nicole's narrative

more than a thousand words

2009-08-16T19:21:00.008-05:00

life has changed

2009-08-16T19:06:00.002-05:00

eleven months

a trip to India
getting sick and struggling with mold
a new relationship
a new church
a long distance relationship
an engagement
a trip to germany
a marriage
a new family
moving
more water damage and mold
missing my husband
more long distance relationship
waiting on the irish government so that the immigration process can start
planning a wedding in canada
a lot of work
a lot of skype
too much chocolate
not enough exercise
wanting more self control
wanting a retreat
wanting a healthy home
wanting to live with my husband

the list goes on...

pictures will follow

been a while

2008-09-30T22:32:00.003-05:00

i realize that i haven't updated this blog for a while now. most people during the summer months are away from the computer because they are doing summer like things. camping, the lake or holiday. i was just away because i've been working. my holiday is coming just around the corner. i'm going to india in a week and a half. a friend i made during my time there is getting married. i honestly didn't think i would be going back so quickly. however, i'm excited. time off work right before the busiest time in the year. hopefully some good time of reflection, reconnecting, cultural awareness and travel. i'll leave you with two pictures. one, a good fall prairie sunset.

the other a shot of the tracks near where i live, sort of a reflective shot, even though it is a shot of a straight portion of the tracks there is a bend near by. i feel like i'm headed to that bend, so we'll see.

visit

2008-07-22T20:47:00.002-05:00

this past weekend my parents started their holidays and so i was the first stop on their journey west. had some beautiful weather and enjoyed some of saskatoons finest, including a good down pour.

so it has been a while

2008-07-05T21:52:00.006-05:00

it has been a few months since i've updated this thing so here is a snapshot of the last bit. i went to calgary twice, once for a friends wedding and once for work, meetings. the first trip, road trip, catching up with friends and an enthralling afternoon at the calgary zoo! the second trip yielded no pictures as my sd card messed up when i was at the top of the gondola.

the next bit, work and more work, mostly enjoyable, which is lovely.

i went home to mb to visit family this last weekend, good food, waffles with white sauce! so good to be out of the city! also went to the forks for canada day with family. short but sweet trip.

right now, enjoying the quite, lovely breeze and homemade iced green tea.

the new cut

2008-05-04T10:43:00.003-05:00

in case any of you were wondering what it looks like.

the store and other things

2008-04-24T22:57:00.001-05:00

I've been at the store for just over a month and it is going well. I'm enjoying the new pace of life. Tis faster then what I've been accustomed to.

Learning to ride my bike to work, easier said then done but healthy and good for me!

Just got a new haircut and have the shortest hair since 2000. Its nice to have something new for spring, which I think is here for good... just had a good snow last week.

newness

2008-03-23T18:55:00.010-05:00

i splurged the other day and bought some tulips. this is a flower that reminds me of spring, the beauty of waking up after winter and the freshness of new life.

on the subject of new things. i have a new job. i am an assistant manager for ten thousand villages, which is a fair trade store. quite excited about this. another new opportunity is to take pictures of babies at church this coming week. there have been quite a few new births and so they are celebrating another woman and i are to take pictures, here's hoping that they turn out well.

He is risen, He is risen indeed!

this one's for colleen

2008-03-10T19:27:00.003-05:00

as colleen wanted an update because my life is so very exciting right now, nothing like someone experiencing new zealand for the first time.

i do believe (hope) that spring is making its way here. the last couple days have been beautiful and the white snow is changing to a dirty, crusty ice snow. then it becomes water that is pooling in all the low spots and dripping off everything that held snow for so long. you can hear the birds and not just the pigeons. people are starting to come out of their homes and the bikes are becoming a more popular sight. the days are longer as the sun comes out sooner and hangs out a little longer.

learning good God lessons, persevering through some stuff but have been encouraged.

still waiting on the job front...

Visit from the Family

2008-01-31T15:13:00.001-06:00

Last weekend my family came for a visit. Short but sweet it was. Driving from Manitoba does take a large portion of the weekend. It was good to see them and show them a little of Saskatoon. Colleen is headed off to YWAM next month so it will be a while before I see her again.

Took a little trip to the Mendel, home of Saskatoon's only conservitory which is about the size two apartments, better than nothing.

Back to Square One... Again

2008-01-18T18:24:00.000-06:00

Now I know that that title sounds a little pessimistic and yet I try to look at the bright side of it all. Once again, I am looking for work. After some great interviews, very promising leads and everyone saying 'oh I'm sure you'll get it', all has fallen through. Trying my darnedest to be positive.

Now I do love swinging but the swing of emotions and hopes does to take the fun away from swinging.

Before I started writing this post I did say that it wouldn't be a 'woe is me' post so on a better note. Winter is about half over. The snow has been lovely, crisp air and the beauty of it all. Today it was cold and when it is I long for fire. I have been burning my share of candles, they are delightful, something about watching a flame dance around and feeling the warmth.

So I'm back to square one but still trusting even when it brings frustration and tears. Knowing that I am working through things that would be swept away with the business of a full time work. Strength to head those things straight on.

Home

2008-01-03T08:08:00.000-06:00

I was blessed to go home for a couple days and the whole family was together again. It was short but good. I was able to spend time with family and enjoy some of those things that can only be done at home. Sharing a meal together all around the table, eat good food, visit, enjoy the wood stove, enjoy in the excitement of good news and be there when things are going tough and be able to listen. The down side was that I was (am) sick. The delights of coughing and mucus have not left me yet. I don't have a lot of pictures as my camera acted up and I lost a lot of what I took over the holidays, so here are a couple that I was able to save. Sorry mom I didn't have a good one of you, well I do but I didn't think everyone wanted to see you as a gargoyle.

Right now I am working part-time at the bank and looking else where for full time. It is a season of trust. I've been able to take some time to reflect to the past year and see where I've come from, what I've learned and how I've grown. It is good to slow down, sit back and relax. Reflect, pray, be still before Him.

Out of the City

2007-12-10T09:58:00.000-06:00

Crazy how you sometimes don't know how much you miss something until you experience it. This weekend a group of us spent a night in a cabin at a camp outside of the city. It was so beautiful. The crisp night, so still and the stars! The stillness of the outdoors, the smell of the wood stove. It was short and sweet, except for the whole sick thing. I did my best to not let my cold get the best of me but alas the body won out. There was much more to do but the body demanded rest. I am now trying to get over a cold, hopefully the first and last of the season.

Changes

2007-12-07T07:57:00.000-06:00

As of late I have been thinking about changes. I am making a change in work. Slowly I am shifting away from the bank as I know that is not where God would have me. I am thankful for the opportunity but...

The other day I was on the bus and the sun was shining and the way it was beaming through the window and onto the empty seat. There was a peace about it. About where I am right now. Although it seams to not make sense at times, it is a time filled with trust.

It is winter and it is cold. I used to love winter and the snow but I am finding that love is not returning to me as quickly as I thought it would. Still there is beauty and the crispness of the air makes me thankful for the clean air that we have and the warmth that I can come home to everyday.

I have been looking back at the year and it is very interesting and encouraging to see where I've been, whom I've met, those that I have had to say good bye to and how God has been moving through it all. This journey of life is short. It at times feels long but you blink and it is almost over and you wonder how did that happen so fast?

Fitting back in

2007-11-22T20:46:00.001-06:00

Yes the Christmas tree is up. A couple weeks ago I went to MCC in search of a cheap tree and also found a freezer and so I just couldn't put it in the storage room. We have I do believe the first tree up in the area but it does fit in with the snow.

For those that don't know I have been working at a bank. It is a drastic change from where I have been in the last couple years. I feel that this is not the place for me yet if one were to ask what do you want to do I do seem to have a bit of trouble answering that question as well. I know that I moved to Saskatoon not to put all my energy into a job that is not me. When I come home I want energy to put into things that are near and dear to my heart. So I feel that I'm at an impass. What kind of step of faith is God calling me to. To stick it out, quit with no job in the near future and depend on Him or just cut back in the number of hours that I work at this particular job. There is always the lure of MDS but I know that I need to confront this at some point in life. I can't run from one thing to another. I desire to be at peace with how I make my money and spend my days. I long for the fulfillment of peace in this area. I don't want this burden as at times it seems so shallow yet has caused many days of heartache. So for those that read this please pray. I do believe that there is a master plan and that He knows but that I will be able to trust and make the right decisions in these next days.

