Calgary Project Update #2

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!

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!

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

I found this video on YouTube. Not the actual music video, and I can't figure out who made it, but nonetheless a super video, and a great song by the David Crowder band.

Back to life.

I'm going back to school! I'm leaving for the big city this weekend and I'm so excited.

This summer has been full of loneliness, disappointment and regret, but more importantly, excitement, new experiences, new friends and fun times.

Every summer it's always the same thing: I didn't spend enough time with this friend and with that person, I watched too much tv, I didn't earn enough money, I didn't look over my notes, mentally preparing for next term, and I sunk into spiritual mediocrity.

But, what can I do? It's summer, right? All I know is that I read what I wanted to, I made two amazing new friends, I laughed more than I have in a long time, I watched just enough of Firefly, I lived as an adult in my childhood home, and I didn't die driving, practising on the 401, and getting my G license.

Just enough summer for me. I'll be glad to get back into my routine.

"I'm letting you go."

Last weekend I got fired. Yeah, fired.
I've never been fired from a job before.
But then again, I've always been paid properly. I've never felt cheated on paychecks. I've never approached someone with questions and requests only to be denied my rights.

Ministry of Labour, here I come. Anyone ever filed a claim before?

Unconditional love

That I Would Be Good
- Alanis Morissette (Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie)

That I would be good even if I did nothing
That I would be good even if I got the thumbs down
That I would be good if I got and stayed sick
That I would be good even if I gained ten pounds

That I would be fine even even if I went bankrupt
That I would be good if I lost my hair and my youth
That I would be great if I was no longer queen
That I would be grand if I was not all knowing

That I would be loved even when I numb myself
That I would be good even when I am overwhelmed
That I would be loved even when I was fuming
That I would be good even if I was clingy

That I would be good even if I lost sanity
That I would be good
Whether with or without you

New puppy, new toy, new responsibility

My mom got a new dog. We'd had one little Lhasa Apso, Keisha. We still have her, and she's 11 now. She's pretty old for a dog, but you'd never know it. She still scampers up the stairs, jumps on and off beds, plays fetch and runs in the park.
But, one just wasn't enough. :P

(Keisha - the dog we've had for just over 9 years)










My mom and I went to the Humane Society and the Animal Control a couple times, and only saw one or two dogs that we liked. They don't have many small dogs at the shelters. Most of them get snatched up pretty quickly. I think small dogs are much more adoptable than large dogs. Did you know the humane society in Toronto has over 150 dogs, and the majority of them are pitbulls?


This one little boy that we brought home is about a year old, and also a Lhasa Apso, but very obviously crossed with some other breed. I think he's part Beagle. He digs holes in the garden, chews bones, barks like a hound and has a long body and a long, straight tail (most Lhasas have curly tails). We named him Benson. He's very cute, playful and cuddly, but has lots of accidents on our carpet.

My title of three "news" does not refer just to Benson. He is like a new toy, and he definitely brings more responsibility to this household (sort of like a new baby? You love it, and cuddle it, and kiss it, but then it pees on your floor? I dunno.)

My new toy is actually more appropriately referring to my new Ipod!! I had been debating over it for about a year, and had been on the apple website plenty of times, picking out colour and style and deciding whether or not I wanted the free engraving. I thought I "needed" a nano, and at least 4Gb. I have a lot of music on my computer that I would like to have accessible to me at any time. I liked the pink or the green, but then they came out with the special edition red. Hmmm... well anyways, I saw a red 8gb on Ebay and randomly bid on it, not expecting anything. I won, :D and received it shortly after. My new toy is serving me well.

My newest responsibility is my new (second) job. I like the job that I have waitressing at the Diamond.... but...
I hate not being busy.
I want to make money this summer.
I was working 25 hours a week.
I don't have anything else good to do with my time.

So, I looked in the Oshawa newspaper classfieds, and applied to a few things. I got a couple replies, and took a job serving breakfast in a factory cafeteria three days a week. I wake up at 5 am and work a couple hours, then go home and if I don't have to work it feels great to have accomplished something before most people even get out of bed. If I have to work at the Diamond the same day, I drop off some stuff at home before heading out to work at 11 or 12. Good thing the uniform is the same!

*Phew* It's a little tiring, but it'll only be for another 4 weeks. Then I'll be back in Montreal. :)

Missing you...

This summer's been pretty sweet.

I love my job. I really enjoy serving people, and I have a great boss. He's a gentle, friendly Sri Lankian guy. It's funny. I love working for an immigrant. He's pretty serious. He expects hardwork. He's a great businessman. I don't always understand him, but we have a good laugh every once in a while.

I have discovered that my spiritual gift of service can be used in more ways than I thought. I really like meeting people; I have gotten to know the regulars at the diner. It's neat to talk to people in this city and find out what they're all about. The thing with that, though, is that I'm more of an introvert, and too much socializing exhausts me. When the customer finishes her burger and fries, she pays and leaves, and I'm back to bussing tables, handing out menus, taking orders and washing dishes. It's a great deal.

Sooo... what I wanted to blog about. I've had a great time hanging out with people in Oshawa this summer. I've met up with old friends, like Jess from high school, and we've gone to the movies, and jogging a couple times. I randomly ran in to Jamie (a guy who I lived down the street from my entire life, but we never hung out) and we've had sooo much fun hanging out watching episodes of The Office, watching movies and playing Settlers.

The thing with these "new" friends is that in two and a half months, I'll be 500km away again and we won't talk more than once a week. That's just the way it goes. I dislike that part of moving.

