The Tait's

2009-08-19T20:58:00.000-06:00

Lifehouse Everything
Wow amazing drama every time!!

Quickness w/ the Peace!

2009-08-19T19:30:00.004-06:00

Okay so in the past 3 days God has really confirmed some things about the next year!

Lets just say that I have been feeling that change was going to come. I have had continuous thoughts of moving & getting ready to go. I could not see how that would happen at all, but really prayed through those thoughts~ I was praying we would be able to find something before the snow hit... Late September or Mid October.....

So, I will back up a few months....

Back in April Josh & I have started praying about what to do after he finishes school in the fall. There has been many thoughts & ideas, but we really didn't have any direction. So a few months ago I ran across a lady that I knew who had some rental properties in Cochrane; so I asked if anything was available in the fall & she said no. So we left it that if anything comes up give me a call because we are interested. Well on Sunday we received a phone call from this lady I had talked to a few months ago. As we talked & she shared what God was doing in her and husbands life.... we knew God was working on something.

Well, we went over on Monday night & talked for a while in regards to the home, but also about life. It was an encouraging talk & really made me think about things. As they were thinking about the process of traveling.... God shared with them that they have been "observing life" & not really getting involved, so they are making some major changes to walk with God & live out a dream that has been stirring in their hearts for years~ how exciting!

This is an answered pray because they are renting their home to us for the next 9 months and then at the end of that time we will re-evaluate what God is doing & make further plans. Josh & I are really excited because this is MORE than what we prayed for! My heart's desire was to have room, because the running joke on the Seminary Hill is that we should have a sign out front that reads "The Tait Inn"... so we prayed for room but at a cheap price... Not real easy in Cochrane... where the average 3 bedroom is 1,300 a month!

So on October 17th we are moving into a beautiful home right in the middle of a wooded neighborhood, big fenced yard that backs onto a ravine & running paths, it has 5 bedrooms & a beautiful kitchen/dining room with a fire place, a basement with 3 bedrooms & a living room. The yard is set up for a dog, which we are going to be purchasing very soon!!!

It is everything Josh & I wanted & more! The house could be rented for double what we are paying & it is absolutely amazing to see how God is working this out!

Thank you to those who have been praying for us~ We are excited about what the next year holds as Josh finishes school & starts to work full time, & I will continue to work full time as well. I pray that we would be able to use this home for the glory of God! Please continue to pray as we seek the Lord for direction.

The verse that runs through our thoughts is "a man plans his way but the Lord directs his steps"
May we move forward in faith & great expectation!!!

Thanks to everyone who is & has been praying for us!!

Canada Day!

2008-07-02T00:44:00.002-06:00

What a GREAT day!
Today we celebrated Canada Day at Mariner's Park. We worked with the Special Event's crew once again & had a blast. It started early once again, but it was much easier because of our practice at Seafest.
There were about 2-4,ooo people that we were able to serve today. Our team worked with setting up tents, decorating the tents, popcorn, slurpies, blowing up balloons, face painting & much more!
Needless to say we are all exhausted & going to bed.
One of our students, Hannah, leaves on Thursday morning & will be missed! She is so much fun & always a great source of entertainment.

Please continue praying as we are in the city:

Josh, Scott & Jim while they are scouting the northern communities in the Yukon & NWT.
For all the relationships we have made & continue to make.
The Elders Conference coming July 6-9
We will be prayer walking along HWY 16 ~ July 13-17

Thank you for partnering with us as we serve the Lord in Northern British Columbia.

Port Edward!!

2008-06-20T22:04:00.002-06:00

Hi Everyone!

This morning we weren't really sure about what the day would hold, but we met this morning & asked the Lord to lead us as we prayer walked through Port Edward. Pt. Ed is about 15 minutes from Rupert.
We stopped at Timmy's for a coffee & donut & then sat outside because it was so packed inside. While talking and waiting for the bus, a man came & started conversation with us. He started to share about how he has been helping teens for about 25 years get off the streets & drugs. He is a believer and would like to connect with us about helping out with some of these youth! As he was talking a young guy came up to him & thanked him for his help. He has been clean for 3 months & is currently living on the streets. We are going to get together with this guy & have him over for dinner and games ~ something!