Blessings

It's Coming!

2007-11-04T14:55:00.000-06:00

I woke up to a blanket of white this morning. But by the time church was over it was gone. More and more often I will see this white substance that has become unfamiliar to me. I have become a bit of a wuss with all this winter business. I haven't seen snow in quite some time and it is taking some time to get used to it and the cold that comes with it. Yet everyone is talking about how nice of a fall we're having.

I have come to realize that going from being a volunteer to working in a bank will be quite a transition, one that I wasn't quite prepared for. I am thankful for the job and the opportunity that it will present. My heart still lies elsewhere.

Small blessings, finding a apt sized freezer at MCC and picking up a Christmas tree. I know it won't be a real one this year but it won't be paper either. Haven't brought these things home yet but it will be fun decorating a tree. I know Christmas is a good month and a half away but... Last year Christmas was different. As long as the focus stays on Him it's okay that the tree will be up early.

The week of Luxury

2007-10-22T19:11:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow is the day. I start my new job. I desire to very much enjoy it but am a tad bit nervous that I won't. This morning I woke up and looked outside and saw the potential of the sunrise so went out to capture it.

Had a good week, even had some excitement. We forgot to register for electricity and so on Tuesday the power went out. So for 24 hours we had no power and were treated a candlelit evening. Also many trips to the library took up my week. The period of no work has ended. Strange to think that my time off will be limited now and not at my discretion. Oh the life of a working person.

The Latest

2007-10-12T20:24:00.000-05:00

The other day I received the call that I was being offered a full-time position with a bank! This had me quite excited as I was feeling quite down about the whole job thing. God was bringing me to a point of total trust and dependency. Just as He brought me there and I had surrendered, the job offer came. He is wonderful isn't He?

Today was a beautiful day. Crisp and sunny this morning, had a really cool conversation with a girl this morning at the bus stop and on the ride downtown. Enjoyed a hot drink after running errands waiting for the bus, basking in the warm sun.

This last week was not without its frustrations. I worked temp work for two days and as a result have a really sore wrist and don't have full strength in my right hand. I was correlating books by hand for 8 hours a day. I have done repetitive work before and have had no trouble but this time there was no rotation to other work, so I think that may have been the problem. Anyway I have a week before I start my new job and am hoping that it heals during that time.

All in all I am enjoying learning about this place and getting to know some of the people here. Just to give you a bit of a feeling what today felt like, this picture sort of emulates how I feel right now.

... is it already time to be thankful

2007-10-02T15:10:00.000-05:00

But isn't it always? I was shocked that this weekend is Thanksgiving. Maybe I'll have to bake a pumpkin pie.

For the sake of updates I am still looking for work. I had an interview, didn't get the job, have another one tomorrow. Patience is the key, easy to say hard to do.

Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend at MBMSI update. So good, encouraging to hear stories of people living life to the fullest for Christ. Challenging as well, the questions of when and where came up. We shall see how God will weave my life into the fabric of cross cultural mission.

I went out this morning to capture a bit of fall and to do some job hunting work. It was a beautiful crisp morning. Fall is interesting, at times harsh and boring or warm, filled with beautiful colors and sounds. There is nothing quite like shuffling through leaves on the ground.

Starting Anew

2007-09-24T15:00:00.000-05:00

When I first arrived in India, I was in a state of awe and constant learning. Now having moved to Saskatoon I try to obtain the same attitude about the new place that I am living in. However, the level of fascination is a little lower then it was in India. Which is sad, the people are new and each have a story to share and deserve the same love and care as those in India.

The west side of the city, not known as the desired place to be, yet I desire to be here and am excited about the possibilities. Community is a beautiful thing. I have entered into one and will work to give of myself to make it better.

Fall is here and hopefully will hold off winter a little bit until we can enjoy its beauty. This morning was not promising, neither was yesterday.

Looking for work, trying to be patient and trust. When the world would tell me it should be so easy.

All in all it is going well and am excited about living here with the two wonderful roommates God has provided and the opportunities that He has for me.

Moving

2007-09-17T08:13:00.000-05:00

I have finally moved to Saskatoon! We made the drive this past weekend and were able to move in everything right away, which was wonderful. The list of things to do gets longer everyday, setting yourself up in another city is something I haven’t done yet in life. I have two wonderful roommates and we are moving the last person in today.

What as I doing in Saskatoon? I am living and hopefully working soon. The job hunt has officially begun. There does seem to be a lot of work here as the economy is booming but finding the right thing for now is something that can be overwhelming, when you’re not exactly sure what you want.

I look forward to my time here and am curious to find out what’s coming. It is finally a reality, God has brought me here and I’m anxious to find out why.

Waiting...

2007-08-29T10:36:00.000-05:00

Last week I had the privilege to spend some time in Winnipeg. I have some family in the city with whom I spent time with. On one of those days we went to the zoo. I hadn’t been to the zoo in over ten years, back in the days when it was free. Not much has changed other then the absence of the elephants and pandas. Nonetheless it was a pleasant way to spend the morning. I went with my cousin, it was wonderful to see the animals through younger eyes.

As another birthday came and went I am still on the prairies of Manitoba. I had thought I would be on the prairies of Saskatewan. Alas I am still waiting to move. At times I am very frustrated at this whole waiting process. I often think that if I would have known it would take this long I would have done many different things with my time. But I can not go back it time. I struggle to not think of this time as wasted. With this wait there has been building of this expectation of Saskatoon and all that it holds. I am anxious to make a home and renew friendships also make new ones. Find a way to support myself and look forward to a prairie winter, something that I haven’t had in a while. I know fall hasn’t even happened yet but there is part of me waiting for winter, scary isn’t it?

So as I wait, I cook, read, refurnish chairs and try to think of other ways to bind my time. I know that there are things that I need to do. I feel the result of not doing what my heart tells me that I need to. I guess there are all things that we know we should be doing and yet for some reason we put them off because we think that we have all the time in the world. We don’t, the reality of that has become very clear this past summer. I know I need to start living as if my time is drawing nigh. Spending time with my Maker and doing the things that He would have me do.

Hawaii in Pictures

2007-07-31T12:09:00.000-05:00

vacation

2007-07-22T14:30:00.000-05:00

so this is short and sweet.

hawaii sunrise.

lots of people, wish there weren't.

lots of sun but haven't burnt yet...

hoping to enjoy the last days.

looking forward to the move,

but first finish enjoying this island in the middle of the ocean.

the latest

2007-07-07T18:40:00.000-05:00

Back at home in Winkler. Just hanging out and almost being really lazy. The other weekend I headed out to Saskatoon to attend the wedding of Tim & Erica. A wonderful time of catching up with friends. Next week my family and I are heading to Hawaii for some good family vacation time. We were the family that would always go camping in the summers. Now I love camping and haven’t gone in many years and really should go again… Anyway this is first for us as a family. It’ll be good as we are all older now and such. After Hawaii I will move to Saskatoon and start the job hunt. So that is quick low down of what and where I have and will be until August.

On a deeper lever, I do believe I have cheated myself. I have not taken the time to reflect and just be with God. I regret this. I have changed, family has changed, friends have changed. Where do I fit again? Learning to live in Canada again without compromising who I have become. I don’t want to stop letting God change me. Many people who have been away and have lived in a drastically different culture then the one those they have grown up in struggle with many same feelings when returning to their first culture. India was one step on this journey that Christ has called me to what the next one will all entail is something that only He knows.

returning

2007-06-15T10:38:00.000-05:00

"In a sense, it is the coming back , the return, which gives meaning to the going forth. We really don't know where we've been until we come back to where we were - only where we were may not be as it was because of who we've become, which, after all, is why we left."

- Bernard from "Northern Exposure" upon returning from Africa

Goodbye & Hello

2007-06-10T19:34:00.000-05:00

To say goodbye is hard, to say hello is also hard. The ending of something significant in ones life should come with mixed emotion. But greeting people you have not experienced life with for a while also comes with mixed emotion. People change, both for the good and bad. I've changed. Relationships change, as the people involved change so does the relationship.

We are back at the Mark Center for our period of debrief. This is a time to reflect all that God has done, re-enter Canada and share with the other teams our stories and experiences. I don't believe I have fully let myself realize that I am back in the West. There are days when India seems like a dream but I know that dream was real.

