Vancouver

Home sweet home for the next little while. Jealous? You should be!You can't see it from the city and you can barely see it in the pic, but there's the closest snow capped mountain.

How do pedestrians buy groceries?

The answer: Very carefully. It all must fit and there is no paying extra to get another cart like at the airport.How much fits into one little cart?That much! With these high prices I couldn't afford anymore, so I am better off with limited space

Training Phase 2

I have arrived safely, unpacked, decorated, located the grocery store, and started meeting people.

One of the rules is NO vehicles, so I am going to get a lot of walking in. The view is pretty spectacular at times.I am near a river, so everything around me is up hill both ways. This particular hill has become all too familiar.Today was the first day to attend class, and as you can see they really know how to crack the whip.
I don't even think they let us get out of our seats the entire time. Today we were reminded that we are a sprig of life in a dark city. Among having as many conversations and meeting as many people as possible, one of our assignments is to not kill the plant they gave us. When we can keep the plant alive, we get a pet. If the pet lives, then we get to make friends. Just kidding... Well, we do have to take care of this plant. I named mine Roughage, because it's gonna be rough at times.

Think of me fondly, when we say goodbye

(Phantom of the Opera)

“If you ever find a moment, spare a thought for me.”

If I needed a theme song for now, that would be it. I have probably hugged more people this past couple of weeks than the past couple of years combined. There has been more meaning in those hugs than almost all the hugs I have received before. Yet in the sorrow of parting, there is a joy. Every time I start to tear up, I start to give thanks. How awesome is it that the One, who knows my heart, is also the Giver of good gifts!!! Never could I have dreamed to have such wonderful friends, yet he brought us together. It is difficult to be sad when all you want to do is find a way to express your appreciation for the people in your life who taught you something about true love. If he is love, and this is just a taste, how amazing and truly separated from this fallen world he must be!!!

Two weeks for family and friends

Can't believe my time in orientation is over. When I got there, I only knew a handful of people and when I left I knew them all. It is hard not to develop friendships when you eat, sleep, play, and study together 24/7 for 8 weeks. I think Skillet pretty much sums up my feelings about parting ways in their song "Say Goodbye."

I have two weeks to pack for Canada and say goodbye to family. My aunt had the whole family over today! We haven't been all together in a long time, not even on holidays. I hadn't seen my cousin Amanda and her kids in years. I got pictures of everyone, but I am so thankful for FaceBook's ability to share pictures. I wonder what everyone will be doing in three or four years, or how much the kids will change.

Last night I drove my grandma to a dinner and bingo for people over 70. I was happy to have the extra time with her! I sat across from a gentleman who has Alzheimer's. He kept talking about how much he liked farming. My other grandma had Alzheimer's before she passed. She progressed until she lost her ability to communicate. Some people came to the home she was staying in and had a Bbl Study. Grandma hadn't spoken for weeks, but when they asked what she thought about JC, her reply was "I love him." If I were to mentally forget everything and everyone, what would my heart remember?

Month 2 - Finding a routine

Well, it would be easier to find a routine if the schedule didn't change day to day. Then again, we have done some really fun things in the evenings.

I share the living area with two families and three girls my age. My roommate and I have our own bathroom and kitchenette area complete with breakfast table. We rarely cook because we eat in the cafeteria.

My room!!! Most do not have a bunk bed, but two twin beds in their room. For the record, I did sleep in the top bunk.

We spend 6 to 8 hours in the conference room Monday to Friday. Our instructors have been the best of the best.

There are random places throughout the campus with couches set up. Normally during off hours, the couches are filled with people on their computers since there are no internet connections in the cabins.

We have three shot clinics through out our training. Some end up getting 8 to 10 shots. Due to previous travel, I only have to get four shots, not including the TB test and some typhoid pills.

Month 1

The first training is in a rural area. They have a few head of cattle on the place, but all the functions are held in the numerous buildings including a library, cafeteria, medical center, dormitories, cabins, and other buildings with various classrooms and auditoriums.

Here are some people measuring out the soccer field, getting ready for a game. There is also sand volleyball, disc golf, and a gym with basketball courts. We are required to exercise three times a week.

There are three different play grounds for the kiddos.

Since all the cabins look the same, the team assigned to work with the kids made a contest. Every cabin was given an animal and we had to decorate our animal and hang it in our window. This way the kids would be able to pick out their home. The winning team made a cow with its spots the shape of the globe.

Behind the lake is a small creek that runs through a wooded area. It is a place of tranquility and easy walking. After I found it, I have been trying to tell others where it is located.


Some of the buildings look out over a small lake. Fishing equipment can be borrowed.