Both namesake and nature rejoice in your birth,
Sweet liquid sunshine falls heaven to earth.
Delicate fingers and curious eyes,
Quivering chin with occasional cries.
You already know how to reach for your dreams,
And Mommy and Daddy will give you your wings.
So trust them to lead you and teach you to grow,
And come to your Tia if e'er they say, "No."
My dear, darling niece, when you don't understand,
I promise to listen and hold your sweet hand.
Your mom and your dad, they want only your best...
So flourish in wisdom: Obedience brings rest.
Now onward, explorer, and conquer the world,
Like mother, like daughter, inquisitive girl.
Just over four years ago I found myself attempting to “take a sip of water from a fire hydrant” as YWAM founder Loren Cunningham so affectionately puts it: I attended a six month program called Discipleship Training School (DTS).
Youth With A Mission had a profound influence on my life and introduced me to a world of intentional spiritual development. Our lecture phase topics included the Father Heart of God, Cross-Cultural Ministry, Spiritual Gifts, and an overview of Inductive Bible Study. For the mission field outreach portion of the school, my team partnered with the communities in Tijuana, Mexico, and San Pedro in the Dominican Republic. During my time in Tijuana, I was able to delve into a world of ministry that included feeding the homeless, volunteering at an orphanage, prayer walking in the Red Light District, building homes and outhouses, and tutoring at an afterschool jamboree called “Circulo Andante” (Spanish for “The Walking Circle”).
While staying at the YWAM Base in Tijuana, I was introduced to School of Biblical Studies (SBS). Youth With A Mission has over one thousand ministry centers scattered throughout the world, and each campus offers various programs. After a few years of dreaming and praying for the opportune time, I am delighted to share with you that I have been accepted to the bilingual SBS beginning September 2015. Pairing two of my greatest loves, the Word of God and the Spanish language, I will be studying for nine months at a campus that helped shape my vision for how I am to serve our Heavenly Father’s purposes.
I’m writing this letter to ask you to consider how you can join me in the journey. Prayer for increased discipline and growing attentiveness during my lectures would be so appreciated. I have been trying to learn Spanish for years, including three college level courses, but think that immersion at a bilingual base will really help me cross the threshold into conversational fluency. Studying Scripture in English and Spanish will strengthen the foundation I have built, and allow me to minister to a widespread group of peoples’ hearts. The School of Biblical Studies will take our class through the Bible five to six times, studying Hebrew and Greek, cultural relevancy, and what God’s big picture plan is.
If you are able, would you think about supporting me financially as I pursue what I believe God has called me to do?
See the "Mission Statement and Support" tab for giving. Thank you!!
Earlier this month I was contacted by Ellen-Marie Pedersen-Gustad with Tidens Krav AS and asked some questions about the visit I took to my family farm with Alt For Norge in May. It was so nice for me to intentionally reflect on that special day, so I thought I would post the Q&A's here for you to read!
First, let me attach the beautiful script that I was able to read at the family farm:
Dear Kelsey,
Welcome to Tungset farm, the place where your family name originates!
You have roots in this area that go back to at least 1650. But the story about how this particular farm became a part of your family history, starts in the eastern part of Norway and the county Hedmark.
Around year 1800 the farmers in Hedmark experienced crop failures. Food was scarce, and many people suffered from the life threatening disease scurvy, due to lack of essential vitamins. For your four times great grandparents, the newly-wed couple Jacob Estensen Sæter and Marit Toresdatter Nøren, the situation was hard. They did not have a farm of their own. The lack of resources and possibilities led them across the country in hope of a better life. They settled here in the coastal municipality Averøy, where you are now.
Here Jacob got a job as a shoemaker. But in spite of this, their living conditions didn't improve much. In 1818 Marit gave birth to a little baby girl, your three times great grandmother Tørri. But the blessing of a new family member was followed by the responsibility of a hungry mouth to feed. Their poverty forced Marit and Jacob to make a desperate decision: to give away, or more likely sell, their two year old daughter to another couple in hope of a better life for the child. Then they moved again.
