A Journey of 10000 steps

Today the three of us went to the Gatineau Hills to check out the hiking trail. Tomorrow, on Saturday, we are taking a group up to walk, to kick off our month of "walking" at the church. It's something new we are going to try. We've got pedometres and our goal is to make at least 10,000 steps a day. He who walks the most, will win the contest. I think it will be interesting to see how we really do. So on our walk today we did over 8000 steps. So in the evening I am sitting at 11, 377 steps. Pretty good for an old lady, eh? Well Nora, Sandy and I had lots of fun our hike. We didn't hit all the side trails or anything, but it wasn't a hard hike at all. A nice young man offered to take our photo at the high point. It was all downhill after this. Those who are going on the hike tomorrow are looking forward to it. From quilting last weekend to hiking this weekend. We are a unique group, aren't we? Tomorrow I am looking forward to really looking around. I decided today that João and I need to go up to the park weekly and walk or hike. It's just nice to get away out of the city. Next year I want to be sure to do this in the spring when the wild flowers are at their peak. God's world is truly beautiful and I am glad I have eyes to see and health to appreciate it.

Eastview Women's Retreat

We had a wonderful women's retreat this past weekend. There were 28 of us total (I think) together with the theme of "Patchwork People". We used quilts as our theme. We talked about God as our Master Quilter who takes all the scraps of our lives and makes them into something beautiful. As you can see we were quite an attractive group. We were so pleased because everything went so well for us. Everyone arrived safely on Friday night, albeit two cars arrived late enough to have us worried, as it was raining. We started making our quilt blocks on Friday night and everyone was pretty reluctant and nervous about it. But before we knew it, it was after 11PM and we didn't even realize it was so very late. The next day (after a not so good night of sleep) we did so many things, it's hard to believe we left by 6:30pm. We had lots of praise and worship, we had a message from Ephesians 2:10 and another from Isaiah 49:16, two small group Bible study times, time for quilting and eating, lots of eating! The weather was just great, as on Saturday it was warm, but not hot. Some people even found time for naps and walks. We had lots and lots of first timers - more than 10 of us, but amazingly the group really jelled. Everyone was just so congenial. It's fun for us to get together and do this. I will confess, though, that the drive home on Saturday was tiring. I fell into bed by about 9:30 on Saturday evening. And even today, Sunday, I was tired enough to take a 2 hour nap. I think I've recovered now. I feel so satisfied. The words of Is. 49:16 (Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands) continues to echo in my ears and I can remember how special I am to God!

If you want to see lots of photos of the retreat, visit my photo album on:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/peggyfonseca/44509773

At Lac Philip

João and I had a great Labour-less day! We went to Lac Philip with Moises, Ellen, Matthew, Martha, Nora and Brian. We had such so much fun. We had 4 guitars going, and before long a group of Lebanese children fascinated by the music and they came to hear us sing and eventually sing with us! I loved hearing the little girl singing "This Little Light of Mine", even though she was francophone. I think we have some new talent for our Praise team at church. It sounded really good. (The guitar players, not the little kids)
The little children were thoroughly entertained by João's antics as well. He ended up playing games with them, even though we had no idea who they were.
We found time to take a nice canoe ride (João and I didn't even tip over or go in circles!) and take a a walk along the lake. It was so relaxing. João said he thinks canoeing may well be an addictive activity. Can't you just see the two of us buying a canoe????
The food was good and the company was even better. We stayed for most of the day - singing, eating, playing soccer, canoing, walking, and of course talking. I don't think anyone will have to rock us to sleep tonight, do you?

She's go-n-n-n-e

Today was our last day with Sissy! There was lots to do. I took her to get her hair done and then we shopped a bit. In the afternoon, we worked (or she did and we watched) on the suitcases. Boy it was a tight squeeze. Finally we headed out of here around 5:45, for her 8:00 flight.
On the way it rained and the sun shone and we saw the most beautiful rainbow. We told her it was a promise that she would come back! We got to the counter and they decided to put her on the 7:00 flight, to give her more time in Toronto for her 10:15 flight. So then it was rush, rush, rush to get through security and board the plane - we only had about 15 minutes. But they were so nice, as suprisingly they let João go through security with her. She had so much electronic stuff, that it was really helpful (cd, mp3, camera, computer). I was able to grab a few shots of them from the viewing glass on the next floor up. That's why the shots are a little foggy. As soon as they cleared security she got in line to get on the plane and off she went. Her plane arrived on time in Toronto and she just called from there. She will leave for São Paulo in just a little bit.
Our house is a bit quieter... our hearts a bit lonelier.

And now the time is near

I guess this photo says it all... tonight is Sissy's last night here. We took her to Wakefield for a going away lunch today. We had a really good time. She is excited about going home and seeing her family and friends. I know she has missed them, but she hasn't complained and has been a real trouper. We will miss her so much. Her scandalous laughter and easy smile. Her joy at little things. And the fun we had as a "family." We've enjoyed our time together and rejoice that we had this opportunity.
There had to be one last "event" in her time here, so Barb invited her out to the cottage and Sissy actually went canoing. As usual, she had a great time. We loved watching her. Here she is.