Forever I know!!

Okay i am sorry, i know its been forever, infact multiple months, but hey i am busy like everyone else.

I really wanted to let you know something really exciting!!!!!!!!!!1

I am going to CUBA!!!!!!!!

I will be gone February 19-26 and will be going as a leader with my school to work kids in Havana.

I am so excited to be challenged with leading the team fund raising events and trying to work my butt off to pay for this one.

Please pray for me! I am going to need alot of wisdom and discernment on this one!!!

I know very little information right now except that this is what I need to do to graduate with my minor in children and family studies!!!

I promise to post more now that school is in full swing!

An Excuse to Verbalize

Wow, okay so I had no idea if I would ever blog again but here I am typing.

Mainly this is a crazy realization that I have been home for over three months. I cant even describe to you the ache in my heart to be in Quebec again, its crazy how much I miss the people at the church and constantly being in Valeries way and getting excited when Alain my mon amis would be coming home.

I miss the discussions over chess with MR Meyer and hanging out with the ladies. Earl and Danny and I having fun and watching Rachel and Aaron play at the arcade. Italian Poutine and galavanting into Montreal to watch Efa play. Seeing Grace every week and snow boarding with her.

All in all i miss it so very much.

Its crazy how so much time as already past but these people are ingrained into my memory and tattooed onto my heart.

I miss them so much!

So cheers to memories

Moving

Okay So i am moving in with my oldest sister and I have come to a few conclusions

1. I HATE my apartment being out of place
2. I HATE packing
3. I HATE having everythign in boxes

4. I LOVE the fact that I get to live with my sister
5. I LOVE the fact that I get to have her cooking alot more
6. I LOVE the fact that I am a week away from 4 and 5!!!

I really dislike having to pack more boxes and I ran out of packing paper so now my phone book is protecting those fragile items. I realized that somehow three years of incredible times, journeys, late ngiht teas, all hours country music playing will be dearly missed. But Rebekah and her dog are welcoming me so I guess thats cool!

Life moves on, A month ago I was just about to leave Quebec, yes thats right a MONTH! Woah what a journey! A busy month has insued. I got a job at laura in west ed and I am really enjoying it! Other than that I am just enjoying the sun and last week the snow

Ray Ray Home

Well here I am, two weeks ago I was shoving everything I had into my bags and packing up Valeries car for the airport the next morning. Here I am in Edmonton, serving at Boston Pizza and all the sudden it hit me so hard that I miss Quebec. I miss the church, I miss seeing all of the church members. I miss the experiences of waking up in a strange place and the adventure of getting to know whats all around me. The good the bad all of it created an experience for which I am extremely thankful that I had the opportunity to experience...

A journey home ~

Well this was my last day...

What a ride these past few months have been...

I cant even imagine my life without Quebec..

I am going to miss this place sooo much..

But at the same time I am so ready to be home! I cant wait to be with my family again..

Ill update more later!

<3 Rach

How did this happen?

WOAH AS IF. I am on the final week. 13.5 have flown by....

I wish I could describe all that is going on in my life right now. As times of sayign goodbye start it is the hardest thing I ever imagined. These people who just barged into my heart I am now having to leave.

They tell us in class that 3 months is a long time but at the same time it is a simple blink in time. I am here in Quebec after living a life that I could have never dreamed of. This week is exciting to be in, it means that I have survived Quebec with my petite knowledge of the language. I have been initiated into the world of bread and cheese at all hours of the day, wearing dress clothes all the time and to the world of loving on people in a whole new way.

This journey is incredible! God has been so faithful and I cannot say that I am the same person as when I arrived!

Dear Quebec

You barged into my heart, please don't hate me for leaving!

Love me

80

There is not enough time to do a big post, however there is time for a tiny one.

80 days. Do you know what that means?

That means that 80 days ago I started this crazy adventure.

80 days ago I was freaking out about who I would be living with, whether i would ever be able to survive in Granby, and doubts all of the emotions I felt were crazy. To kiss my niece and nephew goodbye for 3.75 months and to leave my life in Edmonton.

