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Taking a brisk walk in the cold crisp
morning to the Quaker meeting, we pause briefly to take this photo of the
Stavanger harbor. The Gamle Rogaland is the center ship here. |
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The walk to this building, which houses
the Friends meeting place, took longer than expected and we were late. Hans
Eirik Aarek was out on the sidewalk to meet us. (We actually took this photo
afterwards.) |
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At the entry way to this upper floor
meeting place, Peg found the lines and slate roof tiles made a pleasing
visual composition. We soon entered and joined the silent meeting which was
in progress. It was a most pleasant and meditative experience. |
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After the worship service we moved to
another room where more family members joined us at the table. Here
shown are: Chris Heymans, Anna-Margrete (Met) Olden, Lilian Aarek (standing behind),
Hans Eirik Aarek, Keith, Espen Andersen, Susanna Heymans (just the top of the hair), Penny Heymans, Synne Aarek
(with Nina - just a little of her hair), Kjell Gunnar Ree (Synnes husbond), Torbjørn K. Aarek (bending to the right where Monica
Aarek Ree (invisible) sits, Trond Sviland and Johanne Skog Gripsrud. |
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Here Kjell Gunnar, Monica and Torbjørn
wait to be served the traditional rice porridge sprinkled with sugar and
cinnamon. It is customary for one almond to be somewhere in the porridge.
The person finding the almond in their portion is said to have good fortune
in the following year. He or she also is awarded the marzipan (sweetened
almond paste) pig. Peg was the delighted recipient. Juice was also served. |
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Anna-Margrete (Met) Olden made a gift to Peg of
a book she had written and illustrated about her experiences during WW II in
a German prison camp in Norway. She had been arrested by the Gestapo
in Stavanger and was incarcerated for 16 months. At 90, Anna-Margrete is energetic,
articulate and an inspiration. She had also been a secondary school
art teacher so she and Peg had some interesting discussions. |
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Hans Eirik (standing left) makes a point
as Keith looks over a fascinating older calendar he was given. The calendar,
which commemorated the 175 years of Quakers in Norway (1818-1993), had great
pictures and illustrations. Espen looks on. |
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We were given the distinct honor of
signing this guest book. Here it is opened to its first page and we notice
that the first entries were from the 1800's. We noticed many Quakers
from the US and Great Britain had signed this book. |
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Here is a close-up of the guest book.
We were surprised when we were told that
there are only around 140 Quakers currently in Norway. In trying to
learn more about the religious beliefs of his ancestors, Keith found this
"QUAKERS in
BRIEF" web site interesting.
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This is the view eastward from the
meeting place. This is not too far from where the ferry from England
docks |
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After the luncheon, Keith and Peg pose with the warm and gracious Hans Eirk Aarek,
philosophy professor and researcher on early Norwegian Quaker history. |
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As we leave, Peg spots and photographs
this painting of the sloop Restoration that hangs in the entry way to the
meeting place. |
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This photo of the group at the table and
the one following are courtesy of Hans Eirik Aarek. Clockwise
from left: Peg, Keith, Espen Andersen, Susanna Heymans, Penny Heymans, Synne Aarek
(with Nina on her lap), Kjell Gunnar Ree, young Monica Aarek Ree, Torbjørn K. Aarek, Trond Sviland and Johanne Skog
Gripsrud. |
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Here Peg and Keith wait as they are
served their porridge. Anna-Margrete is on the far left.
We humbly
and sincerely thank the Friends of Stavanger for this memorable experience.
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