VanessaMarie

mr.&mrs. chupp

2009-09-10T10:12:00.000-07:00

Here it is... our new blog!

www.mrmrschupp.blogspot.com

Enjoy!

Changes

2009-09-07T13:59:00.000-07:00

(One of my favourite photos Erin took at our Wedding)

The month of August, now moving into September sure has been a time for changes. The biggest change of all being the marriage of Kyle and I on August 7th. YAY! What a day... the most perfect, beautiful, simple, elegant day I could've possibly dreamed of, with the wonderful man I wanted to share my life with by my side. Since then, there has been an array of "New Happenings" and many DIY projects, which have in some way become a reflection of who Kyle and I am as a couple. Ever since we began dating we both agreed the best gifts are the ones who's value is not in the money spend, but instead in the time, thought and creativity invested.

And so to continue in the spirit of Changes... a 'blog change' has been put in motion. Kyle and I have decided to team up and do one blog together, instead of two apart. We will continue to keep everyone updated on our life happenings, as well as give inspiration on DIY projects you may like to take on in your own life as we share some of our favourites with all of you!

So keep your eyes open and your mouse ready to click on the link to our new blog which we will post on our separate blog sites in the very near future.

(Don't worry! The end of the Bean Soup Disaster is steadily approaching!)

Jon Schmidt

2009-07-23T06:51:00.000-07:00

This morning I was introduced to the musical talent of Jon Schmidt, and felt so excited about his music that it was inevitable: I needed to Blog about it. He is a "new age classical" pianist/ composer from Salt Lake City. Apart from his 7 albums to date, one of his latest arrangements is all the rave on You Tube. It is a compilation of Taylor Swift's "Love Story" and Coldplay's "Viva la Vida". I am no fine musician, but I certainly appreciate good music and this piece had me immediately engaged. Hope you enjoy it as much as i did!

">

Jon Schmidt website:

jonschmidt.com

Health Care.... for fffrrrreeeee?

2009-06-24T13:12:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Kyle fell off his bike and hurt his left wrist. This past Sunday it was still bothering him, inflicting moderate pain upon supination (turning his palm up) so I persuaded him to see a doctor at the Three Hills Hospital. He seemed a bit leery, afraid of the cost. I kindly reminded him there is none... health care is covered by the government through taxes. I have never seen anyone so hesitant to give out information as he was when handing the admitting clerk his Alberta Health Card, and telling them his address and phone number- as we were walking to the waiting room he whispered to me "They're not going to send me a bill are they?"

After he got X-Rays done, and had seen the doctor ( NOTE: nothing was broken or fractured, just a sprain that was healing slowing because of how frequently us humans use our wrists) he came to me with a hurried expression on his face and pulled me out of the hospital as fast as my short legs would move.

It was just like that Ikea commerical where the lady is running out to the car yelling at her husband to start the car because she got such a good deal she thought she must have stolen something. Kyle rushed me to start the car and drive away saying "they didn't even get me to sign anything, i just got an X-Ray done, talked to the doctor and they let me go without it costing me anything! They even offered to give me a tensor bandage, but I was afraid to push my luck. They might have charged me for that". I assured him they wouldn't have.

Since, other then the odd nightmare he tells me about where he is charged for going to the hospital... his wrist is getting better. I was happy to share in this hilarious first encounter with our health care system here in Canada- and it helped me to appreciate how nice it is to not be afraid of the cost to see a doctor when something doesn't seem quite right.

More Than Words Could Express

2009-06-19T15:47:00.000-07:00

It has been about a week now since flying home from India, and I think I am finally beginning to re adapt to live here in Canada. It's funny how spending a short amount of time immersing yourself in a different culture can alter so much about a person without them even realizing it, until they return to what once was normal. Usually this is for the better, which is what I truly believe has occurred for me. Here are some photos of the faces and places that have had a wonderful impact on my life.

Go to my Website for more Photos: www.vanessamariephotography.smugmug.com

India Medical Clinic- Day One

2009-05-25T18:24:00.000-07:00

I am so filled with countless emotions I do not know where to start this description. To accurately relay to you what I have just experienced I would have to know exactly what I felt, but I simply cannot grasp my own emotions. However, as I begin to share this story perhaps I will be able to bring out emotions in all of you, in hopes that you feel connected in some way to what I, and my medical team experienced today.

This morning I woke up, drenched in sweat, with a persistent craving for cold water that simply never seems to be quenched here. Exhausted from a restless night I slowly staggered into the bathroom excited for the few minutes of the refreshing coolness I would receive in my icy shower. At least today seemed to be a ‘cooler’ day of only 38 degrees Celsius. A few short hours later we had ate breakfast, had devotions together and were on the road (in an SUV with blessed air conditioning, praise God) to our first medical clinic. This one was hosted in a small church only a short drive away, and as we got closer the excitement of unknowns began to rise incredibly. Soon we were setting up admission tables, chairs for our waiting area, our assessment area, wound care station, doctor’s table and ‘pharmacy’. All within a church 30” by 40” and a small shaded area created by hanging palm leaves like a tarp canopy. Within minutes we were in full swing seeing patients, doing all our assessments through translators. Such an incredible experience, and an amazing rush!

Then began what I’m sure were brimming tears of frustration when I began to receive simply devastating cases, ones I knew we alone could not fix. I have always thought that working in an area of the hospital such as emerg would be exciting… and it would, however I forgot about what it might feel like to tell a woman, who is so malnourished you can clearly see the stage 5 lump protruding from her breast, that she has breast cancer, knowing that she does not have the funds to give her a hope for survival. Or perhaps see the look on the man’s face who had to stop going for insulin treatment for his diabetes because it was too expensive for him to afford that after testing his blood sugar level twice (just to make sure the machine was in fact reading correctly) that the level was too high even for the glucometer to read, this condition critical and that without treatment his life was greatly endangered. I didn’t know what it would feel like to speak these words to someone, a human being, a precious creation of God, until today. And I am not sure that if I had taken the time to ponder this beforehand I even would’ve understood. I’m sure it was brimming tears of frustration. And yet somewhere in the midst of the heat, the sweat, the loud shuttering of metal from the overhead fans, the yelling and vehicles honking outside, and the various conversations happening between nurse, interpreter, and patient in the room I was still able to hear that soft, still voice, and feel his presence as I was able to pray over my patients, and realize once again that yes, there still is hope.

I had hoped that becoming a nurse would allow me to go into places I wouldn’t otherwise be able to go, and share Christ’s love with people who otherwise wouldn’t receive. It is amazing to finally see this, to live it. India is not a place that accepts missionary work, and we have to be careful on a daily basis who we are talking to and how much information we give out. But it is so incredible to see people who would otherwise never step a foot near a Christian church, come for medical help and willingly allow you to pray over them—sometimes to our joyous surprise even ASK us to pray for them. We saw over 150 people today, and how incredible to plant a seed in their lives, even when everything else seemed so hopeless.

A Quick Update

2009-05-18T08:54:00.000-07:00

I realize I owe all of you much more then just a few lines to do any kind of justice to the events in my life recently that have been keeping me so busy. However, sad as it may be, the awful (but wonderful) truth remains: life isn't slowing down anytime soon. I think it is fair to say that I bring this craziness upon myself, because for some reason I just love it. Give me a list of things to do in a time frame half of what it logically should take and I am in my glory trying to rise to the task... give me a week of relaxing on a beach and I think I might actually go insane ( I have never tested this theory, but I'm pretty sure that's exactly what would happen).

So a bit of a time line...

April 11th Kyle and I went hiking in banff... and we got ENGAGED!
We have since dove into wedding plans, and are getting hitched on August 7th : ) Planning is coming along wonderfully so far and we are both excited with how our day is starting to shape up. The wedding is going to be a simple backyard ceremony and reception at his parent's house in Georgia. Both our families and our friends are already working so hard to help everything come together.

Toward the end of April I finished up my first year classes... I passed! : ) Then I started right away into practicum... early mornings at the hospital again. I was extremely excited to give my first injection... and loved it!

I am now in the middle of packing, doing laundry, moving into a new house for the summer, finishing up our wedding invitations and preparing to leave for India on Wednesday morning. I am really excited for India, and for all that this summer has in store for me... hopefully you feel a little more up to date on my life and I will TRY to keep a more frequent posting habit throughout this summer!

Study Study Study

2009-04-06T20:37:00.000-07:00

Well first I must apologize for the lack of blogging in the past few months. While most days have seemed excruciatingly long, sitting through classes from 9-4 and then having something to study for every night until eventually falling asleep surrounded by my new best friends (nursing textbooks), when I try to look back over it all, it amazes me how much time really has passed.

I am still working at the hospital mostly every week, but look forward to when school is finished and I can start working on a more regular basis. Since starting on the floor I have come to love each of the residents in Continuing Care, and still get an energy high just from simply walking through the hospital doors. Sadly, in this time I have also been through 4 deaths; each person a special treasure. I have been told that this part of the job gets easier over time. Somehow I feel like this will never be the case for me; maybe I simply feel too deeply. Still, I love my job as a Health Care Aid, and am thriving in my Nursing classes.

I am currently in the final weeks of my classes, which are currently Anatomy, Physiology, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology. I just recently took my midterms for the first three, and am happy to report that I am still in the program : ) haha. Last week I took two of my math tests, which are focused around dosage calucations for giving medications, running IVs and giving injections. The passing requirement for these tests is 98%, which I somehow managed to pass, Praise God. He continues to amaze me with how he carried me into this program, and now how he continues to carry me through in areas such as math and science (which I am sure if any of my previous teachers in these subjects were to know they would be dumbfounded that this is even possible). I was telling my mom the other day, somehow math just makes more sense to me when it is someone's life on the line if I make a mistake. Funny how that works.

Tomorrow I have my midterm for my Pharmacology class... please keep me in your prayers!!
Although I am sure once you see a photo of my studying you will no longer feel even the slightest remorse for how busy my brain has been.... I must say I have perfected the art of studying quite well!

VanessaMarie Photography

2009-02-13T16:24:00.000-08:00

For as long as I can remember I have always been enchanted with art in it's many forms. With visual art, I love using an array of colours to attempt to recreate beauty found in this world through painting. I also love the written word and how an experience or idea in a writter's head can be impactful to a reader through an arrangement of words that recreate that experience. More recently, I began taking another artistic passion of mine more seriously. Photography is such a unique way to look at the beauty in life and capture it through a lens the way you see in, and share it with others. I think Marcel Proust said it best when he states:

"Only through art can we emerge from ourselves and know what another person sees."

I love this thought because it explains not only why I enjoy creating art for others to see what I do, but also why I love to study it (I love art history), and also enjoy the artistic creations of people around me.

This is why I finally decided to create my own website, in an attempt to share with others the beauty in life I see through my lens, and also share this skill and passion in the lives of others.

I am really excited to see how God will use all this, and thank Him for the talents and passions he has instilled in me. Thanks everyone for your encouragement and support!!

Here's the link:

www.vanessamariephotography.smugmug.com

National Pancake Week

2009-02-02T15:53:00.000-08:00

Yay for National Pancake Week! I am not sure who gets to make up all these special days, but yesterday I stumbled across a Calendar filled with many special days I had no idea existed, and am I ever glad I did! This year 'National Pancake Week' falls on February 2-8, so be sure to celebrate by eating some of these yummy fluffy treats!

