First I went to PA to visit some friends. I met them when they adopted a child from Haiti that I had become close with while I was volunteering there.
Heather has been a great supporter, idea giver, prayer warrior and all around encourager of this ministry. She is also a very great friend!
Her son Luke had a lung transplant 3 years ago. What a miracle to watch him playing baseball for the Miracle League while I was there.
Cuddles with Carline! I could insert a bunch of photos of cute kids in this family, but this is all you get for now. :)
While I was there I was also able to update the Ladies Missionary Circle at the Baptsit Church. It was good to reconnect with them, and it happened to be potluck night, so I was happy! :)
My sister treated me to Dark Table, a restaurant completely in the dark! All the servers are blind, so they have to guide you to your table, to the bathroom, etc. It was so much fun! Our server was her friend Dusty. I am happy to report I did not break any glasses, as another table did. Except I decided to lean forward when Dusty was putting the bread on the table and I got knocked in the head because of it! :)
Off to see my friend Taraleigh and her cutest baby Ella! We have been friends since I was 9 years old.
Once my brother heard I was coming he decided to not shave that moustache. He knew how much I would (not!) love it. I actually apologized to the lady giving us our food about his moustache. He's cute anyway. :)
I was able to share with my home church, the Kamloops Vineyard Church, the first Sunday I was there. Since I also wanted to see my friends, the girls ended up "working" with me as I prepared what I would share.
I went back to the school where I spent grade 5-12 and attended their grad chapel. That was fun!
I was able to see a few of my old past teachers. :)
I was able to visit most of my supporters. This family is a new supporter, and I had such a good time with them! The youngest is very knowledgable about a lot of insects and bugs, etc. I told her that the people taking care of my place in Guatemala had found a dead tarantula in the pool. I told her how scared I was about going back. She very calmly and matter of factly told me that tarantulas are actually fragile because of their exo-skeleton, and if I had one in my hand and dropped it, he would die. Not really sure why she thought a tarantula would actually be IN my hand in the first place!
Visitng my friend Lisa. We graduated together and she is a great prayer supporter for me!
I was able to visit my godmother (not pictured) and her parents. I hadn't seen them in many years, so it was nice to reconnect!
My friends Katie and Steve were having a pig roast, and were asking for donations for the Children's Home. One of their daughters (left) had her learners license and took me for a drive! One of their other daughters (right) would wake up in the morning, then get into bed with me to tell me all her news. I loved it! :)
Cole has autism. We had the best time. I love that kid! He smiled for me, danced for me, and showed me his cat. All proof that he loves me! He doesn't do those things for just anyone. :)
Cute babies!
Sharing at the pig roast. Thanks Katie and Steve! The event was a success and we raised a lot of money, as well as letting people know about the Home.
I was also able to share at their church on Sunday morning. It was a great time and I received a lot of positive feedback on my speaking style. Since I was nervous I made a lot of jokes and used phrases like "popped the babies out". Not typical missionary lingo, but at least it was well received!
One of their leaders in the church stood up after I spoke and really made the point of encouraging people to give to the Home. I was appreciative, especially since I had never met him before then! I was even invited to come back again next time I am in Canada.
I shared with my mom's church missionary circle and it went very well. Those ladies are very supportive, and even had an article written about the Home in the nationwide newsletter. They have had fundraisers and gifted me with a beautiful quilt for the kids.
I was interviewed for the morning CBC show in Kamloops. My first time on the radio!
I was interviewed again by the local newspaper and also spoke with the TRU alumni and they want to write an article later in the year.
To finish off the trip, we had our 2nd Annual Fundraiser! It was a lot of work, but I had a lot of help!
The banners looked fantastic, but sure had us stressed out getting them up! You can see some of the silent auction items on the tables on the side.
David Ruis came to play! It was amazing having him there and I am so thankful he came. :)
Brent cut his hair and his beard to raise money. Thanks Brent! Your wife thanks you too. ;)
Pinata time!
One Silver Coin played again this year and did a fantastic job!
Beautiful Danielle. She prays for me faithfully, and is always a great encouragement to me.
It was a wonderful night and we raised a lot of money for the Home and I was also able to talk to a lot of people individually about the Home.
In all, the trip was fantastic. I love seeing all my family and friends, as well as sharing with different groups of people about the ministry here. I also loved drinking as much Rootbeer as I could get my hands on! :)
I'm sure I've missed some, but this post is long enough as it is! Hope you enjoyed the barrage of photos!
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