We caught the bus out to Pt. Ed & started prayer walking. Anna, Justin & I started out & we came across an older lady trying to mow her lawn. We stopped to talk with her & ended up helping her for 2 hours. We picked weeds, cut grass & then had "a pop" with her. She talked & shared her life with us & we listened... but as our time came to an end we asked if we could pray with her & she was so grateful for that! She is a strong Catholic & was thankful to see youth out helping & serving! She was so precious ~ we are going to check with her again soon. Her husband died & her son that is currently living with her is really sick. She was so thankful for the help! How the Lord leads!!!

The bus only runs every 4 hours & it only took 45 minutes to prayer walk the entire community! So we had lots of time. We all met at the only "market" in town & hung out... We met more locals as the store was pretty busy. The one person we met was a young girl who we talked to for about 1 hour. She was waiting for her newspapers to come so she could deliver them & then make the 4:30 bus. We asked if we could help her & we did. It was awesome!

The day was a great one as we prayed & asked the Lord to lead us! He did just that!
Thank you for praying with us! We thank you all!!

SEAFEST 2008!!!!

2008-06-19T17:29:00.007-06:00

Where do I begin! Seafest, our biggest event, has come and gone. We volunteered with a handful of people this summer to pull of this huge event. The whole city comes out to enjoy this local festival and all the events that it brings! There are about 12,000 people in Rupert and I am sure that every one of them came out. It also attracts many people and vendors from surrounding areas.

Our team helped with the Music & Magic show for families on Thursday night. Friday night they were security guards at the local youth event “Blockstock,” while Josh & I were blessed with tickets to go on the Sunset Cruise. The Sunset Cruise was absolutely amazing! We had 3 hours on the water. We met people from the town, ate wonderful seafood & watched the sun go down! What a kiss from the Lord! The best treat of all is that they fed eagles from the boat. As we sailed we saw 40 to 50 eagles soaring all around, some coming within mere feet of the boat! It was one of the most beautiful things that I have ever experienced. I felt absolutely blessed to be on the boat with Josh. Having a night out and being engulfed in God’s beauty was breathtaking!! The saddest part is that I didn’t have my camera!!!!!!!!

Saturday came; it was a very full day starting at 5am & ending about 11pm. We helped by setting up tents, handing out information, three students dressed in Halibut fish costumes & waved to the crowds from the float! We manned the Soapbox Derby, which was a blast. The street was barricaded & ramps were set up. We had two children at a time go & then the next two. We did that for about 4 hours. Our people were tired as they dragged the cars back up the hill. It was a great day even if we were a bit tired!

The day was packed with people & every vendor was out with their tents & merchandise trying to sell something. It was an incredible site! This town seems so small, but that day the whole town was out & buzzing! The story of Jesus looking out over the crowds and being moved with compassion came to my mind. There are so many here who don’t know Him.

By Sunday we were exhausted, but we had all met some of the locals & really got to know the Special Events team. The Lord has given us favor with this community. We have built relationships that I know will last for years to come! There are many relationships that we are praying for & about. Already we have seen God opening up doors we never thought possible. Please continue to pray for us as we serve the city.

Click on Seafest to see more pics from this great weekend! Enjoy!

Newsletter for beginning of June

2008-06-11T00:06:00.001-06:00

Richard & Butze Rapids

2008-06-10T23:06:00.003-06:00

This week we met a guy named Richard at the Bus stop. He is originally from Vancouver & moved here 6 years ago. He is raising his cousin, who he legally adopted as a new born, James. We phoned him yesterday to see if he was around & to see if we could get together this week. He was off work for the day so we asked him to go to Butze Rapids. It was a great time! We just hung out, talked & got to know him... He is really friendly & isn't in too drinking and partying. So he was pretty excited to find a group of people that were the same.

