Well this can be a long post if you are settled in with a coffee, get comfy and here we go!
Well, this Summer started off with a bang...considering Summer in Calgary starts in July...I will have to save my Israel trip highlights for another blog post.
Vancouver Missions Trip
So, it seems kinda weird, growing up on the West Coast, and going back several years later, on a missions trip! Yep, East Van...to the core! I was a little half hearted into going, spending a week with 14 year olds, was my first challenge, the second was that my dear Darcy was going to France, and I so badly wanted to go along.
Seemingly, that being the case, God had me experience the most amazing week, even wishing I could be somewhere else, I couldn't have been more blessed or in a better place at that time! There was several opportunites for ministry placement that week, I kept saying I will be comfortable doing anything, so I was open to where I needed to be. My placement, was in a church just off of Hastings, working with Shining Stars VBS, this unique experience had the students working with children, doing summer school type classes, there was science experiments, math problems, french language! It was truly fun to see the students I was with stretched, some of them were like, 'these kids know more than I do' but I reassured them that they were still making a difference. My role was much different, nothing like being the camp chef for a week. Yep, something that I love to do, and enjoy challenges of it all. I made meals of a picnic lunch, to Shepards Pie, to Inumpu (sounds like I made a Nun poo), to some dish that was called Beans and Bananas. It was African' themed week as we learnt about Burundi. Oh yes, it was crazy, I was challenged every day, but to see the rewards of it in the moment was a true blessing. I have to say the best dish all week...the Inumpu...no kidding! The dish that I have never made before in my life, was delicious, kids and students couldn't get enough of it! The Lake and the beach wasn't a bad part of the week either, nothing like getting to enjoy BC to the fullest! Only regrets, was not getting to see family and friends.
The best part of the trip, was the lady I was working with there, she was such an encouragement, a blessing and a wise woman of God. She barely knew me, but she knew my heart. I will be forever changed and reminded of her love.
So in July, that was my exciting summer plans, Darcy headed out to France on a dream of a lifetime trip to see the Tour de France. Two weeks of Summer in Southern France, cycling some of the stages that are in the Tour, was definitely his dream. Totally wished I was able to go, but realized that there was more for me here too.
Surprise Trip to London
For some of you, you may have forgotten about my trip to London I had planned this Summer. Well, surprise, I didn't even know. I like to be spontaneous once and a while and one time...it got me in trouble, I became a little more responsible in those choices. This time...it was totally not as troublesome. After much thinking, saying no, and then turning around and jumping at an opportunity...I was on a plane to London, during the Olympics. I was nuts...well some may choose to agree but I was so in need of a holiday, and a chance to see my best friend Megan.
Olympic Events were not even on the agenda, not for lack of trying, we looked at getting tickets...but $150 could be spend in better ways. the best moment, was our not for lacking story of how we went to see the Triathalon, motto of the day...five minuites is all we missed it by....even the medal ceremony! Makes a good story!
Sightseeing was on the agenda, and we got to see places, no lineups....St. Paul's, Shakespeare's Globe, Canterbury Cathedral, St. Bartholemew Cathedral, London Bridge, Clink Prisons, and the Old Operating Theatre. Only downfall, was the numerous blisters in one that I got on my foot, I could barely walk by day three (but that didn't even stop me). I will add in pictures of the sights when I get a chance....not of my foot!
this is all for now...I have some more exciting experiences to share....stay tuned for more!