Forty Years

Yesterday (Saturday) João and I were invited to a surprise 40th anniversary party. It was a member of our church. The cool part was that his and her family had come in from all over Canada to be present. They had made huge journeys to be there and their kids had been planning this for over a year. It was so much fun to get to share in the joy of that family. As we sat out on the deck, overlooking the Ottawa River, munching on shish ka-bobs and potato salad and meeting of dozens of people we had never seen before, I thought of this as one of the joyful perks of ministry - getting to share in special moments like this. It was lovely to see the hugs and smiles and yes the surprise of the couple when they arrived and everyone was on the front porch. What a blessing a family can be. And how we can bless others with a little thoughtfulness. Those who knew me back when, know that I never really was a party goer or "enjoyer" (not to say I was totally antisocial, but I did have my moments), but God does gift those he calls and all my years in Brazil just turned me into a raging party animal. So Friday a party at my house, Saturday an anniversary party and today a surprise birthday party for another church member. Good thing I changed, huh? Have a great celebration of life today.

Brazil in Canada

Last night a group of Brazilians from our church got together for a "good-luck" or "good-bye" gathering for Carolina. She has an audition for an orquestra in Calgary (the other side of Canada) and if she is accepted will not be returning. We had a traditional Brazilian meal of feijoada (black beans with all kinds of meats). Tereza, who is a wonderful cook, made it for us. Eleven of us gathered around the table and ate until we couldn't stand it any more. So then I brought out the watermelon and we ate some more. Finally we convened to the living room where Christina (17 months) entertained us by showing she had learned where her nose, feet, arm, mouth, etc. were on her body. We had such a good time. It was a warm (not to say hot!) humid night and so it felt like I was back in Brazil. Since I have been terribly homesick lately, this was just what the doctor ordered. Tomorrow Alan and Kathy Myatt, missionaries from Brazil, arrive and so another opportunity to pretend I've taken a vacation to Brazil. God always gives us just what we need when we need it.

Good news!

Today, August 25 at 12:00 the phone rang. It was the Iraqi Embassy. You won’t believe it, but they called to tell us that João’s police clearance had arrived from Baghdad. Of course we calmly received the news. Right?! How long do you think it took us to tear out of the house and make it down to the Embassy? We wanted that document in our hot little hands! Sure enough, it was the right document. You can even take a look at it up close and personal at the bottom of post. We were so excited and so happy. Since it came by Fedex, we know that it was granted after you began praying about the situation. Now we know why we just didn’t feel right about going down to Embassy before now. We gave thanks to God, to whom all the glory goes. He must want us in Canada! Thank you for your participation in this exciting episode of seeing God’s hand at work in our lives.
Police Clearance

Always on a Sunday

Sundays are always busy for us. This was no exception. Today I preached at one of our neighbour churches, Pleasant Park, as they are currently without a pastor. We really liked the pastor there and will miss him a lot. He accepted a church back in Nova Scotia, in his hometown. I tried to share an encouraging, as well as challenging message to the people. I’ve spoken there a number of times, so I know the people pretty well.
Since their worship was at 10:00, I was able to attend most of our 9:00 service and get back in time for most of our 11:00 service. Of course I missed Sunday School, but I had a substitute teacher stand in. After church I made lunch for the kids, as we continue to rehearse for our youth service in Sept. They have such a good time, it is infectious. From sitting around the lunch table talking, to practicing our worship songs, they are just a great group of kids. They are really excited about the worship, hoping that their friends will come. Will you pray about that with us? Our group of kids is small – we have 5-7, but they really are making this an opportunity to reach their friends. Today we even decided to add in the use of helium balloons and homemade matching t-shirts. Sounds like fun, huh? It did make for a long day for me, since we finished practicing at 4:30! So I am going to kick back and relax a little. João is taking someone to the airport at 5:00 tomorrow morning. Better him than me.

Things That Go Bump in the Night

After a long hard day, João and I decided to sit back and relax and finally watch the movie the Matrix. We'd been on the waiting list at the library for 4 months and now it was our turn. So we sat back and Sadik even jumped up in my lap for extra cuddles. As the movie grew more intense, we heard a strange noise over our heads. As we were in the basement, both of us, we found that odd. But it's an old house. Then we thought we heard it again. We looked at one another, and João turned down the sound. There it was again. Didn't take us long to bail out of the house. João in his sock feet and me in my pijamas. And now what? It's after 11:00 at night and there we are on the outside of our house looking wishfully inside. We walk around and find no signs of entry. Still, who is the courageous one to go back inside. Not I! So we walk around the house again. And notice two police cars at the house next to the church. We walk over. They are there because of a break-in. Great. That helped our nerves a whole lot. So as they leave, I ask them to check out our house. They gladly agree.
They go stomping in with their guns and lights and yelling "This is the police". I felt like a regular Law and Order participant. A long time afterwards, while we stand shivering outside, they come out, having discovered the perp! Cleaning supplies. Yes, that's it folks. A bunch of cleaning supplies fell off the shelf and knocked open the door and then went rolling out into the hallway. Why? We'll never know.
But all's well that ends well. Sort of anyway. João couldn't bear to see the rest of the Matrix. I could and did, as somehow it seemed tame after our little adventure. Life is just grand in the slow lane, isn't it?

Saying What You Think

Hey folks, did you know you can write a message on my BLOG? At the end of any message, you can click on the word "comments". That takes you to the page with just that message on it. At the end of that message it says "Post a Comment". If you click on that, it will take you to another page where you can type your comments on that day's message. Unless you have your own Blog on Blogspot, you will have to post it as anonymous. Consequently, it's a good idea to put your name on the message so I'll know who it's from. Remember, everyone can read your comments, so they are not private. After you write your comment, you need to click on the phrase "Publish your Comment". There you go - you've added your two cents worth.