Someone said it would fly by

I did not believe them

The first 20 some days I did not believe them.

But here I am 11 weeks and three days later.

CRAZY.

Time is flying by, adventures have filled the ever learning moments here.

Thanks for keeping up with me,

we got a bit to go!!

things i love in granby

In light of reading my last post one more to add to today.

heres what i love in Granby!

i love la cafe brewlerie! Seriously great coffee and i love reading my book there
galavanting with Valerie
watching movies at home with val
going out with ashley when she comes home
sunday mornings with all the church people
how we go out for lunch every sunday with people and simply have incredible conversations
going to the zoo with earl and claudette
hanging out with aaron and maybe even bowling
i love driving into montreal
i love hanging out with val and alain - watching their marriage is a really incredible blessing
cooking at home
creating kids ministry stuff
looking at the photographs that all the church people have of their past
grocery shopping - i dont like it in edmonton
filling the plant water feeder things in all the plants
sitting by the window in the early morning sun and reading and praying there with fresh cup of coffee
getting together with all the area pastors
seeing the kids in the morning at b'club

The gift of today

I have been blown away the past few days. It has been a few of the best days that I have experienced since I have been here. I am on day 70 today, which means that I am over 2/3rds done. This life has become normal to me.

It has been really hard to not have people my age constantly around me. I am the only twenty year old female in the church. Sometimes it gets frustrating to be by yourself with no one to relate to. Its not that the people here are terrible people, in fact I rather enjoy their company. The ladies here are really beautiful and they all have experiences and knowledge that I can benefit greatly from. They are incredible people who have poured out such tremendous love on me that I will forever be different because of them.

But on the flip side of this I am still alone in my age in Granby. This is where Grace comes in. Grace just turned 18 and she is so beautiful. She has this incredible call on her life. She is truly one of the most beautiful girls I know. She exemplifies patience, mercy and love. I can describe her like a peony. So understated, growing in the garden, but so beautiful and delicate and unique. She has been the one who keeps me sane. Pop tarts and Tea by the wood stove or recently House of Jazz, her friendship is greatly treasured in my life. She lives in Knolton and know that I don’t have a car our visits are a lot harder to plan, and because her mom does a home church every other weekend and the other times she is leading worship when her mom speaks at the Baptist church seeing her is something I treasure immensely since it does not happen a lot.

On Thursday night last week I decided to head into Montreal to watch Efa Etoroma Jr (from Edmonton but is currently attending McGill) and his band Ruckus Fo’tet play at Gerts. I was originally planning on taking Grace but she had a doctors appointment early morning Friday and since the show was at midnight I ended up taking Isabelle along with me. Isabelle is a girl (well lady shes 31) who Grace works with and has been checking out the youth group that I take the pastor’s son to. It was interesting to spend time with her and to attempt to answer some of her questions during the drive. It is cool to see how God is working in her life. Slowly revealing himself to her. Well apparently I hyped up the band a lot so she was expecting great things, and of course Ruckus Fo’tet delivered. An incredible show made the late night and the very early morning worth it. It was really incredible to be able to just go and see Efa Jr play. They were incredible and brief conversation with him made my week all the better. Sometimes all you need is to see someone from home to make you be able to keep going.

Saturday was spent at the Sugar Shack with Valerie and Alain who I live with! It was tones of fun to go and explore a bit of Quebec culture. They syrup was so much better than in Alberta. Valerie and Alain have been so good to me. They have gone far above and beyond what I could ask for or even dream of. Please pray blessings and favor for them. They have taken me in as if I was their own, and they deserve the very best of blessings. So please pray for them! Saturday afternoon was supposed to be a board meeting but it got canceled so when we got back that evening we watched three movies that are based on Jannette Oaks “Love Comes Softly” series. It was a great end to the day to sit and relax and Alain had quite the time laughing at Valerie and I as we cried and laughed through the three films.

Sunday was super busy, this is always a crazy day but it was great! The girl in the church who is in Ontario as a nanny came home for the week so it was great to catch up with her. I preached Sunday night and God was so faithful.