Luckily little Tørri came to a good and caring home. Her new parents were Knut Andersen and Gunhild Frantsdatter who lived here at Tungset. They had lost their only son from chicken pox ten years earlier and were glad to welcome a child to the farm. Tørri was treated well. When she married your three times great grandfather Paul in 1838, they inherited the farm and took its name as their own. Paul and Tørri raised seven children here at Tungset, among them your great great grandfather Peder Olaus who was born here in 1853.
As it was the oldest son Elling who was next in line to inherit the farm, your great great grandfather decided to seek his fortune in the nearest city Kristiansund.
In the latter part of the 19th century Kristiansund was thriving. The town was flourishing because of the trade with salted and dried cod, the clipfish. Stories of wealth and enormous possibilities attracted a lot of people and the number of citizens doubled in just a few years. As Peder Olaus reached his twenties he became part of the wave, hoping to succeed in this growing city of dreams.
In 1875 Peder rented a room in the main street and worked as a carpenter. He soon met the love of his life, your great great grandmother Karoline Setnes who had moved to Kristiansund with her parents. They married and started a family.
In the beginning of the 1880s Peder was an established shopkeeper and a trader. His shop sold groceries and clothes. By now he also had five children to support, and more were on their way. But as hard as he tried, Peder was unfortunately among the persons who did not succeed in Kristiansund during these golden years. His business went under and the growing family struggled to make ends meet. Faced with these difficulties, Peder had to make a tough decision. Again he was tempted to seek his fortune away from home, but this time the leap of faith was even bigger; America.
Then came 1893, the year that changed the family´s life forever. In September Karoline gave birth to their eight child. Only one month later, the 11th of October, Peder left for the land of opportunities – alone. In order to provide for his beloved wife and children he decided to embark on the long journey, hoping that he would soon be able to send for his dear ones and bring them over to a better life. Back home Karoline was now alone with low income, seven children and a newborn baby. Some long fall- and winter months passed. The family was eagerly awaiting news from Peder Olaus arrival in America. And finally, the 2nd of May 1894, Karoline could take her kids – among them your great grandfather Anton – and leave Kristiansund for Minnesota. They never returned.
Peder Olaus and his family have several hundred biological relatives in Norway. That means that you have a big Norwegian family looking forward to meeting you – and many of them still live here in Averøy!
Peder Olaus, my great great grandfather (tippoldefar) that emigrated and his wife Henrikke Caroline Gurine Pedersdatter Tungset
Additional Ponderings
My first name, Kelsey, means "From the Isles," and I'd always thought it to be appropriate: I tend to float around in my own little world and therefore gravitate towards the island life mentality, (if not also residing on an actual island). Sometimes that can be painful, because I can feel rather isolated or scared to share my life with people- even close friends and family. As I came to this realization about myself, I was thrilled to discover a new way to identify with the meaning of my name...
Since coming home and reminiscing on my trip to Norway, I have read more about Averøy and learned that the famous Atlantic Ocean Road connects Averøya - the MAIN ISLAND - and the smaller, surrounding islands! Driving across this famous highway will always be a reminder of the enriched idea of who I am, where I've been, and from where I come. This trip was essential for me understanding my identity in so many ways, and I find this particular detail quite significant.
Q&A by Tidens Krav AS
How was it to come to Averøy? Describe your feelings on the trip out there.
Coming to Averøy had extreme significance for me. The exact city was unknown to me before my adventure with Alt for Norge, and on the drive, I was aching to see things for myself. We drove alongside fjords and jagged mountains, then we came to the Atlantic Ocean Road and I was stunned by the beauty and creativity of the road. I had so many questions racing through my mind as I admired each turn and change in height we took with the highway: What will this place look like? What did my ancestors appreciate about Averøy? How could they bear to leave? How were their living conditions? Who and where are my modern day relatives? Will I find a piece of myself through this journey after all?
What did you think when you saw the farm for the first time? What went through your head?
