Wednesday April 13, 2011, a-DomenicoF (Italy):
Hello Odd and all. I've just added three adjectives suitable to Odd's personality. I met him in Monza at Pia's home some years ago. I was positively impressed by his sensibility (= sensible), his purposefulness (= purposeful) and his deservingness (= deserving).
Thanks for all your own time devoted to Kidlink and HAPPY BIRTHDAY :-)
a-DomenicoF from Italy

Wednesday April 13, 2011, a-EyglóB (Iceland):
Dear Odd
We, „Fridrik-the fisherman“ and me, will never forget the wonderful Autumn-days we had at your (and AnneToves) home at the Kidlink meeting 2001.

Especially I remeber the day we went out fishing with you. The sea was a little bit rugg and I remeber how you convinced me that everything would be OK :-)and of course everything turned out just fine, what else! :-)

I sure hope to be able to visit you again some time Odd and enjoy your hosbitality and I wish you a happy birthday with a big hug from me and Fredrik

Wednesday April 13, 2011, a-StellanK (Sweden):
I know Odd since 1995-96. Odd was hard like rock if he was decided upon something but I liked this "stubborness" and dedication. Odd made a big impression on me in many ways. Not to forget, I left Saltrod being completely cigar addicted, for more than two years! Happy Birthday Odd!

Wednesday April 13, 2011, a-LelyN (Uruguay):
Hi Odd and everyone!
Happy birthday dear friend!
Sorry I could not be able to be with you personally, but I'll be there virtually giving you a big hug.
I feel very honored to have had the opportunity to meet Odd, a sincere, enthusiastic, friendly man, and basically a great person and friend.
Cheers.
Lely

Thursday April 14, 2011, a-JayshreeN (India):
Happy Birthday Odd !

Thank you for being there in Kidlink, and pioneering such a great art- activity for kids worldwide !

I am sad that i didnt get to interact with you but have worked closely with AnneTove :)
With Hugs and Best Regards and wishing you great joy on your birthday...
Jay
(Jayshree Nair-Misra, India)

Friday April 15, 2011, A-PattiW (United States):
Happy Birthday, Odd! You have no idea how much you and your work have enriched youth and adults around the world. :-) Kidlink is responsible for the global perspective I now have. Kidlink truly changed my life. I can never thank you enough for all of the wonderful memories. May God bless you on your special day! Love and hugs, Patti

Friday April 15, 2011, a-AndreaS (Italy):
Hello Odd!! Happy birthday! I wish I could have come along with Pia - but as she'll tell you I am a bit busy with my relocation to Amsterdam!!!
I really hope all is fine and we'll meet again in the beautiful Arendal (and Saltrød!)!!!

Friday April 15, 2011, a-DanW (United States):
Happy Birthday Odd!

I have very fond memories of my previous visits to Saltrod and I certainly wish I could be there to celebrate with you.

I would like to propose a toast to the brilliance of your vision in creating Kidlink--may it prosper as a living memorial to you and it continue to make a difference in the lives of kids in these troubled times.

~~Dan Wheeler

Friday April 15, 2011, a-IsamuSh (Japan):
Happy birthday,dearest Odd San!
I visited your home in 1993 and in
2007 for the second time. But I hope
to visit again and again from Japan!
Isamu Shimazaki

Saturday April 16, 2011, a-TheresaA (United States):
Happy birthday Odd! I am new to Kidlink but very happy and excited to be a part of the community. Many more happy and fulfilling birthdays to you!

Sunday April 17, 2011, a-graziellas (Italy):
ciao Odd, buon compleanno!!! ... e cento di questi giorni!
I remember your warm welcome when we met the first time and how I realized to be on the same wavelenght as you. I really appreciated your ideas, the ones which led to projects like voice and career. Now I'm still volunteering, more in the CGIL Union I know, but I do not forget Kidlink and all its friends. Be happy! "Bacioni" by Graziella

Sunday April 17, 2011, a-HanneW (Denmark):
Dear Odd,

Happy birthday !!!!
I remember with joy the wonderful days we had in Norway and Puerto Rico - you have made it possible to unite people from all over the world. A very special ability. Hugs to Anne-Tove and you from Hanne Wolff

Monday April 18, 2011, a-piaa (Italy):
FROM ROOPAL:

Happy Birthday my dear friend Odd!
It must be a pleasure to see your eyes twinkle while going through all these messages!! :-) I am sure, and I wish you all the very best for coming years and I wish you both happiness. This on-line party would not be possible if your sweet and lovely wife AnneTove didn't plan a surprise!

Oh I wish I was present at the physical party happening at Norway, but I am there, I am always there, with you both spiritually.
Many many good wishes for the entire Group!

Thinking back, working with him, I felt so touched by his niceness, which one could see in all the projects, all over. He knew EXACTLY when, and what a kid would want. Only people with golden heart can sense this. (this goes for both of them!)
For an example, when a major earthquake hit my country, he said: "Reports from your country made me worried. Here are my suggestions for the kids in your camp: Suddenly orphaned kids need friends. Support. Warmth. Someone who cares. Something positive and promising to focus on. Some hope for the future. Some order in chaos... Start by asking them to complete Kidlink's four questions. Expect warm messages of support from kids around the world. Print out and post on walls. Share, share, share....."

Share, share, share.... that's what my dear friend Odd and AnneTove have been doing since the beginning, and I SALUTE them both for their this very rare, special quality.
Thinking back, personally, we have shared our joy & sorrows, worries & happiness, and many more. It is really hard to find such wonderful friends and colleagues, I have been fortunate.

Here is a TOAST to both of you, Odd and AnneTove!!
MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY!!
Love you both!
Roopal

Monday April 18, 2011, a-RebeccaL (United States):
Dear Odd,

You, your ideas, and KIDLINK changed my teaching and my life. I still remember when I first registered for KIDLINK during Kids-92 ... and the first messages I received from faraway lands. One of the first was from a young lady in the old Soviet Union who wished to be a "good woman" and visit other places in the world.
You and my KIDLINK friends opened my eyes to the world. No longer was I all alone in my classroom. Now, I could share learning ideas with and get help from experts around the world. My students started thinking more globally. Their communications introduced them to different cultures.
..and some of the best times of my life have been spent with my KIDLINK friends in Boston, Chicago, Rio, and Arendal. Thanks to all who had a part in making those times possible.
Happy Birthday, Odd!! It would be great to be there for the celebration. May you be blessed with many more years of love, family, friends, and happiness.
Hugs,
Rebecca

Tuesday April 19, 2011, a-RebeccaL (United States):
Jamie Wilkerson Reinsch and Sally Bair asked that I send Odd a big Happy Birthday from them!!

Tuesday April 19, 2011, a-Oddd (Norway):
Blush! So many warm words. Warms my heart. Reading your messages has allowed me to connect mentally to each one of you wonderful people.

Hugs, Odd