Monday, Monday

Just gotta love Mondays. At least João and I do! It's really our day to let down our hair. Early on João went out to take Willie to a doctor's appointment, while I worked on writing more lessons. I'm making slow progress.
This afternoon we took off and went out for a while. Just what the doctor ordered! We decided to put off for a few days going to the Iraqui embassy. We just feel we need to do this at the right time. We'll keep you informed. Just keep praying about it!
It was such a gorgeous day today that we worked on the lawn and it looks so nice now. João continues to haul dirt (we had tons left from the truckload that was needed to repair our basement) and fill in the holes in the yard. By winter we hope we'll have it all spread out. They say winter is not far off this year. The forecasters don't really know everything, though. They've said summer is basically over, but that's hard to believe on a sunny 82 degree day. Hope your Monday was a good as ours!
PS - I'm studying the humane society site, beginning to look for another cat. Bela left a hole in our hearts.

Good-bye Bela

Weekends are busy around this place. We had a wedding on Saturday and that went well, although it's such a different experience to do a wedding for people who aren't from our church. It's strange not to know anyone.
One sad note, for me, is that Bela, my foster cat has gone back to her original home in Alberta, Canada. In two months I got really attached and I miss her affectionate nature. Sadik has looked for her all over the house and sat on me for about two hours this evening. That's not characteristic, so I think he's lonely.
Sunday, however, was a good day, as we had two good services today. After church, I had rehearsal with the youth for our youth service in September after classes start again. It's going to be cool! We start off with a hip-hop cheer. We are doing drama and other unusual things. I made lunch for the kids and we sat and talked for about 2 hours. We had such a good time. They are really good kids. Our prayer is that this service will help them grow spiritually and bring their friends into church.

This is sweet little Bela

Our Continuing Immigration Saga

We rejoiced when we finally turned in out last few documents for permanent immigration to Canada some weeks ago. Today, however, we got a letter that didn't make us so joyful. Immigration said that we were responsible for acquiring police clearance from Iraque (since João served there as a missionary in 1981-1983). Of course we explained that was impossible, although we really tried every means possible to do so. So now they require a letter from the embassy here saying that police clearance is not possible. We tried that route and they refused to to so. So where do we stand now? I don't know. I tried to call immigration, but they do not respond to phone calls and they take about 3 months to answer fax inquiries. Monday we plan to go to the Iraqui embassy here and show them the letter and plead for a letter saying that right now there are no records in Baghdad. Can you believe that this small thing might block our whole process? I know all things are in God's hands and I trust Him to work this out. Wouldn't you like to participate in God's work by praying about this? Pray for us on Monday as we try to get this small, but important letter. Our future is literally in the hands of the new ambassador. Since she is a woman, I am going to accompany João on the visit. It's going to be fun to see how God solves this roadblock. So stay tuned.

God's Coincidences

Today the most interesting thing happened. We had a visit from a couple from Winchester, Viriginia. We met them last year when we were on vacation, as we were both visiting the same church in Quebec. We had lunch together and discovered common friends, as I had taught school in Winchester in 1979. Small world, isn't it? Over this past year Nancy has maintained contact with us and her Women's group (WMU) prays for us regularly. They were in Ottawa today and gave us a call and stopped by to see us. We had such a nice visit. They were excited to visit and see our church that they had been praying for all year. Their visit was a bright spot in a rainy dreary day. I know it was no coincidence that we ended up at the same church last year.

Fireworks!

WOW! Last night after prayer meeting we drove over to the river to see the Canadian entry in the Fireworks Competition. We took a couple of people with us this time. It really was spectacular. There were effects I'd never seen before. It truly was a show. I ran out of oohs and ahs. I'm looking forward to Saturday night when there is the Gran Finale with all the countries doing one last show. Wish you could be here to see it. It's great living in Ottawa - always something happening.

We are so enjoying summer this year, it's not been hot. Yes, our previous 3 summers here have been intolerably hot, but this year there's been lots of rain and for the first time I still have grass in August. Even my flowers haven't wilted. Here's recent picture of one side of the house.

Summer in Ottawa

Tuesday morning

Well, it's a new day and I continue procrastinating on writing my lessons. But as soon as I make this post, I am shutting down and writing a lot of lessons. It took a while to get the hang of this thing and add my photo to my profile (if I suceeded). João's blog is a lot easier, but it's in Portuguese. I thought you would appreciate mine being in English.
Our kids at church are going to a day camp out in the country, sort of sponsored by the Baptist churches. In the mornings I drive one of the little girls and two of our volunteers to catch the bus out to the camp and then pick them up in the afternoon. That's my contribution to the cause. Yesterday they had a great time as it was warm and sunny. I'm not so sure about today - it's raining. I don't think their solar oven cookies will work. This is an ecological camp and the kids came back fascinated... "Did you know carrots grow in the ground?" Can you imagine that? Have a great green day.

João Insists

I sit here at João's computer, creating my Weblog, otherwise known as a BLOG. After he created his (in Portuguese), he said I HAD to do mine. Of course I couldn't stay in the dark ages. So here I am in the world of postmodern adolecents, communicating through my very own BLOG. Not that I have anything all that fascinating to say. I am totally against writing anything on the computer right now. I have over 50 lessons I still have to write for the Casa Bautista de Publicaciones in El Paso, Texas. I feel guilty writing anything on the computer that isn't for children 0-3 years old. I'll keep you posted on my progress (if there is any...) So much for my day off. Tomorrow will be more exciting, I'm sure!