Solveig from England

Solveig describes her childhood as a "child's paradise" and says that she and her siblings had so much fun. Now she is married and living in England with 3 children of her own.

How long have you been in the church?

I was lucky enough to be born in the church, so that makes 33 years!

Could you briefly describe your childhood for us?

I grew up in a child’s paradise! I always felt safe and loved, and we had so much fun. There were 12 children in our family, and we were allowed to have lots of pets: a parrot, cat, dog, rabbits, mice and fish. My mum made life really good for us – she prioritised our happiness over a tidy house. We were taken on lots of trips – skiing in the winter and camping in the summer.

For many years I took my happy childhood for granted – I thought all mothers and fathers were kind and good. It wasn’t until I got children of my own that I realized we as parents need God’s help to stop us from becoming angry and selfish.

What is your average day like?

I usually get woken up by one of my children, luckily not too early. We eat breakfast and then my two boys are off to school. I work two days a week, and the other days I do housework, go shopping or visit friends with my little daughter. In the afternoons I try to prioritise the family: some days we go swimming and play sport, other days we do art and craft, and we often have other children over to play.

As a family we love to do activities outdoors, like walking, swimming and cycling. We also have chickens and sheep that need to be looked after. I am never bored because there is always something to do!

What is the best part of being a mother?

The best part of being a mother is when my children give me a hug and I can see they are happy. I also love picking up my children from school, and watching my little boy running towards his sister to give her a hug and telling her he loves her.

Is there a specific word of God that has been a strength and inspiration to you throughout your life that you would like to share with us?

John 4:13-14. Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”

As human beings we are always looking for satisfaction, but if we try to become satisfied by doing our own will, we will soon “thirst again”. God’s Word is a drinking fountain that supplies living water, and when I drink from it I get inspired to live a life that will please Him every day, and that is why every day is interesting and good.

Week 27

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