Here is one of my favourites:

BANANA PANCAKES

INGREDIENTS

* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 tablespoon white sugar
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1 cup milk
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 2 ripe bananas, mashed

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine flour, white sugar, baking powder and salt. In a separate bowl, mix together egg, milk, vegetable oil and bananas.
2. Stir flour mixture into banana mixture; batter will be slightly lumpy.
3. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Cook until pancakes are golden brown on both sides; serve hot.

Yum, I think I might go make some right now! : )

I Survived!

2009-01-31T19:16:00.000-08:00

Last night I lived through my first night shift (11pm-715am) at the hospital! After recently finishing up my Health Care Aid practicum, I was offered a job as an HCA in the continuing care unit of the Three Hills Hospital. During our practicum, all of our shifts were days, so I was extremely excited to learn all that goes on while everyone else is fast asleep, and see if I have what it takes to actually handle working the shift without crashing. For the past week I have been busy doing Evening shifts for Home Care, so I was a little worried about my first night shift experience being a bit of a double shift... but I made it through, and loved every minute of it!

While coffee might have had some hand in helping me, I was able to make it through both shifts back to back, and remain fully alert and energetic until after leaving the hospital, at which point even a hard floor looked good enough to sleep on.

I am looking forward to my next shift!

Little Adventures = Big Fun

2009-01-20T21:59:00.000-08:00

This past weekend Kyle and I got to attend a Three Hills tradition- The Christmas Tree Burn! People from all over town came, with trees in tow, to spend an evening burning them all together. I was so surprised to see the amount of people that showed up... but considering the free hot dogs and hot chocolate... plus awesome fireworks and a huge bonfire, who wouldn't want to come?! It was a really fun evening... next time we'll have to remember to bring some marshmallows and a really long stick!

On Sunday the weather was absolutely beautiful, so we got out our new snowshoes (thanks mom and dad!) to give them a try in some of the open fields around the town. They worked great, and we had a blast just walking around in the snow. Can't wait to find a good trail to hike through in them! Hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend!

Twilight

2009-01-06T14:35:00.000-08:00

I know, I know. Everyone is talking about it, everyone is reading the books, watching the movie- I guess you could call it some kind of fad, and yes with much resistance to my best friends encouragements back in the summer I humbly gave into my curiousity, and fell in love with Stephanie Meyers characters and story plot allow with the millions of others.

I really didn't know what I was getting myself into when I innocently decided to watch the movie one night before going home for Christmas, I was just bored and wanted some background noise while I knit. It wasn't long until I was hooked, finding that I could somewhat identify with these characters, and sitting in suspense, anxious to see how their lives and the story would continue to unfold.

I eagerly picked up the first two novels in the series, Twilight & New Moon, on my way home chronicling the relationship of Bella, a girl from Phoenix who moves to Washington to live with her dad when her mom remarries, and Edward a vampire who has been seventeen... for a while. Edward's family has trained themselves to survive on the blood of animals, but Bella's 'sent' is almost too much for Edward to maintain control of himself, but his immediate love for her is too strong for him to stay away. He has been waiting for 'his mate' for over 100 years, and now that he's found her, a human, he is intent on learning to control his thirst for her through many turns and twists of events that continually challenge the love they share for one another.

My little sister, Jordyn, stole the books from me when I got home and had the first two read within two days, and then I took her to go see the movie. Click to see Twilight Trailer. It wasnt' until last friday that we were able to find the third book.. it was sold out everywhere we looked, but found it at costco (yay we love Costo!) I am currently on the third, while I wouldn't surprised it Jord was already done the fourth.

Alex refuses to have anything to do with the books or movies... so Jord and I with our newly found vampire powers (that sounds so silly, but we're just really into it, all in fun of course) attempted to turn her to our side... with no success...

Yet.

It is a really fun read, and opens you up to a world filled with adventures that could never be experienced in this life, which is what I love so much about reading. Through soaking up words on a page you can travel anywhere, be anyone and be apart of things that wouldn't otherwise be possible. I recommend it to anyone who is even a bit intrigued.

Well... Back to reading Book Three, Eclipse!

Happy New Year

2009-01-06T14:12:00.000-08:00

This New Years Eve my family decided to try out some fondue recipes for dinner, which turned out to be a great success. We had planned to do some moonlight snowshoeing afterwards, but because it was so cold outside we decided against it, and sadly didn't have another opportunity while I was home, but I am excited to get to use my new snowshoes soon!

(This is actually really cool... get a marshmellow and put it on a stick, then cover it in melt chocolate, and let it harden. Volà, you now have the perfect hot chocolate stir stick!)

However, new years was still a lot of fun just spending the time with family... and on January 1st my grandparents were able to come down to visit, so we had a lot of fun with them, especially our intense game of rumikub... and trying to beat Matt, Alex's boyfriend at barrell of Pirates (same as monkeys but i guess the giant kinder egg company has something against monkeys haha)

Hope everyone had a great new years!

My Family

2009-01-06T13:57:00.000-08:00

The last day I was home for Christmas we decided why not get some shots of our family too... and so i set up the camera on timer and ran through the snow so I could be in the photos too haha. Here's some of them.

Rimkey Family

2009-01-05T17:23:00.000-08:00

The Rimkey's have been friends with my family since Alex and I started going to Warminster Elementary School, and playing on all the different school sports teams. So it was fun to be able to photograph their family this Christmas too: ) Here are some of the shots.

Love:Amour:Liebe:Amor

2009-01-05T16:52:00.000-08:00

This Christmas was filled with many exciting events, one of the highlights being my Best Friend's Engagement! When Katrina first told me the news i was completely in shock, and she was probably freaking out wondering why I was frozen and not saying anything... but after an hour the news started to finally sink in and my excitement for her and her fiance Paul slowly began to show itself on the surface : ) You can read her story of how he asked her on her blog "Fotografia de me Vida" (She's a languages student, hence the español)... its really cute.

Here's some of their engagement photos I was able to take for them : )

Lee Girls

2009-01-05T16:34:00.000-08:00

This Christmas Break I had the opportunity to use my Nikon to do a few different photoshoots, the first one being with a family I used to babysit for, and love. Lianne and her two girls Robyn and Georgia are so beautiful and it was a pleasure to take pictures of such gorgeous models :) Heres a few shots taken in their backyard forest. All are still not edited, I got the Aperature 2 program for Christmas, but have only been able to try out a trial version on my sisters computer, so long story short these ones have not been edited at all but I hope you enjoy!

Joyeux Noël

2009-01-05T15:45:00.000-08:00

So I realize I am a little behind on posts, but as you can imagine, a two week visit home for Christmas didn't turn out to be as relaxing as I had hoped with some down time- but I am happy that I was able to use that time to visit with family and friends. Definitely the main reason for going home in the first place. So now with some extra time on my hands I'm afraid I might be bombarding my blog with posts... I hope they are all interesting to read, and see pictures of.

One of my favourite things about going home for Christmas is the amount of snow we get living in the 'snow-belt' of Central Ontario. So i was overjoyed to see all the snow of course....

... and the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree my dad had cut down on our property and stuck in the snow in front of our house, complete with one Christmas Ball for decoration...

... I also love the way my mom decorates the house so beautiful for Christmas, it makes everything so festive and feel cozy too...

And of course, Christmas always means traditions such as eating a bunch of random but delicious finger foods (a mixture of everyone in my family's favourites)and watching Its a Wonderful Life on Christmas Eve, going to my Nana and Papa Smith's for a yummy Turkey dinner on Christmas day, and then to top it all off, going to the local Chinese food restaurant to hit up the buffet with the Bell Family on Boxing Day, and then getting to visit our Aunt Cyndy : )

Hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday Season!

Finally Home for Christmas

2008-12-22T13:12:00.000-08:00

With my final day at the hospital completed, I eagerly packed up some last minute items, and loaded my backpack into a friends van- destination Calgary. There was about 7 of us nursing students heading home for the Holidays, so it was really nice to spend our final time together Road Trip style, even if it was only an hour and a half drive. After dropping my roommate off at the airport, the rest of us catching later flights that weekend headed to Wendy's for dinner and then to the Chinook Mall where we would all get picked up and head our separate ways. While waiting for my friend Janelle to come get me, I stumbled across the Twilight novels in a bookstore, and eagerly picked up the first two novels to read in transit. I realize by doing this I am falling into line with the many other Twilight enthusiasts... and up to a few days prior I really thought the books sounded rediculous. But when, being extremely bored one night, I watched a blurry internet copy of the film version I found myself really getting into the story, and it was decided I HAD to get my hands on those books.

Since my flight was not until Saturday afternoon, I had planned to stay with my Discover friend, Janelle, in Calgary for the two nights prior. We were able to get some outdoor skating action in, eventhough the daily temperatures were in the -30's, but made sure to do lots of Hot Chocolate drinking, and knitting by a warm fire to thaw ourselves out afterwards. I am so glad I was able to spend that time with such an amazing friend. Definitely Cherished.

With my luck flying and travelling in general, I would have been a fool to think this trip would be any different then the others, however even with the amount of Cancelled flights in Toronto the day before, I was still hopefully went I got to the airport (but still checked in 3 hours ahead just to be safe). But of course, eventhough I was the first to be at the gate, the lady at the desk informed me that the flight i was on was overbooked by 7 or so people, and through a series of 'random factors' I was one of the lucky 7 to wait until the plane was completely borded until they started clearing us onto the flight. I still think the fact that I was young, travelling alone, and making no connecting flights might have had something to do with it, not to mention that I am permanently jinxed with travelling to the point where people don't want to travel with me! haha.
But I did make it on the flight and arrived on time and safe to Toronto, without my baggage, but I did make it.

I am excited to spend time with family and friends over the next few days as Christmas draws nearer. Hope Everyone has a Merry Christmas!

Let it Snow

2008-12-16T14:09:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love the snow. Winter is my favourite season and Christmas my favourite holiday. And so this morning when I woke up early to get to the hospital, I was completely awestruck by the beauty when i stepped outside. Snow had just freshly fallen, the kind that looks light and fluffy, and glitters in the light. The moon was still brightly reflecting in the sky, and the snow beautifully captured that light and was glittering for all to see... all those that were awake and braving the -45C weather and not still comfortably snuggled in their beds that is. It was honestly like walking in a magical fairytale world. Definitely worth waking up for : )

In the past weeks, the snow has been falling regularly, and now we have a fairly decent amount of snow outside... but still not near as much as back home in Ontario, and so I am REALLY looking forward to being back there in a few days, and besides getting to see my lovely family and friends, getting to play in all that snow!

(P.S Alex and Jord- we need to start building a ramp in the snow in the backyard ASAP when i get back to mess around on the snowboards with! Can't wait to see you two soon!)

Here's some snowy pictures- Enjoy!

Christmas in WhoVille

2008-12-04T22:54:00.000-08:00

This year for our school's annual Christmas Banquet, the theme was " A Who Christmas" (from the Grinch). The student council did a really great job planning and decorating.... all in all it was a huge hit. Here are some photos from the evening : )

Operation Christmas Child

2008-12-02T18:42:00.000-08:00

For as long as I can remember, every Christmas my mom would get my sisters and I together and we would help her fill different shoe boxes with gifts that would be distributed to Children around the globe with a project called Operation Christmas Child. Many people have heard of Franklin Graham, Samaritan Purse's founder's project, and in fact has been promoted in Canada, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Germany.

