TAKE A HIKE

I suggest it for everyone (TAKE A HIKE), it's one of the best things you could do. Friday we got some pizza and drinks and went to a trail by a river near Mission bridge. It was so wonderful watching the sun go down. Yesterday Dylan and I took a hike at Elk Mountain. Sure was lovely way to spend a few hours. I might try to paint a picture and post it later. We did not take any pictures, except in our memories.

Today we spent Sunday at home... took a walk later on to see the sunset and a beautiful sky full of illuminated clouds and colors. It is cooling down, the end of summer.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BEAUTIFUL SISTER MELANIE JOY! I miss you so SO much.

SEATTLE

I ended up staying a little longer than I thought in Seattle (or thereabouts) Went to David and Harmony's babyshower, and then afterwards I was hoping to mail some packages. The post offices were closed on saturdays after two o'clock. David and Harmony were so kind to invite me to stay the weekend til Monday, so I did. Enjoyed my time with them.

Went to church of Christ Kirkland. Then afterwards went and drove around. Got some Mongolian food. Went and sat at Juanita Beach Park...thinking of my Granny (Juanita) and of course thinking about my Mom...and all the things I wished they would have shared.

Missing my sisters and brothers...missing Dylan...looking forward to what will come through prayer and believing. I got back across the border Monday afternoon around 3pm and Dylan got back from his trip around 6.

DRIVE. DRIVING. DRIVEN.

I drove to Mission Attended Cross Current Church.

Dylan's been gone on a few trips, he's on the 3rd one right now since we've been here. He'll be back Monday night.  So I have been meeting the neighbors, they invited me to work at a charity auction one Friday. I have picked up a few items at thrift stores and the auction for the house. I have bought a few small plants at a local flea market. Met a piano teacher who is quickly becoming a real good friend to me. Attended class with Dylan one day... in between trips.

The neighbors have invited me over for coffee or dinner, feel very at home around them. I have met a student from Taiwan living in their house, she's only been in Canada a month... just about the same time as we've been here. She shared her heart as best she could the other night, I like her very much.

 

And then some of what I've been baking...Banana Bread. 

I do like driving so I'm heading to Seattle area tomorrow for a baby shower of some of our friends. Plan to enjoy my time in the States. It's only been a month since I've been here...but I am my mother's daughter PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN.

THANKS FOR THE BIRTHDAY GREETINGS EVERYBODY

Today was full off reminders, blessings, the Lord's great faithfulness and love.

It's labor day. The day my mom labored to have me. Sure appreciate all she ever did for me. Last year she gave me a birthday card with a clear bookmark that has butterflies on it. Last year was the last year on this earth my mom would say happy birthday to me. I am thankful for all of her words of encouragement.

The outside of the bday card says: A MESSAGE TO MY DAUGHTER.  The inside says: WITH LOVE ON YOUR BIRTHDAY AND ALWAYS. Then she signed it LOVE FOREVER, Mom. The clear bookmark says: I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT IN MY HEART, YOU'RE ALWAYS WITH ME. NOT A DAY GOES BY WHEN I DON'T THINK ABOUT YOU, CARE ABOUT YOU, AND WISH GOOD THINGS FOR YOU.

Speaking of GOOD THINGS --- My husband woke up early before his busy school schedule and made breakfast for me...wrote me some thoughts from His heart. My friend Marty came by, thought we were going to pick black berries, but instead she had baked me a heart shaped chocolate cake. She also gave me a bag of gifts with a card. She said she tried to think what my mom would have wanted for me. That God loves me and that I might be feeling far away from my family, but God knows where I am. My mom loved light houses (Marty's card was a lighthouse). Mom also had a habit of not just giving one gift, but many. (Marty did the same thing by giving me so many useful things in one bag). Marty's only known me for barely three weeks...

Then we just moved into this basement apartment on Saturday (and it was Monday on my bday) and the lady that lives upstairs left a bag with a card and gifts on the porch. Gave me an antique tea cup and saucer, some very nice tea from her and her husband. Her birthday card was about "When the winds of change feel too strong..." very encouraging and such a blessing.

I look forward to Dylan coming home or getting out of school every day. And for some reason, He has had school everyday even on Sunday's here.  Today when he got out of school we picked up some pizza and cokes and when to a park to enjoy it. Met a 90 yr old man name Jim Schnell. We went to the recreation room in the basement of Columbia Bible College and played a few rounds of ping pong. (Man he's got skills!) He's learnin me all he knows. Whoa... I love playing with him!

So along with some calls from nephews and nieces, and sisters, some text msgs fom friends, and all the HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes from all of you... I felt very much loved. Thanks for caring and for every effort you make to be a true friend to someone today. You never know whose day you might be making something beautiful.

MOVE IT

Packing and moving...packing and moving... it really does describe a good portion of my life. Ok ok I'll admit. I do like to MOVE.

So we were without the internet for a few days and nights and did not really have a way to contact you people that are trying to get a hold of us. My apologies.

We have now moved to another basement apartment that serves us well...has a beautiful view...it's more permanant than the last one. We were staying in the last place temporarily until we found another. The place we are staying at now is exactly 2 miles from the school. 1 mile from shopping centers etc., So either of us can walk or run or bike if we wanted too instead of driving. The people seem very nice. The lady is a family counselor.