All Is Well.

Hey all! Sorry for the lack of updates, life has been ridiculously busy here(been pulling the equivalent of 60 hour work weeks). But we got housing for the team! We're in two separate apartments (same complex), but we've got a home. So all is well.
We've been working out all the logistics for the drop in centre. Who knew so much paperwork was involved?  
I've been cooking for the team almost every day (our intentional team time is during supper) and enjoying it immensely. 
We want to start a 'cafe' of sorts for the youth once every couple weeks, but we're having some issues finding a place we could do it. We're not able to do it at the YMCA (same place as the drop in) because it's fully booked for the week. Please be praying that we find somewhere to host this  I'm hoping to have some baking days with some youth during the cafe once we find a place, and starting up a creatives class of sorts, where those who are interested can learn how to make lip balms, body lotions/creams, etc. I will be fundraising for supplies for this once it's final that we have somewhere to do it. The kids are fans of the crafty stuff, and a few have already spoken interest in regards to it so I think it'll be good.
Aaaaand The Anchor is on Instagram, so go follow us if you like to Instagram: @AnchorNewRoss. Our first drop in night is tomorrow evening! Woohoo! I'm so excited!
I love you guys and miss you all! Thank you SO SO much for the prayers. Please be praying for me for energy re: Saturday. I'm going to need it immensely. Those kids have a ridiculous amount of energy and I need to be on my A game to keep up with them. I'm taking a muchly needed introvert day on Sunday so I can rest and recharge. It is a nice change though, being able to love what you do. I understand now when people say they love what they do, even though it's exhausting. It's worth it all and leaves you with a good feeling 

Honeymooning

Well, the honeymoon phase is over.

I'm homesick.

Today, I was feeling restless. I didn't want to go exploring the town or countryside, all I wanted to do was sit and be surrounded by familiarity. I miss being around the familiar. 

I miss having Tim Hortons around every corner.

I miss everyone saying "eh".

I miss my church family.
I miss the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

I miss effing maple syrup! I KNOW it's SUCH a Canadian thing to say. But I really do.

I miss griping about the snow. I DO NOT miss snow.

I'm tired of being stared at. It's Cambodia all over again. The locals know we're not one of them, so they all stare at us. Every. Damn. Day. Every time we step outside. Stares. All day long.

Most of them hear my accent and automatically think I'm American, so they're very rude to me. It's such a shame they don't hear the difference between American and Canadian accents.

I miss my Momma. And my kitties. Aren't they just so precious?

So, I did what I could do to make myself feel better. I found the local SPAR convenience store. They usually carry Tim Hortons coffee at a self serve machine.

I put on Lauren Mann and the Fairly Odd Folk. Best local talent from YYC(Seriously go check em out. So legit). I opened the letter from my best friend entitled "For When You're Homesick".

And I word vomited all over this blog. And now I feel better.

This isn't new for me. As every missionary knows, it happens every time you go overseas for an extended amount of time. But that doesn't make it any easier.

So you do what you can. You grieve and you move on.

I miss home. But I'm still so excited about what Jesus is going to do in New Ross. Everyone can feel it. And it's what is keeping me going.
God's got something big planned for this little town. 

It's the calm before the storm.

Bring it on.

When I was a child, I grew up in a small town; our backyard was right next to a wooded area with fields and pastures. I would go exploring there all the time. Then we moved to a big city. 

After sixteen years of being surrounded by a concrete jungle, I finally get to awaken those desires to walk into rolling hills and embark on new adventures, 

and my heart rejoices.