My friend Steph has had the awesome privilege of spending a day volunteering at one of the shoe box sorting days that take place in the larger cities for each of these countries, where the shoe boxes are sent once they have been packed to be checked before going to customs. While there last year she was able to see a direct result of a Christmas Shoe Box, as well as hear many other stories. A fellow volunteer working with her was actually a girl attending Calgary University, originally from Africa. She told Steph the story of how as a little girl she was given a shoe box filled with school supplies as well as other fun things. That gift inspired her to continue in school even when it was expensive for her family, and looked down upon in her community because she was female, and eventually she ended up studying medicine at U of C. She saw the impact that a small gift can make first hand, and how God can make miracles come in pretty little gift-wrapped boxes, and wanted to take her turn on the other side of that miracle.

Another story she told me was that of a young boy in South America. The gifts had been distributed to the group of children all gathered from the community, and all had opened their gifts except this boy. When asked by one of the distribution volunteers why he hadn't opened his gift yet, the boy looked up with tears in his eyes and said that the only thing he prayed for, for Christmas was a mom and a dad, and he knew that they could not fit into a box so small. The volunteer, heartbroken for the boy, encouraged him to open the box anyways and when he did, amongst the gifts inside was a letter and a photo of a couple. They had left their address and the volunteer encouraged the boy to write to them. Three years later the couple were able to finally adopt this boy and bring him to live with them in the states.

Final story I will share is of a mother who, with her three young children, ran to a distribution drop off center, hoping that she was not too late to let her children pick out a box. Sadly the volunteers replied that all the boxes had already been given out, all except one that had been damaged along the way. The mother assured them that she did not mind, as long as there was something for her kids to share. When they opened this seemingly worthless box, she discovered a hundred dollar bill in a crisp white envelope. She attempted to return it to the volunteers, they insisted she keep it, knowing that God had meant this gift to go to her family. Steph explained that part of their jobs while sorting was to remove anything with high value such as this from the gifts because people are warned these things cannot go into the gifts because it creates a risk of the distribution trucks being attacked by rebel groups thinking they hold great wealth. (Which has actually happened, people have died attempting to deliver these gifts in certain countries- just a little something O.C.C does not advertise)So for this envelope to make it through their sorting at the warehouse, and again through customs unnoticed was a God thing.

After listening to Steph's stories, one thing she said stuck out to me and inspired me to use my love for knitting to make something special for a child somewhere. She said that many people that fill the boxes don't realize that they also send them to places like Russia, Eastern European countries, etc. and that they actually specially mark boxes with warm clothing/ gifts inside to be sent specifically to those countries.

It was really fun continuing this Christmas tradition my mom started now that i'm on my own, especially after hearing some of the stories that show how God can work in something as simple as a shoe box.

I hope you find these stories as interesting and amazing as I did- and remember the 'reason for the season' as it begins!

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/Pack_A_Shoe_Box/

There's Just So Much to Love About...

2008-11-22T11:05:00.000-08:00

KNITTING!

Knitting is more popular today than it has been in decades. Some call it, "the hot new hobby" and even "the new yoga." Modern knitters are rediscovering this age-old craft- sprinkling it with their own brand of individuality- and basking in the joy of making something beautiful with their hands. It has become one fun way to take time here and there to simply slow down, take a deep breath and relax, balancing out the usually fast-paced, ever-ending To-Do list lifestyle most individuals find themselves in.

I started knitting last year at school. It was a great way to clear your head before studying, as well as something that enhanced friendships. I can remember the countless nights that all the girls on my floor would gather all together with their current knitting projects as we talked and laughed late into the night. Now, being back at school this year I have found knitting to be one way I can just sit in quiet, or perhaps listening to some peaceful music, and relax from a stressful day in class or at the hospital which re-energizes me to complete the next task on 'The List'.

Here are some fun ideas on how to enhance that relaxing time while knitting!

1. Draw yourself a nice warm bubble bath, put on some soothing music and start knitting. (Sadly I have not been able to try this out yet... I don't the showers at school would allow for similar results, however I am anxiously awaiting Christmas vacation when I can go home and spend some time doing just this).

2. Put on a classic, and grab a cozy blanket. Some good films for knitting are:
Little Women (1994)
A Tale of Two Cities (1935)
Breakfast at Tiffanys (1961)
Devine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood (2002)
Pride and Prejudice (2005/ 1995; the older one is really good but six hours long so maybe save that one for a lazy rainy day)
Sense and Sensibility (1995)

3. Make some home-made Hot Chocolate, sit by a nice warm fire and knit yourself some mitts or a scarf to fend off that cold weather outside.

Here's a good recipe:
(This recipe yields one serving, to make more simply multiply each quantity by the number of people you are serving).

1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, such as Hersey's European Style
1/2 tsp granulated sugar
Few grains of salt
2/3 cup 2-percent milk
1/4 cup chopped bittersweet chocolate
Dash of cognac (optional)

In a small bowl, combine the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Set aside. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the milk until hot, but not boiling. Add about 1tbsp of the milk to the cocoa mixture, and stir to make paste. Add the paste and the chopped chocolate to the saucepan of hot milk, place back over medium-low heat, and cook, stirring continuously with a whisk, until the chocolate melts and the mixture is hot, but not boiling. Whisk the mixture until frothy, then pour into a preheated mug. Add cognac if desired. Enjoy!

White Chocolate Ginderbread Cafe Au Lait

2008-11-16T08:58:00.000-08:00

When friends come to visit Kara and I in Three Hills, we sure know how to show them a good time... with a long overdue photo shoot session of course! This weekend our friends Janelle and Hannah, who were in Discover with us last year, made the trek back to lil' old Three Hills to surprise us. We excitedly decided that this was an opportunity we could not pass up to relive some key bonding experiences from last year in the form of photography. Last weekend while driving to Banff I noticed this old abandoned farm on the side of the road heading right out of town, and thought it would be a really neat place to take pictures... so off we went. It was a really fun afternoon with great friends... and it all began with a little Starbucks magic. Yum!

Here's some of yesterdays photos. (Click here if other link does not work)

See my Tabblo>

Lest We Forget

2008-11-11T10:41:00.000-08:00

This day, November 11, marks the end of much suffering, mourning and tears. It was today in 1918 that WWI finally ended, and since has been a day to remember and commemorate the sacrifices of members of the armed forces, and civilians in all times of war.

Each November, over thirteen million poppies blossom in Canada. They blossom on the jackets, dresses and hats of nearly half the Canadian population and they have blossomed for almost 75 years, since 1921, when this tradition first began. The poppy is the symbol used to show that they remember those who were killed in the wars and peace keeping operations that Canada has been involved in.

The person responsible for the adoption of the poppy in Canada was a Canadian Medical Officer during WWI, Lt. Col. John McCrae of Guelph Ont, and his poem, In Flanders Fields (France) is still recited on this day in many schools, and memorial services occurring across the country.

In Canada, it is easy to take for granted our current way of life, our freedom to participate in cultural and political events, and our right to live under a government of our choice. The Charter of Rights and Freedoms in our constitution ensures that all Canadians enjoy protection under this law. Soldiers who went off to war went in the belief that such rights and freedoms were being threatened. They truly believed that "Without freedom there can be no ensuring peace and without peace no enduring freedom."

In remembering their service and their sacrifice, we recognize the tradition of freedom they fought to preserve. These men and women had faith in the future and by their acts gave us the will to preserve peace for all time. On Remembrance Day, we acknowledge the courage and gallantry of those who served their country.

And so on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, I invite you to join in with so many others in a moment of silence on this years REMEMBRANCE DAY.

In Flander's Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flander's fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, tho poppies grow
In Flander's fields.

Liet. -Col. John McCrae

A Part of Our Heritage- Flanders Fields Short Video Clip

Harvest Party

2008-11-01T14:33:00.000-07:00

Last night for Halloween our school put on a Harvest party and we all dressed up for some mega fun. Check out some of the pictures... some of the costumes are pretty funny! Enjoy!

Left: Just after we finished getting ready, we've got some cowgirls, a Southern Belle, and me, straight from the 80's with bright blue eye shadow!

Right: Thugs, Richard Simmons want to bes, and Kara and I again

It was a really fun night; dressing up is always a good time, and we got to have some fun with our costumes!
... See my Tabblo>

Stepping on the Floor

2008-10-29T15:26:00.000-07:00

Today I stepped onto the floor for the first time! Im sure you all read that and said, "what the heck is she talking about?! She's been walking on floors for 19 years!" Well allow me to clarify. 'Stepping onto the floor' is simply what it is called when you start your shift at the Hospital. That's right! This morning at 0645h I started my first day of practicum working at the Three Hills Hospital! In the days preceding I was super nervous. I was worried I would forget everything I had learned so far, or not feel comfortable... so many things were just circulating in my head. But this morning when I started everything just fell into place, and I can safely say that i absolutely loved every minute of it. The people, the surroundings, smells, noises, everything just fit me in a strange way I cannot describe other then to say that I felt like I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

We started out the morning getting to know where everything was located or kept, then started reading through the clients care plans, etc. to get a better understanding of each of their diagnosis's, and how to better care for each individuals specific needs. Then it was time for breakfast. Since we are starting out in Long-term care we were able to sit at the tables in the dinning rooms with the patients, assist them with feeding, and take the time to start getting to know them.

Right now we are just at the hospital 1-2 days a week for 8 hour shifts, but in a few weeks we will be working there 5 days a week, and having 4 of our own patients which is really exciting... but for now I am okay doing a bit more shadowing just to get more comfortable with how everything is run.

Thanks for all your prayers and support thus far on my Career-Adventure! God is definitely blessing me with amazing teachers, and a wonderful group of girls studying right along side me!

What is Sustaining Grace?

2008-10-29T13:32:00.000-07:00

Sustaining Grace is...

NOT GRACE TO BAR WHAT IS NOT BLISS,
NOR FLIGHT FROM ALL DISTRESS, BUT THIS:
THE GRACE THAT ORDERS OUR TROUBLE AND PAIN
AND THEN, IN THE DARKNESS, IS TO SUSTAIN.

-JOHN PIPER
I know that in my life there has been an array of experiences I can think of where at the time I honestly struggled with the 'why would God allow this to happen in my life?" way of thinking. I know I am not the only one to experience trials and follow the same sort of thinking pattern. It doesn't even have to pertain to your life specifically either. Questions such as "Why if God is good does he allow bad things to happen, such as poverty, or diseases such as Cancer or HIV/AIDS?" that seem to effect
large populations of this world can also arise this way of thinking.

Sometimes after periods of time we are able to find a bit of solace in the rough times we had gone through, or even guilt we perhaps experience, through a variety of different ways. One of these ways could possibly be, for example, seeing some reason, big or small, for the experience- some good that can come from it.

I have done exactly this. And though a reason, or a bit of good is comfort for a while, it is never lasting, and the hurt continues to rise. All of this is cause to a lack of my understanding on the Sustaining Grace God offers to us- every single one of us.

A few days ago Kyle emailed me a link to this sermon by John Piper and when i finally had a chance today to sit down and listen to it without distraction, I experienced a remarkable freeing feeling from simply better understanding what Sustaining Grace is.
Re-read the poem John Piper wrote to better clarify this. Isn't that so true?

In his sermon he tells a story of a girl who was in a car crash when she was little, and how if God had not provided her with a doctor in the car behind, with the tools needed to save her life on hand she wouldn't have lived that day. Later on her wedding day, the pastor made a comment on the scars she still had on her neck from the accident and said that her scars were memorials of Gods Sustaining Grace! Reading that made me want to jump up and dance around the room! HOW EXCITING IS IT TO THINK IN THAT PERSPECTIVE?! Sure God could have chosen to stop an accident from even occuring if he could provide all the means for preserving her life-- and you can look on the scars of your life as a constant reminder of something horrible that occurred in your past. OR you can look upon those scars as a beautiful and cherished memory of how God's grace was sustaining. That is not something to feel sorry for yourself about, or guilty about... it is something to sing praises about, dance around your room about... celebrate without hesitation!

