Possible conclusion to an awkward moment?

I have never been a parent, but I can imagine from what I have observed that this role comes with great responsibility and pressure. For Andrew's parents that responsibility caused them to feel that finding a good Christian girl to fix their son was part of their parenting duties. This involvement in their son's life led to the awkward moment I wrote about a few weeks ago where Andrew showed up at Bible study on a Thursday night to check out the girl his parents had picked for him. I realized recently that I never provided the conclusion to this story, and so lest you miss out on my exciting life in ministry; here is the rest of that story.

When Andrew walked into Bible Study a few weeks ago, I was quite in shock. I mean for starters it seemed pretty forward to me that parents would bring their son to Bible study for the sole purpose of meeting a girl they themselves had met briefly. I think what shocked me more was that this 24-year-old boy thought it was a great idea to go to Bible study to meet the girl his parents thought would be perfect for him. I’m pretty sure if my parents made a suggestion along those lines to me, I’d run for the hills. I’ve seen my dad’s picks for me in the past; hello Amish farmers with the personality of a shoe string (nothing against the Amish; or my dad’s taste). Then again, maybe this is how things are done in this strange country called America.

After a very brief introduction to Andrew, and Mama Morton telling me I could in no way escape to my room (she was quite enjoying the situation), I proceeded to politely avoid Andrew for the rest of the evening. I breathed a sigh of relief when his family left and figured that was the end of Andrew.

Unfortunately things in life do not always go according to what seems to make sense. Two weeks later Thursday evening Bible study rolls around, and so does...you guessed it...Andrew. Equipped with black sunglasses and a diamond stud in one ear he sauntered through the door. Now maybe I am a little harsh, but to me wearing your sunglasses in someone’s house after the sun has long gone down is...well, weird. I mean, it is dark outside, unless you’ve gone blind in the past two weeks, I am pretty sure you look out of place and the cool vibe you were probably going for is not really working.

As Bible study ended I busied myself with serving the guests until Andrew cornered me and said “I’ve been waiting to talk to you for two weeks” (insert gagging on my part). I said “Oh”, and awkwardly tried to move on and offer some more refreshments to the rest of the attendees. Apparently my subtle clues were too subtle. After a few awkward conversations that were interrupted many times by the different people there, he managed to give me his number before he left. While I was putting dishes in the dishwasher he said, and I quote “Don’t worry, you don’t have to do anything to earn dinner with me.” I wasn’t really sure how to take that...and I wasn’t about to ask for an explanation.

As soon as everyone had left I sent him a text message to say that I wanted him to know that I had a boyfriend and I wasn’t looking for anything. He texted me back to say “Don’t worry doll, I think you’re really nice and I would love to hang out with you either way.” I’m pretty sure that means he doesn’t care that I have a boyfriend, but I never bothered to find out. Other than a few random text messages since that night, I have yet to see or hear from Andrew, and I’m definitely not complaining.

6 more sleeps...

This past weekend I taught my last Saturday class, and I was the world's best teacher because I brought cupcakes. As I packed away some of my regular curriculum last night it started to hit me that my three months here are coming to an end. I cannot believe how quickly time flies. In six more sleeps my family and boyfriend will arrive to help me pull off a week of VBS with the children, and then two days after they leave I will be pulling out of my Philly driveway and heading back to Canada.

This trip has been nothing that I imagined it would be; both in the good and disappointing ways that it has unfolded. I am excited about the next adventure that waits around the corner, as well as spending next week with my family and boy. Life is good.

Real life disappointments...

During my short visit to Ontario a couple of weeks ago I was asked a particular question multiple times; "So are things in Philly going as good as you say in your writing?" As I thought about my answer to that question, I realized that there are really two parts to it. On the one hand things are going as well as I say. The kids have stolen a piece of my heart, and my favourite part of the week is getting to spend time with them and interact with them (even if they do make me exhausted). The church has been extremely welcoming to me during my time here. I have been inspired by their enthusiasm and grace.