Monday came soon enough and well surprisingly Efa Jr’s status on facebook came up about the House of Jazz gig he was playing last night. So with the perfect place to take Grace to for her belated Birthday night we went to Montréal once she was done work and got to see the jam session of House of Jazz. This place is so unique and so divine. The music of course was incredible and we even had a chance to talk to Efa Jr. I do not know if you have ever had two separate parts of your world collide but last night I did. The Edmonton life and Granby life collided and it was so lovely!!!! I was in heaven last night.

In our conversation with Efa the question of what am I doing for fun while I am here came up. To be honest I really had to think about it. I enjoy what I am doing I really do, but other than the few times I went snowboarding and the few afternoons with Grace I don’t do a lot of things that I love here. That may sound weird but let me explain. Granby does not have a ton of things to do. I walked the nature center last week and I get to do things with Church people, but my life right now is the church. I am constantly at the church or with the church people. Now I love this church and the people so for me going with them and exploring little parts of the area has been fun. But these two times of going to watch Efa Jr play have been some of the nicest moments because I was able to completely relax and do something that I always love to do when I am home in Edmonton.

I love music and exploring little cafes and restaurants and discovering new things on the spur of the moment. And last night was an incredible gift to me. I was able to see someone from home and be with Grace and see incredible music in a new place all in one moment.

I love how when my sanity and my secret hopes God allows them to happen and so to you guys I send this little note, I hope that you see how much this church and the people in it have been a huge blessing to me, how they have opened their arms to me and poured out love onto me. How God provides people who you need in your life and how he cares about the small desires buried deep down and how He really does give the very best gifts to his children.

I was talking to a very wise person from home about a girl my class who got a job as a childrens pastor. This is her passion and she loves kids so much and it is so incredible when people who are young get to do what they love to do. And watching these guys last night in all their talents with music and to just get up on stage listen to each other and than come together for a jam session blew my mind. When Efa Jr and these other guys played and used their God given talents I truly believe that God was so proud of them. God was in it, that might not make sense to you but God shows up when we use our gifts and talents to the very best ability. It was truly so beautiful to listen and to enjoy it. I wonder what the world would be like if all of us did to the very best of our ability what we are passionate about. Just a thought.

“God’s gifts put man’s best dreams to shame” – Elizabeth Barrett Browning

a new type of day

Well here I am day 65.

Eating turnips and carrots with parm cheese in it.
I am sitting in Granby Quebec and it feels like normal

I am at the point where this seems like my own life. With the odd exception most moments here are enjoyable and quite entertaining. There are a few rough patches but hey, no ones life is perfect.

I am enjoying the church, they are genuinely great people. Last week was our DVBS and it was an incredible success because of some very key people who simply stepped up to the plate sacraficially and helped me out on the days. With 22 kids as the peak day it was a beautiful organized chaotic delight. This church cooks incredibly well, and all those kiddies got great meals each day. I have been able to ask tons of questions a every moment and have not been more welcomed anywhere i can think of.

I miss home, to not say so would be lying, i miss my friends, my babies at church that i teach, the youth... i miss it, but i know I am where I am supposed to be and that makes it all the better. When i go home ill miss this place.

ITs an incredible journey so far. Words can not describe how truly wonderful and special this place is to me.


for the record tims roll up the rim 2 for 9 i think maybe 2 for 11... is more like it!

MARCH? No way...

Well Hello March

Spring is in the air and I know this by two reasons
1. Snow is melting and the weather is up and down between day and night in the positive negative scale
2. Roll up the rim to win began yesterday
I love a good excuse for coffee! College fund hullo!


February came to a great end with a great visit to my family in Ontario. More on that on another post.



Met up with my mom!!!




My Granny Turned 100!!!!



Me and My Baby Cousin Tyler!!

This week is the dvbs which has started off with a great start! Kids have come had fun and a lot of them have come from some unique and difficult family situations. It has had to come with some creative driving to pick some of them up but its worth it!

