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
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
A Walk in the Park!
Just walking to the bus from the elementary school and what a beautiful walk indeed!
Friday, January 22, 2010
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!
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!
Friday, January 15, 2010
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
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
Saturday, January 9, 2010
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
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
Thursday, January 7, 2010
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
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
Monday, January 4, 2010
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!
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!
Friday, January 1, 2010
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!
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!
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