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Sunday, September 25, 2011

September and I'll never be the same!!

Well, what to say about another month gone by... let's start by saying "Hello!" For in fact this is Kevin writing this blog, a slight twist to the ordinary, but we thought it was high time you heard it from me personally. Heard what you might ask? Well, I'm about to tell you. Hmmm, let me think for but a moment as I gather the many complex thoughts that are rolling around my brain. Yes, there it is, I would like to tell you about September...
It all began on the 1st, which is usually where September starts, and has ended on the 30th. I know... profound isn't it. Everything in between goes a little something like this...

We finished up work in Vancouver and flew back to Toronto on September the 11th (yes we flew on the 10th anniversary of 9/11, and it was quite eerie arriving in Toronto only to find the entire
USA Departures like a ghost town. I mean there was nobody there... at all, and all the lights were off; for an airport??? Weird! Before we made the trip we had one last little visit from a few friends and were blessed with some cute little clothes for our baby coming in December. We were sad to go but happy to arrive. Sad because we will miss everyone back home, but happy to be back where God wants us, and there's no better place in the world than to be where our Dad in heaven wants us to be.

We arrived to see familiar faces Darrin and Daphne, at the airport (interestingly they are from South Africa, as are Bernie, Rusty and Donovan who dropped us off in Vancouver). Funny getting dropped off at one Canadian Airport by a South African family only to get picked at another by another South African family. Although for Darrin's sake it would be good to mention that he's originally from Zimbabwe ;)
Upon arriving at the school we entered into a hectic school schedule. We soon realized that the rest we wanted would have to wait until... actually, were not sure when that will be. Our first week back we laughed, we cried, we probably almost peed our pants, on this roller-coaster ride of emotions. All in all it was a fantastic week and God really spoke to us in very profound ways. The first week was followed by the second, and so on until the end.
We were part of a great conference that they held here, with a highlight of it all being, for me, looking into the eyes of Heidi Baker, a woman from Mozambique, that could only be described as a modern day Mother Teresa (my opinion only), which felt, to me, like I was looking into the eyes of the Holy Spirit. It is safe for me to say that this experience will probably come to be known as one of the single handed most important moments of my Christian walk. I suppose that might seem extreme, but really if it was anything else but extreme would you even believe it was me writing this blog? I mean really!

I suppose September couldn't be complete without the most important part being discussed at least a little bit. Our little snoofles! Little Izzy is growing, as is our infatuation with her. I can't stop wanting to just poke Amy's belly whenever possible just to see if she'll respond with some sort of amazing thing. She is so smart and cute and friendly. I think she might just be the most amazing thing God has ever created. And I full well know that the stern, yet lovely, Russian ultra-sound lady could have gotten it wrong, and Izzy could very-well turn out to be the most brilliant, handsome, strong and rugged man this world has ever known, but either way I'm convinced that my life was simply boring before this moment and everything I've ever known was sheer stupidity before the genius of this child. Now, of course, there may be some that would disagree. They would say silly things like"you're only feeling
this because, or, just you wait until..." But I don't know what tomorrow holds and I'm not sure I really care why I feel this way, I only know that right now I'm living for right now, and right now, this is so very cool and my child (who isn't even born yet) is the most incredible person I've ever met!!

So, with all that said, I suppose I better get to the point of it all. September was pretty awesome and me thinks that October is going to be even better. Loads of love to all of you from all of us here,
Kevin, Amy and The Baby (most likely Izzy!)

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Summer Time Edition


Hey Everyone!

We decided to take a little 'time-off' from blogging for the summer, seeing as we have been travelling all over the country (literally) and do one update for the last two months.

This summer has held quite the high's and low's for us as a family and we are both in much need of some reeeeeesssssst before we hit Toronto again for school.

Sadly and tragically this summer, my (Amy's) sister-in-law, Lisa passed away suddenly, due to a combination of heart failure and an undetectable tumour behind her kidney. Left behind to figure out life without her, is my brother Ashley and their three beautiful children - Taylor 14, Madison 11 and Brody 8. After a recent conversation with my brother he has shared that it's 'one day at a time' and keeping life as normal as possible, because that's how Lisa would have wanted it. There were 600 people at her funeral, a clear indication she was a woman who left a legacy. We love you Lisa. You will be so dearly missed.

Now for other news...
This summer began with a jump start into some R&R in Alberta and Saskatchewan. We attended cousin Burke's wedding in Edmonton and had a blast connecting with the Nagle (Mom's) side of the family. Following the wedding we toured Saskatchewan to see the Friesen (Dad's) clan and I (Amy) got to meet a few Friesen's I had not yet met! We had a great time at Jeanette lake with Uncle Merlyn and Aunty Elna - we even went fishing for our dinner and Kevin and I caught our first official fish. Kevin outdid himself by gutting, cleaning and EATING his catch - truly impressive for a non-fish eater! We then spent a few days at Middle Lake to visit Uncle Kenton's family and hang out with the kids.

Upon arriving in Vancouver we were greeted by some wonderful and missed friends whom we were able to briefly catch up with before heading back on the road again States bound for California and Washington. WE spent an amazing time in both states with dear friends and were so blessed to have the opportunity to work and play.

Back in Vancouver for the second time around, Kev and I both plugged into our old jobs to continue compiling school funds and baby funds for the little one on the way, due in December. We've enjoyed some great moments with our church community and friends throughout this time and even a surprise visit from a dear friend Jess, all the way from Greece.

Our last trip on the road took us to Kamploops and Vernon to spend a short but quality time with Dad Friesen and friends Marky and Heather and Greg who popped up to the lake for his 40th. Happy Birthday Greg!!! We love you.









As our time here nears to an end, goodbye's are again difficult, yet we feel a fresh sense of anticipation for the second season of school to come, and of course parenthood!

We send our love and blessings to you all and hope your summer's have been a time of rest and play and sweet memories.

The next update will be back in Toronto once school is underway and we have 'settled' again.


Peace,
Kevin and Amy