As we talked with Richard; he was really open to talking about faith & his past. It was a great time getting to know him & just hang out... I am sure we will be hanging out again soon!
Keep praying that the Lord will open doors for us to be in the community!!

We met a lady named Nancy who is the "Captain" of the Salvation Army. Her and her husband have served in Rupert for 6 years and they started with 30 families. After 6 months of serving the homeless lunches their attendance went to 150 & currently they are serving 300. During this time about 40 youth have come to Christ & they need some help mentoring these students. They opened up a student drop in centre, which has believers and non. Nancy said that we would be able to volunteer with them. They want us to teach them about self esteem & encourage them... We can share the Gospel at the same time. I really hope that we can communicate how valuable they are to God! What an opportunity!
Thanks for continuing to pray for us!

Skeena Relay

2008-06-08T20:39:00.007-06:00

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.

For as the rain and snow come down from the heavens, and return not there again, but water the earth and make it bring forth and sprout, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater,

So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."

Isaiah 55:11

Yesterday was the Skeena Relay race from Rupert to Terrace. This is about 180K!! There were about 26 teams that had 10 people to a team. They had to run about 10k a piece. Our team volunteered to help with the different stations; we had to take down times, walk the runners across the street, & just overall traffic control. It was a long & fun day!

We met so many people. We were all at different legs of the race with other people from the community.... There were people from Rupert, Terrace, & Kitimat that we were getting to know. The group that I was connected with was a group of teachers from Rupert. Two of them were special needs teachers. It was a great connection! I was also amazed to meet a lady named Kristine. She had been to Georgia before & fell in love with Chick-fil-A. She had been to Savannah & Georgia Southern; where my sister graduated from! She had also been to Athens! It really is a small world!! She was too excited when I told her that my sister Jen works for the headquarters & she gave me her e-mail so that I could send her some Chick-fil-A goods. It is pretty funny; Josh & I have thought it would be great to open up a little Chick-fil-A down on Cow Bay. That is even what Kristine had said! So funny!
It was a great time!

Down at the old Railroad station!

2008-06-05T21:10:00.011-06:00

Our prayer today has been to see Jesus lifted up! We have been in town all day volunteering with Gordon. He has been so thankful for all of our help. It normally takes him about 5 weeks to prepare for this event. We have been able to cut that down quit a bit. He has been such a joy to get to know & work with.

We have been working on a float for the parade, building & painting barricades, & meeting lots of locals on the bus. We are so excited to see all that the Lord is going to do through us this summer. Everyday we have met someone new. Today we met a guy named Richard, a local that works at Pizza Hut. He is very interested in why we are here & also going hiking with us. We have about 4 local "college aged" students that want to go hiking with us. It has been great to meet some people & connect on their level.

Robbie is working hard to put together "No Parking" signs. He has great skills with the drill!!

Orientation & Seafest Prep!

2008-06-03T16:27:00.005-06:00

Last time we updated was Friday night.... Hannah arrived safely on Saturday afternoon. We got introduced & headed down town for the evening. We took the students for the their first Ice cap at Timmy's, which they loved. Then walked around downtown & enjoyed the nice weather & beautiful sunset!!

Sunday we decided to go to Bethel Baptist after being invited by Neil, who is a chaplain for all the fishing boats in town & the Gideons. We had to leave a bit early for the trek across town. We walked about 4 miles & then were greeted by the nicest group of people. It was a great time! There was a potluck after church & we stayed and met some of the locals. The pastor is from South Africa & the only place he has been in Canada is Rupert. He was planning on retiring in South Africa, but God called him here about 2 years ago. He loves the place & the people!

After church we started home & took a detour through the most beautiful walking trails! As we were exiting the trail we were greeted with music & an aroma of pot. We decided to check out the event that was going on & it ended up being a skate board competition for the local youth. They had about 100+ people there. It was a great event! I sat by a lady named Lori, who was born and raised in Rupert; along with her husband. They were so friendly & talkative. It was great to connect with some locals. After the skate event we headed home & settled in for the night.

