Howdy y'all!
They don't actually talk like that in Calgary, but regardless I'm looking forward to the stampede in July. It is one of the largest outdoor events in the world. (Check it out: www.calgarystampede.com)
The past two weeks have been extremely challenging for me. Let me share a bit about this next leg of the journey with you...
As of two weeks ago I still didn't have a job. It has been very disappointing for me, as I had heard the jobs here in Calgary were more numerous than the people. I was applying mostly for waitressing, but also some jobs related to my program of study (electrical engineering).
By the middle of this week I still hadn't heard anything promising, but had been offered a hostessing job at a restaurant and pub, The Barley Mill. It has a great atmosphere, the people are friendly and the food is absolutely delicious. They are well-known for their 3 outdoor patios, and 25 different kinds of beer! This job pays ok, so I've decided to take it, and look for another part-time job in the meantime.
I've also been struggling with finding time to myself. Living in such close quarters with these students and staff has made it almost impossible to find a space where I can pray and read my bible without being interrupted. After a busy couple days (including my birthday, complete with cakes, balloons and a rollerskating adventure!), I decided to take it easy.
Today we began our MDAs. MDA = movement development area. These are areas of the city, or partnerships with churches which we have chosen to concentrate on. I'm hoping to spend one or two evenings a week ministering to single moms and their children, through a program called 'Jesus Loves You'.
Please be praying:
- that I can reenergize through spending time with God, that I will grow closer to Him
- that he will give me chances to share my faith with the other hostesses and servers at the Barley Mill
- that God will bless the 'Jesus Loves You' ministry, and that I'll be used to make an impact
Thank you so much! You guys rock!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Calgary Project Update #1
(originally written May 10)
Hello from Calgary, Alberta, Canada!
I am so excited to be out here in Western Canada!
Thank you to those of you who have been praying for me, and giving generously to God that I might be here to be used by him to help make a difference in Calgary.
Our team consists of 27 students and 11 staff (including interns) from across the country. We've all been here since Monday (May 5th) and have had a blast getting to know one another. I am amazed at the way the Holy Spirit has united us. Please pray that we continue to experience this unity! I really feel a supernatural kind of bond with these men and women, and look forward not only to what God will do through us, but what He'll do in our hearts to make us better lovers of Him.
Since arriving earlier this week, we've been hanging out a lot. We've had the chance to job hunt and hand out resumes. Also, we have been going to training sessions, about how to depend on God's Holy Spirit, how to get around in Calgary, how to transition our conversations to talk about spiritual things, and how to resolve conflict.
I'm really looking forward to learning how to be a better witness for Christ. I'm nervous about sharing my faith with a coworker, but I know God has prepared the opportunities in advance. I know He wants everyone to hear what He has done for us in sending Jesus to die on the cross. Please pray that I'll proclaim the gospel boldly! Pray that I keep my focus on Him, and stay open to being used in any situation.
Recap of prayer requests:
- that our team would continue to get along, and resolve any conflict appropriately
- that I would stay focused on Jesus, and proclaim the gospel boldly
- also, that the last $500 of my financial support would come in before the end of next week
Thank you again for supporting me. I truly appreciate your gifts and prayers, and will update you again in about two weeks.
God bless!
Hello from Calgary, Alberta, Canada!
I am so excited to be out here in Western Canada!
Thank you to those of you who have been praying for me, and giving generously to God that I might be here to be used by him to help make a difference in Calgary.
Our team consists of 27 students and 11 staff (including interns) from across the country. We've all been here since Monday (May 5th) and have had a blast getting to know one another. I am amazed at the way the Holy Spirit has united us. Please pray that we continue to experience this unity! I really feel a supernatural kind of bond with these men and women, and look forward not only to what God will do through us, but what He'll do in our hearts to make us better lovers of Him.
Since arriving earlier this week, we've been hanging out a lot. We've had the chance to job hunt and hand out resumes. Also, we have been going to training sessions, about how to depend on God's Holy Spirit, how to get around in Calgary, how to transition our conversations to talk about spiritual things, and how to resolve conflict.
I'm really looking forward to learning how to be a better witness for Christ. I'm nervous about sharing my faith with a coworker, but I know God has prepared the opportunities in advance. I know He wants everyone to hear what He has done for us in sending Jesus to die on the cross. Please pray that I'll proclaim the gospel boldly! Pray that I keep my focus on Him, and stay open to being used in any situation.