Some interesting events of the past weeks, both happy and sad.
- Had the opportunity to stay a couple days with a friend and her family in India.
- Went swimming at the Canadian Embassy in India.
- My camera was stolen at our Goodbye party. I insured my camera, which allows for a new one.
- Had to say Goodbye.
- Got to say Hello.
- Luggage was delayed for a number of days
- Jet Lag.
- River Rafting on the Chilliwack river.
- Seeing my sister here in BC.
- Listening to Jazz on a Sunday evening.
- Am wearing pants and long selves because it is cold!

There will be more to come. There is family to see, friends to visit, weddings to attend, Hawaii to travel to & moving out... the journey continues.

the start of the end

2007-05-18T02:43:00.000-05:00

Cooking with the girls.
Chopping for salad & soup, mixing for biscuits & good Hindi tunes.

Babysitting. Water, giggles & who can deny a Spiderman who loves Jesus.

Cafe Coffee Day, air conditioning & good drinks = good team meetings!

Some of the things we have been involved in in the past week. Delhi is now an oven and so we are enjoying places that offer a/c. These past couple weeks in the evenings we have been treated to summer lightening storms. These bring wind which cools the air and pretty awesome lightening strike shows. I can say that because I am from the prairies and these rate pretty good. Also the rain settles the dust. The people that call this place home tell us that it is rare to have a lot of rain before the monsoon season. This year has been weird weather according to the locals.

wind up party on this past This past week marked Mothers Day which is not really celebrated here. We had our BhangraMonday and so we attributed motherhood as many of the women that came are mothers. This week also marks one year since my grandparents pasted away. It sometimes seems that it was just last month. I think this is largely a result of only being home with family such for one month in this past year. Reality sets in when you are around family and there are people missing. So this past week has been one of reflection. As a note the nooma series has a DVD called Mathew which is very powerful for those that are wanting to learn about grieving. It was helpful to watch it this week.

Also I have realized that I will miss Delhi. Crazy that a small town girl will miss this huge city. I will miss India. I'm proud of this. I have been able to see past the unbearable to the beauty and life of India. Past the poverty to the perseverance of the people. There are still things that I will be glad to be rid of. But there will be things that I have fallen in love with that I will miss. I'm almost scared of how this will effect me as the months go by when back in Canada. Once you have experienced something it will forever change you and you always leave part of yourself there or take part of that place with you, maybe both.

We are busy. These next two weeks will fly by. I hope that we do not run out of time to do the things we would like to before we leave, hang out with the people that we have gotten to know. Wrap things up well. Then also getting ready for re-entry and debrief. Oh well, one day at a time.

I'm so thankful God brought me to India... who would of thought.

since last time,

2007-05-09T23:51:00.000-05:00

well since coming back from Hyderabad we the girls have shifted down the street. we are now enjoying the new place. i need to take pictures to share with you all. however, the longer we are here the more we notice and what seemed at once as a problem free house is gaining a growing fix it list.

may is already a good week in and the month is speeding by. our calender is quickly filling up and before we know it it will be the end.

enough about the end, what have we been up to? the other weekend we attended a 80's birthday party. below is our team in our various 80's fashion. we hosted the quest team for a day of prayer walks and sharing about india. beth and i had the girls that we work with over for an evening of games and food. getting back into the swing of things for the last month. drinking a lot of water. enjoying a couple random days of rain. however, rain and marble not a good mix. falling down marble steps sucks. we have been busy with various things some of which are slipping my mind at the moment.

i felt this need to update the blog but when i sit down to do it nothing too insightful comes to mind. sorry, i will continue to think about the important things to share with you all. i am slowly being sucked into this facebook thing. you sign up and with hours you have comments and people wanting to be your friends. nothing like instant gratification. on that note i will end this as it seems that i am just filling space.

Hyderabad

2007-04-24T20:50:00.000-05:00

We just came back from spending a week at the Mennonite Brethren College near Hyderabad. We didn't know what the week would look like at all, we were ready for anything, sort of. We had the opportunity to be blessed and encouraged. Something that I am so thankful for, God knew I needed it even though I didn't. We spent a lot of time with a training program with GDT leaders. People that will be starting programs like TREK. It was a lot of fun to sit in on sessions, lead sessions, pray and worship together. We even white washed and painted a building on campus for a couple days. Nothing like getting our hands dirty. We were fed to the brim the lovely lady who cooked for us had a way of just putting more food on the the plate despite our pleas of a full stomach.

A highlight for me was on Sunday. Sunday was the day I graduated from Bethany with my BA and so I did what was natural for an intercultural student who has learnt about cultural sensitivity. Ride on the back of a motorcycle, not side saddle (side saddle is common as the other way is considered forward and not practical with a sari). Also it was not just a little jaunt down the road but for an hour in crazy Indian traffic. Why was I forward by sitting the way most women don't? I value my life and asked the driver and he said, "as you like". This phrase is a common phrase which brings us much joy because it can mean so many things. Alas this was my special treat on my grad day, much fun.

One big God moment happened right at the end of our trip. We arrived at the airport to find that our flight had been cancelled. After a phone call to Canada and an attempt by John to try and purchase new tickets for later that night, we still did not have a flight. The ATM didn't like Beth and when all seemed hopeless a fellow from Chicago offered to pay for our tickets. He had been making small talk with some of the team and figured we were trustworthy and that we would pay him back. But the airline didn't want to accept his credit card either but after a little pressure only like this man could do we had success. We had a flight for later that night which allowed for more time to spend at the airport. Which allowed for more conversation with a particular man who chose to bless us by paying for supper.

God's path isn't always straight sometimes it curves around to get us to the goal.

A quick request

2007-04-10T02:39:00.000-05:00

This next Saturday the trek team is off again. We are going to Hyderabad for a week to visit churches and take part in training for a program like trek but in India. We are looking forward to this trip but I ask for your prayers as we are unsure of what will be required of us. Please pray that we are full of energy (as it will be HOT) full of grace for each other, servant hearts and always ready with a word if required. Other things are that the south is different then Delhi so we will be entering a whole new culture, that our bodies stay healthy and safe travels. We just want to learn and be a blessing to those that we will meet and get to know.

Needles & Lines... (that might have piqued your interest)

2007-04-05T08:34:00.000-05:00

We are back!!! A little later then expected but we are in India and have our visa's for the next couple months, Praise God!

So what was Goa like you might ask, lovely. I had a bit of a rough start as the flight was a little hard, I got a headache. This is not normal, I usually fly really well. Then after a hour van ride I threw up at the hotel on some rocks. After a good nights rest I was feeling much better. We spent a lot of time on the beach, with the kids and without. The other low light of the week was before we left Delhi I had a second infected finger and was taking drugs hoping that would cure it. Alas they alone did not. A trip to the hospital was required. Two needles, one in the finger and one in the bum, some squeezing of blood and puss and shelling out money for hospital care and more drugs was needed. This meant a couple days not in the water which was a bit of a disappointment. However, I did end the trip in Goa in the water.

Babysitting the kids was a lot of fun, being with them in a different environment, seeing them have fun learning verses and watching the team work together to serve the families was great. By the last day came around I was finally ready to relax and explore all that Baga beach and area had to offer. It's crazy how long it takes to get ready to relax you never really know until you try.

After Goa we were off to Nepal. Visa's take longer then just a day! It is a four day process and a lot of waiting in line. So we were forced to spend a couple extra days in Nepal, not so bad when you think about it. We were hosted by a great family and had an opportunity to go to the starting point for many treks in Nepal. It was cool to meet so many travelers. We are often not in the touristy areas and so these past two weeks we have seen another side of this part of the world, the one that attracts many people from all over the world. Nepal is very different from India yet there are many similarities.

So I've posted these pictures in this format once again, I know it's getting a little old but it is really easy to post a lot this way, otherwise it takes forever. So many reflections to share about the past two weeks and we are now in Delhi for Easter and next week we are off to Hyderabad. This will be the last trip that our team will take. We are then spending the last five weeks in Delhi. Crazy how fast time is flying by.

I am learning how important each part of the body is, physically and spiritually. Got to love when He uses literal analogies.

"Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." 1 Cor 12:27

beaches & mountians

2007-03-15T21:21:00.000-05:00

Well I thought that I should let you all know what is happening in the next couple weeks so that you can keep us in your thoughts & prayers and also to make some of you jealous.

