A Sheltering Tree

They say that friendship is like a sheltering tree. When the highs and lows of life leave you weary, beneath the branches of a true friend you will be refreshed. The ladies you see above are very near and dear to my heart. Each one of them at one time have sheltered me in the storm and encouraged me at one time. They have provided wisdom, made me laugh, been there for me, and had some input into who I am today. Even though we are miles apart, time seems to stand still. We are still as close today even though we are geographically far apart. From the left is my friend Tina, LeAnne, me of course, and then Ange. We were able to get together just prior to me flying back to Brunei. We shared many laughs, stories of life, and caught up with each others lives while we shared some sushi. I so treasured that time.

I am also blessed with another true friend. Her name is Elaine. She is a friend I have known from high school. We are different people, but share such similarities that will keep us bonded for life. My dear friend Elaine was willing to drive 5 hours just to share a cup of coffee with me! That to me is amazing and shows how selfless she really is. Of course, I couldn't let her do that, but I am so looking forward to the summer when we can hike a mountain together and share where life has taken us.
I've always said I only need a handful of friends. These women to me are a treasure. Beneath their branches I am refreshed. I hope that I too provide the same rest for others beneath my branches.

Turks & Caicos... Farewell

At the beginning of the trip with 7 days to fill, seemed like there was so much time at hand. But as with any good thing, it soon comes to an end. The final night before we left was filled with again more visiting, but for me I wanted to take in my last scrumptious dinner. I met my Dad and Val for dinner at Le Petit Chateau. It was a lovely french restaurant. I had escargot, a yummy prawn and scallop salad, beef tenderloin for the main course, and a citris and strawberry shortcake. So delicious! On the morning before we left walked one last time on the white sand and then took some pictures in the hammocks that were dotted around the resort. I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. I can't think of a better way to spend time with loved ones than on the sandy beaches in Turks!

Turks & Caicos...Snorkelling

The day after the wedding Cory and Jamie organized for all who were interested to go snorkelling. I'm not sure how big our group ended up being, but as you can see from the above picture it was quite a few. The boat took us out about 10 minutes from shore. After jumping in the water we began our search for the fish. Apparently 70% of the earth is under water, so to be able to view this unseen world feels like such a priviledge. I did see quite a few beautiful colored fish, but mostly enjoyed the feeling of freedom as I bobbed along with the waves.

Turks & Caicos...The Big Day!!

After having the morning to prepare, the beautiful bride was finally ready. Jamie and I are lucky enough to have 2 Dad's in our lives. I was proud that she was able to honour both of them as they walked her down the isle. The setting was absolutely beautiful with the turquoise waters lapping at the shore in the background. But as with every wedding it all comes down to the moment the bride appears. Jamie looked absoulutely stunning! Cory took his place facing the sea, careful he didn't sneak a peak before she appeared. I can only imagine his thoughts as he saw his bride walking on the sand towards him.
They exchanged their vows which were filled with such emotion. Finally the moment to seal their vows with a kiss came. I love this picture as it shows the longing they both were experiencing which brought them to that moment. The pastor who married them was a wise man. He talked about the highs and lows of walking through marriage. He explained that each marriage would go through seasons when the storms of life would seem to overwhelm them. Instead of looking at the storm and the circumstance of life, choose to look to each other. Hold onto each other as you would hold onto a life preserver. With this in mind the storms would not overtake you, but strengthen you. Wise words of wisdom!

Turks & Caicos... The Big Day Cont...

After the ceremony we had a few hours before the reception started. Cory and Jamie took the time to have some photos taken, followed by a drink in the pub!

Turks & Caicos... The Reception

The reception started at around 6pm. There was a calypso band playing as the guests were starting to arrive. There were many great speeches that were shared that touched the heart of all who heard. The food was once again amazing. The dish that stood out to me was the Baked Alaska pie that was served in a pineapple sliced in half. So yummy!
During dinner the calypso band finished and another band started. This time it was a Caribbean steel drum band. It really brought the Caribbean feel to the surface. I think everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves on the dance floor. Even my son Kieran didn't decline as the bride asked him for a dance!

Prior to the start of the reception a warning was given NOT to throw the bride in the pool. That warning was heeded, but to Cory's dismay it didn't apply to the groom. After the party was wrapping up, all the men threw themselves and the groom into the pool. It was a great ending to a great day!