Yet, as with any ministry experience there are disappointments. When I first was talking with Mama Morton about the possibility of moving down here, one of my requests was that this would be more than just a 3 month program where I give up my time and come here to pour into the children's lives. I wanted assurance that the program would continue after I left. The Morton's felt that this would not be an issue, and that I would be starting something that they were planning on continuing to run. After being here for almost three months, I have had to face the fact that this is probably not going to happen. That this project that I have devoted my time to will probably end the moment I leave. This has been a very real disappointment for me, and has in some ways deflated the wind from my sails.

This concern was only highlighted when I was in Ontario; the children's program on Saturday was cancelled due to the holiday; however, I was told that they would have someone to teach the Sunday school class Sunday morning. When I returned I was informed that they were unable to find someone to do that, which just reinforced that it is unlikely that any of the programs I have started will continue.

I say all this to be honest about my struggles here. Sometimes I feel that I have been put on a pedestal because I made a decision to give up three months of my life and give to others. I have realized that you can do a lot of good things with your life, but have the wrong motives thus missing the point entirely. My purpose for this trip was to make a difference in people's lives. God's purpose for this trip I think was to make changes in my own life. This entire process has been God continually pointing out things in my life that need to be changed; attitudes, thoughts, and actions.

So as much as I have been discouraged recently with the fact that what I am doing here may never be continued, I have to remind myself that God is so much bigger then what I can see. I have no idea what seeds have been planted, or what His plan is. I just know that this experience has humbled me into realizing how inadequate and self-centered I really am; and I hope I don't forget that lesson any time soon.

The NYC experience that is Canal Street.

"Gucci, Prada, Vuitton". The moment you come across small women mumbling these words under their breath like some sort of mantra (or a crazy person), you know you've reached the right place. This is Canal Street, and although you probably won't find this place listed in many New York City tourist books, it is a vital part of a true NYC experience.

It all starts the minute you emerge from the underground subway; you are greeted by absolute mayhem. Hundreds of people fill the streets, little shops the size of closets line each side, and vendors with large suitcases and duffel bags sit on the sidewalk. This is the place where knock-off items such as purses, sunglasses, jewellery and the likes are sold. Along with any NYC souvenir you could possibly want.

I love bartering with the shop keepers for the best price on the items I am purchasing, even though I know they are probably robbing me blind. I love the excitement and throb of the crowd and following little ladies through back allies and streets so they can show me what they have to sell. It probably sounds pretty sketchy, but if you ever visit NYC, you need to make a stop on Canal Street. I think you will get hooked. Just make sure you barter, it’s all part of the experience.

You can't make this up...

My favourite shot from Ellis Island

We arrived in New York City Monday, and it has been a whirlwind of firsts and adventures since our feet touched the train platform in New York Penn Station. I don’t think it has really sunk in yet that I am sitting in a condo in Manhattan and seeing all the sites that have only been in movies up until this point. It is quite an experience to say the least, and I am thoroughly enjoying it.

Tuesday was a whirlwind of subways, ferries and sights that included the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Canal Street (whoot whoot for knock off items and “secret” back rooms), the outskirts of Little Italy, ground zero, and then the Staten Island ferry to see the skyline at night. Not bad for one day.

Tomorrow is the MET and Central Park. I love every minute of being here, and our condo is fantastic, and really close to all the major attractions.

Andrea and I on the ferry to the Statue of Liberty

The city that never sleeps...why hello New York.

One of the awesome things about Philly is that it is very central to some amazing places, such as the New Jersey Shore, Washington, DC, and of course the famous New York City. One of my best friends from London is flying down to Philly and we are going to head out to New York City on Monday for five days. As you can imagine, I am totally excited and cannot wait. I am sure it will be a week jam packed with adventure and excitement.

Completely sold out.

I sometimes wonder what it looks like to be completely sold out for God. A few years ago I was sent an article about two men who decided to leave everything they loved and had and be sold into modern day slavery so that they could bring Jesus to those who were slaves. What struck me was that it wasn't a one year experience, there was no 911, or back-up plan if they decided to change their mind. They were putting their lives at risk, they were willingly taking on hardship and suffering, and they were doing it for the rest of their earthly lives. This type of commitment and dedication to what they believe in blows my mind.

I mean, I think it’s a rough day if the weather is over 80, the air conditioner won’t work, and I have multiple discipline issues in my class. I thought it was a rough day when I decided to give up diet Pepsi for the 40 days of lent, when my trainer told me to do 20 minutes of sprints after a really tough workout, or when I had to wait 15 minutes in line at the grocery store. I can’t even begin to imagine willingly becoming a slave so that I could use my life and words as a witness to those who are forced into the same situation.