On Saturday myself and the rest of the trekkers are headed off to Goa here in India for a week. It is not just a holiday although we are looking forward to relaxing. We are also babysitting for a number of delightful young people as their parents have some meetings and other outings that don't require children. I thought I would throw in a picture so the beach like feel would get across. Goa is known for its beaches and food. Sounds great after winter here in Delhi.

After Goa we head off to Nepal to work on visa stuff. Some generous people have agreed to host us. Connections of connections. I am looking forward to visiting Nepal and getting to know a bit more about it. Pray that visa's go through smoothly as it does matter greatly if we stay our full stay here in India.

These next couple weeks are to be a time of fellowship and relaxation and whatever else God has in store. However, one family will not be there as they are grieving the death of a father and are still in the states. So in a way it will be bittersweet. We are looking forward to this time and look forward to the next couple months left here in India, time is going a little too fast. Hopefully next time I post there will be sweet stories and pictures to share.

Sunday

2007-03-05T21:17:00.000-06:00

This past weekend here in India was Holi. For Hindu's it is a time to get rid of bad things in their lives including sin. It is quite a festive time, after this the celebration of color takes place. People thrown colored powder on each other. We took part and got ourselves colored. We also appeased the children in our back alley with water balloons. All those taunts and we could not resist. A lot of fun was had and it was a great opportunity to meet our neighbors. We did have to be careful walking the streets, as foreigners we were popular targets. You never knew where it was coming from as people were snipers with their water balloons.

However, now I have pink hair. I have been told that this punk edge suits me. But at my senior age I am not going for the punk look. =) Oh well.

Each Sunday night our team has a team night where we make sure we have fun. This past Sunday we went rock climbing, ate beef jerky and went out to eat to one of our favorite places "The Big Chill", it sort of has the feel of an Applebee's. They have great pasta, milkshakes and desserts. Beth planned this week and did a bang up job. We had fun to the max.

over half way

2007-02-21T20:48:00.000-06:00

If I am honest there has been some counting of the days in the trek team, just to see where we are. We are over half way. Okay, now what do I do with this new found information?

At times it seems that time is just slipping from our hands. Then other days it seems like we have all the time in the world here in India. We know this is not true.

I must press on toward the goal. Taking delight in the things that God gives me everyday, the people I meet and those that I have come to call friends. Being faithful with the things He has entrusted to me, faithfully fall to my knees and lay things at His feet.

an afternoon in the park

2007-02-20T20:29:00.000-06:00

...

2007-02-19T22:54:00.000-06:00

The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.

There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.

Their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.

In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,
which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is hidden from its heat.

The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul.

The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.

The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.

The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.

The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.

The ordinances of the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous.

They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.

By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.

Who can discern his errors?

Forgive my hidden faults.

Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.

Then will I be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

after this

2007-02-03T21:38:00.000-06:00

i realize that i need to live in the here and now and focus on what God has called me to here in India. but i also need to look forward. this completes something. i will be finished my schooling thus far. there is nothing calling me home. what next? where to live, what to do and who to surround myself with? as i am not worrying myself with these questions i did think i needed to let others know that i am thinking about these questions. so if anyone has some valid ideas or places that would benefit with my presence, let me know. i had this sudden urge to post this, instead of waiting till the next update and doing the shoutout then i am doing it now. if there is anything that God is nudging you to say, let me know.

blessings.

Republic Day & Dancing with Sam?!?

2007-01-27T20:48:00.000-06:00

This past Friday was Republic day here in India. As a team we had an opportunity to attend the parade here in Delhi, the capital of India. We were told there would be high security and a lot of people. Now a lot of people here in India is different then a lot of people in Canada. Since the President and Prime Minister were attendance we were not allowed to bring in anything expect us, I guess pens are a very dangerous object. It was an opportunity for India to show off their artillery and different cultural aspects of the country. I have never been to a parade that had chairs, fighter jets, missiles, camels, elephants and a regiment with skis. We had a delightful time. However to attend this we did have to go through security which meant a thorough hand pat down. I was disappointed that we were not able to see any of the dances. The dancers all marched past us but only did their dances at the end for the VIP's. We were not allowed to take pictures and so I have nothing, although the following is from the Punjab when we went to the border, I thought it fit the theme.

Being in India and loving this place and realizing the amount of people here and the power that that brings I am saddened by all the pride in what they could do if someone crossed them the wrong way. We as people love to show off our strength and our capabilities. It is so opposite of how we are called to serve. Out of weakness. God is our strength and yes we are in a battle but it looks different then those here on earth. There is much to reflect on from that day.

Another delight of this past week has been GDT, I will write more about this later. These meetings brought out a friend from back home, Sam. Sam took us out for supper last night, which was wonderful but what made the evening complete was the band that took the stage. Your typical crooning band that did have a bit of talent but the distortion that they used on the mics etc was a little distracting. However, they did dedicate a song to us and called us to the dance floor. Yes, on a TREK outing with Sam there was dancing in India. So funny and I'm sure the people there thought we were nuts. Oh well, our first 'dance party' was held in a hotel restaurant dance floor, there may be more to come. Who really knows...

love is in the air

2007-01-24T09:13:00.000-06:00

the last days have been filled with many activities. we have been busy at the sisters with teaching english and celebrations. one girl had her birthday the other day and then this past weekend we had an engagement party at the church. one of the sisters is engaged to a fellow from the church. also on the love theme there have been many weddings going on and the other night we were treated to fireworks from the local market. so i shot a couple pictures.

in other things we have been spending time with a fellow canadian sam, from mbmsi who is out for some meetings called GDT. we have also been able to attend some of the sessions. it is wonderful to be challenged by other believers from all over asia as well as from God.

on a more personal level it has been good to be challenged by God in things that i have wanted to be stretched in for a while. it hurts when it happens but it is good and it what i desire, to be more like the one He wants me to be.

tomorrow we are attending the annual Independence day parade here in delhi, should be really interesting. security is really tight and so i won't be able to get any pictures. also prayer in the afternoon with the GDT meetings. then the next day we are meeting with sam for more good things. lots of good things in the next bit, hopefully i will blog sooner then i did last time.

would love to hear from all that read this to get a feel for what you all would like to hear about. so that this can be as effective as possible.

birthdays, babysitting and bollywood

2007-01-08T20:38:00.000-06:00

During the first week of the new year we were busy. In between Hindi lessons, we celebrated Greg's birthday, he has now officially left his teenage years.

We babysat 6 wonderful children for two days so their parents could hold some meetings without distraction.

Then on friday yours truly became a bollywood star. Not really a star, more like an extra but a special extra as we were foreign. There was a movie being filmed in Delhi staring on of the biggest stars in bollywood, Shah rukh Khan. So be on the look out for Chak de India a movie about a womens hockey team. We were reporters and so we were to act like paparazzi when the people came out. Being a little shorter then most this created a challenge. Most of the time I was swept along and just wanted to make sure I didn't fall down the stars. But most likely one of our faces or back of head will make final cut. It was cool to be on set and see that side of the film industry. We also met two guys from Israel who had just arrived in Delhi, it was neat to meet people from different parts of the world.

I am looking forward to a bit more of a routine for the next couple weeks. As we brave the cold and look forward a bit warmer weather I ask that you pray for wisdom as God puts us in situations where we need His wise counsel to truly be His hands and feet.

Blessings

Christmas

2006-12-28T23:17:00.000-06:00

This past week was one of visitors, Christmas programs, good food and fellowship. Who would have thought it was in India. Although if you would have blinked you would have missed Christmas here.

The new year is just ahead. In looking back I could have talked about this time in life and being here in India but only once your here do you realize what it is like and only in the future when looking back will I fully realize what this time is about. Maybe never will I fully realize but that is the wonder of it all.

Punjab and more

2006-12-18T06:36:00.000-06:00

The Punjab. We had a great week meeting the people that call this area of India home. We had the privilege to spend some time in a friend’s family’s home. What a blessing. Going from the city to the village was a wonderful change. I spent many moments at the cooking fire. It was there that the grandmother would come and sit with me for a while. She has yet to come to know Christ. I thought about my family and the new meaning the family has had in my life in the last year. I have spent more time away from them then I ever have before and yet I feel closer. With Christmas approaching there is a heightened sense of family, this year the season will be harder, with the loses of the past year. There was good reflection time and chats with God by that fire.