Turks & Caicos...Family Time

With the many months that I have spent away from my family, the highlight of the trip for me was having all my family together in one place.

Most weddings are fit into one day. However, with Cory and Jamie's wedding we were able to spend an entire week reconnecting with everyone. Had we not have had this time, we would not have been able to get to know Cory's wonderful family properly. Thank you Cory and Jamie for not only sharing your special day, but for also giving us all the chance to take away some great memories!
The day before the wedding we had a rehearsal dinner. The tables were set up near the beach so we could take in the sunset as we were eating. The food was amazing as well as the company. I organized a trivia game with questions pertaining to Jamie and Cory. The parents of course came out in the lead, but it may have been due to the bride and groom sitting at their table! I stayed with Jamie in her room that night and shared with her words of wisdom before the big day.

Turks & Caicos...The Resort

We stayed at the Beaches Sandals resort. First I must tell you if you have ever been to Disneyland, this is Disneyland for adults! But by no means was it exclusive to the adults. There were programs for all ages of kids even these big kids you see boogie boarding. I too tried the boogie boarding, but after a swimsuit malfunction I was not keen to attempt it twice. There was an amazing waterpark with waterslides, a surf machine and a lazy river. Not to mention a Xbox game garage, DJ lessons and so much more. So as I was saying this resort has it all. When I am on vacation my favorite part is the food. At this resort there were 16 restaurants to choose from all inclusive. There was not a scrap of food I ate that wasn't out of this world. And like some of the others did, they had several dinners in one evening. Not only was the food and drink included, so were the watersports. We went snorkelling from a boat, windsurfed, catamarans, scuba diving even if you liked. The resort was separated into 3 areas, The Italian Villas, The French Villas, and where we were staying, The Caribbean Villas. Each section had a fabulous pool and many restaurants to choose from. We were so spoiled for choice that I didn't even set foot off the resort.

Turks & Caicos...Arrival

First let me apologize for the huge amount of pictures you are about to view!! I had a little over 300 photos from our week away and it was hard to pick only a few!!

The long awaited wedding of the year was finally here. Us Islanders, flew from Nanaimo to Toronto on (Friday) May 13th. The rest of the family from Alberta took a red eye flight into Toronto. It was so great to meet all 46 guests of the wedding in the Toronto airport.

After about 4 hours the turquoise waters of the Caribbean appeared. Turks & Caicos means "Light of the Caribbean" The water looked amazing and I couldn't wait to sink my toes into the sand. We were greeted at the airport with a Caribbean steel drum band playing. Upon arriving at the resort we were handed a rum punch. These turned out to be a favorite afternoon treat.

After we settled into our rooms it was time to hit the beach. I think most of the family had the same idea. It was a great afternoon catching up with everyone.

So long Canada...

After months and many days of counting down, the long awaited trip back home came and went. I was back in Canada for almost 3 weeks. I can't tell you how fast the time has flown by. I filled every moment of my trip soaking in my family and friends. Now as I sit at the airport awaiting the LONG flight back to Brunei, I am not filled with the sadness I did 9 months ago. Instead I am eager to settle back into life in Brunei. Maybe it is because I will again be heading back to Canada in about 6 weeks, or maybe my life in Brunei is now holding some promise for me. Either way, the quiet time on the flight is just what I need after a fun-filled 3 weeks. Be prepared... I am about to fill the blog with far too many pictures from my sister's wedding in Turks & Caicos! Stay tuned...

Peanut Butter Princess's

This is my good friend LeAnne. We are the best of friends but also as close as family. Today we met in Nanaimo for a day of shopping and catching up on life. We do keep in touch while I am away in Brunei, but the distance has never left us with a loss for words or the occasional tear. So today we had a great lunch followed by a delicious Peanut Butter Pie. We talked and shopped and shopped and talked until the inevitable time to say goodbye came. It was a great day! I am so thankful that I have a handful of friends who love me just as I am!

Island Bound

After a lovely visit with my Grandparents and a full day of shopping we made our way to the ferry. For those of you that are unfamiliar with where I come from we live on THE Beautiful Vancouver Island. From Vancouver, you can head to two destinations, Victoria or Nanaimo. We headed towards Nanaimo. The journey takes about 90 minutes. For us Islanders, we tend to have a love/hate relationship with the ferry. It is challenging at times when the ferry is full. There is nothing worse than seeing the car infront of you on the boat while you wait an additional 2 hours. But this day we arrived in plenty of time and were able to take in the beautiful spring weather of Horseshoe Bay.

