Life is the best teacher
No regrets just lessons learned...
University work is consuming the Occupational Therapy cohort of 2016.
We spend the days in our new home, the library.
Each of us have a favorite spot. Tiff likes to sit by the coffee shop, because the coffee aroma is soothing. Sophy likes the silent section where even crunching on a biscuit can be sent by anonymous text to the library staff, and notified as 'disruptive' behavior. I don't even know where Danielle is - haven't seen her for days!
For myself, I haven't sat in the same place twice as each day brings a new seating opportunity, and when your life consists of the tackling the same research proposal for the fourth day in a row, a little something different, like a new chair to sit in, is very much appreciated.
Ok, it's not bad at all, we are all enjoying the opportunity to learn, and really that is what we came here to do. So it had to happen, eventually.
It's been a while and I'll work backwards.
I participated in the Bible exhibition that is happening this week at our church - Reynard way. The church has linked up with several primary schools in the area to invite them to come and see the life of Christ. This includes real people acting the real stories of the Bible, that really happened. Emphasis on REAL. It was something I've never seen before and it really did bring the story of the Bible to life.
I was in charge of the new testament food tasting table where kids could taste honey, bread, figs, dates and cheese like they would have had back then. It was a bit controversial to have had poppy seeds on display as mustard seeds, apparently mustard seeds are really hard to find, however, the general theme of "faith like a mustard seed" came through.
Occasionally, a Canadian impulse arises and I really miss something Canadian. I expected to miss the mountains and scenery, what I did not expect on this adventure however, was the sudden longing for a box of mac and cheese, Kraft Dinner style. So, in my allowed hour lunch break from studying, I donned my runners and literally jogged to ASDA to pick up a box. Alas, KD is not here in England. But they do have..
Super pasta' n' sauce ready in 8 minutes, macaroni cheese!
I ignored the batchelors part, and the complete lack of nutritional value, (I ate it with broccoli!) and happy munched away on my new found English brand of KD. It's not even comparable.
Speaking of Canada. On February 28 2015, the Lord in his infinite wisdom, called home Grandma Deraad. We were shocked as this was unexpected and even though she was 87, she was healthy and fit. I felt it was best to fly home to be with the family, and it really hit me how you need to appreciate those you have around you in the present. You just don't know how each person's days are numbered. That being said, it is an amazing comfort to have had the support of two church communities, in two different countries during this time. We know where she is and is at peace with God. Thank you to all who were a source of comfort and for your prayers!
I didn't know what it would be like, flying back to Canada earlier than expected. Would everything be the same, or have changed?
Immediately upon arrival, I went into tourist mode, taking pictures of the surrounding environment.. and then realized that I do sort of live here, and will see these features again. I did appreciate the trip to Starbucks with Mr. V - a tradition I missed during my time in England.
Caffeine is always a good idea after 24 hours awake.
This was one of the touristy stops we went on while traveling back from the airport. It's true, I've never been to Red Racer before. I think the real motive was to see if there was any beer on sale :)
I especially appreciated the to oppertunity to meet the newest people. This is little Adam.
I can't believe how nice the weather was in the Fraser Valley!
To be fair, England was also experiencing high temperatures.
Very thankful for these friendly faces who made the drive to the airport super fun!
First day back, after two rather rough flights... lets just say now I know what the little white bag behind the seat is for.. Tiff and I got right back into the swing of things! We helped Pastor Paul and Julia celebrate Kate's 2nd birthday!
I can't believe there is just over 2 months to go, and then we are finished our first year of Uni!
A good friend named Em sent me this quote the other day, and I think it sums up the adventure called life quite well.