Recap of prayer requests:
- that our team would continue to get along, and resolve any conflict appropriately
- that I would stay focused on Jesus, and proclaim the gospel boldly
- also, that the last $500 of my financial support would come in before the end of next week
Thank you again for supporting me. I truly appreciate your gifts and prayers, and will update you again in about two weeks.
God bless!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Summer's a comin'
Oi. Sometimes it's so hard to focus.
I've got two more exams, and almost everyone else is done. I'm jealous and not wanting this semester to end.
The end of the semester means needing to pack.
It means needing to clean out my bedroom, and figure out which notes I'm going to need again next year.
It means hot, sticky weather and sunscreen. (Although, it does mean no more coats or boots, and t-shirts and tank tops!)
It means having to say goodbye to my doggie for a whole four months. :(
It means watching three friends, my best friends, move really really far away.
Amelia's gone to BC to do ministry on the university campus.
Alexis is going to East Asia for the whole year! on STINT (Campus for Christ lingo for an international internship)
Marlise is going home to Victoriaville, QC to work and hang out with her family and special friend ;).
I'm going to miss them dearly.
And I don't want this year to end.
I've got two more exams, and almost everyone else is done. I'm jealous and not wanting this semester to end.
The end of the semester means needing to pack.
It means needing to clean out my bedroom, and figure out which notes I'm going to need again next year.
It means hot, sticky weather and sunscreen. (Although, it does mean no more coats or boots, and t-shirts and tank tops!)
It means having to say goodbye to my doggie for a whole four months. :(
It means watching three friends, my best friends, move really really far away.
Amelia's gone to BC to do ministry on the university campus.
Alexis is going to East Asia for the whole year! on STINT (Campus for Christ lingo for an international internship)
Marlise is going home to Victoriaville, QC to work and hang out with her family and special friend ;).
I'm going to miss them dearly.
And I don't want this year to end.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Calgary
This is where I'll be this summer.
Feel free to send me letters! I promise to write you back!
3107 Blakiston Dr. N.W.
Calgary, Alberta
T2L1L7
Feel free to send me letters! I promise to write you back!
3107 Blakiston Dr. N.W.
Calgary, Alberta
T2L1L7
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
First day of April
I dislike that this is the first day of April and we still have snow. More than a little snow, too, as it was still snowing yesterday morning. I want spring to come, and I want the snow to melt away... soon!
Plus rain and snow make for a very dirty and wet doggie. Yucky.
I can't wait to wear my new sandals. Chaco's are made out of used tires, and other recycled materials; they're waterproof, adjustable, versatile, and very comfortable. Wooot woot... come on sandal weather!
Plus rain and snow make for a very dirty and wet doggie. Yucky.
I can't wait to wear my new sandals. Chaco's are made out of used tires, and other recycled materials; they're waterproof, adjustable, versatile, and very comfortable. Wooot woot... come on sandal weather!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
I play down my plans but I'm planning to take a plane.
The past two weeks have been amazing as well as heartbreaking. I've seen God working in my heart, transforming me. I've seen circumstances change; some things seem to be getting better, some worse. I've been challenged to wait. I've also observed parts of my life, the different communities that I participate in, and how they enrich my life.
My favourite community is the one I experience at Campus for Christ. Two Saturdays ago, a bunch of students and staff went up north to Quebec cottage country (near Tremblant) for a day of planning. It inevitably included some very funny bonding moments like walking on the frozen lake, having a really intense snowball fight, eating great food and just hanging out. We spent time in prayer and thought about what God had done this year at McGill. We included some newer, younger students in the planning this year. It was really encouraging to me how God has brought these new women (and men!) into the group. I've been inspired by their willingness and passion.
This past weekend I travelled to the States with one of my closest friends, Amelia. Her family blessed me in so many ways. They were loud and funny and caring all at the same time. Her brothers treated me like one of the family. I realized that I missed out in growing up without siblings. I look forward to having a big family some day. We visited some great places with her family: Philadelphia - the art museum, the liberty bell, the constitution center; New York City - the World Trade center site, the oldest church in the city, Broadway Ave, Statue of Liberty (from afar). What an amazing time. That was my first time being south of the border and being old enough to remember. I've now been to three states: New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
I am really looking forward to going to Calgary this summer on a missions trip. Being in North Africa two summers ago I realized that Canada needs God's love just as much as any other place in the world. I want to be used by God here. I've thought a lot about my summer plans, and decided that this is the best use of my time. Not only will I be working and making money for school, but I'll be working with other Christians from across Canada. We'll be doing evangelism and holding events in order to reach communities in Calgary with the good news that Christ offers us eternal life, love, joy and peace, more than this world could ever give.