I must say that I am past half way mark and to think this adventure is just beginning it feels. Alot of time hashing things out with God has been spent. Trying to figure out dreams and desires and how to honor Him in all situations.

This adventure is worth the effort and longer post is to be expected when there is not dvbs going on!



Valentines Day With my Date Rylie, We went skating!

mountain vs me

Seriously the price for skiing here is cheap. So I decided to enlist Grace to help me learn to snowboard, after two weeks I made it alive through the bunny hill and the half mountain! I got sweet bruises to prove it. Alas, the awesome snow outfit of mis-matched outfit and board are still somehow divine! So Lesson learnt – even I can snowboard… Well, sometimes…

so every thursday i get to go with Grace and tackle the hill.






Me and Grace after an eventful first day



this is what i did most of the first times




Grace patiently waiting for me..

ugh painting

Life is a moving over here. I am settled into my routine and work at the church on the Kids outreach program is full swing. Partner that with preaching Bible Study and miscellaneous items that can fill my time, I stay enjoyably busy. The newest thing is I am starting an open house youth games night on Mondays here. The first one is coming up so we will see how this goes! Also life lesson… I really dislike details in painting. Seriously, guys please Ill do large items but no details. I do not focus on those type of minor details. It is no fun for me. But in all fairness, I did paint! And I will be painting for a super sweet time next week, however one bonus is being able to wear scrubs and a warm hoodie while this activity is taking place. (I might just drag out painting because this is comfy!!)

a day at the zoo

You know – Granby Quebec is a spectacular place. It really is a sweet little town. The conveniences that are available here are great. Architecture, history and modern necessities are at every corner.

If you know me at all, you will soon come to see I love hot drinks especially coffee. I have a great appreciation for the different kinds of coffee and the hidden undertones of other ingredients in what some people here refer to as a cup of tar. Back home Tim Hortons is a last resort, but here it is such a beautiful thing. I mean there are cafes around that one day I will see, but I want to just lift a cup for Tim Hortons in Quebec.

Also back home in Calgary we have an awesome zoo. The Calgary Zoo is spectacular so when people said the Granby Zoo is cool I had issues believing that. Well I went with Claudette and Earl from the church and it was a blast. Although at winter lots of things are closed, it was a pretty neat place. (I’ll have to go in summer to actually say its better than Calgary’s) It was a great day so here are a few snap shots from the day!





Claudette and Earl, Earl never put that camera down!



I wonder if this guy said as a kid to his mom "arrrr when i grow up I want to be a pirate"



Yep a guy in a dress



MR TIGER



Mr Monkey with a sweet nose



Hello Granby ZOO



MR HIPPO




Mr Camel they get ten points for this guy



the elephant in thailand was a bit bigger than this guy

I know its been a while

Hey all


Well what can I say its been busy here. A longer post will come hopefully by the end of the week but internet connection is sporadic and emails come first.



I must say Montreal is beautiful. Cant wait to explore it more. The architecture is incredible. Also it has a really incredible flowershop that I stumbled in. INCREDIBLE!!!

Church people here are just amazing! What a blessing to know them.

The weather here is sooo cold, the dampness gets in you.




Anyways, I am being domesticated and I need to make supper, so with a promise of a longer post...

Love Rachel

There's no such thing as another day

Hello Day 22 in Granby Quebec

Well some might say that I am beginning to get my groove on!

My life is starting to almost have a routine to it and it is a comforting thought to see that I am making it through my fourth week now here. I am getting used to guessing what is being said to me in French and my great attempts to learn a few words has been of great benefit!

For school (yes to bring it up) this is a little assignment a reflection on the idea of excellence in ministry. It is really tempting to go into life and each day and live as if it really does not matter what is going on around us. It easy for ministry to become just a job. For ministers to see the people as souls they need to save and not recognize that they are a whole person first. I do not really care what your occupation is, I still think that your place of work is the ministry you are in. And I still am a Christian and I do believe that people need to know Jesus as their Savior or else they will be eternally separated from God. I am not denying that by any means. But I do not think that one or two people screaming once in a while to turn or burn is going to be the most effective way to accomplish goals of seeing lost people find their Savior. I think the most effective way is to a be a passionate person who lives life to the fullest. To live a life of watching out for others, helping where you can, and loving the people around you where ever you choose to be.

