Rested

We just got back from a vacation and feel so well rested!

Saturday Matthew & I flew in to Vancouver where my parents picked us up and we went to a Sandland family gathering. Matthew had never met many members of that family, and it had been years since we had gotten together as a family. It was a beautiful day and great to see everyone!

Sunday saw a mini-Koop gathering, as those within driving distance got together for lunch in Vancouver before running off to catch a ferry to Salt Spring Island. Kevin, my cousin & good friend, is pastoring at a church on the island so we were joined by my parents & uncle & aunt for a few days there. It was a beautiful place, with a different pace of life. A great place to go and relax. We got in a hike while we were there, and Matthew & I tried our hand at ocean kayaking. On our way back to the mainland, Matthew & I were treated to a couple wild Killer Whales jumping out of the water by the ferry - that was an incredible sight!

Matthew & I took a day to ourselves to tour Vancouver before heading to Squamish, my hometown, where we met up with family again, had a chance to climb the Chief, and showed Matthew all my old haunts.

We drove back to Calgary with my parents on Friday and spent Saturday with Matthew's family and Sunday at church and with friends. I had a chance to share at Abbeydale Christian Fellowship in the morning. I think Matthew must be getting quite tired of hearing me speak (but he stays encouraging!) - we're averaging hearing a "real" sermon only about every other week with all my speaking engagements these last couple of months! While I've been thankful for the opportunities, and I know it has made a difference in my support levels, I'm really looking forward to being in my own church again!

Sunday night we flew back to Winnipeg and are settling back into normal life here.

Thanks to so many people who shared their homes with us over last week, or went out of their way to see us & make our trip wonderful!