Elen in Storvik - poor, yet so rich
In Elen's home, the door was always open and the coffee was ready. She married Peder Jensen, Per-Jensa, in Storvik. The marriage remained childless until one day they were asked to take in a foster child. Then another, and another, and another. Elen welcomed 18 children, both into her home and into her heart.
Her husband was a fisherman and the farm was small. But there was plenty of room and shelter. Not just for all the children, but also for the old neighbours and Elen's elderly parents. Elen also kept her heart warm for the neighbouring children, who remembered her with the taste of cheese cubes and dried meat. Elen and Per Jensa believed that the Lord provided them with what they needed to do their work.
In 1938, Elen and Per-Jensa were awarded the King's Silver Medal of Merit. Not only had they done a tremendous job as carers, but their husband had also saved 12 people from drowning. However, they did not feel that they had earned this honour themselves, as they had simply done their duty as fellow human beings. They did not want to go to church to receive the medals. The parish priest had to go to their home, hold communion and present the medals.
