2009 - One Big Shark, One Small Boy, Two Big Hearts
In 2009, Kari and Eilif came to Thailand for a short visit.
It was their first meeting with Peter, who was then only four years old.
We spent a full day together at Bangkok’s Ocean World, walking beneath the huge aquarium tunnels while sharks and rays passed silently above us.
Some of my most treasured photos from that day show Peter standing inside the open jaws of a giant shark display — first with Kari, then with Eilif, both of them laughing, protective, and completely present.
In others, Peter walks hand in hand with Kari through the aquarium, as if they had already known each other for years.
Eilif later took him to the gift shop, where Peter chose his very first large toy fish — and we ended the day with his first ever visit to McDonald’s, which for him felt like a great life adventure.
It was a simple day, full of laughter and quiet connection.
Years later, life took a more demanding turn.
Although I had managed to enroll Peter at Varee Chiangmai School, the world economy shifted.
The Thai baht strengthened sharply while the Norwegian krone weakened, and suddenly, the buying power of my pension was nearly cut in half.
I never spoke about this.
I never asked for help.
But Kari and Eilif understood — without being asked.
They stepped in so that Peter could continue at Varee Chiangmai School.
Not with noise, not for recognition, but quietly, with dignity and care.
Later, when Peter received a scholarship to United World Colleges in Africa, they again helped to cover what was not included, so that it became a complete support for his education.
Today, Peter is studying at St. Olaf College in the USA on a full scholarship — something he has earned through his own effort and ability — but one that was made possible by the foundation Kari and Eilif helped him build.
Their support was never about money alone.
It was about belief, encouragement, and presence.
Some kindness cannot be measured.
It simply stays in the heart.