This is just a small amout of what John Piper talks about, there is so much exciting things he has to say about this topic, but this particular part was so impactful and exciting to me I just had to share my experience of it. PLEASE check out this sermon, you can read it, listen to it, or both (if you're like me, both helps me to concentrate on it better). Click HERE for the Link... ENJOY! and may God speak to your heart through it as He has done for me.

Bringing Home Baby...

2008-10-21T11:19:00.000-07:00

*Our First Photo*

My new Nikon D80 that is : ) For as long as I can remember my two greatest passions have been Writing and Photography, and finally the long awaited day came where I had saved up enough pennies to buy this special treasure. Sadly, other then my Aunts wedding I haven't had much time to turn this bad boy on and go looking for shots, but I am taking advantage of every opportunity I can get my hands on.

In a more long term setting I am hoping to use this ability to make money that can go directly towards mission work, hopefully starting with my next scheduled overseas adventure to India in May on a medical mission trip. We are just beginning preparation for that now so please keep us in your prayers!

Hopefully My Nikon and I will have some new photos for your viewing enjoyment real soon!

What a Beautiful Day for a Wedding

2008-10-20T11:04:00.000-07:00

Over Thanksgiving break i was able to return home to be at my Aunt's Wedding. What a Beautiful day! Apart from the perfect weather, decorations, etc. what made this day so special was two amazing people, and their story of how God brought them both through extremely hard trials in their lives, eventually blessing them with the love they now share for each other.

Read at the wedding was Jeremiah 29:11 "'For I know the plans I have for you', declares the Lord. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope'". As was said at the Wedding, this verse has shown itself true in their relationship in such a unique and beautiful way. I have always loved this verse, perhaps for the hope that it does instill,and it was so refreshing to see God working in this way in the lives of two very special people.

Congratulations Dana and Rick! I am so happy for you, you both deserve the utmost happiness and love you have found in each other.

Just a few photos from the wedding here.

See my Tabblo>

The Beautiful Colours of Fall

2008-10-19T18:36:00.000-07:00

I love this time of year, next to winter it has to be one of my favourites. The colours are so beautiful, especially back home. Lucky for me I was able to go home and spend it with family. Here's just a few photos...

See my Tabblo>

Wahoo for the Guzoo

2008-10-05T08:40:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, Kara, Scott, Kyle and I got to visit the local Three Hills Zoo. If you have ever visited Three Hills, something you would not expect to find is a zoo, especially one with such a range of animals... Lions, Tigers and Bears, yes they have it all.After playing with the donkeys and Alpaca's in the petting zoo, we went to the guinea pig cage. You wouldn't think those little guys were hard to catch, but they proved to be just that. After Scott caught the King of the Pigs, we had to get a picture of him and his prize.A first for us all i think was holding a skunk... Flower, what a sweety. She was actually really gentle, and pretty cute : )

After we had all had a turn holding Flower, one of the owners of the Guzoo asked us if we would want to go into the cage where they held one of their lions, and a wolf. I think the general concensis when asked this question would be something like "This man must be insane", but the four of us looked at each other with big grins, and couldn't get Flower back into her cage fast enough. Sure a skunk is cool... but it was time for bigger and more life threatening things.

And of course when asked if we would like to have the lion sit on our lap... we couldn't help but say Heck yes!

The whole time spent there was a lot of fun... it is always a great day when you get the opportunity to do something that you have never done before.

+just a little side note; my computer is currently getting fixed, so posts might get a little behind, as this one did.

Just a Saturday Morning in Three Hills...

2008-09-14T08:44:00.000-07:00

If you are ever passing through the small town of Three Hills around this time of year, and on a Saturday morning there is something you will not want to pass up if you enjoy 'doing as the locals do'. This semester, not long after arriving at school, Kyle and I found out what "Three Hillians" get excited about--- and I mean REALLY excited. Garage Salling. Yes that's right, every Saturday morning (and the occational Friday night for the real enthusiasts) there is an abundance of sellers and buyers alike setting their alarms a little extra early, and braving the morning chill in order to get rid of old junk, or find a treasure.

I remember as a kid loving waking up early on Saturday morning, loading into the car with Dad and going around to garage sales. It was so exciting to grab the newspaper, circle the garage sale ads that sounded like they would be good during a delicious early morning breakfast of Captain Crunch, or Pancakes (with Maple Syrup...yumm) and then drive around the country side like we were on some kind of wild treasure hunt, racing to be the first ones to the best deals.

This past Saturday morning Kyle and I got up early to do just this, not really knowing about many Garage Sales going on, but decided it would be fun anyways. We headed over to the Max's Gas Station, where there is a telephone pole many people put their Garage Sale ads on, and where it seems like is the first stop of the morning for most prospective buyers to fill up on gas, and jot down all the addresses. When we got there, we were a bit overwhelmed with the amount of sales going on. Looks like we've got a full morning in front of us...

About 5 hours of continuous walking later (yes that's right... and my legs were feeling it later, let me tell you) we slowly made our way to Kyle's place for some lunch. We were a little under half way there when I had myself convinced that I absolutely could not walk another step, and collapsed on the grass, refusing to move until I had just sat for a minute or two. It was a good thing that we had stumbled upon a garage sale with a whole "FREE ZONE" on their front lawn (much to Kyle's enthusiastic excitement) because Kyle decided to pick up a lawn chair for free, so he had something to sit on, and a Monster Truck Magazine to read while I lay dying on the grass.

It has been an awesome way to spend a Saturday morning- good exercise, company, setting out on a mission. I can't wait for my alarm to go off extra early again next Saturday : )

Some of our awesome finds include:

A Moose photo mounted on a wooden plaque
A Pyrex casserole dish
A JELL-O Easter Egg mold
A Lawn chair recliner, reinforced with seatbelts, making it completely indestructible (so Kyle says... we'll see, I bet I could figure out a way to break it haha)
An 3-Pane IKEA picture frame, never opened
Dictionary for Fishing and Hunting Terms
2 Wooden Spoons
A Lamp
Salt and Pepper Shakers
etc

Total Spent: approx. 5 dollars

Surprise!

2008-09-09T06:43:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday i planned a bit of a surprise as an early Birthday present. Our friends Scott and Kara joined us in heading to Red Deer where we all surprised Kyle by going to an Offroading Expo, where they had various vendors, but also, and the real reason for going, was a rock crawl contest.
It was super awesome to see these drivers try to maneuver their vehicles over the various obstacles, made of dirt, cement blocks, rocks, etc. and I couldn't help but think it would be so fun to ride in one (not sure I would be very good at driving : S ). Then Kyle kindly reminded me how 'well' I handled him driving his side of his jeep up on a hill until I felt like I could reach out my side and touch the ground while I was visiting in Georgia ( I'm pretty sure I freaked, so on one hand he was right, but I did love riding in that jeep). The best one, was watching driving trying to go over the "Toyo Wall of Terror".

After that we were able to watch some FMX bikers jump 30feet up, 30feet across doing insane tricks...

Later, we headed over to a place where they had a bunch of different 4wheelers for people to actually get to drive through a little course they had all set up outside which was SOO much fun! We got to make our way over tires, wooden crates, little hills, a ramp etc. It was awesome.

Then, before heading back to Three Hills, we had to make a stop at DQ for blizzards which was the perfect end to a great day spent with friends.(FYI: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough is SO much better then Oreo)

Since living in the Prairies you must come up with random things to do in order to have some fun, expect many more exciting random adventures to come, recorded by a girl with her one foot just stepping out into the world on her own, and liking what she sees so far! xoxo.

Back to School...

2008-09-05T11:38:00.001-07:00

Well, its been a few weeks now of being back in the Prairies... its definitely good to be back. Kara, who was in Discover last year, and is continuing in Nursing (like ME : ) ) and i are roommates this year, still in the dorms, which was a bit of a let down to the both of us, but it turned out to be not so bad. Our room can get a little messy and caotic at times : S since we both lead such busy lives, haha, but i think we have been able to make it a pretty cozy living space with the newest addition being mini lights, brown curtains, and my find at a weekend garage sale...a lamp for a toonie : )
Since I had so much fun last time using tabblo for pictures i thought i would use it to post some photos of school life thus far... sorry if its a bit lacking, i havent had much opportunity to pull out the camera. Enjoy!

There is something peaceful about the Prairies... something extremely comforting knowing you are at the place God would have you be... ... See my Tabblo>

Summer 2008

2008-08-17T14:29:00.000-07:00

Well this summer came and went extremely fast. Time spent with family, friends, and working… all in all it turned out to be a pretty great summer. As soon as I returned home from Georgia this summer I started working with Orillia Parks and Recreation Day Camps as an inclusion worker, which is working with special needs kids that come to camp. It was a really rewarding job to have this Summer, I enjoyed it a lot although some weeks could be really tiring and stressful. Later in July, Kyle was able to come up to Ontario and spend time with my friends, family and getting to experience various activities around home…Here’s a few photos from my Summer to browse through. Hope you all had great summers! Enjoy!

See my Tabblo>

Georgia

2008-06-16T11:27:00.000-07:00

First off, I want to start by saying that I had an absolutely amazing time filled with unforgettable memories. I will try and recapture some of my favourites starting at the beginning....

After a "minor" delay in Toronto of just over 3 hours, i was finally on the plane flying to Atlanta. When we landed, I began walking to the baggage terminal, thinking that like every other airport I had been to, it would be close by. I noticed trains along the way heading to the baggage terminal, but I've always enjoyed walking and avoid trains, or escalators, etc whenever possible so I continued walking for what turned out to be over a mile walk before seeing Kyle waiting for me in the baggage area... haha**Warning, if you ever want your flight to go smoothly, stay clear of flying with me!

We did several really fun things throughout the week, such as going to the Fox, which is a really beautiful theatre that was built in the 1920's and has been maintained exactly as it was first created, to watch Atonement....

...Spending the day at Stone Mountain, walking around a plantation museum (which was soooo cool) a 4D show, paddle boats (we got to wear the radest looking life jackets haha), and taking a gondola (i think thats what you would call it) up to the top of stone mountain before coming down in time to spread out a blanket, cook some pasta for dinner and watch the lazer show. I had never been to one before, so it was really awesome to get to see that too...

...Making homemake cinnamon icecream.. yum.. at Kyle's grandparents house...

...Visiting a Gone With The Wind Museum (i was so excited!) and seeing all the old books, posters, set designs, costumes... i really really love museums, history and experiencing things that make you step back in time, which the fox, the plantation and this museum were for me...

...Then getting to float down the Chattahoochee River with Kyle on innertubes...and going out to a really nice restaurant on the river with Kyle's parents called Canoe, which had really delicious muscles : ) yum...

...And my favourite- getting to relearn how to fish with Kyle in the creek behind his house... being so excited to catch a little fish, only to let it get away with the hook stuck in its mouth : ( haha...

But over everything I got to do and experience with Kyle and his family, I really just enjoyed meeting so many different people that are important in his life. Im also super thankful that i got to meet Erin and Carly, even if only for a few hours super late at night, or just getting to spend a day. For Carly's sake i am trying to make this post as short and concise as possible : ) and include lots of pictures... so i'll wrap up by saying that I really had an amazing time, thankyou to everyone I met for being so welcoming and easy to talk to, I cannot wait to return and see you all again!

