We are in Abbotsford!

Well we have had a blessed time seeing so many people as we have travelled in Winnipeg and across the prairies. We have made it to Abbotsford and we are staying with friends from MEI school as they have allowed us to hunker-down and stay in their basement suite as we do our visiting from there.

There are many aspects of our trip that have been interesting for us. For example, right when we first landed in Canada for a few hours in Vancouver for a short layover, we quickly went to see my Aunt in Richmond. We had a nice fast visit at midnight Vancouver time as we waited for our 7am flight to Winnipeg. As we were getting ready for a quick few hours of rest we noticed a weigh scale. This was the first time we could weigh ourselves since we left. I realized that I had lost 25 lbs in my first year in Cambodia. Well that was then, this is now. With all the rich foods and quantity of meat and cheese available for the eating, in the first month back in Canada, I have gained 15 lbs back! I am eating like a bear about to go into hibernation!

Another interesting thing is getting use to the cold weather. Winnipeg was very cold when we landed, about 10C. For the first couple of weeks, all of my joints were aching and a bit sore. After a couple of days I decided to wear shorts like other people and just try and get use to it again. We first stayed with my Mom in Winterpeg. She was not making any sense with keeping the house warm. First when the sun came out and the temperature turned to 15C, she opened all the doors and windows! I said, "why do you want to let the inside air (around 20C) leave the house and let the house get cooler?" Mom just said she wanted fresh air. FRESH?? She means FREEZING! In the third week of June, the weather turned very nice- around 25-30C each day. Then Mom kept all the doors of the house closed and turned on the airconditioner! No fresh air needed anymore. I have forgotten that 20C is the ideal temperature inside the Canadian home for summer.

The next interesting aspect is grappling with the idea of "home". Where is "home", especially when you have sold your home? Anyways thats for another day!

We are busy trying to see as many people as we can while we are in Abbotsford for the next two weeks before we get to Cambodia!