An early Thanksgiving in Canada

Getting to spend a month back home in Canada was a huge gift for me and for Walter.  It was wonderful for me to reconnect with family, friends, church, and my homeland, just as it was for Walter to get to know all of the above along with a first-hand taste of the culture and beautiful landscapes.

Walter enjoyed Canada very much.  His first comment was of the plane landscape.  He was impressed by turning lanes, the longer days, Alberta BBQ'd steak, and has become a fellow fan of Tim Horton's coffee!  He noted that Canadians are very warm and friendly, and that in Canada if someone bumps into you, the person is quick to say "Sorry!", though many times it may be both parties to say so.  However, Canada lacks in the quantity of food for your buck.  We also noticed that everyone is very hurried, in a rush, and constantly on the go.  And, in Walter's opinion, at least 70% are always texting, texting, texting.  (Though you will see the same number in Peru but with people talking on their cells).

For the sake of love and respect of patriotism, we have dropped the question of who's mountains are better.  Though I will say, there were a lot of "Wow's" and "SO beautiful's" from Walter.  Despite a lot of photos taken through the car window, many of them turned out quite well!

It was really helpful that Walter could skype back to his office nearly every weekday, to keep things going with his tourism business.

It was a blessing to have a good home-made Canadian Thanksgiving meal a week before the true date (thanks Lauren for suggesting, and Mom for accomodating!)
Reflecting on things to be thankful for, my list is long, and I won't publish it all here, but some of those things include getting to celebrate in Amber & Taylor's wedding, an autumn that was abundant in warmth and color, spending days in the country at the farm or catching fish after fish on Battle Lake, a mini honey-moon in the majestic Rocky Mountains, hearing the geese land on the water one evening and awakening to their welcome the next morning right outside our window, a small taste of the Northern Lights, Tim Horton's coffees, home-cooked farm meals by Mom, and Prairie sunsets.

Thanks to my church, family and friends who made our time special, and for those who lent or offered to lend resources so we could enjoy our time even more-so (like vehicles to drive!).

It really felt that our time there was a God given gift!

Congratulations Amber & Taylor!

Bridal Party photos at the farm

Us with my brothers and Lauren 

Beautiful Rockies in Autumn

 

Malign Canyon Hike

Amazing Fall

Trevor & Lauren's grand dogs!

Large potatotes this year at the farm

 

 

Harvest season

Prairie Sunsets

 

 

 

We left the airport at 10 am Wednesday and arrived back to Cusco mid Thursday morning, tired, but thankful for all luggage intact. 

I was welcomed with the strongest hug and a kiss from sweet Adriano (who turns 3 today) when I stepped back through the doors of the Casa and was delighted to see and kiss all the babies and kids.  Walter is back in his tourism office attempting to get organized.

We are happy to welcome Julie visiting from my home region, and anticipating the arrival of the small church team coming with Pastor Bill in 3 short weeks!

This weekend,

Happy Thanksgiving Canada!

 

"Every good and perfect gift is from above..."  James 1:17a

 

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." 

Psalm 118:1

  

^"1a Praise the Lord...

² Great are the works of the Lord;
they are pondered by all who delight in them.
³ Glorious and majestic are his deeds,
and his righteousness endures forever.
⁴ He has caused his wonders to be remembered;
the Lord is gracious and compassionate.
⁵ He provides food for those who fear him;
    he remembers his covenant forever.

 

⁶ He has shown his people the power of his works,
    giving them the lands of other nations.
⁷ The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy.
⁸ They are established for ever and ever,
enacted in faithfulness and uprightness.
⁹ He provided redemption for his people;
he ordained his covenant forever—
holy and awesome is his name.

¹⁰ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
    all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
    To him belongs eternal praise."

Psalm 111