeting only for the second time, the program director Joel along with a handful of others who I will have the opportunity to experience life and the Lord with over the coming months.

This opportunity has been a wrestling match to establish some sort of control against the difficulties that have presented themselves. To note, this is where I feel the Lord has led and entering into this opportunity in the midst of uncertainty has only beckoned trust, and in trust, patience. The verity of not knowing when the opportunity to leave would present itself, I have had to examine how the hours and days present were passed advantageously in anticipation of the unknown hour that was coming…

It is in this that I have begun to ponder the days I now have in lieu of the reality of Christ’s coming. This summons the question, “Am I living today as if Christ could return at any hour?”

I'll Fly Away

Today has and will continue to be a hectic day. I received my passport in the mail today. After just a few short hours, i have booked my flights for the trip. I am traveling tomorrow to Sweden!!!!
After it being so "far" away it is finally happening, and in less than 24 hours...
Needless to say, anxiety is up, as i shall soon depart for a tenure in Sweden. Please continue to pray for me. If any of you have Skype, please let me know or add me as a contact at: joshua.clouser

Many Blessings,
Josh Clouser

What Could Be:

As you all know, today, February 25th, was to be the first day in my adventure in Sweden. I am wanting to keep all of you who are supporting me in the loop of what is going on and with that said, here it is. As some of you know, there have been complications within the application for the Visa for both Patrick and I, in the midst of the fog of setbacks, it is difficult to say when we will be departing. We continue to pray (and would request your prayers) that our applications begin the processing phase and will be expedited so that our time may begin over there; though it may not be for up to another four weeks.
In the midst of uncertainty, the Lord remains Sovereign. This has been nothing less than a fantastic beginning to what lies ahead (and i don't say this sarcastically). The period of time, spanning from a few weeks ago until now, have been a continual test of patience as well as trust that the Lord can or will provide. With respect to patience, I have been daily checking the mail in anticipation of a letter containing my passport & Visa with great curiosity and anticipation, yet each day goes by with a glitter of disappointment offering me another opportunity to discover more about myself and more about the Lord; a true blessing.
Thank you all for your continued love, support, and prayers.

God Bless,
Joshua Clouser

I forgot to ask, since I may not be leaving soon, do you know of any temporary work i could do?

For those who correspond

Joshua Clouser
Fackelbärarna
Brunnsv. 31
570 15 Holsbybrunn, Sweden

Manalive

         All is gold that glitters--
          Tree and tower of brass;
        Rolls the golden evening air
          Down the golden grass.
        Kick the cry to Jericho,
          How yellow mud is sold,
        All is gold that glitters,
          For the glitter is the gold.