Elen i Storvik. Foto: Nord-Troms museum.
Elen in Storvik - poor, but yet so rich
In Elen’s home, the door was always open and the coffee always warm. She married Peder Jensen, Per-Jensa, in Storvik. The marriage remained childless, until one day they were asked to adopt a foster child. Then another, and another, and another. Elen welcomed 18 children, both in her home and in her heart.
Elens husband was a fisherman and their farm was small. But they had room for many. Not only to all the children, but also to the old couple next door and to Elen’s old parents. Elen also kept her heart warm for the neighboring children. Elen and Per Jensa thought God provided them with what they needed to do their work.
In 1938, Elen and Per-Jensa were awarded the King’s merit medal in silver. Not only had they done a formidable job as carers, but in addition the man had saved 12 people from drowning. They did not think they deserved this award, as they had simply done their duty as a human being. They did not want to come to the church to receive the medals. The vicar had to go to their home and give them the medals.