Other experiences of week included, visiting a number of churches in the area, going to the Golden Temple, watching the lowering of the flags at the Pakistan Indian border and visiting the capital of the Punjab, Chandigarh. The Punjab is the richest state in India and it was evident when traveling around. The fields were a delightful sight, although I had never seen so much sugar cane before in my life, I now have a deeper appreciation for sugar. We even got to eat some raw right off the field. Everything is so fresh, a lot of fruits and vegetables. The people work hard and it is exciting to see hope in the lives of the people there. Many people move to the Punjab in hope of a better life, working as farm labourers or getting a job in one of the many new factories.

When at the border there were four categories in which people were put in. Tourist, male, female and those that were “VIP”. I didn’t know whether to be scared, excited or to enjoy the program. Even though this program was to signify unity between the two countries you did feel tension in the air. Both sides had their chants that they would yell back and forth, it had the feel of a sporting event. Another interesting situation we were apart of was when we were traveling from Amristar to Chandigarh. What should have taken us just a few hours turned into a full day drive. A politician was traveling through the villages and his daughter was having an engagement party. For security reasons, they were blocking off many roads, putting many travelers in less then happy moods and creating large detours, hoping that you don’t run into a blocked road along the way. It is interesting to observe and be in a culture that is so different then the one I come from. Security is tight here and there is a sense of tension or fear, I have often taken for granted the freedom of fear in which we live in Canada.

In Amristar we visited the Sikh Golden Temple. This was the first temple of Sikh religion. It was good to visit a place so many people hold in such esteem. It was also hard when seeing all the devotion and effort put into something that yields no fruit. People from all walks of life were worshiping, all ages. I left with an empty feeling and a deeper longing for those who do not yet know Him to meet Him.

With Christmas on the way we have add a bit of Christmas cheer to the apt. Our beautiful paper tree with reminders of all the snow that we are missing this winter. For all those experiencing the harsh Canadian winter we really do miss the snow that seems to be in abundance this year.

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”

right now

2006-12-04T10:18:00.000-06:00

These days are days of reflection and dwelling upon where God is calling. We have a week where there is not a lot going on... yet. We are discerning giftings and where in paticular we will be spending a lot of our time in the next couple months, please pray into this process. Next week we are headed off to the Punjab, I'm excited about this time, I'm not sure what it will all hold, it will be busy but I hope encouraging and a bit challenging, cause what would it really be without a little pushing from God.

There are many thoughts to share but I think that I will wait a little while longer to share, sorry. I'm amazed at how much I am learning and also at times at how much I do or don't know. There are days where it is very easy to get excited about what is happening here in Delhi, and then there are the days where all you want is a good cup of chai and sleep and wait for the next day. Right now more of the former then the later, so I am thankful.

The days are growing colder and the scent of smoke is in the air. Actualy this morning the forcast said smoke, just smoke, not what from or if it was lifting or coming, just smoke. Good times. Pictures are coming slowly. It is great seeing India through camera eyes but I want to be sensitive to the culture and my role here. So alas many are taken on the sly or from moving rickshaws which is a challenge to get a good picture. Here is a little something from our last day of language. Mother and son, walking hand in hand. A sight that you often see but many times you see the child without the mother...

The first weeks in India

2006-11-23T19:58:00.000-06:00

Well I apoligize for not updating you all about India thus far. Internet has been something that we have not had a lot of. We now have internet in the apt and so as long as the electricity stays on... One of the many things in getting used to living in a new country. The last couple weeks have been full of Hindi lessons, conversation class and weekend trips.

I do believe I will explain the pictures and hopefuly that will give you a clearer picture of what it has been like so far. First set of pictures are of the girls apt. We have western toilets which I am thankful for, when we are sick they sure are nice. We also have caught three rats so far, we think there are more but they have not been around as much. We are thankful for our home and it is delightful. Also a couple weeks ago we had a prayer room in our apt. It was just a couple hours yet the Spirit moved. Hopefuly the first of many. Jen faithfuly doing our money stuff, it is quite the job. Here you pay for everything, most of it is cheap but it all adds up and has to be kept track of.

We were at the Taj Mahal!!! Crazy to think but it was a great day, a more expensive day then first thought but oh well, how many times will you have an oppurtunity to go to one of the wonders of the world. It is fun, people want you in their pictures and you get asked where you are from and small talk ensues. Who would have thought that we would run into another Mennonite and that they would be related to people we know!!!

Last weekend we went up to a school in the country near the foothills of the mountians, it was beautiful. We were asked to do childcare for a church retreat. We has two groups, babies and the older children. It was a great weekend of serving, learning and getting to know people from the church. This past week at conversation the level three class wanted to throw us a party and we had food and hung out. They had cake and it said "Get together with Canadian" good times. I hope to share more about how God is working in me and here in Delhi, because He is. For now I will leave this post as is. Letting you know we are alive and well (for the most part). Experiancing India, God and all that is between.

Yesterday...

2006-11-08T03:43:00.000-06:00

Last night we had our first home cooked meal. I tried my hand at naan, a type of bread as well as fruit salad and a egg skillet, I do believe it went over well. Right before we were about to eat the boys came over and give us some delightful flowers, along with a lovely card. Learning to live together yet apart is going to be an experiance.

One of the main things we are doing this month is language study. Monday thru Thursday, Hindi lessons. Our teacher was a pastor with the Mennonite conferance in central India for 16 years. So this is a neat connection. Learning Hindi is a challenge but we hope to learn much. We travel around mostly in rickshaws and so in effort to save money at times we all hop into one. It's an adventure. I am learning there are others ways to drive...

My senses are over loaded right now. It will take some time to sort it all out. I am on the other side of the world, in a physical sense, culturaly and in almost every other way you can think of. Learning my role here will take some time. God's grace in this area is very much needed. For myself and others. There will be many adventures and stories to share...

We're here

2006-11-03T03:29:00.000-06:00

India,

The senses do overwhelm you. Jetlagged and experiencing this city of over 13 million people.

Tis quite the experience. There will be more time to write another time. Just wanted to let people know that we made it safely and are learning. The first day we met another group from Kelowna at the gate to pray, this gate is often known as the gate to the north. We then headed off to a Gandhi museum, a community center (area with shops etc.) then a local pastor shared with us, praise and worship, along with supper completed our first day. We fell into bed that night exhausted but thankful to be in India.

...and we are off

2006-10-30T09:23:00.000-06:00

Well today we leave. Seattle to London, one hour in London and then off to Delhi. About two equally long flights. Arriving in Delhi early in the morning and ready for a day of new things. I am excited and ready to just go. Although there is hesitation it is a healthy kind. Looking at the next 7 months in reality and yet still expecting...

To all those that are praying, thank you and please continue.

Onward to what God is allowing us to be a part of.

the amazing race among other things

2006-10-19T15:20:00.000-05:00

The Ssaturday of last we all took part in "The amazing Trek" (just like the amazing race). Anyway we were split up into our teams that we are heading out in. Team India had a rough start and trailed for the morning and early afternoon but then we started taking the lead. In the end we won. It was a great day, I was skeptical at first but our team had fun together and there were no hard feelings at the end of the day. We shared laughs and some other delightful moments that you just had to be there for.

Other things that are going on right now... less then a week and a half till we leave. The other day we spoke to one of the missionaries on Skype. It was great to put a voice to a face. The reality is starting to sink in. We leave Monday evening October 30 out of Seattle. We arrive October 31 early in the morning so a long night, oh well. We have a commisioning on Friday October 27 at the CBC chapel at 7pm so if anyone is in the area, please come.

Ask of me. This week we are having a 24-7 prayer room here at the Mark centre. In the last while there has been quite a bit of speaking on the topic of asking of God. This has brought a lot to ponder as right now there are many things that I could ask for. Also the idea of living from the perspective of being at judgment day and you are in the judgment seat. Living life in light of that day and determining what is truly important. True prayer comes from desire. To be filled with desire that is so consuming that all you can do is pray would be amazing. God wants to be asked. So what would you ask for in light of that day?

Caving with Keri

2006-10-09T22:40:00.000-05:00

This past Friday, my sister Keri dropped by with our guest speaker. It was nice to see her and hang out. The activity of the day was caving near Hope. So our group headed off to squeeze into some small spaces and some not to small spaces. All in all a good day. The last time I will see family for a while now. I sent her off with a pumpkin pie so she could celebrate canadian Thanksgiving in style.

