:: Smmmmores ::

Today my sister flew in from Calgary. We will soon be heading out on a road trip for a family reunion with my dad's side of the family. So as with any time Jamie comes for a visit, she brings along with her a sense of fun. We decided to have a campfire in the driveway so we could enjoy smores for dessert. We didn't indulge in campfire songs, but we did enjoy a scrumptious dessert.

The above pictures represents Daughter and Son's. Michael's son Paul is visiting us as well. I can't remember the last time we were all together. We didn't grow up together but, we have all grown close in the past years. It was lovely to see a Dad and his son. We girls have always been close. So as my mom and her daughters snuggled up for a photo, I'm thankful for my family. We love our time at home just hanging out drinking in the atmosphere.

Across the Miles

Today my lovely friend from Brunei came to visit me at my family's home. Giselle and her family have been taking in the sights around my home on Vancouver Island. So while on their way from Tofino to Victoria we were able to catch up over lunch. The boys had a great time showing their friends around their second home, Grandma and Grandpa's house. They even caught a snake. Something that you can't do in Brunei. While my time in Canada is filled with many goodbyes, I was glad as their car drove up the driveway that this was just a farewell. I have come to enjoy many great times with Giselle. We'll both pick up where we left off in the country we call home on the other side of this beautiful earth we live in.

Creationfest

This past week we attended the most amazing event... Creationfest. For years I have been wanting to attend, but could never make it a reality. So after our 6 day stay my emotions were overflowing. I must say I had THE MOST AMAZING TIME! We arrived late in the afternoon on Monday and began the task of setting up what would be our home for the next 6 days. There were about 10 000 campers that would be our neighbours as we shared our piece of grass in a farmer's field. The setting couldn't have been more picturesque as we were nestled beneath Mount Rainer taking in the splendor of the view that surrounded us.

Here are a few of the sights my eyes awoke to each morning. As I said earlier the beauty around us was spectacular, but so was the company I got to share it with.

In the above photos were the ammenities we became familiar with. There were row upon row of outhouse known as Honey Buckets. As for outhouses, these were cream of the crop. For showering there were about 10 mobile shower units. Again, even though we were "roughing it" the hot showers in the morning were much appreciated. The only unfortunate part was the lines. This is the one time I wish I were a man. Neither the showers or the bathrooms ever had a line up for the men.

Creationfest is the biggest chrisitian festival of the year. The expected turnout was thought to reach 20 000. There were at least 20 - 30 bands, and some of the biggest names in the christian world. I was so thrilled to be able to take in the music and also the amazing speakers who spoke such wisdom into my life.

Creationfest Cont...

The first band that was playing on the first night was the Newsboys. Not only is this group huge in the Christian scene but, recently they reached #4 on the mainstream billboard chart. So as the music started Kieran and I headed to the mosh pit with all the other crazy young kids. It was so much fun!

The weather for the first two nights was quite cool. We had our chairs and blankets set up so we could take in the music all snug as a bug.

We flew over 30 hours from our home in Brunei as did my friend Suzanne. We knew we were both going to Creationfest, so it was great to see her so many miles from home. These are memories both of us will take back home to Brunei.

One of the singers from the first night was Chris Tomlin (as seen in the bottom left photo) His music that night was so uplifting that we sang the night away to his well known songs. The mood followed us back to the campsite as our fellow campers broke out their guitars. We fell asleep under the stars with the sound of music soaring towards heaven. Truly magical!

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The following night was probably the highlight in terms of musicians. Toby Mac hit the stage full of energy. Perhaps I am getting a little long in the tooth, but the youth that surrounded us on the grass made me feel older than my years. Don't get me wrong, I love this band but, a mom in the mosh pit doesn't seem so cool! But as the bass thumped in my chest with my son at my side, I couldn't think of anything more enjoyable!

So as we packed up our tent on the Sunday morning I was filled with mixed emotions. We had the most amazing days away that filled my soul with complete joy. As with any vacation the time does come to an end. We decided then and there to make this an annual trip. The time away was also exhausting. We had so much fun fit into such a short time. So as we crossed over onto Canadian soil the feeling of home washed over me. I love the familiar, the comforts, and of course indoor plumbing and feather quilts!

A Wild Ride...

This past year my mom purchased a quad for herself. I'm not sure if she has enjoyed the quad half as much as my boys have. Today Kieran pulled our chariot at the sidewalk wanting to take his mom for a spin. Of course, I was game. But as I grabbed my skinny boy from around the waist I had a real sense of a roll reversal. For most of his life I have been the one who would hold his hand and lead him to where I wanted him to go. But as I clung to my 12 year olds waist with my life in his hands I knew the wild ride I was in for. He was very gentle with me at first. But as my courage increased so did the acceleration. A "Wild Ride" isn't wild while you are in the drivers seat. A ride is only "wild" when someone else is driving. I'm sure this is only the first of many when I will slowly have to give up some of my control and hand it to my growing son. With any luck I will learn this lesson slowly. As my grasp with him lessens my courage will increase where handing over the control will be like letting off the gas pedal.