Graduation

2008-05-10T05:52:00.000-07:00

I am not sure exactly what to say about this particular event, however it seemed like something I could not just pass by without at the very least, giving it some spotlight. Our final class once getting back to school was Theology, which turned out to be one of my favourites from the whole year. Although often intense with the amount of readings, and assignments within the short 2 weeks it took to complete this modular class, it was a huge learning and growing experience, one that I have found continuing in my life even as i have moved on and returned home.
Even if it was a little strange finding ourselves graduating after one year amongst students who were graduating after completing their 4 year degrees, it seemed to be a fitting end to all the hard work we had put into this year. So many experiences and changes occurred in each of our lives, many that cannot even begin to be documented like this, but a few I have attempted to share with all of you through my posts this year. It was definitely a bittersweet end to our year, excitement about returning home and moving on to other things God had in store for each of us, but also sad to leave friends that had become extremely close in such a short amount of time.
And so in the midst of finishing up our final course, graduation, and packing we tried to get as much fun into our final days together at Prairie. A few of us girls packed into Janelle's van to head to her house in Calgary for an extra day together before I flew home monday morning, and the others headed off in their own directions. Since I was the only one leaving most of my things in storage over the summer, the rest of the girls had to somehow pack all all their belongings into this van, which was an interesting challenge in its self.
Four of us, Hannah, Kelsey, Julie and myself packed into the back seat of the van while Janelle and her sister sat up front. We had stuff crammed into every possible location we could think of... including the middle seats. Sitting in the back we could not even look over all the stuff to be able to see the front window : S. All in all it was a fantastic end to a fantastic year... and if nothing else at least we came out looking a little more intelligent...

Perfect Pandemonium

2008-05-07T07:52:00.000-07:00

** Unfortunately I did not take any pictures during this part of the trip, however I know who to ask for a few pictures, and i'll post them here asap.

Many of you have already hear this ridiculous story of my journey back to Alberta from Guatemala… but I thought I would still write it out for those of you who have yet to hear, and also because it turned out to be a huge life experience for me- one that is certainly worth posting.

A few hours before landing in Calgary I recounted all that had been happening throughout this extended trip home on a barf bag compliments of Continental Airlines. It seemed fitting at the time. These are the words penned that day:

I have been sitting on what I hope to be my final plane seat for this trip, for about half an hour now, pen in hand and ready to recount everything over the past few days. I cannot think of where to begin. Did it start the moment I got out of bed? Or was it while waiting for the bus driver to show up? I cannot remember anymore, but somewhere there was a feeling, a strange feeling. One of excitement but also complete loss of control. I feel like I am 11 years old again, standing on the edge of that 50 foot cliff, waiting for dad to check and make sure the water below is deep enough for me to run and jump. Part of me was desperately wanting to jump, to feel the rush of the water as it engulfed me, but the other part of me was terrified, needing every aspect of what was about to happen next to be planned out perfectly. I have often felt the clash of these two traits within me, and here I was again. I had been packed for at least a week now waiting for this day, this moment. But the bus driver was supposed to be here an hour ago, and with each minute it was becoming more and more likely that we were going to miss our flight. When he finally arrived around 6am, we loaded as fast as possible, eager to be on our way. It wasn’t 10 minutes into the trip that we hit a huge traffic jam going all the way into the city. Nothing was working out according to plan. We finally arrived at the airport check-in with time to make it through customs, but as we began to check in the computer system crashed and but the time it had rebooted itself the plane was ready to take off and leave us stuck in Guatemala City. The airline tried to tell us that the only next available flight out of the country was 15 days away and that we would have to wait. Sometime around here I became completely exhausted and couldn’t handle all this insanity and fell asleep for a few hours amongst the luggage. When I woke up the interns were giving us the news. They had miraculously ‘found’ a flight tomorrow at 7am, so we would be staying at a hostel until then. That day passed slowly… everyone falling in and out of sleep, and being forced to find crazy things to do before falling fatally ill with boredom.

And so, much like the day before we again woke up early to be at the airport for 5am. We made it smoothly through check-in, and customs, and boarding the plane. The plane began taxing to the runway and started takeoff when we came to a violent halt. The pilot came on over the speakers telling us that the left engine didn’t seem to be working, a minor detail, and that we would have to go back and get a mechanic to take a look at it. Around 3 hours later we were preparing to take off once again, but sitting pretty close to that left engine I could hear it didn’t sound so great… we had a bit of a hard time clearing the mountains as the plane took off this time, but other then that, and the horrible noise we made it all the way to Miami, 5 hours late. It was here that our group began to get separated. Some headed to Dallas on a later flight and ended up sleeping the night in the airport, while a group of us made our way to the nearest Burger King, coupons in hand, before spending the night at the Crown Plaza in town. With 20 dollars to spend for each group of two we quickly turned it into a contest of who could spend the most of that money without going over… 2 triple bacon whoppers, biggie sized, and pie later Jang and I came out on top with the win… $19.95. I only made it through about 2 bites before Julie had to come in and save me, but the victory was mine!

At the Crown Plaza, Julie, Hannah and I ended up sharing a room… after a few minutes of jumping on beds, checking out all the bathroom freebies and finding the country station on the radio we decided to go check out the pool. A few hours later we came back to the room and I was able to talk to Kyle, who had made it back to school the day before. It wasn’t long into the conversation that Julie came rushing out of the bathroom with the news that our toilet was overflowing, and apparently it was my fault. This led to a hilarious endeavor of trying to find a plunger and figuring out how we could fix it since the cleaning staff had left for the night. The next morning we were again up early and heading to the airport… leaving a comfy bed, and a wet bathroom floor behind us. Our flight from Dallas to Calgary that was to take place later on today had already been cancelled and so instead of flying to Dallas we were placed on a flight to Houston with a connecting flight with Continental to Calgary. We made it through smoothly and everything seemed to be going according to plan for the first time this trip. All we needed to worry about now was getting from Gate A to Gate E in the 10 minutes there was between when we landed and when the next plane was about to take off. There was no way I was missing this next plane, I had had just about enough adventure for 3 days. As soon as I got off that plane we declared an every man for himself and started running towards the gate… a few of us hopping on a shuttle that moved slower then an old woman walking beside the tracks, walker and all. First stop I could get off I did and ran through the airport, only to find we had to go through customs again. I looked at the clock on the wall. 4 minutes until my plane takes off. Crap. I threw my shoes into a bin, and hurriedly walked through the scanner while a big security man laughed at me and asked me what I was in such a rush for. “Slow down girl!” he actually said to me. I didn’t have time to explain I just grabbed my bag and shoes and began running barefoot through the airport, needing to make it to gate E7. Of course that would happen to be at the furthest possible end of the airport. I made it there, panting, in time to see that the sign said the flight to Calgary had been moved to C23. You’ve got to be kidding me. I looked at the clock again, 1 minute. I was going to have to run faster then I ever had before if I was going to make it, and even then the boarding was probably already closed, but I didn’t have time to think, I just turned back around and took off running. I kept thinking of how badly I wanted to see Kyle and I was so close, I was not going to miss this flight, I had to get on that plane. I saw people from our group running towards me and just pointed at them to follow me, act now, explain later. I collapsed at the desk, saw the closed sign flashing on the monitor over head, looked out the window and saw the plane, and was barely able to make out the words, ‘can I get on that plane?’ She didn’t even look up at me, just said, its closed. I shut my eyes trying to control tears of frustration as I clenched my fists. ‘You don’t understand. I’ve got to be on that flight. I can’t wait another day, I need to be on that flight.’ She told me there was nothing she could do and pointed me to the guest services desk across the hall. I looked at the plane, so close. Maybe if I rushed the door… nope that man standing next to it looked pretty huge, I don’t think I could take him. I started walking over to the counter to see what flight we would be on next. I hear a horn honking down the hall and looked to see a bunch of friends being driven in one of those carts through the airport. That lady driving was a mad woman! She was honking that horn, speeding down the hall making people literally jump out of their way. They came to a halt in front of me and I quickly told them the final verdict. We all headed over to change our tickets. We were in the middle of canceling this flight and getting booked on a later one when the lady from the other desk tapped me on the shoulder and told us that our baggage had somehow made it onto that plane, so we had to be on it. I didn’t even think, just grabbed my stuff, rushed passed that big man at the door- haha showed you- and onto that plane. I’m a little scared to say that we have finally made it back- there is still a few hours left in this flight and as I’ve seen this trip, just about anything can happen… but I feel extremely excited about the possibility of finally seeing Kyle in a few hours after 3 long months… uh oh now I’m nervous haha.

I have learned so much throughout these past few days, and this entire trip in general. Faith when things are not going anywhere according to plan, and they don’t seem to make any logical sense, that for me is the hardest thing to do. To completely trust even when everything I thought was following Gods will is falling apart in every direction. Plan A, B and C have failed and I find myself left, helpless, vulnerable and confused. When in situations like this one though, I have found myself open to a very different way of trusting God, and letting go of all my plans- throwing that agenda out the window and just letting Him take me for this amazing exciting adventure. I am never disappointed when I trust in Him, and although everything on this trip seemed to be not working out the way it should, I was exactly the finale I needed before going home, and the adventure I was supposed to follow. Sorry that post was a long one… I often start writing and have a hard time remembering to stop. But it is a lesson and adventure that needed to be logged. Thanks for keeping me in your prayers throughout that trip home : )

Loma de la Cruz, El Salvador

2008-04-03T20:33:00.000-07:00

Where to even begin? It has been 4 days since leaving Loma de la Cruz, Jucuapa, and this is really the first time I have sat down to think about everything that happened there. But here I go, letting thoughts and feelings flow as they come…