Skin Boarding in October

2006-10-05T09:57:00.000-05:00

It is now the month of October and it has noticeably gotten colder,especially in the mornings. However, this did not play into the plans of the Sunday of last. A few of us headed off to White Rock to the beach. I had only been to the water once since being here in BC. We left early in the morning after a stop at timmy's and the gas station we headed out. It had to be early because that is when the tide was out. The objective of the morning was to Skin Board. Us girls had brought some books and were just looking forward to the outing. The guys had done this before and were excited to board before heading off to Lima, us girls had never done it before and were looking forward to just hanging out at the ocean and watching the boys play and hurt themselves (band-aids had been packed). Once we saw how much fun it was we wanted in on it. Off to the bushes to change, keeping a look out for all the folks walking their dogs at the beach. It took a while to catch the hang of it. I biffed it hard a couple times but had a lot of fun. It was great to just hang out and laugh. Sandy and wet we all became but it was worth it. The next day the muscles and bruises were starting to show but oh well the memories were great.

a story

2006-09-29T19:28:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time there was this mountain and a group of people that planned to climb it. In this group there was a girl who wanted to also climb this mountain. However, this girl had sat on her but for the last two months and so her heart was not ready to climb the mountain. But she started thinking maybe she could do it. Unfortunately she realized that this would not be a glorious romp up a mountain with much laughter and delight. She felt that maybe she should hang out at a beautiful little lake and take in the beauty instead of not enjoying the afternoon, as her body would protest every step of the way if she continued on. The group conquered the mountain and enjoyed the view from the top. Oh well, here are some pictures of flowers and such near the bottom of the mountain.

wait for it...

2006-09-20T15:55:00.000-05:00

This will be really fast, New Delhi, India.

Five Canadians, Beth, Jenn, John, Greg and Nicole.

tuesday night

2006-09-18T18:30:00.000-05:00

Some of you have been wondering how you can pray. Well tomorrow night is when the TREK leadership will be deciding the teams and where they will be going. Discernment is going to be huge. Also many of us are excited and a little nervous about what will happen. So please pray towards peace about God's leadership and what He has in store for us.

silence

2006-09-18T10:42:00.000-05:00

This past weekend we had the privilege to have a silent retreat. The girls went up to Cultus lake and stayed in a cabin that some nice folks let us use. So here is a story from the weekend with pictures that somewhat correspond.

Saturday morning I woke up rather early and decide to go watch the sunrise across the lake. So I ventured out, a little excited that I’m the only one up. The mist is coming off the lake and dawn has broken but the daylight has not appeared. I am enjoying the anticipation of how the sun will crest the mountains and just light aglow the lake a fire because of the mist. As I sit I’m watching and listening to nature. The only other person that ventures out is a fisherman but goes home without a catch. The sky lightens and the moment draws near and as the moment is approaching the clouds start rolling in. Alas the sun would not crest over the mountains and shine it’s warmth across the lake as I had desired. I was cold at this point and as I walked back to the cabin I reflected a bit over the morning. Even though the very thing that I desired did not happen it was a beautiful morning and it was a gift between Jesus and me. It was a reflection of what had been going on in my life. I had been expecting a moment, feeling or a conviction from God. It did not happen. Just spending time with Jesus in silence and learning that is good.

There were lessons that I did realize that God was teaching me but only after being in silence. Faithful with what I have been given right now, learning what it truly means to believe that Jesus is all I need.

“My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.” Job 42:5

at the end of the sea to sky...

2006-09-12T01:00:00.000-05:00

Whistler, the future home of the 2010 Olympics. I had never been and now I have and I must say there is a lot of capitalism on God’s creation. Whistler has really grown in the past 10-20 years. There is a lot of money and many people from all over the world. All in all the weekend was alright. We did a bit of a photo scavenger hunt on Friday and it rained on Saturday and so we just sort of hung out. Sunday came and we went to the MB church in town, one of two. With a revolving door of people church planting can be hard. An open door was extended to us Trekkers to come back and help out with the church ministry.

This next weekend we will be par-taking in a silent retreat. We will be having a speaker this week talking about hearing from God, should be interesting. I am looking forward to spending time alone with God. I hope clarity and direction will be something God and I can talk about. On September 20 they are planning to announce the teams, please pray. I am trying my hardest not to worry about this.

It is fall and yet it doesn’t come with the promise of snow so it feels a little strange. The leaves are just starting to change and fall to the ground. They are so big here in the west. As the weather changes I trust that I too am changing into more of the child that God wants me to be.

Mark Center

2006-09-06T22:48:00.000-05:00

Our home for the training period for TREK is the Mark Center. It is a wonderful retreat center in the middle of Abbotsford. The story behind this ministry is quite amazing and a gift to all who enter these doors.

These last couple of days have been a delight. They have been a wonderful time of reflection, rest, digging into the Word and spending time with Him. More of this is yet to come which is looked upon with great expectation. Already God has been asking me to put things into His hands. Finances being one. I am still short for what I need for the year. Worry is not going to help this area. Prayer and being faithful to what He calls me to do is all that I can to at this paticular time.

This weekend we are heading up to Whistler to spend some time relaxing and bonding as a group. Hopefuly I'll be able to get some good pictures. I hope to exerise my eye and hopefuly learn some more about photography. I've tried a new aspect of Picsa and well it's okay but...

I just wanted to share a bit. More will come.

arrival

2006-09-04T09:55:00.000-05:00

We have arrived. Safe and sound. Trusting God that we are ready for what is ahead. Excitement is in the air. All these cliché’s. But the time has arrived. TREK starts today. I am like a little kid. I love surprises but I want to know what it is. If the surprise is truly a surprise without warning the curiosity does not get the better me. However, if I know it’s coming…

Coming out here I had a wonderful visiting friends and just catching up, even for the briefest of time. Friends are such a blessing. There is nothing of great significance to share at this particular time. I did drive some and stalled at every traffic light and sometimes more than once. It’s all about the stretches on the road without lights. But all is good and I still love my sister and I do believe she still love’s me.

radio

2006-08-26T13:45:00.000-05:00

on thursday, the phone rang and it was cbc radio. my first reaction was wrong number or did my parents call in for a prize. no, they wanted to interview me! somehow word had reached them that i had spent five months working for mds. they are doing a series on people who have spent time working on damage caused by katrina. august 29 is the one year anniversary of katrina. so to my surprise friday after the five o'clock news i made my radio debut. it was just a live phone interview but still i was excited and nervous. God gave me an oppurtunity to share why i went and what i had the pleasure to experiance and learn. wow, an oppurtunity out of the blue and for reasons i have no idea. this the lastest bit of news about me.

August

2006-08-23T12:22:00.000-05:00

Wow, it has been almost two months since I have updated the blog. Really there is not excuse other than good old procrastination. Since that exciting Fourth of July, I finished my term at MDS and came home and am getting ready to head off to BC for TREK.

I am glad that I served with MDS, it was always a desire of mine and I am glad that God opened that door. 5 months at one time was great but not again. If and when I serve again it will be for a shorter time. MDS is a very intense ministry and so short is good. I came away from this time with new friends, new skills and many new experiences that I will carry with me for a life time.

My time at home has been relaxing and restful which has been good. Crazy to think that it is almost over and I will not be back home to see family for almost a year. I am excited for what is in store. However, at times it does seem that I am hopping from one thing to the next. I do wonder if I am running from something or what am I searching for? I do not doubt the plans that God has laid out for me. At times it is tiring not to have an answer for those who ask ‘what do you do’ or ‘what are you hoping to do with your degree’. The birthday is just around the corner and a time of reflection over the life I have lived has taken place and seemingly it does not seem like a lot. I am restless but maybe this next chapter will hold some answers.

TREK starts September 3. I am hoping to touch base with some friends on the way out to BC. I will be driving out with my sister as she is headed out to Seattle. She has a little car that we will be traveling with. It is a standard car which is great for her. Although I am not skilled in the art of driving standard and this skill I have yet to learn. I am to do my share of driving which should prove to be interesting. Hopefully we will depart safely in BC still loving each other.

Fourth of July

2006-07-05T20:13:00.000-05:00

Not often in my life have I celebrated the fourth here in the States. This would be an obvious conclusion since I am a Canadian. However, this year I was here in Alabama for the day. We worked our full day here at MDS. Then in the evening we were invited to a celebration hosted by a local Baptist church. A very patriotic church. They were very kind to invite all of us, short-termers included. We were treated to hotdogs and hamburgers, a watermelon eating contest (which one of our short-termers won), praise & worship, 606 sung by MDS and of course fireworks.