When the struggle of passion and sacrifice takes place, that is where your priorities are shown. Thats where what you really care about what your limits are will be shown. Excellence comes at a cost. And I think that in order to be excellent you must also be completely humble. Without being humble excellence will turn into pride and before long you wont be very effective.

Anyways just a rambling for school

A Walk in the Park!

Just walking to the bus from the elementary school and what a beautiful walk indeed!

A beauty of a Day

Well where do you begin a post after a crazy week like this one?

Hmm, yeah no way to write about everything so I'll pick and choose

Sunday after church we went singing at a seniors home. IT was really beautiful to be all there and singing. *cough cough* about singing. Confession, i used to actually sing in choir and things like that, i used to almost be okay at it but now that I do not have the time to care I suck, like actually ahah but sure enough i was singing alone to country music in my office quietly and now Pastor Brent has this idea that i shoudl sing in church. so i am attempting to prove him wrong that i cant sing lol, or shall i say unless there is a life and death emergency i have no plans for that?!! anyways well see how that goes.

But while we were there I spoke to this couple who have been married for 60 some years. She was in the home and he comes and visits her and she said to me through him that he is her hero. and when she saw my reaction she began to laugh so hard. I was so inspired by them that there is such delight in knowing someone so well for so long. The love between them was so strong and so courageous.

The kids at the breakfast program at the school are so delightful. they are the absolute cutest kids around and they are always wanting to know something. So this week it was who am i? Am I Pastor Brent's sister? Nope I am his assisstant. But its cool and encouraging to see them trying to connect dots and who knows how God will pour into that school?!

I have been really tired at the end of each day here, (in bed before 8 tired) but I usually am still tired when I wake up. But today was different I woke up and the sun was rising over their "mountains" (im albertan their mountains arent what i would call mountains but for argument sake we'll call them mountains) and it was beautiful. The sun was bright and the air crisp and each step i took walking toward the school was more joyous. I noticed different buildings in the sky line for the first time, and to be honest I hadnt been able to enjoy it yet.

Its like when reading the Bible and you re read a story you have read a billion times and all the sudden you notice something new. Something catches your eye and a new insight is found. I was reading in Exodus how God had equipped the people with skill knowledge and understanding so that they could build the tabernacle. Its cool to see that God equips us for the tasks at hand.

Anyways, I am about half way through week three, which means that if this had been a short term missions trip I would have been home now. So cheers to living here for a time, cheers to the sun shining and cheers to a great day!

A week and a bit in

Well I guess it is time for a blog eh?

It has been a very busy week here in Granby so I'll let you know a few things that have gone on

Breakfast club occurs at the english elementary school here. It has been really fun to get to know the regular kids and it is encouraging to see the church working alongside the school system. It can be a bit chilly as I walk from where I live to the school but after getting lost the second day I came here I have a bullet proof ability to get to the school using a far less complicated way!

Meetings with my supervisor have been really encouraging. At times I still feel unsure of what I am supposed to do or who I am supposed to be with, but slowly with adjustments things are coming along quite well.

Meeting everyone in the church was really good. Im not the best at going into a crowd but the people here are absolutely wonderful and I must say all my fears have been calmed. There are some really beautiful people here that I get to interact with.

I got a chance to meet with a senior man here on Tuesday and this guy is incredible. He's close to 100 years old, walking around, has his own mind and is really funny. HE has all these home remedies for things my least favorite would be cabuchka. its some drink that in summary is really good for you but tastes like fermented mushroom tea. (yep that explains it well). Anyways at one point in time I am to play chess with him, now when I say this i mean i will be beat in a second, he beats the computer when he plays and he has played with the chess masters of the world!! I am telling you this man is a tank! Not only did God spare his life in thr war but he had the most incredible observation about the church and being a Christian. He said, I love Christ, the church is the Body of Christ, so I love the church so I go to Church because I love it as it is Christ! I love Christ, I go to church!
It shook me a bit just thinking this one through. And checking my attitude and stuff that i am annoyed by can be turned into praise to God!