And I do want to go back to Montreal and see my friends there once again. But it's not gonna be the same with the people here. It's so hard to be around people for a couple months, and you grow to know and love them, and then everything changes. That happened last summer, and sure we've had a couple chances to hang out this summer again, but it's just not the same and I miss them.

That happened with my friend Jess Zetzman. Excuse me while I reminisce. She's one of the most special, kind, open, caring, beautiful people I've ever met. We had two solid years together... my first two years of university. We spent a lot of time "studying" at her place. We cooked yummy "Lindsay-friendly" (and usually Texan) dishes. We talked and talked and talked. We danced in her living room to Indian music, then we watched Bollywood movies and danced to those too. She played guitar. I usually fell asleep on her futon, and we'd walk to campus together. Those were good good times.

And now she's done. Finished university. She's back in Dallas to continue life with a new job, and a future very far away from where mine is.

I miss you Jessica.

Graduation... not mine yet.

I realize I haven't blogged in almost a month!
It hasn't been too busy of a month. I've mostly just been working, relaxing, reading, hanging out with friends, and hanging out with my mom.

On Thursday, I went to my mom's graduation from Ryerson University. It was so exciting to see my mom graduate! She finished a 19-month accelerated course to complete her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I'm so proud of her. She's considering going on in school. There's a certificate program in Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner at UofT, York and Ryerson. My mom is applying for that for September.

It's neat to think that in a couple years I'll be at my own graduation ceremony, getting my degree. It's gonna take a lot of work to get there though...

What College Major Are You/Should You Be?

Your major should be Engineering. Logic is your friend. With enough work, you can find a solution to anything... Unless it involves dating or parties.




hehehe... What a surprise. :P

which college major are you?

Lindsay is... bummed on her birthday?

Yay! It's my birthday!
Thanks to everyone who made it special! I really appreciate the cards and the messages! I have really great people in my life. :)

However, right now, I'm feeling kinda bummed. This summer isn't panning out the way I wanted it to. I feel like such a spoiled kid. I've got this great dress to wear to dinner tonight, but sunburned, peely skin (ewww). I've got a fun job, which is awesome, but I've also lost one. I'm working weekends, and not weekdays. I've got great friends, but many of them are too far away to visit. I've got a lot of time... but little to do with it other than clean the mess in our house, and be a lazy bum all day! The weather's great, but the sun hates me! I've got books to read, and a library card... oooh that's good. (I'm such a nerd.)
I've got a great God, but no desire for Him.

Blah. I feel icky. Please hug me if you see me.

Two new jobs and a sickening sunburn

There's good news and bad news.

Good news is I finally have a job. And not only one, but two! I'm working at the Diamond Grill downtown Oshawa as a waitress. I'll be working most weekends, so if you're in town, come visit me! Order one of our delicious breakfasts, or the "Diamond Platter": a variety of appetizers (enough for a meal!) - chicken wings, chicken fingers, potato skins, onion rings and cheese sticks!

Unfortunately, most of what we sell I can't eat, but I've been told it's good!

My other job is a Mon to Fri, 9 to 5 deal where I'll be advertising and selling products. I work for a marketing company in Pickering. I set up booths at stores and events (different location every day!), and talk to people walking by. Yesterday we were at Sobey's downtown TO. I enjoyed chatting with people, learning from my supervisor about business and marketing, and advertising for our client, this time a children's charity.

Bad news is the Sobey's was tiny, and so we were set up outside. I didn't bring my sunscreen and I burn really easily. I just didn't realize how easily. I've been headachy and in pain ever since. :(



The colour in this photo was NOT altered for dramatic purposes.

The Fray and Snow Patrol

Hey! I really reallly want to go see The Fray (with OK GO and Mae) on Fri, June 22nd AND/OR Snow Patrol (with Scott Matthews) on Tues. Aug 7th.

With the pizza pizza discount, we can get tickets for less than $20! ($11.11 plus service charges and taxes)

Who wants to go with me?!

Living in the suburbs again

I am living in the suburbs again. It's different... but strangely familiar.

To me living in the suburbs means:
- people smile at you when you're walking down the street.
- you know who your neighbours are.
- street hockey!
- you can see the sky, and the sun and the stars.
- it takes 30 minutes to get to the nearest movie theatre.
- at almost every job I've applied for they ask "Do you have access to a vehicle?"
- available jobs include door-to-door sales, telemarketing sales, retail sales, and fast food sales
- to get anywhere you NEED to have a car.
- streets with no traffic actually exist.
- people walk their dogs a lot (I know because I've stepped in dog poo already).
- there's grass everywhere!
- there are too many cats.
- peace. and quiet.
- houses have front AND back yards.
- the television seems like quality entertainment again (compared to what else is out there).
- the bars are empty by 2am, but pretty full at 4pm.
- the sunset isn't blocked by 15 skyscrapers.
- my parents are closer than I want them to be.

It's all good... but I still miss the big city.

Looking for a small group

It's amazing how little contact I've had with people from Oshawa these past two years. I haven't lived here for about that long, and realize now that I'm back that being part of a community is going to take work. I really would like to be involved in a Christian community, even if it is only for three and a half months.

Last summer living in Cobourg was great. I found a community pretty quickly, because of some awesome people from Cobourg Alliance and The Dock. But this summer I think it'll be completely different. I can't be out in Cobourg all the time to hang out with the friends I have there. I really need to find some new friends here, or hook up with old ones again. It's going to take energy and commitment, but I feel lazy because this is my "first home".

If anyone knows a small group I can be involved in, or would like to start up a small group with me, let me know :).