So when are you moving?
Arthur's first day of work will be April 1st. We haven't bought our one-way tickets yet (eeek!) but our last days in Texas will probably be sometime around March 25th.
Where will you live?
Stavanger, Norway. We are lucky to have traveled there last summer so we have *a little* bit of an idea of what we're getting ourselves into.
What do your families think about the move?
We're blessed to both have families that unconditionally support us and our crazy dreams. We've received nothing but encouragement and well wishes from our families. However, I know that they are very sad about us being so far away. Although our plan has never been to live away from our families, God's plan has been different. That part hurts sometimes but it makes the time we spend together that much more precious!
Stavanger, Norway. We are lucky to have traveled there last summer so we have *a little* bit of an idea of what we're getting ourselves into.
Will you sell your house?
Yes...we will be selling our sweet little home that I really thought we would have our first child in. This house has been a place of much love, growth, and happiness for us. Bittersweet...
Yes...we will be selling our sweet little home that I really thought we would have our first child in. This house has been a place of much love, growth, and happiness for us. Bittersweet...
Will your baby have dual-citizenship (American/Norwegian)?
The short answer - NO. The reason why is a bit more complicated. Unlike the US, Norway does not automatically grant "birthright citizenship".
The short answer - NO. The reason why is a bit more complicated. Unlike the US, Norway does not automatically grant "birthright citizenship".
Have you thought about applying to International House Hunters (the show on HGTV)?
This is probably the #1 question I get from coworkers, friends, and random people (including my dental tech and dog groomer!) when they hear we are moving abroad. I actually submitted and application on January 1st while we were watching the 2014 Rose Bowl Parade. No, I have no heard from them.
This is probably the #1 question I get from coworkers, friends, and random people (including my dental tech and dog groomer!) when they hear we are moving abroad. I actually submitted and application on January 1st while we were watching the 2014 Rose Bowl Parade. No, I have no heard from them.
Is it expensive to live in Norway?
The short answer - YES. But again, the answer is more complicated. I can say, from personal experience, it was shocking to spend at least $40 US for a small glass of wine. A nice dinner out ran us at least $200 - $300 USD. However, economics is NOT my favorite topic of conversation so check out this post (at MyLittleNorway.com...by far the BEST expat blog I've found yet!) for more detail than my little mathematically-challenged brain is capable of understanding!
The short answer - YES. But again, the answer is more complicated. I can say, from personal experience, it was shocking to spend at least $40 US for a small glass of wine. A nice dinner out ran us at least $200 - $300 USD. However, economics is NOT my favorite topic of conversation so check out this post (at MyLittleNorway.com...by far the BEST expat blog I've found yet!) for more detail than my little mathematically-challenged brain is capable of understanding!
How long will you be there?
His work contract is for 3 years.
His work contract is for 3 years.
What is the weather like there?
The winters are cool and dark (due to the short days and rain.) I have heard from people currently living in Stavanger that it doesn't snow "that much". However, I think that's relative because I've seen snow on the forecast almost weekly since the beginning of December. When you tell a Texan it doesn't snow "that much" I'm thinking less than once a year. I think it's more that that.
The summers range from cool to almost warm (at least when we were there.) There is less rain and the sun shines for up to 18 hours!
I can't speak to the Fall or Spring but I've been telling people that the weather seems to closely resemble Seattle. Due to it's location on the coast, Stavanger has a maritime climate that stays fairly constant year-round. It's not frigid, and snow-packed like many people think of when they first imagine Norway.
The winters are cool and dark (due to the short days and rain.) I have heard from people currently living in Stavanger that it doesn't snow "that much". However, I think that's relative because I've seen snow on the forecast almost weekly since the beginning of December. When you tell a Texan it doesn't snow "that much" I'm thinking less than once a year. I think it's more that that.
The summers range from cool to almost warm (at least when we were there.) There is less rain and the sun shines for up to 18 hours!
I can't speak to the Fall or Spring but I've been telling people that the weather seems to closely resemble Seattle. Due to it's location on the coast, Stavanger has a maritime climate that stays fairly constant year-round. It's not frigid, and snow-packed like many people think of when they first imagine Norway.
What do your families think about the move?
We're blessed to both have families that unconditionally support us and our crazy dreams. We've received nothing but encouragement and well wishes from our families. However, I know that they are very sad about us being so far away. Although our plan has never been to live away from our families, God's plan has been different. That part hurts sometimes but it makes the time we spend together that much more precious!
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