Then came our third Exchange Student. His name is Thomas Hjertaas. He lives in a city called Sandnes, Norway. The first time I met Thomas was in Sweden and at first Thomas was extremely shy. Can't say that I blame him really. I mean he is meeting me for the first time and all the thoughts going through his head had to be of excitement and worry at the same time. Thomas played in Basketball and Football while he was here. The first few months had to be hard on him. Going to a school of which he knows no one. This was all new to him, and sure there was times as with all the students to ask themselves. Why did I come here? That is natural feeling really. Thomas grades were so-so but he was a pretty decent young man. We learned allot from Thomas and know he learned allot from us as well. What does Thomas like to do? Well this guy loves Surfing. He also likes Music, Girls, and what every teen likes to do Parties. He also coaches a Basketball team in Sandnes. Thomas was a practical joker. More me that was a joker. Some of things that I did to Thomas was really cool. He had so much fun here that he came back for a visit the following year. We can go on and on about all the things that happened here but not enough time nor space to do that. Thomas was very successful here and had made a lot of good friends in which he still talks to even today. Thomas is very special to us and we love the guy very much. What is he doing now? Well this is his last year of school and after that he is attending a school/university and wants to be a Travel Agent and see the world. Will he doing YES no doubt about that. After that he has to join the Norwegian Military and that is mandatory over there. He is also working now as well. Not sure where however. Our feelings toward Thomas. Well Thomas is a good guy with a heart of gold. You can say that we love him too. And knows he feels the same too. Since the time Thomas has left us he has been back too visit. Michelle and I were both pretty nervous of seeing Thomas after a year has passed. Why well how much has changed between us. But there was no need to be like that. He had a great time coming back here, more so he got himself a ticket through the parks here and had to pay a fine. Out of the all the students we had and even now, Thomas has learned the most out of life in general. Wish him the best of everything that life can offer !!!
This guy Thomas was really something. The jokes I've played on him and he fell for it just about all the time. The bets he made with Mike Gnad was so stupid and everyone knew he would lose. But he didn't care. So why should we. Hey Thomas remember OH MY Darlings??? You should man. You still fell for it. The best time was playing pool and the bet he made against me. Make a long story short we bet a game if I won USA RULES, and if he won NORWAY RULES. Well that is a bet I wasn't about to lose. So Thomas what country is the best. USA USA USA Or should I say God Bless America, Land that I Love. One more thing that I remember with Thomas was the time we went fishing together. It was Thomas and Ryan and I. Well Thomas WOULD NOT put the worm on his hook. Ryan had to do that for him. Anyways, Thomas tried to tie the worm on several times. After awhile Thomas did do that himself. But it is a joke between us and honestly Thomas reminded me of those times and I had to put it in here. Saying all this is not in any way to make fun of Thomas, all I'm telling you is all the memories we've had while he was here. And Thomas you know that too. After all it was your idea wasn't it? But we love you Thomas and you also know that.
Well here it is 4 years since we saw this guy. Would you believe we still talk to each other after all that time? Well not as much as we would like but some is better than none don't you think? Thomas is out of the Norwegian Military now and he is so glad about that. As of now Thomas has moved out of his parents home and works at some Hotel in Sandnes, and is also planning to attend a University in England. Thomas is very happy now and that makes us extremely pleased. This young man really grew up to be a good guy but not only that Thomas is also a good person.
Thomas's Parents Lars & Anne & Benny visited us in April and these people are one of the nicest people we've ever met.
Links to Norway