About ten minutes left, someone had said. The seemingly long drive from San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador, was reaching its end as our microbus drove down a bumpy dirt road through the jungle heading towards a small village outside the town of Jucuapa called Loma de la Cruz. The van was quiet, everyone immersed in his or her thoughts while taking everything in. I was busy doing likewise. I was excited, I knew I had to be- this is what I had been looking forward to for our whole trip. Two weeks in the middle of nowhere, engaging in a small community, doing manual labour, hanging out with the kids, and maybe even getting some English classes in there. What was there not to be excited for- not to mention the fact that we would be sleeping in hammocks every night? I was pumped, and I knew that this is exactly where God wanted me to be, yet thoughts of longing to be home with my family were overpowering at the moment. I had just talked to mom the day before, and Jordyn, my youngest sister, was really sick. I had known she had been not feeling well over the past month, but it wasn’t until then I found out that this was bad. I knew it was going to be an ongoing battle for me to be able to focus on where God had placed me in each moment and not have my thoughts and mind back home.
As we drove over the final hill, we saw the school to the left, and a road with houses scattered down it. We turned right and pulled up in front of a small little house hidden amongst the trees and bushes. We all jumped out, grabbed our bags and ran over, ready to inspect each room. But that didn’t take too long, we all stopped as soon as the door was opened-there was only one room. Around back was the bathroom, a cement hole in the ground surrounded by three brick walls and a sheet to cover the door, and a shower, a wall, large pila filled with water and a bucket to dump the water over your head. This place was going to be awesome.
The first few days went by, relatively in similar routine, wake-up after multiple people have tried their hand at getting me up (apparently I am a really deep sleeper…), eat breakfast, head to work, then later in the afternoon partake in different activities people invited us to. Many of the families (there are 30 families total within this village) wanted to teach us how to make something new (papousas, tamales, atoll, cashews), or have us try a different kind of fruit, the names of which I will never be able to remember. It was a lot of fun, and I was thoroughly enjoying getting to know the people, feeling so welcomed by everyone. It was somewhere around this time that English classes started taking place on our front porch every night. I’m not even sure how this happened, but it did. Shayla and I started out teaching a small group of about six aging from around 13 to 21 years old. By the end of the first night, the faces I had just seen for the first time seemed to be faces I had seen all my life. I found out rather quickly this place had a way of pulling your heart in fast and making you feel as if you had been there a lifetime. I looked forward to these night classes each night, even though dirty from working all day, and drained from the heat, this time meant a lot to both Shayla and I. It had been one of our goals in going there that we didn’t want to feel separated from the town, spending a lot of time in our house and for it to be an off-bounds type of a place. This class opened up the perfect opportunity for the people to feel welcome coming to our house, and I think we were both able to engage in these individual’s lives in a way we would never have been able to do otherwise. As a few nights passed, more people began coming out, and Shayla took the older group, while I hung out with the younger group. I remember in the midst of one of these classes, just looking into the eyes of all these kids, hungry to learn, excited to just be close to you, I was for the first time awestruck with where God had brought me. How did I get here?
So many times over this past year I have found myself stopping to ask this question. So many things I never could’ve planned for, so many things I couldn’t have even begun to dream. A year ago I would never have envisioned myself sitting on the dirty front porch of a house in a tiny village in the middle of the jungle somewhere in El Salvador, gazing into the eyes of these children calling me ‘enseñar’. Even a month ago, a week ago I never could’ve known. But God knew. That simple fact has continued to blow me away time and time again. No matter how much I feel the need to plan things out, or make sure I am ‘ready for the future’, no matter what I do, He always has a way of bringing me right back around to where He wants me. I can run, I can try and hide beneath a thousand carefully laid out plans recorded in my trusty black agenda, and yet it all seems so empty, so meaningless. It wasn’t until the beginning of this year that I began truly understanding the power of faith and jumping out, tossing away my own agenda and submitting to whatever plans God had for me (read Hebrews 11). And so, for the thousandth, no millionth time this year I found myself again in this place, a moment in time I ever could’ve planned to be in for myself, and I felt so at peace, this was exactly where I was meant to be.
Practicum for me was so many things, and I know that as time moves on more things will uncover themselves, and I will continue going through life tangled in these moments of unpredictable peacefulness. I am so thankful for this continual reminder that He has everything in control and that He above all else knows the path set before me. As I continue my journey down this path, and prepare for returning home, I am able to finally reflect back on time spent in Loma de la Cruz, right down to the final glance out the back of the van window, a mental picture of people I had grown so close to standing in the middle of the dirt road, understanding His faithfulness, and then turning to face the road ahead, buckling in for whatever it is He has planned next.

Practicum Begins

2008-03-07T14:37:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow morning we are leaving to head for Panajachel. We are spending a week there, the first days being a Spiritual Retreat, and the last few days are times for classes, and hanging out with each other, preparing ourselves for the craziness of Practicum in El Salvador. In El Salvador, my team, Los Ochos, will be staying in a town called Juequapa. It will be the first time this village hosts missionaries, so we are super excited, but also nervous. Our actions and the impressions we leave will shape their mindset on future groups. Since we, the students, are in charge of ALL the planning, it has been a lot of work getting everything arranged, but so far so good. We will be staying in a small hut back in the jungle, sleeping in hammocks out on the porch, and eating beans 3 times a day! : ) haha. They have us building a wall for them at their local school, and installing new toilets in the bathroom. Also we are running a four day kid's day camp which i am really looking forward to. Today marks the last time i will have access to a computer for the next few weeks until we return from El Salvador, so I'm sorry, I'll be behind in posts for a while, but I will try and give a full update when I return. Please keep us in your prayers as we begin this new adventure!

Teaching English

2008-03-07T14:04:00.000-08:00

During weekend ministries in Patzun, Janelle and I had the opportunity to teach two English classes at the school Alpha y Omega on Fridays and Monday. These kids were so much fun, and had an honest desire to learn. I loved this experience. In this class, over the 3 weeks we talk simple phrases, greetings, jobs, time, foods, etc. For the last class we did a scavenger hunt in English with the kids, which they loved. Not only did they have to find the objects, they had to decipher what each word meant. Then at the end of the class, they surprised us with cards they had made for each of us. It was so hard to leave, I really enjoyed my time teaching.
Our first class had 5 students, ages 15-18. Evelyn, Karen, Gladis, Hosea-Luis & Mary (not in photo).

Our second class had 6 students, ages 14-16. Claudia, Ingrid, Ruth, Rosa, Kevin, & Domingo.

When the World Seems to Stop

2008-03-05T20:49:00.000-08:00

Today I felt the world stop. It is Tuesday March 4th, the day that would mark our final day in Patzun. This morning held many treasures, yet in that many challenges as well. It was our second day running a kid’s program at the school, and both days turned out to be huge successes. The children here have a way of grabbing your heart right from the first moment… and for three particular little boys, they did just that on day one. Alex, Edgar and Louis have been such a gift from God on this trip. If our time here were meant for nothing more then to just be here to play with them, each of us would’ve been fully content. But in the midst of this precious gift, came the challenge of saying good-bye. As our time at the Church this morning came closer and closer to its end, our group began to somber, knowing it would soon be time to part with these three friends. We gathered around to say goodbye, and Alex, the oldest, burst into tears. I watched helplessly as he went around to each of us, clutching onto our shirts and occasionally taking the time to brush the tears away from his eyes with the back of his hand.
As we walked away, all I could focus on was the sight of my feet, walking down the dirt road for the last time, the bright purple nail polish on my toes, and the sound of my flip flops as they smacked against the dirt. Everything else was silent. I no longer could hear the sound of cars honking their horns, or the business of people walking, yelling, and whistling. For one little boy the world had stopped, and somehow, mine had as well. I disagree with Elenor Roosevelt when she said "Many people walk in and out of your life, but only true friends leave footprints on your heart". Some people have a way of leaving their mark instantaneously without you even realizing. I will never forget this time in Patzun, the people, and especially those three little boys. As I leave on the bus in a few hours, I will take my final glance at Patzun, but forever I will carry it’s footprint on my heart.

Simply no words... (written March 1st)

2008-03-04T19:33:00.000-08:00

Today I witnessed the most hilarious situation. I will try and recount it as accurately as I possibly can, but I fear nothing I could write would ever do justice the odd amusement our group found today in Patzun. We were sitting out in the field at the school, playing guitar and learning to sing some songs in Spanish. The three boys, Alex, Edgar and Louis live in the house on the school property, which was in plain view of where we were sitting. All of a sudden, a few of the girls sitting in front of me, facing the house, burst out laughing. We all turned in the direction they were looking and to my utmost surprise saw Alex bolt from his house, stark naked, across the field and behind the church. Out of the door comes his mom, broom in firm grip, marching after him. Soon, Edgar and Louis followed, running after Alex with big sticks in their hands. They continued to chase, attempting to whack him whenever they came close enough, around the back of the field. Soon we were all rolling on the ground, clutching our stomachs from the pain of continuous laughter. I don’t believe that I will ever again in my life witness a sword fight quite as amusing as this one today. Even now, I can hardly make out the words being typed through the tears of laughter rolling down my cheeks… words cannot even describe.

Ministry Weekends

2008-02-25T09:48:00.000-08:00

As I write this on a scrap of paper, I am eating a piece of juicy delicious ‘sandia’ (watermelon) at the house of one of the teachers at the school Alpha y Omega in Patzun. It is the final day of our second weekend of ministries. But before I write another word, I must back track…

Each weekend my Discover team, Los Ochos, has been working in a small town up in the mountains called Patzun. The forty-five minute chicken bus ride is pretty crazy, almost completely uphill, driving incredibly fast up switch-backs. This weekend there was only standing room by the time we got on (at least 180 people, we counted haha), so all of us squished in the aisle. By the time we reached Patzun everyone was pretty nauseated.

Our first weekend ended up being mostly prep work and getting supplies, etc all set up for the next two weekends. Although at first we were all a bit discouraged with the amount of activity we were doing, in the end God blessed the time we ere able to spend there. You see, there is something you must understand about latin culture. Time means nothing. If they tell you to be ready to paint at the school for 9 am, but don’t show up until 5pm, this is not out of the ordinary. And so that is exactly how we spent our Saturaday. While we were upset from waiting around in the sun for hours, most of us were able to make the most of this situation I ended up playing soccer and basketball for hours that day with some of the kids that were hanging around the school. That was so much fun! Two of the boys, Alex and Edgar are always around the school becaue they are the schools janitor’s children and live on the school property.

On Friday afternoons I teach English in two of the older classes, to students aged 14-18. I absolutely love it. I don’t even know how to describe it, I think I’m still getting used to the idea that after so much time of talking about teaching English, I actually am. The students are a lot of fun, and I am grateful for the little Spanish I do know because it definitely helps.

This Friday, while I was not teaching, we actually started painting! That was really exciting, to finally be able to see some progress happening. They chose to paint the school an almost peach colour with white trim. It looks very umm… well Guatemalan. At least they love it.
The final project we are helping out with is papermaking. The youth group is being taught how to make different paper products out of recycled paper (journals, cards, etc) to sell in the tourist markets to generate some income for the Church. We are simply helping them get this started while we are there. It’s a lot of work, but its really interesting to me how incredibly resourceful people can be. I’m excited for this project to grow and to be something that continues to benefit them long past when we leave.

Kelsey and I are living with a family from Alpha y Omega while we are in Patzun. They are both doctors, which proved to be a God- send last weekend when my sickness suddenly worsened. Axel was able to give me a higher dose of medications (I got sick in Antigua with Giardia and an intestinal infection. The medications I was given there were not strong enough for how severe my case of it was). I have just finished these new medications and feel a lot better. Thanks for all your prayers, my mom told me she sent out emails to some of you, updating you about this and asking for your prayers. Thanks again! Please continue to keep us in your prayers, people are being hit in every which direction, and it is becoming really difficult to be down here. Please pray for protection also.

We return to Patzun on Thursday for our final weekend, which will last this time until the following Tuesday. I am really looking forward to a few days of rest and classes inbetween…

Oh Chicken Buses... What Would Guate Be Without You

2008-02-18T19:27:00.000-08:00

Right now I feel like I have kind of hit a bit of a lull, which would account for my lack of posts recently. It’s not that there hasn’t been much excitement on my end, simply lack of ability to put it all to paper. So, to break this I have forced myself to take the time to simply sit down and focus on nothing else. Here goes nothing…

Since all of my traveling around Guatemala lately has been by chicken bus, I feel like I should explain first of all what this is, and some crazy instances that have occurred in transit. Basically, a chicken bus is an old school bus that is unfit to be driven in the United States or Canada, and has been driven down here to be used as their main method of public transportation. As is typical for this culture, the buses are completely decked out with lots of bright colours, tassels in the windows, and if your lucky… fur on the dashboard. That’s right, it’s the most pimped out looking bus you will ever set eyes on. If that doesn’t startle you or catch your attention the ‘Jesus Cristo es mi pastor’ printed in huge letters right next to a silhouette of a woman, or the extremely loud reggae tone beats, is sure to cause a double take.

