Travelling

The last few weeks have felt a bit like we haven't been home much.  No time for us to sit around and get bored!  But what else is new, aren't we always on the go?  We decided to travel to Calgary to visit friends and relatives whom we hadn't seen since our return from Bolivia.  The day before we were to leave, I got a call to sub not only that day but the morning that we were planning to leave.  We decided it would be doable for me to work, as long as we were organized.

We left around 1:30 in the afternoon after I finished work and off we went!  The kids travelled marvellously and kept themselves occupied with books, listening to music, and watching a movie.  Even Elena didn't mind being in the car seat for such a long time.  She enjoyed some cuddle time when we stopped to get gas or go to the bathroom.  We even drove an hour further than we had planned.

The next day we arrived in Calgary at Tim and Danae's.  Oh, it was absolutely wonderful to see them and the girls and spend some time with them.  We caught up on all aspects of our lives, which was really good and of course emotional.  The kids all had a great time playing together and the time went by way too quickly.  It was special to see them in their "new" home (they had moved since we last saw them three years ago) and to have a small glimpse into their life.  It was hard to say goodbye, since it'll be a while until we see them again.  They are amazing people and we are so blessed to have them as friends.

After church it was off to see Dave and Kendra.  We had a tasty lunch and the conversation never paused for a moment. The kids played together so well while we visited. We shared about our lives and how the last few months have gone.  The hours passed too quickly and soon we had to dry our tears and say farewell.  Even though it was a small amount of time with Dave and Kendra, it was so rich.

Then we headed to my grandma's house.  She actually wasn't there because she was in the hospital (a little unexpected, but she was fine).  My dad flew out and my cousin and her boyfriend were also there.  A nice surprise to see my cousin Heather and Johnny, since we hadn't seen them since Kezia was a baby.

The next morning we headed off to visit my aunt and uncle.  Of course we were served an enormous amount of food and left with armfuls of gifts.  Comic books and a dolly and of course candy.  The kids really enjoyed themselves and we had a great time catching up with them.

Back into the van.....

I spent the afternoon at the hospital visiting my grandma, which was very special.  I don't think I have ever had 3 hours solid to visit with her by myself.  She is quite the amazing women.  We talked about life and journeying, God and prayer, houses and weather.  My dad came to pick me up from the hospital, but we were coming back later.  The nurses and the doctors said it was fine if the kids came to see her too.  Carl and I had thought we couldn't bring the kids and we were so disappointed.  She wouldn't be discharged until after we had to leave and Grandma hadn't met Elena yet, nor seen the other kids in over 3 years!

That evening, the kids came with their Bolivia photo books in hand and lots of hugs for Grandma.  We didn't stay a long while, but it was so special that she could see the kids.  Elena sat contentedly on her lap so Grandma could get to know her and talk to her.

Off back to her house for baths in the great big tub (sorry Grandma if there was water damage!) and then into pyjamas.  Carl and I were packing and did last minute stuff before heading to bed.  My dad was planning to stay until the following day when Grandma would be discharged, so it was nice he could send us off.

The trip back was going to be the whole way back...all 15 hours.  Ouch.  Carl and I were preparing ourselves for a nightmare trip, but because we had appointments on Wednesday, we couldn't break the trip into two days.  I guess the kids were super tired because the first half of the trip was pretty uneventful.  Most of the kids slept, some read books and Elena popped out her side top tooth.  Not the front, but the right lateral incisor.

The second half of the trip was filled with two movies, more books (then reading by flashlights), music sing-a-longs, more sandwiches and granola bars, about an hour of fussing (Elena, not Carl) and then snoring.  We made it home safely and the kids stumbled into their beds.  Whew!

It was a whirlwind trip and some may think we were a bit crazy, but it was definitely worth it.  It was life giving for us to be with our friends and be with them where they are at right now.  To spend time with Grandma and my aunt and uncle and then for our kids to have great lil' friends to get to know again.  We were reminded that in this transition stage in our life, we have quite a bit of freedom to go on a trip like this.  We were reminded that life is so so precious and to make every opportunity to cherish the ones around us.  And God definitely ministered to us as we sat in the presence of some pretty amazing people.  Even though there was no Ikea trip or Cheesecake factory gorge, it was probably one of the most memorable trips out west we have had.