Hendrika was born in 1966 in Almelo. She used to work as an accountant in the Netherlands. Two years before she came to Norway she and her husband bought a restaurant. It was difficult to run a restaurant in the Netherlands because of the very strict regulations and it was too much of a strain to fight against them. Another problem for Hendrika was the dense population in a small country like the Netherlands. For many years, they searched for a beautiful place to move to, in Norway or South Africa.

In 2007, they visited several places in Norway to find the right one, and finally found a guesthouse in Pollfoss, where they could live and work according to their own rules. The first five years were tough and a lot of money and work was needed to renovate the building. Walks in the forest were relaxation away from everyday problems. In the Netherlands, they had far higher material status, earned much more money and spent it on what they wanted. Now they had to plan their expenses carefully, especially for the renovation of the guesthouse. They agree that material goods are not as important in their lives as before. Much more important is the quality of life. Their value system has changed.

She does not miss the Netherlands. She and her husband go there once a year to visit their relatives, but that is enough for them. They have both Norwegian and Dutch friends, and Hendrika feels that they are quite well integrated into the local community. It is very important that immigrants take the initiative and try to get to know people.