It was a beautiful church built in the 1100´s. It is held up by huge posts (staves) going all the way to the roof. Most of the churches have been enlarged in later years. There are 6 churches in this parish and two ministers.
The pastor had to leave when we were finished and had another service that morning at another church. A baby, Andrea, was baptised during the service.
The liturgy, prayers and baptism were in Norwegian but the hymns, readings and sermon were in English. We walked up the hill to the church and after the service we had a procession about 1\2 mile to the school for a lunch. Leading the way was a small band followed by the Americans carrying the stevna banner and flags of Norway and America. As a surprise they had an old car in top shape carry the stevne president in the parade. We honored aa Norwegian\Americana economist who was from that place with flowers before going in to eat.
Several school children performed musical selections for us before they served soup, flat bread and homemade bread. Of course, coffee followed the meal.
On the way back to the hotel we stopped to see an Iron Age burial area and rune stone. We had time to pack before final banquet. Reindeer meat was the highlight with cloudberry dessert. Again we were treated to Hardanger fiddle music as well as other violin pieces. It was a good end to our week together.
Monday morning saw three different bus departures. We drove away as the final group left. John and Janet left on the middle bus at 8:30 heading for the fjords. We drove east to see where the Godli farm and Lunner church were located. We found both places. No one we had seen last time were still on the farm but we found the same woman living across from the church.
Tonight I talked to Winnie (Ausman) Larsen, classmate from West High. She had just moved out of Oslo to near Trondheim so we won´t get to see her but hopefully will get back in contact with her.
It is time to get to bed. I will update more tomorrow.
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