So I guess I've had some pretty awesome times lately, but life has been tough. There's a lot of stuff in my own heart that I need to work through. I realize that my desire to please people doesn't do anybody any good. I really need to look to God for guidance. I've noticed that some old sin has been coming back. I really need to stop lying to people. I've wrecked some relationships, believe it or not.
I've been worried about subletting my apartment for the summer. I wonder what I'll do with Teddy (my puppy dog) for the four months that I'm Calgary. I don't know how to make things better with my mom. I don't have much money left, and some times I worry about giving up my favourite things like the occasional Soy Chai latte, and about how I'll pay for my flight to Calgary.
God, I want to trust you.
My favourite community is the one I experience at Campus for Christ. Two Saturdays ago, a bunch of students and staff went up north to Quebec cottage country (near Tremblant) for a day of planning. It inevitably included some very funny bonding moments like walking on the frozen lake, having a really intense snowball fight, eating great food and just hanging out. We spent time in prayer and thought about what God had done this year at McGill. We included some newer, younger students in the planning this year. It was really encouraging to me how God has brought these new women (and men!) into the group. I've been inspired by their willingness and passion.
This past weekend I travelled to the States with one of my closest friends, Amelia. Her family blessed me in so many ways. They were loud and funny and caring all at the same time. Her brothers treated me like one of the family. I realized that I missed out in growing up without siblings. I look forward to having a big family some day. We visited some great places with her family: Philadelphia - the art museum, the liberty bell, the constitution center; New York City - the World Trade center site, the oldest church in the city, Broadway Ave, Statue of Liberty (from afar). What an amazing time. That was my first time being south of the border and being old enough to remember. I've now been to three states: New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
I am really looking forward to going to Calgary this summer on a missions trip. Being in North Africa two summers ago I realized that Canada needs God's love just as much as any other place in the world. I want to be used by God here. I've thought a lot about my summer plans, and decided that this is the best use of my time. Not only will I be working and making money for school, but I'll be working with other Christians from across Canada. We'll be doing evangelism and holding events in order to reach communities in Calgary with the good news that Christ offers us eternal life, love, joy and peace, more than this world could ever give.
So I guess I've had some pretty awesome times lately, but life has been tough. There's a lot of stuff in my own heart that I need to work through. I realize that my desire to please people doesn't do anybody any good. I really need to look to God for guidance. I've noticed that some old sin has been coming back. I really need to stop lying to people. I've wrecked some relationships, believe it or not.
I've been worried about subletting my apartment for the summer. I wonder what I'll do with Teddy (my puppy dog) for the four months that I'm Calgary. I don't know how to make things better with my mom. I don't have much money left, and some times I worry about giving up my favourite things like the occasional Soy Chai latte, and about how I'll pay for my flight to Calgary.
God, I want to trust you.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
A reflection on the past year
Where did you begin 2007?
At a little celebration called Winter Conference - downtown Toronto, a 5 day party in the Sheraton Hotel!!
What was your status by Valentine's Day?
Single.
Were you in school (anytime this year)?
Yes. January to April and again Sept to Dec. I went to almost all my classes this year!
Did you have to go to the hospital?
Yes! I had a biospy to see if I have celiac disease. Turns out I don't, but I've still got a gluten intolerance.
Did you have any encounters with the police?
Nope, and this year I had my full license and drove all summer. No tickets!
Where did you go on vacation?
Home to Oshawa! Then took a roadtrip to Newmarket for a party at Brad's with all my NA project people. I didn't really go on vacation.
What did you purchase that was over $500?
Nothing, except my tuition!
Did you know anybody who got married?
Hmmm... no, but several people got engaged: Titus and Naomi, Dave and Jeanie, Lisa and Chris... oh wait, they got engaged and married this year!
Did you know anybody who passed away?
Only grandparents and relatives of friends, but no one I knew well.
Did you move anywhere?
Yes! I moved from Notre Dame to the Plateau, one of the most beautiful, trendiest areas of Montreal!
What sporting events did you attend?
None.
What concerts/shows did you go to?
Hmmm... John Mayer back in April (soooo amazing!) and Justice earlier this semester.
Describe your birthday:
I was at home in Oshawa, and decided to go to Casey's for a (free!) birthday dinner with a bunch of friends. I was feeling out of it, kinda down, as the summer hadn't started so well. However, I was really excited and surprised that a bunch of my Cobourg friends showed up. It was a blessing to see them, as I didn't spend much time with them other than that.
