Our Story

The Saga of Finding Each Other
 

Missions, Technology, and Travels

We have known each other for over ten years! The foundation of our friendship began in Brussels, Belgium where we were both serving missions for the LDS church. Tarjei was a novelty, being from Norway, and Julianna was always putting together some sort of musical event involving all the missionaries, including Tarjei. A few simple conversations here and there have remained in both of our memories over the years.

After our missions, we both went home to our own countries where Tarjei completed his mandatory military service, and Julianna finished her studies and began her music teaching career. Not much happened between the two of us for many years...after all, he was in Norway and she was in the U.S.

Technology began to change everything! In 2004, email contact reconnected the two of us, and we began keeping casual tabs on each other. More than anything, we were a support to each other going through a variety of experiences. Yet, if we're honest, we'd have to admit we both had thoughts every now and then wondering if there could ever be something more.

Fast forward to 2009, and everything turned upside down (or right side up)! Tarjei sent an email to Julianna which made her pause and realize that she had a true friend in him. Despite this realization, she wasn't ready to point her life in the direction of Norway. However, little by little, emails became more frequent, and the friendship grew. It wasn't long before an invitation was made to reconnect on Skype. And, that's all it took! One conversation on Skype and we were hooked! We both immediately felt a connection and were thrilled to have "real" contact with each other.

Before long, it became obvious that skyping just wasn't going to cut it. So, plans were made for Tarjei to come to the U.S. in February 2010. Never before had either felt so nervous to see someone! But, it ended up being a first date never to be forgotten. We finally went on the skiing trip that Tarjei had promised ten years previous (albeit it was in Utah instead of Norway), and we got to give Tarjei his first taste of Southern Utah.

Skiing in Brighton, Utah

Bryce Canyon, Utah

It was apparent to both of us that together we had something we both wanted in our lives, so another trip was planned.  This time Julianna went to Norway, the land of vikings, trolls, and her love!

The Viking Museum in Oslo, Norway

We mentioned there would be trolls in sagas!

The Oslo airport before having to say good-bye for a few months!

And, since then we've enjoyed two more trips to see each other.  Each time has been filled with so much to do and a desire to spend every minute that we possibly can with each other!

July 2010 - Our "date" in Utah and Colorado

Boating in Lake Dillon, Colorado

Leadville, Colorado

Tarjei's first visit to a "big" U.S. city - Denver, Colorado

 Playing in Goblin Valley, Utah

  

July 2010 - Our "date" in Norway

Visiting the beautiful harbor city of Bergen, Norway.

Bergen, Norway

Oslo, Norway

So, there's our saga that has definitely been a journey spanning a decade.  While both of us may wonder why it had to take ten years, we have no doubt that we are incredibly grateful to be a part of each others' lives at last! However, this is only the start of our journey together, and as we venture on, we are sure there will be many more happy memories to share:-)