The Last Full Week

This is my last full week in Canada! I was just saying this to a friend the other night. Its super hard to believe. This has been so long in coming that its hard to believe it is now actually here. But here it is! :)

These past few weeks have been busy with preparations to go, visiting with friends and family and finding a few moments to relax and remember what it means to sleep ;) My aunt planned a farewell for me a few weeks back for the folks up in the town where I grew up and that was a really special fun time. And then this past Saturday my church in Agincourt planned a farewell also. This one was a little more serious as I received my letter of commendation, the letter from my church as a character and spiritual reference and stating they are supportive of the work I am doing. It was really special to hear from my old Sunday school teacher and also a family friend both of whom devoted much time to encouraging my reading of the Bible and shared their knowledge of scriptural principles with me.

This meeting was special. It was awkward at points being the centre of attention- not my favourite place, but really cool to hear the commendation of these people who have been guides and mentors to me and to know that they support me and see in me this desire to serve my Lord. It was also very special to receive all the notes of encouragement and from my friends and many colleagues and I know I will be thankful for many of these thoughts throughout this next year!

On Sunday I also had the opportunity to visit with the Christians at Langstaff GH- this was the church I attended during my last two years of school. And again, I was overwhelmed by the support and the encouragement I received there.


For the most part, these past few weeks have gone very much as planned. There have been a number of learning curves along the way... Things like accounting and book keeping I have never had to learn, nor had interest in learning, but seems to be a critical part of this new role I have stepped into. Red tape is something I have hated at the best of times... this is the worst of times- apparently OHIP has a guideline about how long a person can stay out of the country and if you are staying out longer you need to apply for a leave... I'm staying out longer. sigh... Oh and Thank you cards... its one thing to write a thank you note, but some of these notes are to be read publically, it becomes rather more daunting....


But as new last minute details come to light they have been dealt with and settled in an organized and expected manner. However, this past Monday I had such a backwards day. Starting with an error in a letter for the OHIP office an extended visit in Toronto that actually didn't really need to have happened and ending with a quick trip to Emerg. It was frustrating to put it nicely! Actually, it was quite vexing. But in the end, I realized that really this worked out for the best and it made me stop and wonder how many times things happen that I don't plan for and instead of being flexible I get frustrated and ask God- "well, why did you let that happen?" when really, knowing the beginning from the end, He is just looking out for my best interests and caring for me like a father would. There was a lot of confessing and apologizing to do when I realized that, but oh the sweet peace of knowing my Father cares about me, cares about even the minutest details of my life. Now, to practice that mindset before I begin to complain instead of afterward.

Well, folks, there are a few more activities to be done, mostly just visits now, oh and my bags to pack for the final time, but this is it. Its finally happening. It is kinda surreal but it is also exciting too. I will try to post one last time this side of the ocean but if not, thanks for all your support and encouragement during the past few months! I so can't believe we are finally here! :)