These buses are packed to the absolute max. One morning while taking this bus into town for Spanish class, I literally had to climb over the shoulders of two women who were sitting in the two front seats (at least 3 people in each seat). They were simply heavier set women, which is just the norm in this culture, and together they blocked the entire isle. So, typical green-go me sees no other option here then to climb right on over. There was standing room only that morning, so I stood near the back next to the speaker blaring Guate beats at 7 in the morning clinging to the ‘oh crap bar’ overhead for dear life. The drivers of these things are insane, its that simple.

On the hour bus ride from Antigua to Chimaltenango, Evelyne and I actually got to share a seat. Having barely pulled out of the ‘bus depot’ (field at the back of the market packed with chicken buses going in every direction), the lady sitting in front of us wiped her screaming child’s diaper off and flung the dirty thing right out the widow. I couldn’t help but imagine an innocent bystander, walking down the street to the market only to get this pleasant surprise package right in the face. How traumatizing that would be. Ev and I silently gave each other a look, knowing what must be going on in each other’s head at that exact moment. A few stops later, we had a guest come to share our seat, sitting right beside me on the outside. He was a large Guatemalan man, complete with a large gun to match. Recently, since the election in Guatemala, there has been a lot of rebels holding bus drivers at gun point, and in this area alone in the past few weeks there has been around 18 drivers who have been killed. Needless to say, because of this information I was a little freaked out inside, but managed to keep that to myself, and remind myself to keep breathing, for the duration of the ride.

Stepping up onto a chicken bus is always an adventure, and there are few things that excite me more then to be apart of some crazy adventure… I am so glad for the ones I have already been a part of, and look forward to the ones to come.

** pictures are completely random... taken on the times when we had the school's bus to take us to various places. Chicken buses aren't the safest places to whip out your camera...

No More Beans Please!

2008-01-29T12:34:00.000-08:00

Let me start out by saying I am a bean lover. However, this love apparently has consequences...

At one time or another in you life, you have experienced sickness. Whether it be a cold or flu, or something more serious, it is never enjoyable. In a developing country, there are many things that you have to watch out for, especially food wise. Most of our ‘foreign stomachs’ are not used to handling mass quantities of… well beans for example. Also, water unless treated and bottled, is never safe to use, and many parasitical issues can develop. Certain meats are never a good idea. The most common place people go to buy meat are the markets, which after walking through and seeing for my own eyes makes me never want to consume meat here again. Uncooked cut meats are simply thrown out on a wooden table, sitting out in the sun for days until they are purchased with flies and other insects free to climb all over as they please. This is then purchased by our home stay families, cooked and presented to us unsuspecting travelers por la cena (dinner).

Currently I am on day number 4 of being sick, i.e spending the better portion of my days on the can. As fun as I know this must sound to all of you, I assure you it makes for an insanely complicated situation down here. First of all, I believe something needs to be explained. Several things taken for granted back home, are not commonly available or supplied. In this particular case, the item would be toilet paper. Yes, its true, if you want toilet paper, you better buy and carry around your own. Restaurants, homes, & stores all do not supply it for you. Most people right now in home stays have found that their families have actually hid the t.p from them! It is a rare and beautiful occasion when you go out to eat, and find a spot that actually provides this seemingly simple necessity. This happened to my friend Julie and I a few nights ago. Both of us were in need of the bathroom on a pretty frequent basis, and decided to try out a local café called The Bagel Barn for dinner. To our pleasant surprise upon entering the bathroom, there it was in all it’s radiance, toilet paper. We stayed there for the better portion of our night.

There is however a little fault with toilet paper here. The drainage systems here are ancient, and were not made to handle paper being flushed through. So instead, it is disposed in the garbage bin (which they do provide). You might be asking, so what’s wrong with that? I didn’t think this would be a problem either. First, it is hard to train yourself to place it in the garbage after years flushing. If this happens, you MUST pick it out. But don’t worry, it only took me about 3 times before I realized I didn’t like that too much (“Hurt didn’t it? Don’t do that again!” ha ha). Secondly, “dirty toilet paper sitting in a trashcan” is not the kind of fragrance I would choose for a car air freshener. It is disgusting. Enough said.

Before coming here we had a whole class dedicated to sickness, what not to eat, and “what do I do if I get diarrhea?” All I can remember from this lesson is BRAT. Bananas Rice Applesauce and Toast. These are ‘natural pepto-bismo’, or ‘pluggers’ as a few of us have begun to fondly call them. Only thing to be care of is that you don’t plug too much otherwise you’ll end up with the opposite problem which is probably even more dangerous.

Well my bowel clock is telling me it’s time to go, but I hope you all enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it : ) adios por ahora!

Oh and I finally got a picture of the widow- maker in my house...

Glorious Creator

2008-01-26T06:55:00.000-08:00

The stars have always fascinated me. Something about them just leaves me speechless, and after all this time, only one reason seems to fit- they wonderfully display the glorious awe of The Creator. No matter where I am, they are there, shinning for all to see- how indescribable such a display. Our God is one of true amazement is He not? Last night I stood out on the patio for quite some time by myself; looking for the constellations I know, and letting the realities of God impact me. I am so small. Never do I feel so humble as when I get to stare upon His creation in the sky. And a question always resounds in my head: How could someone as small as me, be of any importance to a God so complex? Yet somehow that is simply something that seems to make Him even more complex- that He could love so deeply one simple girl, offering all of her heart to Him, praying it is enough. The sins I bare He lovingly takes from my hand, baring the cost for me, the tears of repentance I cry, He catches each one, and each laugh of delight he hears from my lips He rejoices in. I want to spend my entire life starring up at the sky, marveling over His greatness. Each day I live I want to continue feeling so small, yet so precious in His glorious eyes. Glory be to Him, Creator of the heavens and earth.

Widow-Maker

2008-01-22T12:50:00.000-08:00

I have just had my first experience with a widow-maker. And yes, I’ve heard it is actually as bad as that sounds. Where Shayla, Kelsey and I are staying for the next 2 weeks in Antigua it is a bit like a really nice hostel. There are many rooms in the house which the family rents out (and what a beautiful house it is…) Currently there are six of us boarding here – a guy from LA making a documentary on immigration, an old man from Germany who is traveling through Central and South America, and finally another old man we have no idea who he is. He doesn’t speak great Spanish to begin with, matched up with my extremely poor beginner abilites, and he doesn’t seem to understand any other languages people use with him. And so he simply remains silent.
So, introductions made, back to my widow-maker story. I wanted to take a shower last night, the only bathroom being down a dark hallway, staircase, and finally through the garden (electricity is not readily available, so after 6 or 7 the house gets dark also). This can be a little frightening living in a place which a bunch of random people, and so Kelsey, Shayla and I took turns showering, and standing guard. To get warm water (and I am exaggerating by using the term ‘warm’ to describe the temperature) you must first turn on a switch on the widow-maker which runs electricity through 3 wires which when water runs through above your head, the water is supposed to warm up. Electricity and water are never a good combination to begin with, and if you do it slightly wrong, or accidentally reach up… well, many people have been electrocuted while innocently taking a shower, hence, “widow-maker”.
Antigua is really beautiful, and I do enjoy being here, but I still feel a little uncomfortable being surrounded by so many people. I am a country girl through and through, and I really do need wide open spaces! But this is definitely an adventure I would not want to miss. The noises here from my room at night are hard to explain… babies crying, car horn’s honking, motorbikes with noisy exhausts driving down the street, loud Guatemalan beats playing from cars going by… but the most comforting is the train that goes by every few hours. It’s amazing how much a simple sound scan create so many feelings and emotions, and make you feel so at home in a foreign place. Last night, as I laid awake, unable to sleep, it was the train that finally went by, and the noise that sung me to sleep.
God is working here. It is so humbling to see Him working through the lives of the people here. He doesn’t need us, but we are willing. I find that to be a really comforting thought. I have been praying for so long, ‘Here I am, use me’. I can sense He is going to be doing something amazing, even if I never realize what it is. Sometimes the most powerful ways I think He uses us are the times we don’t get to see the results. Simply knowing He has asked of us, and obeying is enough… He will take care of the rest.
I miss everyone back home, but slowly my homesickness is being comforted. I’ve never felt homesick in my life, but for some reason I do now. Please keep me and our Discover Team in your prayers. xo

Hola de Guatemala

2008-01-20T10:12:00.000-08:00

Well, this will be my full second day in Guatemala, and at this moment I am feeling extremely overwhelmed with so many different things, but I am excited for what is to come. Friday was a day full of travel... 3 flights, each approx. 4 hours long, and just enough time in between each to get from one gate to another. We left school sometime after 4am, and arrived on Guatemalan soil around 10pm, with a 2 hour drive through the countryside ahead of us to get to our final destination in Chimaltenango... Guatemala Bible Seminary. We are here throughout our time in Guatemala, but after today wont be back for 3 weeks. The next two weeks will be spent in Antigua where we will be attending language school during the days, and we are paired off, staying in various homes with different families in Antigua. I am extremely excited to get better at the language, it is definitely an odd feeling not being able to communicate with people.
Yesterday we were able to go out and walk around the town a bit, tour the markets. That was a wild experience. Everything is so loud here... music playing from stores and cars, people yelling, cars honking... it's good to be back : )

We are in
Chimaltenango, Antigua, and Panajachel--> see map

Merry Christmas, & Hello 2008!

2008-01-07T08:18:00.000-08:00

Well, life has been insane since my last post. The final week of school before Christmas break was incredibly hectic getting assignments completed, finishing up classes, and studying for exams. That stress finally off my back, it was time to head home for Christmas! I spent the last three and a half weeks back home in beautiful Ontario with family, friends, and tonnes of SNOW! The first few days where a bit weird for me getting back into the life at home, but that feeling quickly disappeared. I enjoyed spending a lot of time with my two awesome sisters, and my mom and dad. It was really great to get to go down and see my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins too! Also, getting to see my friends was amazing...we always come up with the craziest things to do, or the funniest conversations to have. I cannot wait for our next reunions.
To everyone i got to see: I'm so glad I got to spend time with you hearing your stories, and sharing mine. I'm so sorry if i did not get to see you over the break... I'm sure your holiday was as busy and crazy as mine... Hopefully we will see each other soon!

Since being back at prairie, I have been insanely busy with classes, but i am continuing to love my time here. In a few days Discover will be off to Guatemala... I am so excited for what's to come this semester. More exciting stories are sure to follow...

The Escape

2007-12-07T19:02:00.000-08:00

Tears running down her cheeks
The pain of brokenness in her heart
Moments to pass
Never forgotten

She bore her soul
Escaping from the holds
Of darkness
Finding comfort in His heavenly embrace

Truth spilled from her lips
Each word
Releasing her from darkness
Taking back her heart

Love for Him
Shines in her eyes
As she trusts in Him
Hope for forgiveness in her soul

Clasping her hands
And lifting her bowed head
He brushes away one thousand tears
Her pain vanishing with each one

Her pain He felt
Her sins He bore
And her redemption He ensured

Snow, Snow, Snow

2007-12-01T17:31:00.000-08:00

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. ~Norman Vincent Peale

I am absolutely loving this snow!! In the midst of school and other obligations, many of us have found the time to enjoy the captivating beauty of winter. On one of the first days we received a "substantial" amount of snow here, Kyle and I spent some time out playing in it, as well as taking pictures. Although cold, we had a lot of fun and were able to catch a beautiful prairie sunset (which currently has begun setting as early as 4pm... so weird!)