The many times that I have travelled this route makes it sometimes routine. The thing about time and distance is it makes you appreciate what you may have taken for granted. The smell of the ocean was absolutely amazing. I stayed on the outer decks as the ferry pulled away and took in the view until my cold nose could stand it no longer. I've exchange sun burns for wind burns, but enjoyed every minute. As the ferry was pulling in Nanaimo the sun was just starting to set. It was an amazing ending to yet another amazing day!

Mother's Day Dinner in Canada

After an 11 hour flight our feet finally set foot on Canadian soil. I'd forgotten how lovely the crisp air feels on your face and was immediately flooded with memories of home. We exited the airport shortly after 5pm and made our way to my Grandma's favorite chinese restaurant, where our family was waiting with open arms. It was great seeing the faces of those I love and missed so much. When I was living in Canada I would call my Grandma at least three times a week usually while we were cooking dinner and we would natter about this and that. But with us being so far away and the time change our chats have only been monthly if that. So spending Mother's Day with her and my mom filled my heart and made me smile :)

Up, Up, and Away...

After months of waiting the long awaited day has finally arrived. We are off to Canada! It has been far too long since my feet were on familiar soil. I have come to love many things about Brunei, mostly the people who have found a special place in my heart. Kieran and I fly out of Bandar at 10:30 Sunday morning. We have a 6 hour layover in Hong Kong before boarding our final plane destined for home. Then we have 5 days in Canada before we head to Turks and Caicos for the long awaited wedding of the year (well next to the Royal Wedding!) Then another 5 days in Canada at the end of the trip before I fly back to Brunei on May 27th. I will try to update the blog from time to time, but for now "So long and I will see you soooooon!"

Somewhere over the Rainbow

We all know the lyrics to the song, "Somewhere over the rainbow" But just in case you are rusty here is the opening phrase.

"Somewhere over the rainbow way up high. Birds fly over the rainbow, why tell me why can't I?"

This morning started off with blue skies, but the afternoon took monsoon season to a new level. Rob rode his motorbike up to Bandar, but on the ride home the rain pelted his poor skin. However, once the rains ceased there was an amazing rainbow straddling each side of my house. From the top deck I could look to my right and see the hues of the rainbow, and then on my left the most beautiful sunset. The view I had was breathtaking. I can only imagine what the scene would look like through the eyes of a sparrow.

Time Well Spent

This afternoon after our company left, Evan and I headed to the beach. I started the weekend watching the sunrise, so what better way to end a lovely weekend than with the sunset. While we were walking along the sand we came upon a couple of guys skimboarding. Evan being the shy kid that he is, ran ahead and asked if they could teach him. They were very gracious and taught him a few moves. We walked a little further and took our place on a log to witness the end to yet another day. The beauty of the world still takes my breath away!

Evan's Dream Car

A couple of months ago, Evan had been admiring this car at the dealership. He was filling his head with childhood dreams of When I'm an adult... So this is his dream car. We would stop from time to time for him to drool over his car, but one day it was gone. Low and behold the dream car was purchased and parked in my friend Yolande's driveway. I told Evan who now owned it and he was begging for Yolande's husband to take him for a ride. Well, while they were here for lunch Evan got his wish. I can just imagine his face as the car screeched while pulling away. Thank you Schalk for bring a smile to my boy's face!

:: Friends ::

This afternoon after church I had some very special friends over for lunch. This is my church family. I meet with them at least twice a week, but this is the first time they have been to my house to meet my family. We had a wonderful afternoon visiting over food.

This is my good friend Yolande and her husband Schalk. You know when you meet someone and immediately feel connected and loved, that is how it was when I met Yolande. She is such an amazing lady who encourages me in my day to day life.

This is Pastor Lanre and his lovely wife Yinka. Pastor Lanre teaches a mentoring group on Wednesday nights that I attend. I must say I have never learnt more than I have in the last 3 months. He is a very gifted teacher and I am thankful to have the instruction!

::

These people have made a huge impact in my life, that I hope to one day pass onto others! Thank you friends for a wonderful afternoon!