On a journey...

I still got flowers even if I didn’t go in this month. The flowers are in a vase on my kitchen table, and they remind me of beauty. Different types of flowers and green things which complement each other. The women had made them themselves in a flower decoration course, and had made bouquets specifically for us when they knew we were coming. It’s good to be reminded that lives are impacted; that what we do is making a difference, and that it’s individuals who are so different we are meeting. And that each one has their own beauty we are allowed to see if we look for it. Every month we organise a women’s evening in the prison and do wellness (facials, massages, footbaths, etc.). One of my favourite parts of my job, and an opportunity to invest in relationships, which might lead them one step closer to making it once they transition back to “normal life”. I am always amazed at what these women have in them of hopes and dreams... or the lack of thoughts about future, which gives me th

I am lying in my bright orange hammock (from IKEA) on my veranda this evening, with the gentle rocking bringing a peace, and the cup of Earl safely placed on a little stool by my side. I am pondering this day. An exceptional spring day here in Norway, although the past week has been like this climate wise- and we are not complaining. Today was exceptional both because we’ve had 26 degrees (Celsius) heat, but also being Sunday, it provided a welcome opportunity to head out to the beach- my favourite place. My dad and brothers were busy with our cottage... the goal of the day was to move one large window, and put in two more on one of the walls- no small feat. And I had a lovely time hanging out with my mum, nieces and nephews, and sisters-in-law. Sitting on the beach and enjoying the sunshine brought me back associations of Brazil. In the midst of the craziness of streetkids, and all the chaos they lived in, the beach was always such a place of refuge and refreshing. I remember

Sometimes it’s hard to find words to put life into. Not necessarily because life is exceptionally good or bad, because it’s just life. And even if the day-to-day brings many reflections and processes with it, typing them out in a manner that is understandable beyond the author isn’t always as easy as thinking them. I love writing, and yet months have passed since updating this blog. A blog I write mostly as a reminder to myself of what my journey these years has looked like; because like most people I am prone to forgetting once something new fills up the space in my immediate memory. I am sat at my kitchen table. A half-written page of my journal lies next to me, and a vase of wilted tulips stand in front of me. On my wall I have a small selection of photos of loved ones and those I have met on some of my journeys. Faces that bring a smile to my heart. It’s Tuesday evening and as good a time as any for a short reflection... Today I was busy wrapping gifts to bring to our