I also went to the City Hall yesterday and along with other city Pastors we prayed there in the council chambers. WHAT AN INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY! It blew me away to see pastors from all different denominations coming together to plead before GOd for their city!

And I went to TIM HORTONS!!! I met up with a girl form the church who is a bit older than me and it was really good. It feels so much better to have someone who is my age who I can talk about twilight and books and all other things with. So hoping to see her more often!

UMMM what else, oh school work that I ma having to do is a bit annoying, i have lots to do and not sure how or when I'll get it done. but oh well.

Oh and the bus here, what a triky situation!!!! but today went well!!!! I got to the church safe and sound.


And on Monday I went with Pastor Brent to the radio show!! sooo cool

Okay thats all form me

<3 Rachel

Welcome to Granby Pen!!

Well, a picture is worth a thousand words so heres a bunch!!












My Office...Library.. Prayer Room...





yes the trinkets are hung by paper clips! Resourceful i feel is a good word




i cant pass up a good deal and well I love Christmas



Some cool architecture in the church.



Cool kids room down stairs, the teacher did it all herself, like no cut outs..



nursery



Jesus Loves Me...



So this is the church where I am working.

It has been tough to get into the swing of things. This is not just a STM where every move is planned for you and you never say no. Right now what I want to do, what I like matters. Pastor Brent said I was more than welcome at their house. So that was the plan. Last night I told Valerie I would be home by 7 or 9 tonight. But her husband asked me today after the board meeting what my plan was. And Pastor Brent helped me say I'll call you once I know. I was so scared of offending someone that I was umming and uhhing. SO Pastor Brent helped me see how to communicate with them. So in the end lesson # 1 its okay to be firm and to put up my own boundaries with what I am doing. So it shall be a great night. Seriously everyone i have met have been more than incredible to me. Its awesome to finally be here and to experience everything going on here. I wish I could put everything in this about the people but here is a few people that are awesome

Pastor Brent and his wife Carolyn - They have just opened up to me and I feel like part of the family. Cutest kids of life and they are super cool too!!!!

Valerie and Alain the couple I live with - they have opened up their lives to me and their home. Incredible role model for me is Valerie, she just loves God with everything in her and its cool to see this type of relationship with God. Alain is sooo funny. He tries his best to speak english to me although at times Val has been needed. He was worried the other day when I left without a hat on and was in my little boots. So today he made sure I had a hood on my head while outside lol. Just really incredible couple.

Richard and Marjorie - They are a great couple who have extended to me a great deal of encouragment. Perhaps the best way to put it is as if I am their granddaughter. I was reminded that if I ever need anything, anything at all, let them know. Esp. Richard towards me in the board meeting and as I have "hung out" in his company more as been truly delightful!

Roger and I had a great talk today. He is someone I can see as a mentor and I really hope that can happen. His wife is spoken of in great regard as well.

Well tomorrow i meet the whole crowd so till then

<3 me

ARRIVED!!!

Bonjour! That was about all I had going into this adventure, and well I thought I would learn more before I left. And well, after a long awaited time, I must say it is a pleasure to be typing to you from Granby Quebec with still little French. Thats my next task!

I arrived here 1.5 hours late from Calgary on Tuesday and have been able to settle in quite well. My office at the church is toasty warm and beautiful, and my room at the apartment here is just the right size.

I was quite nervous to meet everyone but they have been all too kind and wonderful to me. Pastor Brent has issued me into Quebec with some national food (Poutine soft "I" not harsh like we say in Albert, and a steamer - hot dog with mustard ketchup and yes sour crout and onions)seriously soo good.

Today officially I can say I have gotten lost once, and in the same time I have realized that not many speak alot of English. This morning I was to be at the elementray school where we do a breakfast club feeding program and it is within walking distance form the apartment I live in. Well a few wrong turns and I was late and lost and found myself asking French Teachers at another school where i was to go. Luckily an English speaking teacher at the High School told me how to get there. I seriosuly laughed at myself as I watched four Teachers gibbering in Frnech completely unabel to communicate. Welcome Hero #1 to my life. THe english speaking teaching.