I think these men are a good example of what sold out for God can look like. I think that I have let society sell me it’s version of sold out, which frankly is not denying myself or taking up my cross, but rather complaining and grumbling through any “hardship” or “calamity” that comes my way. Which leads me to the question; am I really ready to be sold out for God?

I'm from Canada eh!

Since living here in Philly I have come across some amusing differences between how things are said in Canada compared to the U.S., and I thought I would share some of them with you.

In Philly running shoes are called sneakers, but there is a further qualifier. Unlike in Canada where running shoes covers all kinds of shoes that can be used for sports, walking, etc, here in Philly you would say sneakers for walking, or sneakers for running, or sneakers for yoga. It amuses them that I would say running shoes for all types of different shoes instead of saying runners for walking or runners for running.

Another difference here is that they call subs hoagies. So if you are ever here and want a sub, be sure to say a hoagie otherwise you’ll be the cause of some snickering or confused looks.

Some of the famous differences; pop is called soda, grocery stores are called supermarkets, and you take out the trash here instead of the garbage.

And one of the really different slang words I have come across: a slam is what a gun is referred to as in the “hood”.

I am sure this list will grow before my time is up here. For now I provide amusement to the American’s with my Canadian accent and funny way of saying things.

The real story.

The air conditioning unit shuddered and groaned like an old women trying to climb a flight of stairs. I walked across the room towards the window while mentally trying to will it into producing some cool air. I could feel sweat trickling down my back in a steady line as I leaned over and hit the side of the unit. It was 88 degrees out, but the worst part was the 79% humidity that filled the air leaving everything in its path soggy. I questioned why I had even bothered to shower this morning before heading into the city to teach the kids.

As I turned to face the classroom, Cyrus told me that it was too cold in the room and he wanted a sweater. I groaned and tried to push back the hair that was sticking to my forehead. If this was cold, there was no way I was going to survive the summer.

After the previous lesson focusing on the introduction to the 10 commandments, we spent the class taking a closer look at the first and second commandments. I was excited about this unit as I had some fabulous curriculum from my church back home, and I wouldn't have to write the entire thing like I did for my last unit on Creation. I was on my own this week with 13 children, which went better than expected all things considered. I had a few discipline issues, but that has become a norm. Any time you put 13 children ranging from kindergarten to grade 6 in a class there are bound to be some issues that crop up.

To be honest, I was rather disappointed with the children's response to the lesson. Half of them felt the movie was dumb, and the other half wavered between actually wanting to watch it and wanting to be cool like the kids who thought it wasn't worth their time. Craft time turned into a free-for-all as supplies were scattered all over the room. I am quickly learning that a respect for other people's property and stuff is not something that is taught to most of these children, which often leaves me very frustrated as I spend a lot of time putting together the lessons and coming up with ideas that will engage the children.

As I spent 20 minutes after the kids had left on my hands and knees picking up the scattered supplies and grumbling to myself about not being appreciated I realized that I hadn't really spent a lot of time praying about the class this week. In fact, I spent more time relying on the good curriculum and preparing the lesson then bringing each of these children forward in prayer. It seemed pretty ridiculous of me to expect that the lesson I brought forward would touch and change these children's attitudes and lives when my own was rather self-serving.

I had a lot to think about as I drove home, including a prayer for cooler weather.

The craziness called May.

Logan and I sharing Auntie and Nephew time.

I am back in Philly after a crazy past two weeks that involved a last minute decision to travel to Ontario, meeting my new nephew Logan, the engagement of my brother to his girlfriend, the anniversary of meeting my boyfriend, Justin, 3 years ago, and topped off with my first trip ever to the Jersey Shore. As you can see, it has been quite an exciting few weeks to say the least. There are so many stories that I need to write down, but right now my bed is covered with laundry to be done, bags to unpack, and lessons to write. So for now, I will leave a few pictures of the past few weeks.


The ring that Caleb designed himself and used Canadian diamonds to make.


Justin and Judah taking a break at the playground.


Watching the boat go by at the Jersey Shore.