Tuesday, August 12, 2008

I am leaving tonight for LeadTime! I am leaving from Sarnia at 7pm, then will be in Toronto until tomorrow morning when I catch my flight. I fly to Chicago at 7:10am and from there to Kansas City. Joe and Jenny, two the of LeadTime directors, are meeting a whole group of us at the airport and driving us to Kanukak Kamp ground just down the street from the Branson LeadTime Campus. For the next two weeks the Branson LeadTime gang as well as the Kansas City LeadTime gang are going to train and have orientation together on this campground. Usually the two classes do not train together but they are doing it this way because of contruction projects on both campuses that are not quite complete yet. It will be neat to spend the first two weeks with everyone just getting into the swing of things :) Please be in prayer for me as I travel. I have already had so much peace and God has been awesome, as always! :) I cant wait to get there! I will let you know when I arrive safely :) Love and blessings ><>
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My week in Sarnia is just about done. Its been a good one and a busy one! I have been so blessed with many opportunities to fellowship. Swimming at Lynda's, an "old small group" BBQ, lunch at Stokes with a bunch of friends and of course the "Little Piggy Picnic" that was organzied by the Womans Ministry at Lighthouse to welcome me home and raise funds for LeadTime. There really are no words to express how greatful I am for friends that truly love me and the support that they show....

Today I have a few last minute things to do like print my tickets and make a few phone calls. Then I have the awesome privilege of spending the day with Phil and Lora. I hear Phil really wants to feed me lol, (he is a cook, an awesome cook). I am really looking forward to catching up with them. Then from there I head out! I take a train from Sarnia-London. The Robert Q from London-Toronto Pearson and then fly out tomorrow morning. Its going to be a long trip and I will sooo be ready for bed tomorrow night.....hopefully the adrenaline kicks in, which I am sure it will!! :)

Friday, August 8, 2008

Update

I can hardly believe that in 4 days from now I am going to be in Branson! It seems like just yesteday I started the application process. I am so anxious to get there though!

The last few days in Sarnia have been interesting ones. I have spent time with several friends and got some errands done. Yesterday I went to Port Huron and while I was there a bomb threat closed down the Blue Water Bridge. After spending a few hours at a friends house we got word the bridge was re-opened so we headed back. Earlier the traffic was lined up for hours but we didnt hit any at all. Thank you Lord!

Today I am going swimming, to a BBQ and have an appointment for an eye exam. Tomorrow is going to be really fun because Becky is having a lunch for me at Stokes and then Lighthouse is having a "Little Piggy Picnic" :)

I was talking with Amy yesterday and there is still no word on my visa, so prayers that that comes through soon would be appreciated. If it doesnt come back before I leave I will have to go as a visitor and wait until it is processed, so not a big deal I can still arrive legally on the 13th :) Thanks for reading and I'll write more soon :)

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

I Made it to Sarnia!

I arrived safe and sound in Sarnia yesterday about 1pm. I was very tired, as it had been a long trip but I still went to Port Huron, and spent the evening with some friends visiting. It was good times!

Today I have some phone calls to make, candles to deliver and some visiting. Which of course is the best part of all of that :) Love to see old friends :)

I have already taken alot of pictures! Here is the link to them

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Beautifully Hard

There was a time in my life when although I knew in my head that I was loved, I had a difficult time knowing it in my heart. I have been through a lot of healing, a lot of growing up and have changed so much in the last year. The most amazing thing that has come from that change is the new very overwhelming awesome understanding that I am truly and deeply loved by so many amazing people.

It didn’t take to long after walking into church this morning to get teary eyed. I was sure that I was feeling “strong” and was going to be able to hold myself together. YA right! Anyone that knows me, knows I get emotional at times like these. Although it’s not that pretty (a.ka. tears and snot lol), I am thankful that I feel so deeply and wouldn’t change it for the world.

So like I was saying it all started when I first arrived. I got a very warm embrace from Aunt Glenda and some encouraging words that right now I don’t remember, but that’s ok because I know they spoke to my soul. After the service I received many hugs and loving words. Everyone so genuinely embraced me and I could just feel the love in such an intense way. It was awesome.

Of course when I left home, my Dad cried, and so did I. And so did my Mom, even though she was driving me to the bus station J Shortly after we got there Aunt Glenda pulled up to join my Mom in seeing me off. We took some picture and had a few good laughs. It hadn’t even crossed my mind but Aunt Glenda said “OK lets have a prayer” so we did. In the middle of the bus station lot, the 3 of us hand in hand talking to Jesus. And it was beautiful.

My sister lives 15 minutes down the road from where I caught the bus. I spent Friday night with her and the kids and got all my hugs and kisses in. Before I left though she said she would be on the corner with the kids so they could all wave goodbye. The bus goes through her town right by her house. Sure enough they were there, I could see them a few blocks away and the lump in my throat started lol. As I drove by there they all were, Melanie, Chad, Travis, Nicholas and Rocky the husky. Blowing kisses (well Rocky wasn’t lol) and waving like crazy. It was the perfect ending to my day….it was also hard….but it was so beautiful.

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Last Night At Home

I have been home for 6 months and its already my last night here! I cant believe how fast the time has flown! Its been a good time at home with my family and I am very greatful the Lord directed my steps here for this time.

I spent the night with Mel and the kids last night. We went golfing, rented a movie, and stayed up way to late lol..but it was really nice to hang out with them for a while. Chad was pretty upset last night and I was hoping that this morning when it was time for me to leave that I wouldnt have 3 crying kids begging me to stay! Its hard enough to leave in the first place, it makes it harder when they are all upset. I was very happy when I got a good share of hugs and kisses and no tears :) It was perfect. Of course when I pulled out of their driveway I cried! LOL

So now I am finishing up a couple little tasks, planning on getting a good night sleep tonite :) , will go to church and get some visiting in tomorrow afternoon.....and in about 24 hours the journey begins!!