Monday was a very full day because of Orientation. This was great day, as we shared our vision with the students, watched Dwight Huffman's "Exploration" video, and then sent them out to "scout" the community. Josh & I decided that it would be best to have the students randomly pick a number from a bowl & then that was the team they were on. We then had all the teams go downtown to find Joy at Special Events, their designated place to find out some information about the community & then they had to eat lunch downtown & find something out about their waitress or waiter. When we all met back we were so excited to hear everyones story!

As we listened to the stories; it was overwhelming to see that we had met about 20 people in that activity alone. One team said they had run into someone who had heard we were in town to help volunteer. So the news of us being in town is traveling around quickly. Small towns are good for that! One nickname for Prince Rupert is "Prince Rumor". Hopefully we can spread a good truth around this community!

Either way we are excited to know a bit more about the community & be here for 8 weeks to share the love of the Lord with so many!!

These next two weeks we will be helping to prepare for Seafest. This is the biggest event we will be a part of. This week we will be making a float, building & painting barricades, & helping with other random things. Gordon is who we are helping right now & he is so thankful for the help! He is a retired man who lives on Dodge Cove. He has invited us over one Saturday for salmon sandwiches & then a day of hiking on the island. He wants to take us out on his boat one day too. It is going to be too fun!

Thank you for praying for us! Please continue to do so... we have probably met over 100 people here who know why we are here... May the Lord draw some of these to Himself!!!

Butze Rapids

2008-05-30T21:42:00.004-06:00

Today we had our first adventure to Butze Rapids together. These are beautiful trails through the rain forest of Rupert. When the Ocean tide is high the rapids aren't as visible, but we had a great time getting to know each other, laughing & just enjoying each others company.

We have had some great times of prayer, spending time in the worship, exploring the community, meeting the locals & just getting adjusted to Rupert! We will be picking up Hannah
tomorrow & then doing Orientation on Monday.

Next week we will be getting started, the full swing of things will be on!

Keep praying for us as we lead & walk with our students & the locals of Rupert. Everyday we are meeting people, asking questions & getting to know more about the city! We have seen one cruise ship come in & met some locals who are attending a conference for the "Red Hat's Society." They were at a local gift shop shopping for their new hat attire! They looked fabulous. It has been a full day today & the sun is still shining at 10:10pm! Craziest thing ever!
At least the sun is shining today! Great day!

Journey with the Lord to the Unknown

2008-05-30T21:17:00.003-06:00

"If man is going to do anything worthwhile, there are times when he has to risk everything you hold by common sense and leap into what He says, and immediately you do, you find that what He says fits on as solidly as common sense....

Trust entirely in God, and when He brings you to the venture, see that you take it."
~ Oswald Chambers ~

"Lord, I will follow Thee; but..." Luke 9:61

Father Jesus,
Thank you for allowing us to follow You even when we say "but...?"
I am so thankful for the adventure that You have placed before us & are allowing us to follow You! There are many times you call us to follow and we don't because we are afraid of what others may think or say, but if we don't we are missing out on the "abundant life" that you made available to us all! I am daily seeing a glimpse of that abundant life as I walk with You! By no means has this walk been easy, but as I press through the darkness or madness of life ~ the outcome is beautiful! There is Life even when times are tough! God is gracious & patient... full of unconditional love ~ nothing we can do to earn that precious love! Thank you Jesus!

Thank you for the opportunity to praise you today!

Monday is hoppin'!

2008-05-26T14:34:00.002-06:00

"In Him our hears rejoice, for we are trusting in his holy name.
Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone."
Psalm 33: 21 & 22

Today Josh & I woke to a beautiful blue sky & the smell of fresh cut grass... it was a splendid morning reading & praying for our day & our team that will be here in two days! About half way through our prayer time we started to smell something not so nice. We weren't sure what or where that smell was coming from. We opened the porch doors to hopefully get rid of the smell; only to find that it was stronger than ever! Finally, we remembered what our friend Brian had told us. On certain days the fisheries grind up all the "leftovers" of the fish & make cat food & whatever ~ YUCK! So that was not the nicest smell, but as we walked into town the smell faded & we were back in our bliss! :) We are spending the day today running errands & getting things in order for our team.

