Welcome to Abbotsford - A City in the Country

We arrived in the early evening to this city in the country.  This is Mount Baker - visible from many places in Abbotsford on the other side of the valley (in Washington state).  It is certainly one of the defining features of the area. 

 Our first day we spent with the boys and realized the hydrangeas and other flowers were in their prime.  The boys wanted to mini-golf immediately at Castle Fun Park - a place we would return again and again.  :-) 

We explored a few trails around near our accommodations and headed up the long driveway and settled in.

 We could scarcely believe the wild blackberry bushes along the trails. 

 This bald eagle was another great surprise. 

 BBQ & plenty of space to roam!  Best surprise of all - the friendly neighbourhood deer in our driveway.  We watched this little one grow quickly over the summer. 

A "Happy Canada Day!" Community Carnival Celebration was enjoyed by all.

 We also enjoyed a great day at White Rock, walking the beach and the boardwalk, watching the crab fishermen, examining jellyfish, climbing the actual giant "white rock" and sampling gelato.  A day at the beach is not complete with the compulsory fish & chips for dinner. 

We were off to a great start on our summer assignment! 

How we have fun in Winnipeg (spring edition!)

 We had all of the regular end-of-school trips in May & June, including choir concerts.  The boys wrapped up a great year at Linden Christian School and were quite excited when they had the last week off because we flew to Ontario for Commissioning on the 23rd of June.  But before we left we managed to squeeze in a few more adventures in Winnipeg. 

First up was the Narcisse Snake Dens!  An easy walking trail through sparse forest and grassland with 4 active snake dens to peer into and enjoy.  This is the largest and most accessible grouping of snakes in the country.  The snakes come out from their winter shelters and begin to leave the dens in May.  They will roam up to 25 kilometers over the summer and return to the snake dens in the fall.  We'll heading a little further away, but maybe we'll return here too! 

 The snake dens were busy and HOT walking that day.  The next week we ventured indoors on a much cooler day to the Manitoba Museum.  Some great exhibits to explore this day, but super crowded because there was free admission for the holiday.

More free fun was had when we realized that there was a caterpillar infestation happening in Winnipeg.  These little creatures were EVERYWHERE.  The city began spraying to control the problem that happens once every 7-10 years.

We checked out the old gate at Fort Garry.

 CFOT kidettes go the ballgame!  Great night of family fun with friends. 

We had a bunch of farewells to make before we headed out for our summer appointment and the wonderful officers at Weston, Lt. Keesom and Tina Phanthomaath were one of the hardest - they are off to a new appointment in Toronto.  We have enjoyed their ministry this year at Weston immensely.

Father's Day Bean-Boozeled.  Both delicious and disgusting at the same time.   Spin a colour and then try to eat one that is either a good flavor or an icky flavor that looks identical.  FYI Have a spit bowl and water nearby to drink.

 No matter what we are doing, we have the most fun in Winnipeg with good friends!

Esperanza

Out of the bleak-midwinter, we soared over to the west coast for our Easter Field placement.  We were headed to Comox on Vancouver Island and then traveling by mini-van and finally boat to the community of Esperanza.  A place of hope.  A community of grace. 

 You'll notice how we spent time drinking in the natural beauty of the area and learning about the people of the coast. 

 Here's where we left the minivans behind and took to the sea! 

 We had a team of 8 including 2 officers and 4 cadets and two teens.  Five families live in Esperanza full-time as missionaries and we were expecting up to 80 campers over the weekend. 

We met absolutely wonderful people, and while I've chosen not to post many of those photos on the blog, their individual stories will stay in our hearts.  It was such a privilege to walk alongside many families as they journey with the Creator.  Our theme over the weekend was "Home" and we talked about how God wants to make his home with us.  We used the image of a closed door to symbolize the broken relationships from the Garden of Eden and how Jesus has opened the door again - permanently - and the invitation is ours to walk through at anytime.  

 (intergenerational teaching!)

 

The scenery was rugged beauty and secluded peace. 

 

We were able to enjoy some recreation time (hiking, kayaking, woodworking and prawns!) amidst the food prep, dishes, campfires, devotions, timbrels, crafts, chapels and fellowship.  

The forest was remarkably like the west coast of New Zealand!  

Our accommodations - with a view!

Springtime with daffodils! 

Dave's happy place! 

 The community was welcoming and engaging, we had a great time learning new songs around the campfire and swapping stories! 

 Free time on the trampoline!  Hanging out - a ministry of presence. 

 

There was a wonderful volunteer cook for the weekend, but we were often prepping food, more often doing dishes, but always enjoying the company!   These hot cross buns were a delicious treat on Easter morning - and I had NOTHING to do with making them.  :-)

 We had extra visitors from the neighbouring towns and reserves to celebrate with us on Easter morning and enjoy a delicious potluck turkey lunch.  There was Easter egg hunt and family worship (timbrels included).   Alleluia He is Risen! 

 The time to head home came all too soon, but its such a scenic trip, its all part of the adventure!

We had the lovely opportunity to visit several Salvation Army Ministry Units during our week on the Island including Ocean Crest Community Church in Campbell River, the Lighthouse shelter, Community and Family Services in Courtney.  Thank you for your hospitality! 

I don't know if anybody was busy watching a movie as the plane took off ... you can't beat God's creation for entertainment!