Headline: Woman from Romania Finds Love and Purpose on Norwegian Farm
Byline: Roxana Stangeby’s journey from seasonal worker to dedicated farmer and mother.
Introduction:
Roxana Stangeby, 34, is a testament to pursuing dreams and finding a place to call home. Born in Romania, she traveled to Norway in 2013 as a seasonal worker, picking strawberries. Little did she know that her life would take an unexpected turn, leading her to a Norwegian farm and finding the love of her life.
Finding her Calling in Farm Life
Roxana’s journey began when she decided to stay in Norway after her first strawberry-picking season. She secured an au pair position in Sigdal, where she met Oddvar, a 47-year-old farmer. Intrigued by his love for cows, Roxana asked if she could help in the barn. Oddvar, pleased with her initiative, agreed.
She worked diligently, and soon, Roxana found herself falling in love with the farm life. "I loved taking care of the cows," she recalled. "Oddvar noticed my passion and appreciated my dedication."
Oddvar, a widower with an adult son, was taken aback by Roxana’s charm and enthusiasm. Their bond deepened over time, and in 2015, Roxana moved into his farmhouse. Together, they worked side by side, building a life and a future.
Building a Life Together
Living and working together, Roxana and Oddvar discovered they made an excellent team. She picked up Norwegian quickly and joined the local church choir. Oddvar, in turn, taught her about farming, and Roxana thrived in her new role.
When asked about their successful partnership, Roxana smiled, "We communicate openly and respect each other’s boundaries. We laugh together, and even when we disagree, we always find a compromise."
Their relationship blossomed, and in 2016, Roxana’s family from Romania visited the farm. They were impressed by Oddvar’s kindness and hospitality. In 2017, Oddvar proposed to Roxana with a ring made of grass.
"We were both ready," Roxana said. "We knew we wanted to spend our lives together."
Becoming a Family
In 2020, Roxana and Oddvar’s love story grew even more beautiful with the birth of their son, Kristoffer. Their joy wasshort-lived, however, as Oddvar was diagnosed with lung cancer.
Throughout his illness, Roxana remained strong, caring for both her husband and their newborn. She often found comfort in their animals, especially the cows. "They have a calming effect on me," she explained.
Oddvar passed away in October 2022, surrounded by Roxana and Kristoffer. His last words were about his love for his family and his wish to see their new barn built.
Moving Forward
Today, Roxana lives on the farm with Kristoffer. She continues to operate it with the help of seasonal workers. Though she misses Oddvar terribly, she finds solace in their son and the community that has supported her.
Reflecting on her journey, Roxana advises others to pursue their dreams, no matter how big or small. "Life is full of surprises," she said. "Follow your heart, and you never know where it might lead you."
Conclusion
Roxana Stangeby’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, love, and finding one’s purpose. From a seasonal worker to a dedicated farmer and mother, her journey demonstrates that with hard work and an open heart, anyone can build a fulfilling life in unexpected places.