What's the one thing you thought you would not do but did in 2007?
Get a dog of my own, out in Montreal. His name's Teddy and he's a white mini schnauzer mixed with wire hair fox terrier we think.
What has been your favorite moment(s)?
I have three favourite moments of the year.
The first weekend in January, Tara, Jozef, Ronald, Kiri, Heather and I travelled out to Sherbrooke in a rental car for a weekend away (and to visit some other C4C people). I really enjoyed the relaxing time we had, and just loved the randomness of it all. We hung out in the Pinkerton's house, ate yummy food, sang happy birthday, sang other songs, jumped on a trampoline for a couple hours, hiked up a mountain (there was hardly any snow at that point last winter!). We took random pictures on the ski lift chairs... so much fun.
Another favourite moment of mine was this summer. I met some pretty great people, including my neighbour, Jamie, who I've known for many years. We hung out in his basement and watched movies and some amazing television episodes of Firefly, Seinfeld, and The Office. I haven't laughed so hard in a looooong time.
My most recent favourite moment was about two weeks ago. Amelia, Marlise and I (two weeks in a row) spent Sunday evening watching a movie, talking and hanging out. It also included some cuddling! I never thought I'd have two friends who were so beautiful, caring, generous and fun.
Any new additions to your family?
Only Teddy, the new dog!
What was your best month?
I dunno, maybe August because it was the least stressful, and I was so excited to go back to Montreal and back to school. I also learned a lot, like about how friends are so important for those tough times. A couple of friends cheered me up on a bad day and it was such a blessing.
What music will you remember 2007 by?
Umbrella, Sweet Escape, Apologize, LoveStoned, anything by Skillet, Slow Dancing in a Burning Room, the whole "Cities" album by Anberlin, random Krista techno, D.A.N.C.E. (Justice!), Tenderoni, Ryan Adams
Made new friends?
Yes! So many! Jamie, Josh, Tanjima, Violet, Eric, André, so many ECSE friends! And became closer with a couple acquaintances as well: Kati, Krista, Manar, Andrew, Mandy, Ali... the list goes on...
Favorite night out?
Hmmm... the night of the C4C Christmas party. Oh dancing at Cafe Campus: so much fun!
Overall, how would you rate this year?
Pretty good. I experienced a lot of failure and rejection, but feel I'm working toward being more focused and trusting in God.
Other than home, where did you spend most of your time?
Montreal, which is like home for me now. Other than that, I spent A LOT of time in Trottier and at the library!
Change your hairstyle?
Not really.
How old did you turn this year?
21.
Do you have a New Year's resolution?
I haven't thought about it yet. Although something in me just longs for consistency. I think I'm going to try to have consistency in every part of my life.
I'd like to spend time with people consistently, investing time in their lives. I dislike seeing friends so infrequently. Friendships don't deepen with time spent together once a year, or once a semester. So, I'm going to try to hang around people intentionally, regularly.
Do anything embarrassing?
Yes! Just two days ago, I called a neighbour of mine who was giving me a ride home from the train station. I thought I was speaking to their son, and so after saying "Hey! How are you?", I asked, "Can I speak to your dad?"
The person on the other line said "He's not my dad!"...
Turns out, I was speaking to his wife, and the boys' mother. :$
Buy anything new from eBay?
Two ipods!
Get married or divorced?
No.
Get arrested?
Of course not!
Be honest - did you watch American Idol?
I watched Canadian Idol all summer.
Did you get sick this year?
Once, got a cold this semester from too much stress!
Been snowboarding?
I haven't tried it, but I do love skiing!
Are you happy to see 2007 go?
Yeah. I also look forward to a fresh start, a new year, new courses, new experiences, new friends and opportunities to stretch and challenge myself.
At a little celebration called Winter Conference - downtown Toronto, a 5 day party in the Sheraton Hotel!!
What was your status by Valentine's Day?
Single.
Were you in school (anytime this year)?
Yes. January to April and again Sept to Dec. I went to almost all my classes this year!
Did you have to go to the hospital?
Yes! I had a biospy to see if I have celiac disease. Turns out I don't, but I've still got a gluten intolerance.
Did you have any encounters with the police?
Nope, and this year I had my full license and drove all summer. No tickets!
Where did you go on vacation?
Home to Oshawa! Then took a roadtrip to Newmarket for a party at Brad's with all my NA project people. I didn't really go on vacation.
What did you purchase that was over $500?
Nothing, except my tuition!
Did you know anybody who got married?