The past few days have been great! Yesterday Josh & I were walking home & ran into a lady named Silvia. We actually met her and her husband, Don in Aug. 07 when we came with Don Shannon, Director of Missions for S.E. Alaska, at a restaurant that we were eating at. We prayed for them at the time & she asked us to pray for her daughter, Carina. When we ran into Silvia yesterday she remembered us & was glad to see us, she also introduced us to her daughter Carina! WOW!! Please pray for them!

We have spent some real time praying for our summer, our students, & enjoy the journey as one leader has told us often. We are praying this summer will be life changing for our team, this city, & ourselves. I think at times we forget that we have been called to be in this place as salt & light. To not just live this life for ourselves. I was reminded this morning that God has called us out to be a witness here in Canada. To share the Love of Christ in our actions. Josh read a verse to me yesterday that really reminded me of the purpose of this summer. Romans 1:9(NASB) "For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the preaching of the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make mention of you,". Josh went on to look up the verse & found "Paul speaks of his service of God as "in the gospel" (not in preaching the gospel; he says nothing about preaching, but simply that he serves in his spirit in the gospel). The gospel is central to the living out of the Christian life as Paul sees it; really to understand the gospel and accept it means a change in ones whole life. It is central to Paul's preaching, certainly (1 Cor 1:17). But that is not his point here."
Pillar New Test Com. Leon Morrisword

I am excited to see how we can live what we believe to a lost world this summer! Pray for us as we daily meet people & share the reason we have hope!

2008-05-26T14:32:00.000-06:00

May 24, 2008

Today Josh & I started our journey north; from rainy Calgary to sunny Vancouver. As we flew up the Pacific Coast; vast with gorgeous snow covered mountains, I couldn’t help but notice the beauty of God’s creation. As we landed on Digby Island & got our bags, I noticed that there wasn’t a cloud in the sky & it was actually hot! ! I really think the Lord is wooing us to this place… Every time we have been here we have had amazing weather.

While in flight we met a very sweet couple; Brian & Connie. They have been living in Prince Rupert for 2 years and love the coastal life! They were so friendly & told us all about Prince Rupert as we took the 15 minute ferry ride from Digby to Rupert. Connie is a nurse & a part of a fraternity here. She said that I was more than welcome to come & sit in with the group of ladies that meet. This couple lived in Prince George for about 3 years (Josh’s home town) & they also lived in Westbank (the town where Josh & I lived prior to Cochrane). We hope to visit them more this summer & have dinner with them.

We phoned Tony, who had the keys to our apartments & he picked us up & drove us to Bay View. As we headed to the apartment we got to talk with Tony & hear a bit of his story. He has been in Rupert his whole life; his family is here & has a fishing boat. He asked Josh if he would be interested in going fishing; of course that was a yes!

Later in the evening Josh & I walked downtown & had dinner at a local Italian shop. We bought a few groceries and then walked back. It has been a very full day, but we are so excited to be here & can’t wait to see what this summer holds. ‘

Please pray that we would be able to build many trust relationships this summer! We are excited to have met Brian, Connie & Tony on our first day! Already we feel that Lord is opening up doors of opportunity for relationship!

Blessings to you all!!!!!!!!!

Preparing for an Adventure of a Lifetime!

2008-05-22T17:30:00.002-06:00

In two days Josh & I venture out with 7 students to Northern BC!
Crazy to think that we are actually going to be in a place that we only prayed about ~ honestly we never imagining that we would be going there for 10 weeks to see where God is working!

As we prepare we are feeling the attacks of the enemy. Josh & I are needing prayer as we try & work as a team. I know that the Lord has amazing things in store this summer & the closer we get the harder the attack. Pray that we would remove our selves from the situation at hand & pray... please remember us in prayer!

