Cold Stone Creamery

We were able to go on vacation to New York for a week and I enjoyed many things about returning to the U.S. like Yoplait yogurt, black Bic Pens, Plan-Ahead Day planners and COLD STONE ICE CREAM!!!! (Yay for David's birthday and the free coupon!) We had lots of fun exploring the Adirondack Mountains. We are so thankful for the chance to be able to take a bit of well needed rest and fun!

Leanne and Daniel's Wedding

Congratulations to Leanne (David's sister) and Daniel (his friend) who were married September 12! Here's the current family group (Sarah, Melissa, Karen (mom), Leanne, Daniel, John (dad), Matthew, David).

HEALTH CARD!!!!

September 12 was a very exciting day! Not only did David's sister Leanne get married (which is wonderful in itself!) but I now officially have Ontario Health Coverage and can flash my very own health card! After 15 months of waiting it's finally arrived! Yahoo!

Strangest Summer Picture

If we were to vote on our pictures, I would have to say that this is the funniest picture of our summer missionaries from this summer. It could be told like this:

"See Greg get wet in the river.

Greg is sad and soggy.

Greg wants to dry his pants (without using the dryer offered).

See Greg (try) to dry his pants over a fire."

I guess it's what happens when a Toronto boy goes north!

Sickness but God is Good!

The last few weeks seem to be one battle with sickness after another! I've had a very annoying and consist ant cough for 5 weeks that still is fighting. It made it a big struggle to be at camp and try to talk with kids or to teach. I thought I was starting to get better just in time for David to get hit with a nasty cold last week, so I was able to do more of the teaching. I thought I might end up teaching most of it by myself. Instead, David started to get better and on Wednesday I was hit with a horrible sore throat that knocked me out, barely able to speak or swallow...so David was actually the one that had to teach two days of VBS by himself last week! I wish I could have seen him do the skit with Sheriff Do-Right and Cowboy Oops when he had to switch back and forth and do both parts! =]

Since my health card doesn't come until September 12th (so I don't have health coverage yet), I didn't want to go to the doctor. However, it was to the point that something had to be done! David took me into a walk-in clinic where you are required to pay $60+ to see the doctor if you don't have a health card. We explained the situation and were told that was the only option we had. After a 15 min wait (yahoo! not 1-3 hours like the ER!) I was seen by the doctor who gave me antibiotics after he told me my tonsils were "impressive". The really cool thing was that without my even asking, he asked about my situation and said we didn't have to pay! So, we're praising God for his care and provision! Yeah for a positive first time experience with the Canadian health care system!

So, day 4 on the drugs I'm slowly get better from strep throat/tonsillitis. The knives in the back of throat have shrunk from machetes to table knives and will hopefully be all gone soon!

North Family

Here is the "after" picture with our kids (thanks Greg for the idea!) It is definitely true that they like slightly more enthusiastic to be together after 6 weeks! =]

Every other area had a "team" while we ended up as the "North Family". The girls left a box of their summer memories and random items for us because they thought it was the safest place. I guess they really are our kids...they leave their stuff with us even after they move away! =] They all came up with a guess of what everyone will be doing in 10 years...we'll see how close they are! They've also been talking about planning a "family reunion" at our place sometime this year, which would be a blast! Across Ontario 3109 children were reached with 128 confessions of salvation through 127 clubs. In the north there were around 400 children reached with 19 decisions for Christ! Praise the Lord!

Summer

(Girls paddle boating at camp)

It's hard to believe that stores are putting out fall decorations already when it feels like summer weather has FINALLY come to Ontario! It actually got to be 80*F! Imagine that! =] We had beautiful weather for Camp Good News last week, while Monarch Bible Camp was a bit on the cool and rainy side. Okay, enough of my complaining and talk about the weather!

( Monarch Bible Camp)

Although our role was much different this year as supervisors for several weeks rather than directly teaching the kids, the weeks we have/are teaching kids are definite highlights despite my fighting a horribly hacking cough. We did enjoy working with our Northern Team/Family and seeing the incredible growth in each one over the past six weeks. I can't even describe the joy, struggles, boost in confidence and spiritual growth that has taken place in "our kids". As we saw the 41 CEF summer missionaries reunite for "Welcome Home" and heard their testimonies, the power of God was unmistakable. To God be the glory for the 3100 kids reached in Ontario and over 100 making decisions for Christ!


This week David and I are teaching a VBS in Severn Bridge. 11 kids came today (plus an older sister). One seven year old boy said it was the first time he's ever been in a church. One little girl referred to the lay pastor as "the manager". We are excited to see what God is going to do this week and praying the kids will stay connected with this church! David is quite sick right now, so I'm hoping he gets better so I don't have to tell all the stories the whole week. =]

Noah's Ark

This is a grainy video of the first performance of the Noah's Ark magic trick at a Vacation Bible Camp in Bracebridge. David did a 30 min. "special feature" show with a message. This was the grand finale. The kids (and adults) loved it! David loved that they couldn't figure it out too!

Even more exciting than that, one of the girls that attended our Good News Club accepted Jesus as her Saviour today at the Vacation Bible Camp!

Cabin Inspection Notes

David and I became the cabin inspectors at camp. It's quite a fun job...especially when the students get creative and leave notes along with candy bribes! We were sharing with all the staff because we got so much loot! The importance of tidyness can not be overlooked as part of training, however, as the students will spend the next 6 weeks in host homes where they need to act like civilized guests!

(These notes are from 2 girls' cabins.)


(This is from a guys' cabin.)
"We're not much for words
Us cabin four
But we vigourously cleaned our floor
For your lovely reward

We put into action
For your satisfaction
We put away our toys
To bring your face joy

Some may call it soda
Some may call it pop
But it will surely make your mouth drop

We know you'll enjoy our chocolate and candy
Because our room is looking so dandy
You can also have some gum
For this room ain't a dump

Only time will tell
If our room's the most swell
But until then,
We hope you hear our wishes
Please don't make us do dishes

We love you David and Sarah

Our Kids!

Meet the Northern Ontario team for CEF 2009!

(Left to Right) Sarah "Mom" from U.S., Ashley L. from Simcoe area, Ashley B. from Thunder Bay and is Ojibway, Greg from Toronto area with family from Taiwan, Daniel from Toronto area with family from Sri Lanka, and "Dad" David.

We are blessed to be mentoring and working with these four teens! They've claimed this as their family and started calling us mom and dad! =] Please pray for them as they continue teaching their first week of clubs. Please pray that children will come to all of the clubs this summer and God will work in their lives!

It's SOOOO exciting to see the transformation that has already been taking place in these students lives from the time they began the two week "Summer Training Institute". All 62 students were a joy to get to know and work with! How exciting to think of what God is going to do in and through their lives!