Still Delayed....

Our 4 pm departure is now 7:07pm...LOL
Everyone in the airport is either on cell phones, laptops, watching the departure boards or trying to sleep. You have to just smile and be thankful that we live in a country where we have the opportunity of "quick" travel. The West Jet people are doing an amazing job in spite of circumstances that are beyond their control.

Airport delays

'Tis the season and who would ever expect that Vancouver would be getting a snow storm. We are currently sitting at the Calgary International airport and they have announced that Vancouver is closed. The good part is ofcourse that we are going east not west and so far these shut downs haven't affected our flight...however we are sitting about 45min. delayed. The main goal is to get home by Christmas day and enjoy our friends and family.
Patience, patience.....and if there are any other changes, it will make for a real good blog story.

4 More Sleeps

Oh the excitement is building....and the countdown is on. We will be arriving in Ontario late Sunday night (21st). There are so many family and friends we hope to see that it will probably be quite hectic but so worth every minute.
It's good too hear that others are reading our blog and haven't forgotten us. Thanks for the phone messages too!(M.S...it was a wonderful surprise to hear your voice)
We haven't done any decorating in our compact space and we haven't even unpacked any Christmas music but it still feels that it's close. Some of the dorm girls have begun leaving this week too so it's definitely Christmas break.

CCCCold!

We were definitely blinded by our Spring like November and we still can't believe that four days ago it was +3 degrees. Yesterday though we felt the change of weather big time. It was -25 to -27 most of the day with a windchill that took it to the
-40's. Overnight it went to -36 degrees...Brrrr and this morning it is -29 again. Time to find all the really warm clothes.
Last year in Manitoba it very was cold but we were in sort of a protected area from the wind and never felt the temperatures like we do here. Out here on the open prairies of Alberta the wind goes straight to the bones. Whew!

11 Random Things

OK, a dear friend of ours from Manitoba posted her random 11 things on her blog www.cathysbloggin.blogspot.com and she challenged us to do the same. So here it is:

1. We are almost considered professional packers since we have moved 3 times in the last 2 years and covered over 2080.18 miles according to mapquest.

2. We love the beauty of nature and have often enjoyed just pitching a tent in a provincial park and walking the trails.

3. Coffee is considered a major food group in our house.

4. Our favourite night time snacks are cheese & crackers or plain potato chips with dip. (Kraft herb & spice dip)

5. We've learned to trust God for direction as He has carried us through alot of major adjustments. He has always provided for us and never let us down.

6. Our 2 little furry kids...Charity and Chloe are the sweetest siamese cats. They provide us hours of entertainment and their love is unconditional...and they've moved well.

7. We enjoy hanging out with young adults. We used to lead young adult bible studies and now we just have fun with the girls in our residence. We're kindof like that crazy Aunt and Uncle.

8. The strong and often cold prairie winds are not exactly our favourite experience but we are learning to adjust.

9. Survivor, E.R, and Biggest Loser are our favourite TV shows.

10. We are both born in November and often celebrate our birthdays together.

11. Being together with family and friends is one of the most rewarding experiences for us.

So there you have 11 random things about us. If you want to post your 11 things then link a comment on Cathy's blog.

Winter Wonderland and Wisdom

Well we finally have had a real good snow day and it's been cold enough to stay. The weather here in Camrose has been so strange lately and suprisingly mild. Having the snow on the ground has put a few people in the Christmas mood. So even though there is major studying for exams happening in the dorm....from time to time you can hear a Christmas carol or two. There is a rising anticipation in the thought of heading home after exams....only 13 more sleeps.

Last night we went into Edmonton for a church service at a newly planted church. It was such a great night and exciting to hear how God is working. There were maybe 35-50 people there and about 90% of them were Phillipino. Their love for God was so evident in their worship and prayer time. Pastor Ben preached a good sermon on "Words" which challenged us to think about how we live for Christ. He also talked with us afterwards, he works full-time days and his wife works a night shift and they have 4 children. He asked for prayer that God would provide a 12 passenger van for him so that it's easier to pick people up who want to come to church. Please join us in praying for Pastor Ben and the church at Millcreek, that God would continue to bless them with strength and discernment and provide financially for them.

Home

Ofcourse with our most recent announcement below and all the festivities of the season beginning there is nothing we desire more than to be heading home. We talked yesterday with our niece, Bailey and the countdown of sleeps has begun! Can't Wait!! The old saying that distance makes the heart grow fonder is really true. It goes beyond just being with family,(although we will cherish every moment of that time)its about friendships and familiarity...that sense of belonging.
The work load is pretty heavy here over the next 10 days so keep us in your prayers that we will stay on track and keep our focus.