It is the fireworks on which I would like to focus. Fireworks in the States we knew would be good, especialy in the south. The fence was close but we figured they do this every year it’ll be great. Rumour was that it would be a forty minute show. As it started it was great. Things were going off without problems. Then some weren’t going as high as they were supposed too, then some shot into the crowd. The first time it happened I was a little shocked but then when no one was hurt I just laughed and went on enjoying the show. The second time a firework went into the crowd it was a little closer and a lot more debris. We are all alive, this is confirmed, there were moments when we were not sure. After the second time we thought maybe it would be a good idea to move back and so we did. The next exciting things was the box of fireworks caught on fire and it burned up and it kept shooting off blanks and sparks everywhere, rather interesting. It did end with a couple more fireworks that did go off successfully. It was quite an eventful way to end the evening. Only one person got burned on the leg, nothing serious. The long-termers shared many a laugh on the ride home. It was definitely a fourth of July I won’t forget for a while.

End of month 4

2006-06-27T20:39:00.000-05:00

As I reflect on the past couple months I realize that I have experienced many things. Situations and experiences that I wanted to go through and some that I did not expect. I am thankful, yet anxious and somewhat restless. It could be because of what is yet to come, or because the end is in sight. I have come to the conclusion that I am tired and in a way ready to go home. Now this is not a good attitude when you have 5 more weeks lefts, when you need to be excited about what you are doing and the people that you are leading. It is their first week and they deserve the best week possible. I desire endless energy and amounts of wisdom and strength that I would not know what to do with. So in all this please pray. Attitude is very crucial at this time and I do believe that I am lacking.

Work continues and much sweat is being poured into the houses here in the Bayou. Progress is being made. This is exciting and many people are able to once again have livable houses. I have equated MDS to summer camp. You have a group that comes in every week you house them, feed them, provide them with activties during the day (work) and then say good bye at the end of the week and then on Sunday the next group comes again. Now guaranteed we do not have to watch them every moment of the day as you do with children but the same mental, physical and sometimes emotional energy is needed. It is when these overwhelm that an evening on the beach watching the waves roll in and wash out, the sun setting with a slight breeze with a fire and sleeping on the beach is something that just seems to be the right medicine. I have yet to take that medicine. May God's peace and assurance reign.

On another note, Canada Day is coming and since us Canadians are in the minority we feel that we especially need to celebrate the day, any suggestions? Living in another country has made me just a tad bit more patriotic towards my country. I have heard many Canadian jokes and have been asked to repeat many words as our accent of the north is strange to many a American.

Many stories and thoughts will be shared, in time.

These days

2006-06-10T10:34:00.000-05:00

I realize that it has been a while since I have written and shared with what has been happening and so I apologize. I have been back here in Bayou for 2 1/2 weeks now. We have been back at work, heading towards the goal of getting people back into their homes. As of June 1 hurricane season officially started and so plans have been made in case of an evacuation. There is an apprehension in the air due to the coming season. Also since it is an election year down here in the states there have been lengths made in order to gain votes and people's confidence. Money has been given to the Katrina affected area but it needs to be used by September 2007. Politics and volunteers are a rather interesting mix. It is interesting to watch this unfold and learn how people are in all situations of life.

This past week we had a wonderful group of young ladies from PA, they had amazing attitudes and were a delight to work with. We hung drywall and mudded all week much to the delight of yours truly. The house we were working on is a larger house by MDS standards and like all the houses here is not square. All in all work was fun this week.

As well this week I have started to realize how hard it is to grieve while away from home and the situation at hand. At times it seems like a lifetime away that my Grandparents have passed away. And yet when I call home or just sit and think it all comes rushing back. This whole experience is a new one and within it there are many new experiences and things to work through. I wish I could put time on hold and just be... But alas that is not to be. The weeks keep coming and so does the work that I have come here to do. New experiences keep coming... may I continue to grow and learn to glean all that I can from every moment.

... and some more

2006-05-30T20:43:00.000-05:00

some pic's from the bayou

2006-05-30T20:32:00.000-05:00

Grandparents

2006-05-18T08:15:00.000-05:00

i called home sunday morning to wish my mom a happy mothers day. she wasn't home and my sister told me that my grandparents had been in a car accident and my grandma had died. i came home to canada that day and four days later grandpa died. we were able to say good bye. so please pray for the family. it is so sudden but we know that they have gone home. we know we are being carried.

i am alive

2006-05-02T18:37:00.000-05:00

i am into month three and time has flown by incredibly fast. i am learning a lot about the area, myself, others and God. am having some wonderful experiences as well as some not so wonderful but am learning lessons in the process and so all is well. this will be short as internet is old school dial up and only on one computer but here's to hoping for DSL and wireless by week end. i just wanted to let those know who care that i am still here and working hard. this weekend is the shrimp boat blessing here in bayou and my crew is in the process of building a on land pier for the weekend, long story. anyway blessings.

Roof and Rain

2006-04-23T16:38:00.000-05:00

The weeks have gotten away without being able to update ya’ll (a little of the south for you all) about what has been going on down here in the Bayou. We were able to celebrate Easter last weekend with an extra day off. Our short termers left a day early and so with the abundance of Canadians here of staff we took Good Friday off. Here in the States Good Friday is not a stat holiday and so the focus of Easter is mainly on Easter Sunday. We also said good bye to four long-term staff that weekend and so the weekend was full of emotion, with good byes and thoughts of graduation at Bethany and of course reflecting about Christ and His gift for us. They long-termers that left us also left a big hole as they people that I really connected with. So right now we are going through some transition as we keep going with quite a smaller group of people. We are a tad short staffed at the moment. So if any of you want to come down…

This past week we worked on a project that included taking down drywall inside that had been hung wrong and taking out the insulation in the exterior walls. We also shingled a roof old school style, no power nailers. We lay the roof down with the literal swing of the hammer. Our group was a high school group from North Carolina. We were able to finish the roof on Friday so there was a great sense of accomplishment for the kids. It was a blessing that we finished when we did because we had rain that night.

This was the second rain that I have experienced while I have been down here. Some stats for the month of March, normal rainfall is about 7-8 inches and they only received ¼ inch. They are in a drought here and so any rain is greatly appreciated. There is a fire ban in effect here. Along with the coming Hurricane season coming up shortly there is apprehension in the air about the weather. Normally the Gulf waters cool off for winter this year they did not and they are forecasting more hurricanes just as strong as Katrina.

The week started slowly but finished strong and the kids left, challenged and with a sense of accomplishment. However, I still am wondering about what the next months will bring and I am tentatively scheduled to go back to Canada in the beginning of June. I am willing to serve with MDS till August and so there are decisions that need to be made about whether I will go back in June or just stay here. I know my body and how it reacts to extreme heat and humidity and they tell us we have not seen anything yet and also think that we are a little crazy to keep building in the heat of the summer. I need to be a good leader and want to be pushed and grow but I do not want to be stubborn and stupid, which can easily happen. So discernment is needed in decision making in the next week. As we enjoy the scent of Honeysuckle and the blooming of Magnolia’s, God’s promise of faithfulness is still felt.

Pass Christian, Crawfish and White Sand

2006-04-09T18:46:00.000-05:00

The fast lane of life has prevented me from updating this blog as well as the unreliable internet connection this past week. I know this is just an excuse but that is all I have to offer.

Some highlights of the past while have included a drive up the coast into Mississippi to look at some of the harder hit area's of Katrina. MDS does have a base in Pass Christian and they have a really neat kitchen set up there for anyone to eat at. It is called God's Katrina Kitchen. It's a huge tent that serves hot food three times a day and also gives out food and clothes. It was really neat to see people come together to make something like this work for such a long time. It reminded me of camp mixed with soup kitchens of inner cities. It was good to take a trip, not a feel good trip by any means but one that makes you think about people and their homes and what really makes a home. Also the power of weather and strength that it possesses or is allowed to possess.

Our crew this week was treated to fried oysters by our home owner. This is the same home owner as mentioned in the previous blog. God is working in the situation and it is really wonderful to see. He asked if a blessing would be asked and if we should hold hands and so we did and at the end of the blessing he had broken down in tears. In that moment the humanness of the situation and the gratitude of one, even though they did not meet the criteria of MDS was shown.