Overall this trip is more than we could have ever hoped for or imagined. God is working out every detail! Josh & another student will leave from Prince Rupert for 2 weeks & fly to places in the remote north (Yukon & Alaska) that are not accessible by car. A man (pilot for 30+ years) has felt called to be apart of the work in Canada & wants to go & explore the North. It will be a chance in a lifetime to go & pray through communities that may never have been accessed before, by Christians any way. We are praying for revival & God's Spirit to penetrate the North with His fire & healing touch. Only the Lord can bring healing, restoration, & forgiveness to these people.

Josh & I are excited! Please be in prayer for us as we venture north for 10 weeks. Thank you for joining with us & supporting us in this journey!!
May the Lord bless you & keep you!

Blah!!

2008-04-02T13:44:00.003-06:00

We are sooo sick!
I have been sick for 2 weeks & called out of work 3 days.... Josh is sick, but a man ~ so he is still going to school... We usually don't get sick, but there is something going around up here on the hill... it's all those "germ boxes" ~ just kidding... Kids are precious, but they have major germs!

Hopefully we are over the worst!!

Snap Shots of Rupert!

2008-03-13T20:43:00.005-06:00

"I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all your marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High"
Psalm 9:1-2

Prince Rupert has such beauty! This is at Sunset off of Cow Bay. Josh & I took a few walks down here while we were there. We prayed & asked the Lord to come to Rupert & reveal Himself to those He loves by & through relationship. Josh & I believe that the Lord has great things in store for the people who live here & that He wants us to leave changed for the better. We are praying for that to happen!

After meeting with Leslie about the condo's for the summer we came down 6th Ave. & there were about 20 eagles soaring around... they were in trees, on houses, one was on a church right above the cross. Josh & I looked like tourists... we had our cameras out & were just in awe. It was a great experience. So amazing to see so many. This one is right on the ground across the street from us!! I guess the reason I was so in awe is because you only see bald eagles in the zoo! Here they are soaring free!

This shot is of a few islands going toward Port Edward, which is about 10 minutes down the road. Edward was really small ~ homes, one church, one school, & a little quickie mart. Everyone comes into Rupert to do their shopping. Port Edward has many possibilities in serving & prayer walking that town!

Since I have never been to San Fransisco I really don't know... but from the pictures I see of SF ~ Rupert is like a mini copy. It has the rolling hills & close houses. It is really neat to ride up & down the streets & to be able to see houses, water, mountains, wildlife, etc.

As we talked with some of the locals & got a feel for the community, many said that same thing. This reminds them of San Fransisco. Rupert is a
northern community, kind of run down & in need
of a face lift, but with a big city feel. The night life is happening & people are out walking every where... rain or shine. Many of the local buisnesses don't open until 10 or 11am. Rupert is a unique place in that it has a variety of great aspects to admire ~the old fish canneries, the tourism from the cruise ships that stop in on their way to Alaska, a beautiful Native Museum with rich history, theatre & arts, etc.
God is moving Rupert & know that He is going to show Himself this summer!

Josh's Parent's Are Coming!

2008-03-12T11:04:00.009-06:00

Josh's parents are coming to visit tonight! Wayne & Kathy sold their home & other earthly possessions about 1 year ago & headed out on a journey that would send them not only across Canada & the US, but to Greece & Haiti. Wayne loves to drive & has enjoyed traveling around the country sides with Kathy!

As they have been traveling around they have met many amazing people along the way! They were even able to spend a few months in Georgia, which allowed them to get to know my family. That is a blessing, since Josh & I dated in Canada & our parents never really got a chance to meet & enjoy one another. God knows the desires of our hearts & fulfills them!

God had opened doors for Kathy, as she has a heart to serve women & pour into their lives. God has given her a vision to host Day Retreats for women all over the world. She has had the privilege of hosting a few already!

We look forward to catching up with them & hearing all their stories! God is blessing their ministry!

Prayers Have been Answered!

