Bente field trip and art

Oct. 4
Today I was up crack a dawn to catch the train from As to Moss and then from Moss, I took the ferry to Hotten. There, Bente Berget picked me up and we drove to a "care farm".

Here is the Hotten wharf.











At this care farm, they specialize in sheep - not just any kind of sheep, but the "Spalsau" sheep. It is an old norwegian heirloom breed that comes from viking times and were found on many islands around norway.

This particular care farm serves people in need of both vocational and psychological services.
There are up to seven participants at a time - working days Monday - Friday - either with the horses, rabbits or sheep. Participants have the option of staying 1- 2 years to work on their "plans" to reintegrate into work life. Many participants attending have had difficulty with drugs/alcohol stemming from depression.

Today I had the pleasure of meeting four of the seven participating at this time. I was not able to take photos due to confidentiality, but was able to talk with them about their experiences. I asked each one what they liked best about working on the farm - each had something to say about how the animals make them feel better and make them happy. But one fellow was very introspective and said how the animals give him an opportunity to give care and nurturing to another being - and how that is important for people to learn how to give care to someone outside of themselves.

We talked also about their stories and how they choose the farm - some stories were heart-breaking - but I felt honored to be there to listen and learn how sharing time with the animals have given them renewed hope and motivation to get back into the society. It was a very fulfilling experience - one that I will treasure in my memories.

Here are some photos of the house and some of the sheep.



















P.S. I have also been meaning to tell you a funny story. Since I arrived, I noticed a little blue cooler out in the lawn in front of the Tower buidling. It has been there for weeks and weeks (here is a photo)













So, the other day I thought - this is ridiculous, no one has moved that cooler - I will bring it to the main office so someone can claim it. Well, I come to learn, this is not just any cooler - this is an "art" cooler. Yes - it is a public art piece that is one of the UMB's pride and joy! I asked Grete about it and she said "oh yes, it has been there for over 6 years now - we love it as a conversation starter". She and I laughed after I told her about how I was going to bring it to the office. Anyway, here is the plaque that is attached to a neighboring tree and another close up of this provocative art piece (and some insight into the Norwegian humor).