Those who have followed my adventures closely know that a year ago, during my first 90-day stay in Bergen, I was obsessively focused on learning Norwegain. I bought and dutifully followed an online course curriculum, spent 30 minutes per day studying vocabulary, and attended language practice cafes or spåkkafés each weekday. Knowing no one and wanting to build a community, I found it to be such a fulfilling experience and the best way to immerse myself.

Just watching the progression of my language skills increase was so rewarding that I was inspired to continue my studies when I returned to the United States for the summer. But sometime late last summer, I lost my momentum. The most obvious explanation is that when our focus became more on living in the United States than Norway, the energy and discipline required to learn a language were just nowhere to be found.

However, I wanted to continue to engage with my community and meet new people when I returned to Norway in the fall. My response was to continue with spåkkafés four days a week. I even found a language friend to practice my Norwegain with privately!

Then, I left again in November with no intention of returning. I stopped studying completely. I did not speak nor think about Norwegain for three months until our plan took a 180° turn, and I was again booking a flight to Bergen. Of course, I still had to fill my time with meaningful pursuits and feel invested in my surroundings. I decided that I had put in my time with spåkkafés, and it was time to change things up a bit.

It was time to start volunteering.

Serhii notified me that Caritas Norge was looking for volunteers to teach English. I eagerly sent an email and was informed that they were seeking an assistant teacher, and I was welcome to join the next class in that role.

Wanting to build my weekly schedule more, I noticed that Caritas also offered Norwegain courses. Having studied online and practiced speaking for countless hours in groups but never having taken a formal in-person Norwegain course, I was excited at the opportunity.

Last week, after my Wednesday evening class ended, a lady from Pakistan, whose husband works in the oil industry, began speaking with me. She was so engaging and friendly and invited me to come by for coffee after class sometime. As we went our separate ways, I could not help but smile as I walked to the bus station. Just like at spåkkafés, I met a wonderful person who may become part of my growing community here. And it struck me that learning Norwegain has never been about learning Norwegain at all.