Through my walk today and a few conversations I found myself so intrigued with the history of Quebec. The buildings are beautiful, full of character and the frosted trees shine. The hustle and bustle of people is comforting to hear and to become a part of while walking through the street.

Also dial up internet is uber slow so I am going to sy I'll talk to you in a bit!!!

From me to you, a huge hug and loads of love

Rachel

A final Albertan Goodbye

It is incredible to be so at peace with going. The calmness of knowing I have done all that I could before leaving, and knowing that there is no turning back has helped me settle into the mindset of "an adventure awaits"

to be honest though there has been a few challenges along the way - mainly luggage.

for one: “Did you ever notice that the first piece of luggage on the carousel never belongs to anyone?” Erma Bombec wittily said. I hate getting one piece of luggage right away ans having the second one come near the end. Mainly I have bad luck with luggage and this trip is no different.



For this trip I mainly packed like this - grab everything "sort" through it and pack what you need. My first attempt I packed everything except a few shirts and a few dresses. I attempted to pack a few times before I came home to Calgary but sure enough mom saw all my luggage and said lets go through it again. Two hours, three sortings, switching suitcases and duffel bags four times I am fully packed and ready to go. Did I mention the full piece of luggage worth amount of clothes mom made me ruthlessly pick through and not take with me. Seriously most ridiculous thing of my life, but that's why I love my mom. Blunt and does not care what my excuse is for packing 15 similar styles of shirts in the differing shades of black and black and white and white.

my dad has dealt with freight his whole life and is a convenient luggage scale at home. after his approval and a promise to scale them at the family business i will be able to say for sure that my luggage is packed well and cheaply!

anyways, the rambling as begun and exhaustion is setting in so till Quebec,



BYE!

Cheering into 2010

Welcome to the new year! Happy Holidays to you guys and to your families.

I wish that I could put into words all that has been going on but here it goes, at least a bit of whats all occurred since school ended.

I had an awesome time once school ended to be able to spend a few days working at a flowershop. I loved this job in the summer and to be in the shop again felt great. I work with these old ladies who have designed floral arrangements for quite some time and they are some of the funniest ladies I know. It was incredible to love on these ladies again. They always seem snide and cynical to new girls, but underneath their stone appearances are beautiful ladies who have wisdom to learn from.




Christmas this year was quite enjoyable. My parents and one of my sisters come up from Calgary and along with my other sister in Edmonton we go out to Spruce Grove to see our sister and brother and their kids. Colton my nephew is three and left cookies out for Santa for the first time. In the midst of potty training, Colton was quite excited for the day. He now understands that what is in the wrapping paper is much more fun than the paper itself. Lacey's first Christmas was this one and it was so cute to see her helping unwrap presents and to see her laugh. For all of us to be together for a full day makes the stress and work of the holiday completely worth it.



Boxing Day was Lacey's first birthday. the get together was delightful but again being with my family and cuddling with my niece and nephew was the highlight.



I had an opportunity to talk to my nephew on the phone today and although the majority I did not understand the hey Rachie and the next few minutes were incredible. Colton and Lacey mean the world to me. It will be hard to leave them but the phone call to reiterate to me that they know who I am and that I can still talk to them and be involved with their lives even when I am gone gives me the courage to go.





I packed on Christmas night, I re packed boxing day night, I will most likely unpack tonight and re pack, and tomorrow for sure I will. I drive home Sunday night after church and I fly out Tuesday. My friend from college who is also going on internship conveniently lives in Quebec and will take me to my internship location. I am quite excited that I will get to see a friendly face at the airport.





Its crazy to think in just a few days i will be across the country and gone for 14 weeks. The adventure of my next phase in life only a few moments away. So most likely till a crazy ngiht before i leave or until i am in Quebec from me to you, Cheers into 2010!