Gratulerer med dagen

Today, May 17, is Norwegian Constitution Day. It is a day much like America's Fourth of July/Independence Day. And from everything we've studied, it is celebrated in a similar fashion. Parades, lots of food, wearing of the nations colors (red, white & blue), and fireworks. Kids are known to enjoy hot dogs and ice cream, while traditional Norwegian dishes are also served.

So, Gratulerer med dagen Norge! We look forward to joining the celebration in-person next year!

To learn a little more about Constitution Day, visit http://mylittlenorway.com/2008/08/norwegian-constitution-day-happy-birthday/.

What we've been up to

I haven't posted much about us lately, so I thought I'd take a few minutes to do that now. (And as I've mentioned before, I'm not going to do an adoption update until after Vera's fundraiser has ended. All adoption-related posts are about Vera until my birthday! )

William is playing soccer for the 4th straight season, and he's getting better & better!
His passing skills are really starting to develop.









During the first game of the season, while in goal, he dislocated his finger. Here he is, being nursed by the assistant coach (always helps when that coach is also Daddy!)














I was so excited to get the privilege of picking Zack up at the airport 2 weeks ago... it's great having him back home!












William received his very first report card, and it was great! We'd been looking for an opportunity to take him to Medieval Times, and we thought this was a great time to do it. We all had lots of fun!











We took William to his second Lowe's Kids Clinic, and he made a Frankenstring Magic Trick. He has a blast (but all that hammering will definitely give you a headache!)












We met our friends the Davis family at church a little early last night. They were wanting some family pictures made, and the lake area was a great place to do just that. Zack took the official photos with his camera, but I snapped a few while we were there, too.

The first picture looks like it should be on a campaign poster...
Looking Towards The Future













I am thankful for the Davis family and their friendship. Deanna has become an especially special friend of mine, and I know without a doubt that God's fingerprints are all over our friendship. Our families' lives have intersected repeatedly over the years. Our husbands grew up together. We all worked in ministry together at another church. And now we are in church together again: Deanna leads our women's ministry, where I'm actively involved; and Jeff led the mission trip that Zack just returned from.

And an added bonus to all of this? Our kids are now friends, too! We are especially thankful that William has friends at church now, something we'd been praying for.









I just love this picture of Deanna with her 2 girls (her son & William were off hunting for deer tracks by the lake at the time).

He's Back... So let's get back to fundraising!

A sense of normalcy returned to the Dove household last night, as Zack returned safely from Norway & Germany. I look forward to all the stories he has to share, but he was beyond exhausted when we got home. By the time we pulled in the driveway, he'd been traveling for 23 hours straight!

We are thankful that God provided safe travel and a good experience for all involved. Please be in prayer for the pastors and church planters they worked with while in Norway. And pray for the Norwegian people: that they will be awakened to the truth of God and the gift of His Son.

And now that Zack is back, I want to return the blog focus to Vera's fundraiser. Some people have asked about progress on our own adoption. Once we complete the fundraiser, I'll start sharing a little about our adoption. But not until after we do this for Vera and help her find her family!

I've increased the goal amount to compensate for paypal fees, and because we're doing so well with so much more time to go.

I have no doubt that with 34 days left in the fundraiser, we can exceed this goal. Be a part of Vera's hope - donate today! And please continue to pray that a family will step up and commit to Vera very soon.

One more day!

Have I mentioned that Zack comes home tomorrow?
And can I just tell you how excited I am?!?!?!?
(of course, William is, too)

I'm so thankful that God gave him the opportunity to go to Norway and Germany, and I'm thankful that I have a husband who actively seeks to follow God's path.

Yet, I've also really missed him. It's tough having your best friend half-way around the world for 12 days.

But soon, he will be back home! About 34 hours to go...

More Norway

Today is Zack's last full day in Norway. He & his buddy Jeff will be traveling by plane/car to Jena, Germany on Saturday. Please pray for safety & health for both of them.

Yanira, Joseph & Deena (the other three from "Team Norway") are headed back to GA tomorrow. Please pray for travel safety for them as well.

Norwegian Food

In true Dove fashion, I present to you a post dedicated to food...

Cream soda












Lamb wrap from a Pakastani area in Oslo









Norwegian Nation Cake









Carrot Cake









Dessert time









Fresh Shrimp

Norway, part 2

Here are some pictures that Zack took in Oslo on Sunday. He can elaborate on things once he's home, but here's a little of what they did yesterday:

• Walked around the city a little bit
• Attended 11:00 AM service at the Baptist Church (they were having an outreach event)
• Lunch with a couple of church planters
• Evening church service at one of the planters' churches

The Baptist Church










They have Sunday AM outreach services periodically (monthly/quarterly?), and the service included some secular jazz.









The service is followed by a time of fellowship, with coffee & cookies









Hard Rock Cafe









Nobel Prize Museum









Oslo's Opera House































Zack and the cat from He-Man (just kidding, but he did say it reminded him of Battle Cat, and I have to agree!)



















Oslo University













Parliament











Evening church service at Thor's church