Hmmm... no, but several people got engaged: Titus and Naomi, Dave and Jeanie, Lisa and Chris... oh wait, they got engaged and married this year!
Did you know anybody who passed away?
Only grandparents and relatives of friends, but no one I knew well.
Did you move anywhere?
Yes! I moved from Notre Dame to the Plateau, one of the most beautiful, trendiest areas of Montreal!
What sporting events did you attend?
None.
What concerts/shows did you go to?
Hmmm... John Mayer back in April (soooo amazing!) and Justice earlier this semester.
Describe your birthday:
I was at home in Oshawa, and decided to go to Casey's for a (free!) birthday dinner with a bunch of friends. I was feeling out of it, kinda down, as the summer hadn't started so well. However, I was really excited and surprised that a bunch of my Cobourg friends showed up. It was a blessing to see them, as I didn't spend much time with them other than that.
What's the one thing you thought you would not do but did in 2007?
Get a dog of my own, out in Montreal. His name's Teddy and he's a white mini schnauzer mixed with wire hair fox terrier we think.
What has been your favorite moment(s)?
I have three favourite moments of the year.
The first weekend in January, Tara, Jozef, Ronald, Kiri, Heather and I travelled out to Sherbrooke in a rental car for a weekend away (and to visit some other C4C people). I really enjoyed the relaxing time we had, and just loved the randomness of it all. We hung out in the Pinkerton's house, ate yummy food, sang happy birthday, sang other songs, jumped on a trampoline for a couple hours, hiked up a mountain (there was hardly any snow at that point last winter!). We took random pictures on the ski lift chairs... so much fun.
Another favourite moment of mine was this summer. I met some pretty great people, including my neighbour, Jamie, who I've known for many years. We hung out in his basement and watched movies and some amazing television episodes of Firefly, Seinfeld, and The Office. I haven't laughed so hard in a looooong time.
My most recent favourite moment was about two weeks ago. Amelia, Marlise and I (two weeks in a row) spent Sunday evening watching a movie, talking and hanging out. It also included some cuddling! I never thought I'd have two friends who were so beautiful, caring, generous and fun.
Any new additions to your family?
Only Teddy, the new dog!
What was your best month?
I dunno, maybe August because it was the least stressful, and I was so excited to go back to Montreal and back to school. I also learned a lot, like about how friends are so important for those tough times. A couple of friends cheered me up on a bad day and it was such a blessing.
What music will you remember 2007 by?
Umbrella, Sweet Escape, Apologize, LoveStoned, anything by Skillet, Slow Dancing in a Burning Room, the whole "Cities" album by Anberlin, random Krista techno, D.A.N.C.E. (Justice!), Tenderoni, Ryan Adams
Made new friends?
Yes! So many! Jamie, Josh, Tanjima, Violet, Eric, André, so many ECSE friends! And became closer with a couple acquaintances as well: Kati, Krista, Manar, Andrew, Mandy, Ali... the list goes on...
Favorite night out?
Hmmm... the night of the C4C Christmas party. Oh dancing at Cafe Campus: so much fun!
Overall, how would you rate this year?
Pretty good. I experienced a lot of failure and rejection, but feel I'm working toward being more focused and trusting in God.
Other than home, where did you spend most of your time?
Montreal, which is like home for me now. Other than that, I spent A LOT of time in Trottier and at the library!
Change your hairstyle?
Not really.
How old did you turn this year?
21.
Do you have a New Year's resolution?
I haven't thought about it yet. Although something in me just longs for consistency. I think I'm going to try to have consistency in every part of my life.
I'd like to spend time with people consistently, investing time in their lives. I dislike seeing friends so infrequently. Friendships don't deepen with time spent together once a year, or once a semester. So, I'm going to try to hang around people intentionally, regularly.
Do anything embarrassing?
Yes! Just two days ago, I called a neighbour of mine who was giving me a ride home from the train station. I thought I was speaking to their son, and so after saying "Hey! How are you?", I asked, "Can I speak to your dad?"
The person on the other line said "He's not my dad!"...
Turns out, I was speaking to his wife, and the boys' mother. :$
Buy anything new from eBay?
Two ipods!
Get married or divorced?
No.
Get arrested?
Of course not!
Be honest - did you watch American Idol?
I watched Canadian Idol all summer.
Did you get sick this year?
Once, got a cold this semester from too much stress!
Been snowboarding?
I haven't tried it, but I do love skiing!
Are you happy to see 2007 go?
Yeah. I also look forward to a fresh start, a new year, new courses, new experiences, new friends and opportunities to stretch and challenge myself.
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