So here I am at the church right now getting ready for a worship team Christmas party! We will be practicing some songs and eating the traditional Norwegian Christmas rice porridge called "grøt." You hide a blanched almond in the grøt and whoever finds the almond wins a big, pig-shaped piece of marzipan. Marzipan in Norway is really, really good for all of those who HATE marzipan in the States.

On Sunday I taught the youth kids from grades 6-10 for the last time this year. We finished up our study of Philippians. Then at the second service on Sunday THIRTEEN kids from the youth group came to the service. Thirteen! We haven't forced them to come or even said anything at youth group about coming. They've been coming of their own free will. We don't have anything planned for them in terms of a separate youth teaching or anything on Sundays, so they sit in the services. A pretty large crowd from the youth group has been coming for quite a long while now, which is very impressive. Also, at the second meeting, two of the kids decided to become members of the church. Wow! Their families aren't members at the church, but they decided to become members of their own free will. I am so proud of the kids and so excited that they are growing in the Lord and taking steps toward Him. Just when I think it couldn't get any better with the kids, they just keep growing and living for Jesus. Praise God!

So I leave you now to go and taste the julegrøt. Have a fabulous week!