Food

So, I don't often write about food because it's not a driving force in my life - with the exception of my morning caffeine hit of coke which is not only a driving force in my life but in the lives of those around me as well :). However, I have had many occasions to try different foods recently and so I thought I'd stick something up - see me blog more often during the summer.

I have had - homemade bread, fish 'n' brewis, cold plate, vinegar jam pie, trout, crab legs, onion rings, and I think that's all so far that's out of my ordinary. Now, I am a very picky eater - I look at most vegetables with distrust, and am very hesitant about trying new foods. Since I have been here though I have decided to plunge in and try all this new stuff.

I enjoyed: homemade bread, fish 'n' brewis, and vinegar jam pie.

I am okay with: trout, crab legs and onion rings

I don't like: cold plate

I'm happy to be leaving here with my palette expanded and that I have ammunition for those people who think I don't try anything new. I've also had hard bread and purity's syrup but I'd had those before and don't mind them at all.

Music Camp at Twin Ponds

What a great week it was!!! What a tiring week it was!!!

Due to a funeral on Saturday afternoon I did not arrive at music camp until Saturday evening, but as soon as I arrived I dived right in. I got myself set up in the junior girls cabin, enjoyed some evening activities and then the campfire. Sunday I was off to the races as I played in the faculty band, led a song and got my assignments for the following week. I started off covering a level one theory class and teaching level one instrumental but was switched to junior vocal. I was only a relief theory teacher so that gave me some free time off and on throughout the week.

I was also on to lead the drama elective and that was a lot of fun. We played some drama games and did a dramatization of the song "The Twenty-First Time" which I highly recommend that you listen to if you get a chance. The kids did a great job even through the nerves of performing. There were many other performances through the week of various skits, electives and general craziness as well as the musical offerings. In fact on faculty night my session mate and I did a skit on a day in the life of a cadet that went over very well. We were also made honourary Newfoundlanders along with the vocal guest and her two daughters and another

session mate who came along for Friday and Saturday of camp.

The music aspect to this was very enriching for me as I experienced a great time in faculty band and the mixed choir. It is nice to have been playing my instrument again on a regular basis. I also really enjoyed the worship - through practicing, performing and general participation. On Sunday evening I was one of the group that headed to the Starfield concert in Grand Falls-Windsor and wow....to spend a couple of hours outside, listening to and worshiping with great music was fantastic. It really prompted me to think about freedom of worship and freedom in worship and what that means for each individual and how to promote that in any setting.

I was truly blessed to spend that week in Twin Ponds meeting some great kids and wonderful faculty members and I am very thankful for the opportunity. Now to get over this cold

For Clarification

I had a facebook status regarding my tendency to be getting into cars as their drivers decide to pull away and as this has happened multiple times and both very funny I thought I'd write up about them as the memories (one quite recent) bring a chuckle to me still.

A few years ago my church band was off to B.C. for a band trip and this time we were all car pooling in various vehicles and me and 3 other ladies went together. We were staying in a lovely house with a rather steep driveway and on our last morning we were of course packing up the car. Well, I put my foot in the car and leaned across the back to put something there and didn't the driver start to back up. I was rather alarmed as you can well imagine and I started to call out....luckily the driver stopped before going too fast or too far and I got into the car.

This morning my officer supervising me for the summer and I headed out to a visit and I was just getting into the car as she hit reverse and pulled out fast enough to cause me to fall into the car (very fortunate). When I called out she stopped and I got myself sorted and properly seated with the door closed.

So, all unbeknownst to me I apparently have a propensity for this type of accident as well as arm-breaking. Just another amusing anecdote to add to the many ones out there :).

As for things in my summer appointment - they are going well and are very busy for the next few weeks which will hopefully keep me out of trouble

Hot, Hot, Hot

Well if you meet my mom you'll find out she's almost always cold and if you meet my dad you'll find out he's often too hot. I don't know whether to class myself as fortunate or not but I am like my dad in that I am always too hot. So, I try to complain as little as possible in the winter so that I can dish it out in the summer :). Then, when someone says "we always complain that it's too cold and then complain when it gets hot" I can honestly say that's not the case for me. I don't always succeed as the winters where I'm from are long and unpredictable and Winnipeg is not any better but I do my best to save it for this time of year.

As I write this now it is after 8pm and still holding at 26 degrees. Yesterday it got to 32 degrees out here and it's hot enough to melt ya. I find the heat difficult to bear and just want to stretch out on the floor and pray for cooler weather. I will admit that I am not looking forward to the heat in the sanctuary tomorrow morning and evening. At least when I mention a hot day in my sermon we'll have a point of reference to deal with.

It's been a good week three here in Robert's Arm and I can't believe I'm heading into week four as of Monday. I was pleased to get my flight changed to head out to BC to visit my mom and my cat at the end of August and look forward to that time and then time spent in Calgary with other friends and family. I am missing home a lot this weekend as it's time for the Calgary Stampede and I am missing the parade and Glenmore Temple festivities for the first time in years. In fact I've at least attended these festivities my whole life and have been participating since I was 13 or 14 years old. It's certainly one of those milestones of being away and one that really struck me today.

Good News

Fact #1 - I cannot do this on my own

Fact #2 - I do not have to

These two statements are both completely correct. As I have been spending my time in a variety of tasks here I am reminded daily that there is no way I could be an officer on my own strength. It is a job that is filled with ups and downs and a never ending supply of work, and struggles to balance time. I noticed this at CFOT and I notice it even more in the field. I still have many questions and much to learn and as I was reminded the other day - the beginning of wisdom is "I don't know".

The joy and fulfillment of my life is that I don't have to do it alone. Yes, I'm single, I haven't lost my mind and forgotten that fact, but as with all Christians I have God within me all the time. He will never leave me. When I am nervous, unsure or wondering what to do the answers may not come immediately but God is there as a source of comfort, strength and love to hold me up no matter what.

I've already learned a LOT this summer and have no doubt that over the next 6.5 weeks I will continue to learn even more, but through all that the reminder that God is more than able is a good lesson to keep at the forefront.