Recalling seeing the farm for the first time still brings tears to my eyes. The first building that I saw was a barn on the lower edge of the property. Immediately I had flashbacks of my childhood and wonderful memories of exploring the lofts, grooming my horse, and shooting bow and arrow against the outside walls. When I walked across the bridge and up the driveway, I was amazed at how much Tungset farm resembled the home where my family had lived before the tragedy. I wondered if some magnetic pull to our family's farmstead was attributed to our Norwegian roots in Averøy.
What was it like to sit on your ancestor's village and read the family history?
Sitting in the village of my ancestors and reading the family history was extremely surreal. My brothers and sister and I have considered the Tungset farm a legend since we were children... but we were missing some information! I am incredibly thankful to the geneologists and relatives who worked together to snap the missing puzzle pieces into place. As I read every name, date, and detail, I felt like there had been holes or wounds in my heart that were being filled and healed. So much of the story felt intimate and applicable to my life! It is very symbolic to me that this type of healing came while I was sitting in Averøy, on the steps of Tungset Gard, and it is with my whole heart that I can say I now embody the pride of my family's journey and am honored to better know our history.
What do you think about the farm and the nature around it?
The farm property immediately felt like home to me. As I gazed to the edge of the property, I felt protected by the forest and invited by the meadow. I imagined running around with my siblings and cousins and wondered if my ancestors had likewise played in this yard. It didn't take long for me to wish I could raise my own family in this place. The nature around the Tungset farm inspired me: flowers kissed the hill below the house, a young maple tree grew next to the barn, and a glimpse of the water on the horizon beckoned with the encouragement to seek adventure.
What kind of relationship have you got to Averøy and Norway after this visit?
My time in Averøy and Norway so helped me solidify parts of my identity that felt unanswered. Because of the lines of communication that were opened, I better understand Norwegian traditions, historical facts, and philosophies. My relationship now with Averøy and Norway is just getting started! I still feel like a young child who has much to learn, but I am thrilled to be on the right track.
Do you feel more or less Norwegian after this experience?
Before this experience, I thought "Alt for Norge" was a phrase that united and inspired cameraderie between Norwegians. The journey I took is in many ways attributed to the people I met in Norway who gave me a pride in the very concept of Alt for Norge that is so much deeper and truer. Tusen takk! After this experience, I feel that I have a firmer foundation of what it means to be Norwegian. I plan to continue building and strengthening my Norwegian identity and am honored to be able to pass down what I have learned to future generations.
Takk for sist!
Watch Alt For Norge on TV Norge Sunday nights at 20:00
Read more here:
http://www.pressreader.com/norway/tidens-krav/20151003/282003261242899/TextView
http://www.tk.no/nyheter/averoy/tv-serie/et-sar-i-hjertet-er-helbredet/s/5-51-117803
Earlier this year, I was given the honor and privilege of traveling to Norway to participate on Alt for Norge. When reading about the show, I understood it to be a wholesome, family-friendly travel abroad program where I would be intentionally taught about Norwegian values, traditions, philosophies, and language- the bonus was that parts of it would be tailored just for me so I could understand my family's place in all of those things. Alt For Norge is designed to connect Norwegian-Americans with their Norwegian heritage and connect them to modern day relatives.
Because of the circumstancing surrounding the tragedy of my father's death, I was asked to share my story with a newspaper in Norway. It was handled with extreme sensitivity by the production company, Monster, Inc. and the magazine, VG. They wanted me to be able to tell my perspective in its entirety before the show aired in August. My warmest thanks to Ingvill Dybfest Dahl for hearing my heart and communicating my story with such delicate respect, Tusen takk.
I have included a broad translation of the article below, and hope it continues to minister and call forth hope in the lives of many. God bless!
"All for Norway" - participant lost everything after shooting drama
** The mother shot her father ** Abused Drugs ** Raised by her sister
HAPPY IN LIFE: Kelsey Tungseth has not had it easy, but says she is full of hope. She wants to share her experience as a consolation for others affected by mental illness. Here she is pictured on Linnerud in Oslo Monday.
Photo: HELGE MIKALSEN, VG
After a personal tragedy and several difficult years, Kelsey Tungseth (27) no longer feels like an orphan. She is searching for her roots in Norway.
- I want to live with both wings and roots. And I have wings, says Kelsey Tungseth to VG.