Summer Camp

For the last several years our family has enjoyed many days at Camp Qwanoes. This year is the first year Evan is venturing to camp solo for an entire week. I think my heartstrings were tugging more than his at saying goodbye. But partway down the driveway he asked me to stop the car wanting to give me his goodbye hug privately. After meeting his camp councellor and the kids who he would be sharing a cabin with, he was eager to say our goodbyes. As I was making my way back to the car, I was secretly envious. The music playing was surrounding the entire camp and you could feel the excitement in the air. As I was pulling away four busses containing many excited kids arrived. The road was full of people welcoming the kids to camp as the fireworks were going off. The kids on the bus were spilling out of the windows bursting with the excitement of their first day at camp. I can only imagine the days ahead these kids are going to enjoy. For some it will be the best days of the summer. For others maybe even the best days of their year. I find myself wishing I were a fly on the wall. I'd even give up a week labouring in the dishpit just to see the faces of the kids and especially the face of my boy!

Days of Old...

For the past two days I relived the great times spent with my dear friend Angela. We are so similar in so many ways which makes spending time together just easy. One of the things we love to do is to hunt for treasures at the thrift store. Angela has an amazing eye for diamonds in the rough. I love shopping with her as her eyes scan the racks for treasures which she can reinvent. She spent two nights with me at my mom's. So we woke up bright and early ready to hit the stores. We came home with all sorts of bargains. Spending time with her also let me relive my youth. I remember as a child having sleepovers with my friends. We would spend hours talking into the night about clothes, boys, and hair. It seems so silly that two grown women would get such a kick out of braiding hair and having a fashion show in the wee hours of the morning. But we did! We even nattered about boys... but this time it was our husbands!

Big Boy Toys...

Today was our final day in Brunei before we headed home to enjoy the lazy days of summer. We headed to Bandar to take in the Bridex International Defense Exhibition. Living in a house full of boys I have grown accustom to outings that may have been more geared to the opposite sex. But today I was pleasantly surprised. There were several army vehicles where you could get a hands on tour. It was neat to see the inside of a tank. I won't go as far as letting out a high pitch squeal when I see a machine gun, but it was good to see my little one so excited.

I love the top photo. The boys were waiting in line when they spotted a huge knife in the back pocket of the soldier. The look on their face was priceless! What it is with boys and their fascination with war? In the bottom photo Evan cracked me up. He has always been the kind of kid who says what is on his mind. So I guess it comes to no surprise that his question to the man was, "Did you stab anybody with that knife?"

After a long day in the scorching sun we watched the flying show. There were a few airplanes doing some tricks in the air. Followed by several parachuters raining from the sky. Even among all these "boy's toys" there was room for enjoyment for this "girlie girl!"

::Heart Strings ::

Today was the last day of school for Evan. His day was filled with all things fun as the last day of school usually is. But life here is often bittersweet. As the school year comes to a close it usually consists of some families relocating. Throughout the year many fresh faces appear and we exchange many hello's. But just like any beginning an end is usually in sight. Which is what the expat life consists of. So today I said goodbye to a few people I will miss and will feel the tug on my heartstrings for quite sometime. But what I have learned is that the people that cross our paths may be with us for a lifetime or just a season. There presence will truly be missed, but their footprints will forever be on my heart!
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But... One of the biggest hello's will come in a few days when once again my feet are on Canadian soil enjoying my favorite people on this earth... MY FAMILY. 10 months ago as I stood in the airport crying my soul into a tissue, I said goodbye to my family, my roots. So as my heart swells with opposite emotions, I have so much to be thankful for... Great friends and family!

Food for the Soul...

Today I was feeling a little under the weather, a sore throat to be exact. But looking for sympathy I am not, but instead I want to share with you a blessing I received. My dear friend, Kim brought me over a huge pot of homemade chicken soup. Not only did it feed my cold, but it fed my spirit. How blessed I feel to have crossed paths with a handful of people who know what a true friend is. A true friend is one where few words are exchanged but you walk away feeling like it's the best conversation you've had. I true friend is one who lifts you up when you are down. A true friend is one who knows your heart inside out. So for some a pot of soup may fill the empty stomach, but for me this pot of soup was food for my soul! Thank you my friend!

Canada Day!!

With the many nationalities that occupy Brunei, our fellow Canadians met at the beach shelter to celebrate Canada Day. As is customary in Canada we held a pot luck. I'm guessing that there were about 15 families who got to know each other better while sharing a holiday we all know so well. In the above picture is my good friends, Yolande and Giselle.

Many were patriotic, wearing our countries color, Red!

Evan decided to get a game of beach hockey going. I'm sure it wasn't as exciting as on the ice, but what says Canada more than a game of hockey!

We finished the evening off with a Canada Day Cake. It was a lovely way to spend the evening, talking over food about the country we all call home.