Today, a few friends (Kara and Julie) and I drove into Calgary to watch some Prairie friends participate in the 'Santa Shuffle' 5km race. We didn't end up leaving as early as we had planned, and completely missed the race...but were able to meet up with them later. We then took a side trip out to the Calgary Olympic Park and saw the 'Cool Runnings" bobsled track. Then we introduced Kyle to his first Tim Horton's experience!! All in all it was a really fun day. It was nice to get off the campus here, and the small town of Three Hills. As nice as it is here, the trip to Calgary was a much needed break! Only 10 days left until I head home for Christmas!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas!

2007-12-01T17:21:00.000-08:00

Another month has passed, and finally it’s “beginning to look a lot like Christmas” out here in the prairies!! Snow has begun to fall, covering the frozen ground with a nice blanket. Christmas lights have been hung throughout the town, on houses, stores, and even on the famous Three Hills water tower! I have especially appreciated the times where I can go walking through the town at night, looking at all the houses that have been decorated for Christmas. This is definitely my favourite time of year! With only a few weeks left of classes before I head home for Christmas break, school life has become extremely hectic, but also really exciting. So much is happening here on campus! Many classes are coming to a close, and with that comes immense masses of homework. Most of us have found ourselves locked in our dorms, slaving away over our computers, trying to get through papers, assignments and readings as quickly as possible, while waking up early each morning to attend classes and chapel.

One class we are currently taking is New Testament. Within this a main topic, and our final paper, is based around the question “Who is Jesus?” At first glance, this question appears rather straight forward, but has proved itself complex and challenging thus far. For many students, including myself, these classes are at times extremely trying of our faith, or at least what we have believed to be true throughout our lives. Instead of simply agreeing and going along with everything we have been taught up until this point in our lives, we are constantly being forced to think critically, viewing many different possibilities and theories about the New Testament. Many days I return to my room emotionally exhausted because of the intense level of conversation, theological debate, and questions that are left circulating in my mind. All in all, however, these have proven to be extremely valuable and in turn have increased by faith by far.

I am becoming extremely excited for next semester, and the adventures that are sure to occur among our travels through Guatemala and El Salvador. Plans are heavily underway now, as final loose ends are being tied up. I hope you are all enjoying the snow… I’m looking forward to receiving more here soon!
God Bless, you remain in my prayers!

This is Me: Dancing

2007-11-17T14:30:00.000-08:00

Laughter exploding from interior walls
Spinning, twirling
Steps that move and sway
I am my own dance
Moving to my inner rhythm

A dance that cannot be taught
Or learned
Its rhythm is always changing
Growing

My dance transforms itself
Telling a story
Times of love and laughter
Depression and despair
There is no emotion left untouched
By the dance of my soul

Dancing in the rain,
Arms outstretched towards the heavens
This is me
Dancing through the rough times
Swaying through the good times

Its rhythm will carry on
Into eternity
Where my soul will forever be
Dancing

Train Tracks, Sunsets and Rearview Mirrors

2007-11-14T20:56:00.000-08:00

There is something extremely special, and perhaps precious about the unexpected gifts life gives us. They can be simply moments, they’re there and then they’re gone forever, forgotten in the rearview mirror, as we keep moving, changing. But then there are the gifts that stick, the ones we take with us wherever our dreams lead us. Found in all shapes and colours, I found my gift amongst the tall grass on the first day of my arrival at school. Whenever I travel to a new place, I need to find a place to call my own. Somewhere I can go and think, or just admire the beauty in God’s profound creation. On that first day, when I first heard the whistle blow, I knew I had found my place. The train tracks, situated behind the school, over look the vast fields that continue as far as the eye can see. On a clear day, the mountains can be seen in the distance, their peaks jutting up into the bright blue. If you’re lucky, and time it just right, the sunset from these tracks can steal your breath. Friendships have been formed on these very tracks, and memories made that have deeply touched my life and the ones close to me. Laughs, cries, moments of deep conversation or cherished moments spent in utter silence… each a stone on the side of the track, making up the base our train of life so quickly passes by on. As life continues to fly by, so do the times spent at this precious place, where time seems to stand still, if only for a moment, as you lye next to the track and feel the ground shake as the train flies by you taking the minutes of your life along with it. Forever captured inside my heart, these memories will be ones I carry with me, as I watch the train go by in the rearview mirror.

2007-11-11T19:15:00.000-08:00

It never ceases to amaze me how fast time seems to go by, but then when reflecting back it is as if a lifetime has passed. Looking back over the past month, I feel exactly this way. Yet again, so much has happened, and I don’t know where to begin.

My last letter ended with my experience at House of Grace. After returning back to the whole Discover group, we broke into our ‘teams’ (there are two different Discover teams this year, Team Rhombi, and Los Ochos, which is the team I am a part of). My team was sent to the town of Hollister to work with a small church within the community. We spent the first night there painting the inside of the building, then having a large dinner with the members of the church. The next days were spent doing ministry activities the church had planned for us, one of them going down to a river on the outskirts of the town where many illegal immigrant workers had made their homes in the bushes at the edge of the river. One woman brought us down to see her home, which resembled to me something that my sisters and I would have created in the forest as kids as a fort to play in. A tarp was hung in the trees to offer slight shelter, steps down to the river had been shaped into the dirt, and shopping carts filled with whatever small possessions she owned were concealed in the trees. There were beer bottles, and other pieces of garbage scattered around the clearing and waters edge. I remember looking around, amazed that someone actually lived like this just outside a seemingly nice, Californian city, right in North America. Although my life may have been slightly sheltered, I have spent time in larger cities, such as Toronto and Vancouver doing urban ministry before, and have witnessed many instances of homelessness. However this experience still blew me away. It was one thing to see a man begging for money on the side of a crowded street corner, or sleeping in a park, but it was a completely different blow witnessing this situation. After eating lunch with these workers, we began traveling to Camp MayMac to spend our final week in California in classes. The camp is located just outside Santa Cruz, and we ended up spending our day off at the beach, which was a really nice surprise.

After our final week in California, we were back in the airport heading for Montana. During our last ten days at Camp Big Horn, we were busy with classes, assignments, and reuniting with friends in the Explore program, while drinking as much hot chocolate as we could before heading back to Prairie. One night my friend Julie and I got one of the Camp instructors that we were also close to, Nikki, to take us out kayaking and teach us how to do a roll, which is basically learning to flip your boat back over once you have already flipped underwater. It was dark by the time we got out, and the water was freezing cold… I have never had such a bad brain freeze as I experienced that night, but it was such a learning experience for me too. Trusting and living with blind faith have been something that I have been learning over and over so far this year. Just like when I flip over into the piercingly painful cold water, and must trust that what I was taught has the ability to flip me back out, and if I can’t seem to manage it, Nikki would be there to help me flip back over, my trust in God is similar. When He asks of me to go out and follow His will, I must trust that he as equipped me with the tools I need to do whatever it is He is asking to my best ability, and when I stumble, He’ll be there to tend to the broken bones and bruises that may result. Over and over, God has been asking me to walk with blind faith, and step into things without knowing or understanding what the end result may be. At first this was extremely terrifying, and still is very much so, but I have grown in faith through it, as well as my confidence in His plan for my life has grown. I would encourage all of you to seek out where it is your heart is being lead, and then question why you may be ignoring or pushing away those callings. For me, I was afraid of being vulnerable, with the possibility of being hurt somehow… what is it that may frighten you which is holding you back?

The Adventure Begins... (Written September 26th)

2007-11-11T18:46:00.000-08:00

Well, it has certainly been a non-stop rollercoaster ride since the day my family dropped me off at Prairie. During our first two weeks, we studied Worldviews in a modular class called Summit. We got to know everyone in both Discover and Explore groups fairly well, while staying up late at night trying to get all our assignments and papers done for these classes. After our first exam was completed, and final paper handed in, we hopped on the bus that would take us on a ten-hour trip across the boarder before finally making our second home at Camp Bighorn. Located in Plains Montana, Camp Bighorn is a Christian Adventure Camp in a forested valley between large mountains, and right on the Clarkforth River. Our days there were filled with intense lectures and classes, races to the look out point up the mountain, mud fights, and cliff jumping. During the night, many students could be found doing homework in the main lodge, with a mug of Camp Bighorn’s famous Hot Chocolate.

Before long, it was time for Discover to head out on our 5 day rafting trip on the Salmon and Snake Rivers, which travel through Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Without knowing what we were getting ourselves into, our group hit the river. Each night we had to set up our camp, which consisted of a tarp we placed all our sleeping bags onto, a cooking area, and a ‘bathroom’. We closed our eyes each night to the beautiful view of stars in the sky, bundled up with every piece of clothing we owned! Each day was a new adventure, with new challenges to overcome. During our second day, we were going down our first class 3 rapid, when the raft hit the side of a rock, knocking Russell (one of the guys in the program) and myself into the middle of the rapid. Trapped underneath the boat, I was not sure which way to swim, until I finally made my way to the surface, where the water through us around until we met calm waters. Someone from our raft reached down to pull us back in, and I began to laugh hysterically. It was quite the adrenaline rush, and I could not wait for it to happen again! By our final day, we had successfully completed many class 3 and 4 rapids, and had all had our share of sunshine. From our take out place in Washington, we drove back to Camp Bighorn to stay for a few days until we flew to San Jose, California. Our first few days in California consisted of classes, eating with the men at the City Team Recovery Center, and traveling to San Francisco to help out at a Food Shelter. The men at the shelter looked at us girls as if they had never seen a member of the female species when we first walked through the doors to join them for dinner, but soon warmed up to us, and told us a lot of their past stories. When we traveled to San Francisco, I worked mainly in the kitchen preparing dinner for everyone, while people were able to go through and take food donation packages back to their homes. I was disappointed at first when I heard that it would be my responsibility, along with another in the program, to work in the kitchen because I wanted to be out, building relationships with the people. It was not long after we had started the quiche, soup and pasta that I remembered the story of Mary and Martha and how each were able to serve Jesus in different ways, although each was of importance. After the dinner was complete, we all sat around a large table like a family to eat, sing and eventually dance together.

Currently, I am staying with a Mexican family in San Jose to learn about their culture, while spending my days at a place called House of Grace. It is a recovery center for women who have children, and have struggled with addictions with drugs and alcohol. Many, although not all, of the women have spent many years in prison, and are trying to rebuild their lives in a Christian environment, in an attempt to get jobs, and perhaps regain the ability to see and spend time with their children that have been taken away from them. The home is a confidential place that they are able to stay in without fear of past abusers or violent boyfriends/ husbands finding them, and also have the opportunity to rebuild their lives. The girls stay in an apartment complex, attend classes daily, and have access to childcare for the ones who have their children living with them. Many of the girls have found a rock to rebuild their lives on in Jesus, and it is amazing to see the daily development in the women (ranging from 20-50 years of age). Each have their own separate pasts, addictions, abuses, offenses, but they all are able to find a renewed hope for their future and a motivation to improve their own lives and the lives of their kids. I have loved getting to know each girl, and their own personal stories. In each of them I see a brave, caring soul that has struggled for so long to find someone that truly cares and loves them. For many of them, Jesus has become this someone, and He has ignited a passion in them like no other. As my final days with these girls in coming, I would ask that you would lift them up in your prayers. Pray for the young mothers that are struggling to get by. Pray for all the women who are being beaten and abused by their husbands, boyfriends, and even fathers. Pray for the women who rely on the bottle as her main source of freedom from the daily struggles she goes through. Pray for all the women in jail, who have yet to see someone that could truly love them- who have yet to see Jesus for who He is. For in each of them, I have seen a heart and a soul that is crying out for His ultimate love, a love they have never known.