Hello, and thank you for taking the time to read my new blog!
I am starting this blog to document all of my experiences during my trip to Iceland. I am about to embark on an epic journey to discover and learn more about my Icelandic heritage.
This trip is a dream come true, and I am so grateful that I have this amazing once in a lifetime opportunity. Last year I applied to participate in whats called the SNORRI program. The Snorri program is a non profit organization established back in 1999, that brings together young people of Icelandic origin living in Canada and the United States to discover the country, culture, nature and language of their ancestors, and to create and/ or strengthen new bonds with relatives living in Iceland. This will be a 6 week adventure that will offer a unique experience of the country, its nation, culture and nature.
Until recently, I had no knowledge of my Icelandic heritage. My father was adopted 53 years ago, and has recently been re-united with his birth family. Both of my parents have always had an interest in researching our family's genealogy, and upon finding my father's birth family, they found Icelandic ties from my paternal grandmother. What they found was that my 3rd great grandparents Erlendur Arnason and Katrina Jonsdottir were among the first Icelandic immigrants to Spanish Fork, Utah. Both of their names are memorialized on the monument in Spanish Fork that honors the group of 410 Icelanders who immigrated to Utah between 1855 and 1914. Erlendur Arnason was born at Stor i Lambhagi, Leira, Borgarfjardar. He came to Spanish Fork around 1880, where he wanted to learn the trade of being a goldsmith and learn more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was a great reader and writer and owned an agency for selling men's suits. He was also a calligrapher.
With this newly found heritage I have this unique opportunity to learn more about my ancestors. I hope that by being submersed into the culture I will be able to not only learn, but also learn about myself and how I belong in this world. In the past few years I have undergone a lot of major life changes, and have had an opportunity to learn more about who I am. This journey will aid me in my search of self discovery and I couldn't be more excited!
I do want to thank all of those who have made this dream into a reality. I would not have been able to participate if it weren't for these individuals and organizations. First and foremost, I want to thank my parents Ken and Sheron Drake. They have supported me and encouraged me throughout my life, and have done a lot to prepare me for this trip. I also want to thank Asta Sol Kristjansdottir, the Snorri program coordinator for being so kind and helpful in preparing me for this journey. I also want to thank the Utah Icelandic Association, Icelandic Roots and Rosemary Guttormsson for granting me scholarships to help fund this adventure. With so many people helping me make this dream a reality, I know in my heart that Iceland is calling my name, and this will be and adventure that I will never forget!
Stay tuned for more blog updates, I will be departing in about 3 weeks!!!