2008-03-10T17:43:00.003-06:00

Hi Everyone!
Thank you for praying! We have returned home & are glad the weather held off & gave us two beautiful days of driving!
Thank you to everyone who was praying for us! God has been faithful yet again & answered our prayers!
Monday night we go into Prince Rupert & headed for bed... We were tired after about 12 hours of driving. Tuesday morning we awoke to a wonderful smell thanks to our hostess Colleen. She was a wonderful host & sister in the Lord. We chatted most of the morning with Colleen as she shared with us about Prince Rupert & the make up of the town. She has lived there for 19 years & has seen the community grow. She shared details which are to many to share. Lets just say everything was really informative & helpful!
The rest of Tuesday we spent the day looking in newspapers for housing, connecting with the real estate agents, & wondering around downtown. We met a few locals & chatted quite a bit with them. The main thing was to connect & ask some questions. So we tried our best & did connect with a few people.
Wednesday we went out again in search of housing, but thought we better connect with Joy, who runs the volunteering department for the city. After chatting with her & Gordon, another local , we were so pumped! They are so excited to have us come & help! They are really taken back that we would want to come to PR to help with Sea Fest & July 1 ~ Canada Day parade!
It was great to talk & get to know them personally! This summer will be a fun time, but also a way to "love on" PR!
When we were leaving, Joy gave us the name of a company & contact that might be able to help with housing for this summer! Leslie from Macro Properties; so we phone Leslie & set up two appointments!
We meet Ray later that day to see the 3 bedroom condos. At first I wasn't sure, because they look a bit run down, but after looking through the condos we were definitely interested. As we left we saw that this complex housed many young kids & young families. Ray assured us that they don't tolerate partying or wild behavior; so I guess we better be on good behavior this summer... Just kidding... But really ~ we know we will be safe. And what an opportunity to live in the midst of so many families! Josh & I still had the appointment for Thursday, so we went & looked at the 2 bedroom condos which we really liked, because they were brand new for the same price, but it wasn't in the midst of the community!
The Lord really confirmed that we were to be at the first set of condos! Josh & I are really excited to get to PR & be in the midst of that community. We know the Lord has great things in store!!!!

Prince Rupert!

2008-03-04T21:47:00.003-07:00

We made it!

The Pillsbury Guest House is a great spot!
Colleen is great & we are having a wonderful time! I will have to write more later... we just found this coffee shop & it closes in about 5 minutes... but we can get wireless for free! We will write more later, but we wanted you to know we made it & already God is working... We had a beautiful day & everyone in the town was out walking their dogs, letting their kids play at the park, & just enjoying the sunshine!!

This morning I was getting ready & through the bathroom window there was a bald eagle that flew by! It was amazing!!
The bay window at the top is our bedroom & the view is amazing from this place!

This is from the front porch of the house & behind us is the Pacific Ocean... We woke to the sound of of the tug boats blaring their horns! It was definitely a different sound!

Gotta go we are getting kicked out! Write ya later!!

Winter Wonderland

2008-03-04T21:37:00.004-07:00

Josh & I are driving on Hwy. 16; about half way between Quensel & Prince George. This morning it is like driving in a winter wonderland. There are huge snowflakes falling all around us & huge semi trucks flying by us. We are in the rental & it doesn’t have snow tires, but Josh is used to the snow & doing a good job.

Last night Josh thought we should stop and spend the night in Williams Lake because of the crazy weather we were driving into. We are glad that we did because Prince George had a record high of snow this morning with 20 centimeters. I am in awe of the snow & how much there is up here. We have seen one moose & many farm animals. It is always an adventure traveling the northern roads of BC.

Last year at this time; Josh, myself & 5 other ladies piled into a mini van & traveled north thru the Yukon up to Dawson City. It looked a lot like this; white & black with your occasional house or sign, just a hint of color. It is beautiful, but dangerous. We are driving slowly, but it is really slushy & slippery. The snow is another reminder of the verse, where Jesus’ blood washes us white as snow. We are enjoying our time talking, listening to the radio & taking in the beauty.

