Alt for Norge - "Fighting for your Family"

It is fair to say that I will never be able to fully express my gratefulness

to the creators of Alt for Norge, Monster, TV Norge, O'Connor Casting, Producers, Directors, Journalists, Crew, Editors, [and Transcriptors I met in the end of June who got to know the cast better than anyone else: a special thank you ;)]

but let me try to begin with this:

Familie // Family // Familia

Takk for sist.

When I first began to explain Alt for Norge to people, I described it to be a "travel abroad reality program that was fine-tuned for people to better understand their Norwegian background." After participating, I have added to that perception in abundant ways. I cannot count all the blessings that my time in Norway gave to me. The show revealed to me that I have "several hundred biological relatives in Norway," and I think that the word "biological" is key... because the love and support I have received from beautiful Norwegian hearts across the nation (and world) has me actually believing that I have several thousand Norwegian relatives... and a few hundred of them are "biological." Alt for Norge was an experience different from any I have ever had, and the people I traveled with had a profound influence on how I look at life. For those of you who sat with me and shared your worldview, philosophies, and life experiences, tusen takk for personally investing in my understanding of Norway.

Creativity, in its essence, should inspire growth and an ability to perceive things in new ways.

And I applaud those who work so hard to do that through Alt for Norge.
What seems, from first glance, to be a "travel abroad reality program,” Alt for Norge is, in all actuality, a tool through which a team of intellectual and passionate people are instilling knowledge, identity, pride, and a number of other values to millions of people. It feels as though much of Norway has been inviting myself and our other dear friends from season six into your homes each Sunday night, and we consider that an honor. Tusen takk.

Together we have learned about some of the great heroes of Norway, important economic trades of the past and present, significant historical events, and, certainly most relevant to us all, how to prepare smalahove. Alt for Norge cultivates the desire to grasp our history so we are better equipped to work together in the future. This experience felt like a textbook of treasured information came to life before my very eyes, and I learned so much; I would love to see something like this in the United States! From what I have heard, the viewers appreciate this education and entire families consider it worthwhile entertainment. Skol to Monster, TV Norge, and the brilliant creators who have taken on this challenge to strengthen Norway’s unity, establish an affection for education, and teach people that families are precious and worth fighting for; and everyone can make that decision each day. All of us have this unfathomable opportunity to build relationships with one another, and choosing to love one another is the greatest gift we can ever give.

Love one another; fight for your family.

As I watched the episodes this fall and heard the perspectives of the other contestants, my understanding and empathy has developed. It means a lot to hear from others who watch the show that you have related to each one of us for particular reasons. You shared that you have cried, laughed, and bit your nails with us through the suspense. I applaud the crew and production team who went above and beyond to create an experience for each and every one of us: you continue to master the art of creativity. Not only do you see things in unique ways, but you use that gift to impart the ability to others.

This journey was an emotional rollercoaster for which I am both thankful and overwhelmed.... I have had a lot of great journal sessions- so thanks, AFN team! It is crazy how many emotions can be stirred while verbally-processing your past experiences, present thought processes, and future hopes and dreams. Many hidden hurts I have were exposed and I am glad to have the opportunity to address the parts of me that needed to find solace and healing. Thor Oreld, thank you for giving me the word "reconcile" in your most sincere manner in Reisadalen. Trust that tapping into the concept of fighting for your family has taught me an invaluable lesson, and I will do my best to remain a "good sport" in that "challenge" for the rest of my life.

Know that I am still chasing after the dream of meeting my "Big Norwegian Family." Since the filming ended, many of my Norwegian relatives and I have been able to email and enjoy a "Facebook Group." I am glad to hear little updates here and there from them and enjoy sharing with them what is new in my life. My siblings have enjoyed hearing about my trip, reading letters, looking at pictures, and have had a great time watching episodes- we all hope to visit Norway together and I have so many things I want to share with them! We have a new addition to the family to bring to Norway, as well! A big “Gratulerer” to my sister, Raina, and her husband Dan, on the arrival of their precious daughter Harper Rain, born 19 October. I am so proud to be a tante <3 and we decided to go with the affectionate nickname “Tia Kelsey.”

My sweet mom has been overjoyed to hear about my Norway adventure. Both she and my father have Norwegian heritage, and Mom actually studied at a Folk School called Trøndertun in 1978-79. Since coming home from Norway, I have been able to visit Mom three times in Minnesota. Another Alt for Norge outcome I am thankful for is that some of her old friends and classmates have reached out and reconnected with her. Tusen takk to everyone for your kind and compassionate hearts!

Gratulerer

As I previously mentioned, I anticipate that I will never be able to describe how thankful I am to those who made this experience a possibility, and I congratulate all of my co-competitors for participating in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

David Engen, You have a big heart and I am proud of you! Congratulations for giving your all and winning the whole thing! You gave so much advice and input and I learned a tremendous amount from you on this journey, thank you for everything <3

Hannah Tjoflat, You inspire me, and I appreciate your genuine love for others. You have a heart of gold. Thank you for reflecting Jesus in such an authentic way.

Taylor Randle, You have the most contagious laugh; thanks for coaching every one of us on how to stay “calm, cool, and collected.”

Quazakari Dechiara-Crillion, You have a brilliant mind. I liked getting to hear your thoughts, and it was fascinating to watch you grow on this trip. Vil du vaere vennen min?

Adam Tock, You connected with every person on the cast in a unique way that shows people they are respected and valued. You are my favorite explorer; thanks for taking me treasure hunting in every city we visited- even when once it meant finding a Burger King in Oslo.

Jake Uggerud, Sweet Jake, you are so much fun to be with and I admire your passion for Norway. You are so optimistic and have a fantastic ability to dream. Keep chasing those dreams!! I love your heart.

Tess Roholt, You are sweet and real and I loved the chances when I got to hear your heart on this adventure. Thanks for sharing your multifaceted self- your comical side and your depth. You are loved.

Scott Wallingford, You value family so much, it is beautiful hearing about how much you love your son and your sisters. Thanks for striving for success on this adventure. Also, This. Man. Can. Dance.

Joel Hilmo, You have an ability to lead people and make them feel at ease. You are a romantic, and I love the genuine heart behind your sweep-her-off-her-feet lines.

Sarah Jensen Giampapa, Oh hei, love! I clicked with you from day one and appreciate your say-it-as-it-is attitude. Thanks for opening up to me and letting me into your life.

Camille Humpherys, Sunshine girl, you have an ability to encourage others and push yourself and I respect you for looking for ways to give life and God your absolute everything! Let your heart grow a size every day, you are lovely.

Takk for praten!

Kelsey Maxine Tungseth

fra Averøy og Pennsylvania, Minnesota, og Colorado