Great support for baby singing:
This winter and spring, more and more people have found their way to the church sound system at Skei on Thursday mornings. Here, Elsa Jensvold has welcomed mothers and babies for singing and shared meals. Now she gives herself religious education in Surnadal parish, and she will be missed by young and old alike.
Baby song
Baby singing is part of the faith education offered to all children in the orphanage. Here, parents can come with their little ones and meet like-minded people. The meeting itself starts at 11 o’clock, but usually only half the group has arrived by then. It can be a feat in itself to leave home, when everything has to be timed with breastfeeding, sleeping, nappy changes and sick siblings. But Elsa has a stoic calm, and an infectious mood. As soon as you arrive, you are warmly welcomed and meet with smiles and a pleasant community. This can do wonders for a mother who has often slept far less than average.
Rhythm eggs and big waves
The collection lasts for a short half hour, and contains both song, dance, rhythms and rules. Organist Oddveig often joins in and plays, it gives a boost with live music! It alternates between well-known children’s songs from both the Christian song tradition and more common ones such as little Petter edderkopp. Everything with the baby in focus. At the start, a welcome song is always sung for each individual child. It is wonderful to see the individual’s response when Elsa brings her rhythm egg and sings the names.
Another highlight is when the children get to lie under a blue tulle blanket and watch the “waves” when we sing “Big wave, little wave”. Then there are many big eyes and fencing hands. The children get excited as soon as Elsa brings the basket of rhythm instruments. It is clear that they recognize themselves and remember what is going to happen. Soon we will be singing “Jesus loves all the children” and “Bæ, bæ little lamb” to the babies’ own rhythms. The gathering ends with listening to “The Blessing” while the adults blow soap bubbles over the babies who are lying in a ring.
The good conversation
After the singing session, Elsa covers for lunch with home-baked rolls and cold cuts on platters. It doesn’t take much more until the mothers feel that they are being properly appreciated. The conversation goes easily and you get a good opportunity to get to know each other better. Some babies lie calmly in their mother’s lap and breastfeed, others crawl under tables and some sit in chairs and eat. And all the while Elsa sits on the floor as cheerful as the sun and plays with those lying on the mat. The mothers talk about how good it is to meet others, and to actually be able to drink the coffee while it’s hot. A welcome break in an often hectic and somewhat monotonous everyday life.
We will miss you
Last week, Elsa shared the news that she will not continue in religious education at Skei after the summer. It was a sad message to receive for those of us who have been gathered weekly all spring. But as Elsa says, it’s very nice to give your best! The gang had joined together for flowers and cake, and it was a pleasant and good ending with lots of hugs and smiles. We wish Elsa all the best on her way forward.
Tags: Heartwarming Elsa