Candice, Levi & Lacey

2008-03-04T21:19:00.003-07:00

It was so good to see Candice & the Kids. Levi & Lacey are growing up faster & faster. Josh & I really wish it was more often than not that we were able to visit.

Levi is 4 years old & growing like crazy! He is such a little boy; the other day we all went to the park; while we were there he wanted to climb everything, skip rocks across the lake, & the best was when he so proudly said “look at me” & then two seconds later fell from the rock he was standing on into the cold lake. He was crying because he was cold & his rain boots were now filled with freezing cold water. After he was a dried off & ready for round two… As Levi made his way over to a group of little boys they invited him to join them as they dug their way “halfway to China” & then covered the hole with a pile of dried up branches so that no one would “claim their hole”. I just watched as they played & talked; it was a wonderful sound!

Lacey is talking more & more every day. At 2; she is putting together full sentences & communicating great! She has a contagious laugh that comes straight from her belly! She knows she is a beautiful princess & who would want to tell her otherwise. On Saturday, Josh brought home flowers for Candice & I; well Lacey wasn’t going to be left out! After putting the flowers in her hair & letting her get her princess high heels, she then puts her hands out & said “I’m beautiful”! It was so precious. Lacey is always looking out for her brother ~ she will bring him his boots, make sure she shares with him, & yet at the same time she will do whatever she can to bug him! It is quite funny to watch! She is such a joy!!

Going to Prince Rupert!

2008-02-27T13:53:00.006-07:00

February 29th Josh & I head to Prince Rupert via the Okanagan Valley & Prince George.
Josh & I are headed to see Candice & the kids (Levi & Lacey) for the weekend. Sunday afternoon we will stop in Kamloops to say hi to one of the girls I used to disciple ~ Megan!

We are so excited about going to Prince Rupert!
All day yesterday we were searching for a place to stay while we were visiting. We stayed at the Black Rooster Hostel last time & loved it. It was close to downtown & still kinda quiet so we tried there but they are booked for the weekend. As we called others nothing was coming together. Then after work Josh & I got online & were looking again & we found the Pillsbury Guest House; it's a Bed & Breakfast.

It is one of the first houses built in Prince Rupert, so it has a cottage feel, but as I talked with the owner of the house; I knew there was a divine appointment in the making. She is a lover of the Lord & so excited that we would come there to serve their community. As we talked a while longer, I found out that she has been praying for Prince Rupert for years & asking God to show up. She is excited to know that there are others out there praying for this community as well!

All that to say we are so excited about going, meeting those the Lord has in store, & seeing God provide! We are praying that we can find housing on this trip! We have 4 students coming thus far. Scott, Anna, Robbie, & Hannah. There are also 2 students interested in coming from Texas. We are so excited to see how the Lord has brought this team together so far! It is going to be a great summer serving the Lord in PR!!

Family Day!

2008-02-22T11:33:00.002-07:00

Josh played in the annual Hockey game on Monday. He was so excited to play. It was the Cochrane Fire/EMS vs. Cochrane Police. They Fire department won 11 to 8!!

Josh has been volunteering at the Cochrane Fire Hall, as Chaplin for about 7 months. Everyday is something new & exciting; yet he is realizing that real life happens & how to cope with that.

Painting 101

2008-02-21T13:02:00.007-07:00

Evie & I ~ She is a wonderful friend & teacher!

About 4 months ago I had this idea to paint. I just wanted to paint & see if there was anything creative in there. If I could even learn! Well, I talked with a friend that I work with Evie Marinoski & she was so excited about the idea of having a student! We set up a time & began meeting. The rest was history! I finished my first painting on Feb.19. It was amazing & Josh agrees that there just might be something inside of this new artist!

~Thinking~

2008-02-20T13:33:00.004-07:00

Days are good ~ at times you wonder what your purpose in this life is for... Yet as I really think about that ~ I know it is to "be" the Lord to those who don't know Him.
Days aren't easy, but I know why the Lord brought me 3,200 miles... it's to be Jesus to so many who don't know Him, who are afraid of something they cannot see & to be the hands and feet of the Lord Jesus!