It's a little over a day since she arrived in Norway, the country genes coming from both sides of the family.
- When I was growing up we made waffles to party, ate rømmegrøt on Christmas Eve and celebrated on 17 May in the church, tells the young American, and continues quietly:
- But now all my grandparents died, and my parents are not here, so this is my attempt to find the roots I lack. I hope it becomes a sort of reunion with a part of me I've lost.
Tungseth is here to take part in "All for Norway": Reality series on TVNorge with Henriette Bruusgaard as presenter where Norwegian Americans compete on friendly and humorous view of coming in close contact with their Norwegian heritage and meeting their Norwegian relatives.
But the road that has led Kelsey here, is far from the only merry.
- My parents met each other in the psychiatric ward. My mother was bipolar and my father worked as a nurse. But they later married and had four children together, she says.
NEW PARTICIPANTS: "All for Norway" The participants in Season Six's rear, from left: Joel Hilmo, Camille Humphery, Jacob Uggerud, Hannah Tjoflat, Quanzakari Dechiara-Crillon, and Adam Tock. Front from left Scott Wallingford, Sarah Jensen-Giampapa, Taylor Randle, Terese Roholte, Kelsey Tungseth, and David Engen. Front presenter Henriette Bruusgaard.
Photo: TVNORGE
According to Kelsey, the two daughters and twin sons were very proud of her father while growing up in Pennsylvania. He worked long hours as a carpenter, and sacrificed gladly his lunch break if it meant that he could follow up on the children choir concert or football game.
Bipolar disorder
- He was a family man. Mom was too, but she was not always healthy, says 27-year-old.
The children could wake to her mother played music and served them waffles with ice cream some days, and other days it was just quiet in the house, they prepared themselves for school, ate by themself, went to school and found her mother in bed still when they came home again.
- It is fascinating how children can adapt to situations they think is normal for everyone. It seemed not unusual for us, says Tungseth.
- I was 15 when they told me that my mom had bipolar disorder. At the time I was still a dramatic teenager myself, who did not understand what it meant that she had a chemical imbalance in the brain that gave her powerful mood swings.
When Kelsey was in her late teens parents decided to move to Minnesota, where they both came from. The move coincided with her mother lost her sister, who was also her best friend. At the same time had to double amputate his mother's father leg.
Also Kelsey uncle, a priest, has talked openly in church and local media about several of her sister's painful experiences.
Murder
- All of these changes together had been difficult even for a stable person, and my mother was not always stable. The move caused a great strain for her, and July 22, 2006 she snapped, says Kelsey and take a deep breath before she continued:
- She had created an idea in her head, and shot and killed my father.
Tungseth was 18 years old when the killing happened on the farm they lived on in Fergus Falls. She tells how she and her two years younger twin brothers sold goods at a market when she saw a friend come running over the area crying.
Her friend was sheriff daughter. Together they drove into the city and the police station. At arriving the sheriff met them. He too was crying. That morning he had trained with Kelsey's father at the local YMCA Center.
- He said "There is no easy way to say this: Your father is dead." When asked what had happened, he cried, "Your mother killed him." I remember that I was completely numb. So I called our sister who studied three hours away and asked if she could come.
Overall siblings
They alerted other family members and Raina drove to Fergus Falls with some of them.
- From that moment was Raina our guardian angel. My aunt told me that on the drive Raina already talked about how we needed a house, a place where we four siblings could stay together, says Tungseth in a cracking voice.
Sister Raina now has a master's degree in social work from Colombia. At this time she was 22 years old and studied psychology in Minneapolis.
- She was just 22 years and knew instantly what she should do. She has been the family rock since nine years ago, says Kelsey with a smile.
Parents liked to ride motorcycles and had been prescient enough to change their will and make eldest daughter of guardian of younger siblings as soon as she turned 18. They wanted their children to be kept together if something should happen to them.
Rusmisbruk
- How did you handle the tragedy?
- I handled it very poorly, says Kelsey and laugh through eyes shining.
