A Family Update

It's been a while since i've done a bit of an update on us, where we are at, and what we've been up to. Maybe you don't care, maybe you do. Either way, I thought i'd try and keep you up to date. Winter was a bit of a blur, but also felt like it stuck around for a really long time. At the moment as I write this the temperatures have warmed up and all the snow if officially gone. But, we do live in Manitoba, so who knows, that could change! At the beginning of December we moved to a different house on the camp property. A whole 30 second walk from other home. Moving is not my favourite, nor is unpacking, but were so thankful for the extra space (not that it was needed, its just a nice treat). There is still a whole bedroom full of stuff in the basement that has yet to find a home. Like I said, unpacking is not my thing. In fact, we got home from BC 4 days ago and I still haven't unpacked our clothes. I'll get to it eventually. Anyways, back on topic: the Winter months were full of camp related responsibilities both for Michael and myself. I don't often get to be physically a part of what goes on at camp, so when I do, I really enjoy it. We've also had the privilege of taking some time off to be with family, both immediate and extended. I just mentioned that we arrived back from BC not to long ago, we got to go to Vancouver for just under a week to be with my Dad as he underwent Kidney transplant surgery. For my family, it's been something that we've been hoping and waiting for for the past two years. To say that its done now seems a bit surreal, I almost have to pinch myself to believe it. For those of you who prayed for us, thank you. We felt those prayers, we felt that peace that surpasses understanding and even though God would still have been good if things went differently we are thankful for the way that it went. Surgery was successful, and not even 12 hours after surgery my Dad was up and walking around. He maybe shouldn't have been, but it was so encouraging to see. I've been thinking a lot lately about the doctrine of God's providence. Actually, to be honest, I think about it often. My dad received a kidney from a living donor, a young man my parents met 15 years ago when they were conducting a Vacation Bible School in British Colombia. Now, I don't pretend to know the mind of God, nor do I want too, but it's hard not to think that this was the very reason we were uprooted from our life in Ontario, called to BC and started doing ministry together there as a family. Don't get me wrong, lots of other good things, God orchestrated things, happened because of the move, but it's so exciting to see God's hand at work. Especially in those moments that don't seem to be very significant at the time. There is no doubt in my mind that this was a God orchestrated, providential thing. We serve a God who goes before us and makes our paths straight, even when they seem so crooked and bumpy. This young man has given our family a gift. And i'm sitting here balling my eyes out as I write....an amazing life giving gift. Lord willing we get to spend a lot more time with my Dad here on this earth, and Lord willing He will continue to serve and glorify Him with the days he's been given. Life, a precious gift, not to be taken for granted.

Were home now, and slowly adjusting to the time change. It's crazy the difference only two hours can make! Hello, 10am wake up call! I don't remember the last time we slept in this late! Spring is officially here and in about two weeks camp life starts to get a bit crazy again (crazier than it already is I guess I should say) and to be honest i'm not ready. Although, I don't think I ever am. I need a whole of reminders before summer camp starts about where my heart needs to be and why we do what we do. Oh our sin nature is so very real. At least mine sure is. I'm so tempted to be selfish with our time, both family and personal. It's a struggle I have to work through every year. Will it ever get easier? Maybe not. But, ready or not were doing it, and I'm so thankful for the people I get to ride along with on this crazy ride. So for now, we breathe, or at least I do because for me the reality of Camp hasn't quite sunk in yet like I know it has for Michael. We remind ourselves to be thankful, we check our attitudes, and try so very hard to focus on the Cross and stand confident that we serve a God who has already gone before us.