Hi all. I'm starting to miss my Cambodian cohorts alot these days, although enjoying alot of Canadian visiting. SO, wanted to blog a bit and say hi to all. THinking alot of those not returning for next year, so if that's you and you're reading, really hope you are doing well. Back to PP in a few weeks.
We are currently in Calgary Alberta, with Les's sister JEnn and her family, in their beautiful new home in the NE. We have enjoyed walks and parks like crazy this trip back, especially Maya getting to play so much with cousins and outdoors. Not been hot really anywhere we've been in Canada yet, but maybe that's mostly cuz our definition of "hot" has changed considerably over the last 2 years.:)
Enjoyed Abbotsford immensely with the Smith family and friends and coworkers. Gave out many prayer cards to people who loved our Khmer pictures and have been generous with meals, visits and prayers. Missed a few people (always run out of time) but were thankful for those we did get go see. Car runing great after some regular wear and tear repairs.
Edmonton was our first chance to see cousin Mia, and boy, is she a beautiful, happy little 4 month old. Dean's mom surprised him and showed up (from Winnipeg) for the weekend, so he got to see her (which he wouldn't have otherwise) and it was really great. Went tubing behind Adam's boat, and enjoyed watching Adam give Dean no mercy on the tube, trying to knock him off at every turn. QUite alot of fun. Tracy is great with the baby, a real natural mom and Mia has everything a new baby could ever need or want. Great to spend the time with them and thanks guys for all the food and great visit.
THis weekend we'll hit up a free stampede breakfast on Sat. Dean's out golfing with Graham as we speak, then we'll wrap things up Sunday, for Dean to leave us (sigh) and depart out of Calg airport to head back to Abbotsford for a few days, before leaving next friday (july 23, Julia's 12th birthday) to make it back to PP. The girls and I will drive to Winnipeg on Monday (that's 12 hours) to hopefully catch our 2 nieces Justine and Sarah, before they go visit their dad in Ontario. Then, we'll see and stay with relatives until we leave on Tuesday, Aug 3. Get back to PP by the 4th at night, and I'll go to work THursday and start setting up for the first day of school, the following monday.
Whew. It's been so nice this summer to visit. But it is true, it's always living out of suitcases and in "visiting" sort of situations, so as much as it's been enjoyable and relaxing, it's a different sort of relaxing than if you have your own place. Such is our life. Not complaining, just stating rather... that's the way it is. Not so easy all the time, but not so hard to take, either! (You know what I mean?)
Time has moved slowly this summer for me (Lesley) but quick for Dean. Already I'm starting to look forward mentally to returning to our "Peeps" (as Suzanne would say!): our community of Logos, our adopted city of Phnom Penh, our welcoming host country of Cambodia. Canada is so rippin' beautiful, and dare I say that Australia was even moreso! Our eyes have seen the best beauty the world has to offer, this summer. Our mouths have tasted the bounty and accessability of the best food and beverage that the world also has to offer. And yet, I still long for the developing country that we call home?? It must be a GOd thing. To desire to serve Him in this way is not weird or "leaving comforts" for me, as much as it may seem that way, but rather, an arriving of peace, satisfaction in being where we're supposed to be right now, doing what makes sense and matters. It's good. It's all good, the ability to travel and visit and to go back. Can you believe how blesed we are? I still shake my head. TO what do I owe these kinds of blessing??? Grace, and that's it.
Ok, my rambling thoughts are done. Hey, anyone reading this in Cambodia, let me know if you need anything from NA. Might have some luggage space, so send me an e-mail or comment, and I'll do my best. Off for some Pho, Calgary style, for supper! Tis good.
Bye for now. Hey, just read Hebrews 11 again, first time in a long time. It's a great read for a pick me up and affirmation that Faith matters! I recommend it! GOd Bless and stay in touch.
L
PS Sorry about slowness of pictures. They will come eventually!
