Lerhol vs. Lerohl...what a small world we live in!

Dear Lerhol Family and Friends:

Things are settling in very well here in Minnetonka and life is seemingly more normal.  We have gotten used to being parents of a teenager again (which we really are enjoying) and Sondre has gotten used to life in the US.  The best part about being a host family is learning more about Sondre and his family and life in Norway.   He has shared so much about all of you and life on the farm...with pride and fondness. 

As I mentioned in a previous blog, Sondre's "Wide-Receivers" coach (Coach Croyle) is a grandson to Howard Lerohl (notice the different spelling...) who is a descendant of the Lerhol family from the North Farm in Vang, Norway.  Last night at Sondre's football game Howard Lerohl was there and was anxious to meet Sondre.  After the game, Coach Croyle introduced Sondre to Howard and they immediately started to speak in Norwegian.  Apparently, Howard met (Grandpa) Knut Lerhol in 1993 when Sondre's Dad (Jon) was a driver for the Norwegian Kings guard.  We hope to get to know him and his family while Sondre is in the US and to also introduce him to Knut and Torstein while they are in the US over Christmas.  We would like to make sure we introduce Howard to Frank and Beulah too.   In the US we have a saying that "we live in a very small world" and this is a perfect example. 

This is Coach Croyle and his darling family.  He is also Sondre's Civics teacher.

 Above is Howard Lerohl and Sondre after the game.  Coach Croyle is Howard's grandson.

Above is a picture of the Lerhol farm in Vang Norway.  Sondre's family lives on the farm on the far left and Howard's family is from the North farm on the right.  Absolutely beautiful.

As a side note:  Sondre was able to play in the Varsity game last night...Minnetonka won by a score of 42 to 0.  They are sure off to a great start.  Below is a shot of Sondre during the game and the band playing during half-time.

Last Sunday we had a meeting with all of the other AFS families in our local chapter.  It was nice for all of the host parents to meet and for the kids to meet as well.  Below is a picture of all of the kids...there are kids from Finland, Italy (she also goes to Minnetonka High School and is ADORABLE), Bangladesh, Germany, Japan and Uruguay.  There are many times over the next year that we will spend time with these families.  AFS is very organized to make sure the kids are doing well.  For the monthly meetings each student has to do a presentation on their country and culture.  We have to also make some Norwegian food...fortunately Bjorg ( Tore's mom) sent me a Norwegian cookbook last Christmas so we will find something delicious to make.  Sondre's presentation is on October 16th...we will share a copy of it in future blogs. 

 AFS students from all over the world.

School seems to be going very well.  We have access to Sondre's progress (homework, tests scores, etc... )on-line through the school computer system, so it is very easy to keep in touch with what is going on.  I am happy to say at this point he is doing well in all of his classes especially in Higher Algebra and also in Human Anatomy and Physiology.  In English he is reading Les Miserable  and next will read Hamlet.  I told him I would read them too (since I never have).

Last night after the football game there was a dance and Sondre attended the dance.  He had a great time but is fighting off a nasty "cold" so did not stay as long as he would have liked to.  He is just hanging out today so he can get well before school starts on Monday.

Next week at school is what we call "Homecoming" week.  In the  US it is a tradition and annual event at schools, colleges, and universities for returning graduates.  Along with a BIG football game, they crown a King and Queen of the school; there are parades, and a dance where the kids all get dressed up.  We will post pictures next week.  Also, this week Scott will be taking Sondre's "senior" pictures...which is also a tradition here in the US. Sondre will get copies of the pictures, have one for the yearbook and exchange with his friends.

Scott and I both have to travel for work next Tuesday and Wednesday (I am going to Columbia South Carolina and Scott is going to Philedelphia.  Courtney, Ryan and Amelia will staying at our house with Sondre. Norman (their 90 pound yellow Labrador) will be here too…Norman and Sondre have really bonded.  Courtney and Ryan shared some really exciting news that they are expecting their second child in March.  It will be fun to have Sondre here for that blessed event.  J

Hope all is well.  Lots of love from Minnesota.  .