- For two years I abused alcohol and drugs, and in another year I continued to experiment with drugs. I looked at it as an escape route. Then there was little in waves. I went to a new place and trying something new, started again and tried something new. I fled a long time.
But in 2009, took his sister Kelsey on a journey in Southeast Asia. Where they worked five weeks in a voluntary program to help inmates women and their children in Nepal's prisons, to ensure the children schooling and in some cases a new home. Then they traveled to Thailand, Malaysia and Cambodia.
- The experience was crucial in shaping me as I am today. The experience with Raina taught me so much about the small, practical things, like setting up budgets and planning. I learned many ways to become an adult.
SIBLINGS LOVE: The four siblings Tungseth on Raina's wedding day. From left: Anton Peter, Raina Leigh, Kelsey Maxine and Nicolai Paul.
Photo: PRIVATE
Found God
- I grew up in a Christian home, but it felt very distant to me when growing up. But in 2010, after I had traveled around a year, I looked up at the stars one night and heard God's voice say "I love you, I have adopted you into my family," says Norwegian American.
She cried then.
When she arrived returned Kelsey to a Christian, she joined missionary charity Youth With a Mission (YWAM), where she took several courses in order to help others.
- I missed the idea of an overall family. And from that moment I knew that I needed someone to lean on. I think I'm supposed to live with an authority figure who helps me to make wise choices, and with a group I can be friends with - and it gave me YWAM.
Now she travels as often as she is able, she studied comparative politics and religion, and is finishing a degree in media studies in May. Tungseth describes herself as full of hope.
- Resistance creates steadfastness, persistence gives character, and character creates hope. The only consolation is that God has given me comfort I now want to share with others, she says with enthusiasm in her voice and continues:
- I am glad that you write about this, for mental illness has long been swept under the carpet or kept silent in death. Many people feel confused or ashamed. But even when things fall together for a while, there is hope!
- I broke so many nice things in my life, but God has helped me to create a mosaic of it.
Forgave Her Mother
In recent years she has also managed to rebuild the relationship with the mother, who in May 2007 was sentenced to 28 years in prison. 18 of them must be atoned for, according to local newspaper Fergus Falls Journal.
- I was not talking to her for a couple of years. We needed time. But after what I experienced in 2010, I realized that part of the process of forgive myself, forgive mom, says Kelsey.
When grandfather was dying in the hospital, she received a phone call from her mother in his room.
- He wanted me to forgive her, and I had avoided talking about it, but when I took the phone and said, "Hi mom, this is Kelsey. I will just say that I love you and I forgive you." Sometimes you have to decide something many times before it sinks in. But as I said the words out loud, I felt a part of me had already been healed for a while.
Approximately once a year Kelsey visits her mother in prison, where she has a doctor's supervision and psychiatrist, engages in church and gets an education, according to her daughter. During the trial, her mother shared that for 26 years had struggled with mental illness. In 2025, she will be considered for released under supervision.
Avoids Ski
Now living siblings under two hours away from each other around Denver, Colorado, and has good contact. But despite the fact that she lives in Colorado, including renowned for skiing, not Kelsey admits to venture out skiing no more than about once a year.
- My siblings mine like it, but I'm a wimp when it comes to cold. But here in Norway I am ready to try everything we are thrust into with passion!
- I do not want that mental illness should define what happened to my family. It is so important for me, not only to learn more about Norway, but to learn about my ancestors. To find out more about my roots is a tremendous blessing. I do not feel orphaned anymore!
See original article here:
http://www.vg.no/rampelys/tv/tvnorge/alt-for-norge-deltaker-mistet-alt-etter-skytedrama/a/23442305/
AAAND here is a clip of me in one of my MANY "hometowns:"
Before this experience, I thought "Alt for Norge" to be a phrase that united and inspired cameraderie between Norwegians. The journey I took is in innumerable attributed to the people I met in Norway who gave me a pride in the very concept of Alt for Norge that is so much deeper and truer. Tusen takk! After this experience, I feel that I have a firmer foundation of what it means to be Norwegian, and I plan to continue building and strengthening my Norwegian identity. I am honored to be able to pass down what I have learned to future generations. Warmest regards!