Today we were able to drive down to Gulf Shores and spend the afternoon on white sand beaches and enjoyed the sun and the sound of the waves coming ashore. There were five of us that went, three are leaving at the end of this week so it was good to hang out and enjoy each others company. We came back to the base to enjoy a meal of crawfish, shrimp and a couple spring rolls. It was good, cracking heads off and peeling out the tails. A nice way to end the day.

In between working hard during the day Monday thru Friday these are the moments where we just let loose and hang out. Oh, another high light there was a gay pride festival in Mobile this past weekend and we were downtown and there were beads covering the streets, we picked them up by the hand fulls. We assume that the parade happened that morning, good times.

Well I am learning lessons in patience which is good and even now we are waiting for out short termers to arrive for the week. A group from California, fun will be had.

Sunburns and Crew Leading

2006-04-01T08:23:00.001-06:00

This last weekend some of us spent some quality time on the beach. It was a little cool but once you found a nice sheltered spot against the sand dunes it was lovely. I succeeded in attaining some sun. I walked away looking like a lobster, the sunscreen was applied a little too late. However, the peeling was minimal.

This past week I served in the capacity of crew leading. This means that I lead a construction crew at one of the MDS sites. The main work that we were doing this past week was finish work. This included, trim work, hanging doors, staining, varnishing and fixing a lot of mistakes. We had to fix mistakes what others did, which is frustrating. Why not do things right the first time but I learnt a lot. I also had some good times with power tools, very exciting.

The house that we were working on is one that does not meet MDS criteria for need but since we are one of the best volunteer agencies down here we were given this case. A squeaky wheel gets the grease. This client was on the backs of local government etc. It sometimes is hard to keep a good attitude when you are working for people that just like to work the system. However, I was blessed with a wonderful crew that worked hard and were a lot of fun to be around. There was progress made both with work and also relationships with the client who very much does need to know Jesus.

I have tried to upload some pictures that were on a CD so hopefully this works. One is a typical house picture that we see along the gulf coast. Some of the beautiful flowers that are in full bloom. Shrimping is the main industry in Bayou la Batre and so many boats were tossed onto shore and still are there. The industry was in the decline before the storm and storm somewhat put the nail in the coffin.

That's all for now, I hope to write more at a later date but not too late.

Sunburns and Crew Leading

2006-04-01T08:23:00.000-06:00

Stuck Buses and Temperamental Ovens

2006-03-18T07:28:00.000-06:00

Another week, more adventures and stories to tell. That sounds really poetic and better than it really is. We had another good week here in Bayou, the group that came down was much different than the Amish. We had two groups of college students, one from a Mennonite College and one from a private Catholic College. We also hosted a choir Monday night and were able to take in their concert in the evening. However, for those of you who have been on Chorale tour or a traveling music group or something of the like will be able to appreciate this story just a little bit more. This particular group was traveling in a big tour bus. They came in the early afternoon to Bayou and wanting to either sight-see or do something interesting in the afternoon for just a couple hours. Dauphin Island was suggested by a couple people including yours truly. Dauphin Island has some decent beaches that can be enjoyed for free, as well for those that would like to see some of what Katerina did there are many homes that were washed away and many who have rebuilt already very expensive homes. Well we were getting ready to feed 70 people and there is a call to the office, the bus is stuck. I'm thinking, umm there is no snow so how can they be stuck. Well the bus was trying to turn around and got stuck in some sand, the tires were spun and that was the end of that. Also where they were trying to turn around the town had just dug sewage underneath and it was not clearly marked. I was privileged to be part of a "rescue team" that went to pick up the students so that they could make the concert on time. Then later in the week we heard that the bus got stuck again at a gas station, this one I can't figure out but this is one trip that those choir students will not forget shortly.

Yesterday afternoon I had the opportunity to visit two job sites. It was really good to see what is happening instead of just hearing about it at supper and from talking with the crews. I spent a couple hours at one house just helping out although there was not a lot that could be done until a further strategy plan was put into place. This house was over 100 years old and it had termite damage and probably not very many level places in the house. Also the construction 100 years ago was much different than it is today.

Adventures in the kitchen included either under baked pies which I thought were good or good pies which I thought were over baked. I'm thankful for all the supplies and the good food and the donations but these ovens...

This week brought many opputunities to listen to people from many different walks of life and it was a really good learning experience and leaves much to dwell upon. God is teaching me lessons when at times when I don't want to but isn't that often the way it is. I find myself growing attached to the south and even starting to talk with a bit of a drawl or use certain southern phrases.

Sweet Home Alabama

2006-03-09T11:37:00.000-06:00

For all wondering if I arrived safely, I did and without any big excitement. I arrived in Mobile Saturday night and was picked up by some long termers from Oregon. We then drove down to the base here in Bayou la Batre and I met the rest of the long term team that is staying here at the MDS base. There are folks here from Canada as well as from the states. I was informed that I was the Princess of the base since I was going to be here for 3 months. Sarah Yoder a fellow long termer is the Queen as she is here 6 months.

On my first full day here in Alabama I went to church, enjoyed a southern meal, took a tour of some of the harder hit areas and lay on the beach. It was quite an enjoyable day.

This week we have a group of Amish here, so it is very interesting getting to know them and hearing the stories from the work sites. They have a great work ethic and have a ton of energy. They group is mainly young people. I have been working in the kitchen with two other ladies. We were all fairly new but the head cook was here in the fall and so knows the ranks a little more. It has taken a bit to get into the groove and that groove will change fairly quickly as people are leaving in a couple weeks. There have been a number of shopping trips and so finding space for all the food has been a skill that has quickly developed. We are feeding 50 people this week.

We are stationed in a building right next to a strip mall. They have put up walls for bedrooms and to divide areas into office, dining, kitchen, bathrooms and storage. We also have a number of trailers out back where people sleep. It is quite homey. The weather has been wonderful, mid 70's most days, although today chance of rain and high winds. There was talk of tornado but I assume that these warnings come quite often down here.

I thank you all for your prayers thus far. Team unity amongst us is something that is greatly needed as we work and live together quite closely. The walls here are thinner than North Court at Bethany, if that is possible. So sound carries a lot at night. I am learning things about myself everyday and about the generosity of people.

Tonight one of the people whose house we have been working on is coming to share with us, I am looking forward to hearing his story. One funny sight we saw the other day was a trailer in the ditch and on the side spray painted was something to the effect of "Looters will be shoot and that means..." and then the person had filled in a couple names of people that I guess were a threat it was a humorous sight amongst the gravity of all the wreckage.

The Day Before

2006-03-03T19:40:00.000-06:00

The day before I go and my last day of winter for this year (I say this with confidence). There are many unknowns but they do not dampen the excitement, too much. I am very thankful for all the support and prayers thus far. God has blessed me with wonderful people that He has brought into my life to encourage and pray. The well wishes have been much appreciated. Last Sunday, I was commissioned which was a great confirmation from the congregation.

Ironically sitting in front of the TV does prove to be helpful. Last Saturday the movie Forrest Gump was on and I thought, what the heck, I’ll watch it. Now I’ve been wondering the correct pronunciation of Bayou la Batre and to my surprise the main character (Tom Hanks) is from Alabama and his best friend who he met in the army was from Bayou la Batre and was into shrimping. It was delightful surprise and so in church I was able to share (with confidence of the correct pronunciation) where I am going. It was a humorous moment and I quite enjoyed it.

This week has been one of rest and getting ready for the journey and task ahead. It has been much needed and well enjoyed. Tomorrow I’ll fly, meet new people and see new parts of the world, I’m a tad bit excited.

Dreaming Big... A little

2006-02-14T18:34:00.000-06:00

The other day I watched Born into Brothels. It is a very interesting and inspiring documentary. A Photojournalist goes into the red light district of Calcutta and bonds with the children and teaches them about photography. I enjoy photography and how it can be used to many different means. I really enjoyed how this woman used this tool to connect with the kids and bring them opportunities that they would not otherwise have had. It got me thinking maybe one day, in some way, possibly...

My thoughts for the day as I look ahead to what kinds of possibilities lie before me. I have a lot of time at work to think.... which can be a good thing, most of the time.

Here we go...

2006-02-10T20:07:00.000-06:00

I have now entered the world of blogging. It may not be new to some of you but to me and some others it is. I do hope that this blog will be a place where I can share some of the adventures that I will be privileged to take part in. Be it through words or pictures (if technology is kind to me and it's not to complicated to figure out) I do hope that those who visit that it will be a place where you all can find out what the random is going on with Nicole.