Well at 12:35 we touched down at our final destination...HOME!
The take off from Toronto was delayed and then the time it took to de-ice the plane was pretty long too. The de-icer was this neon green goo! I thought that part was on of my highlights of the trip home. Well, perhaps it was second to the pat down at security!
I had the window seat again, only this time i was stuck with two large people blocking me from the bathroom. I realized that there is no real prime seat on a plane. If you are in the aisle seat you have quick access to the bathroom... but you get bumped as people pass you and can't stick your one leg farther then your seat or it gets hit by the snack cart. Then, if you are smack in the middle seat you loose all personal space and have to fight both people for the arm rests! That seat is a lose-lose situation. Yet if you sit in the window seat you have a view and a head rest but you lose at the exit plan when you need the washroom... soooo really, your screwed .
But, at least its faster then a bus!
I caught a glimpse of a few empty seats that were together near the back of the plane on my trip to the washroom and decided to move to one. This gave me more space and felt soooooo much more comfortable.
This flight had the most turbulence of all our flights. I thought for sure we had been just really lucky.... and then we shook.. I truly get a bit more nervous then I even expect when this happens. Luckly, about half way through the trip Louise lent me her ipod and I listened to some great worship music and calmed down enough to rest my eyes.
So we got to the airport after the longest 4 hour ride of my life. We made it but a lot of our luggage did not. That's right! About 5 of our bins were left at Toronto and were expected in at about 7pm. Well, Melanie was kind enough to offer to come back and retreave the bags at the later time.
I got a ride from the airport with Pastor Coreen (who was also my awesome roomie), her husband Dave and Louise. We drove to Spruce Grove Alliance Church where my car had been left parked. I was ready to go home!
This trip has been amazing.... minus the cough I have, minus the bug bites I am still scratching and minus the sleep i have been missing. However, the seeds sown in those children, teachers and in us, the friendships and the beach were all worth it!
Thank you for your prayers and support!
If you would like information about Seeds International please go to : www.seeds.org
Pastor Coreen will be taking a SEEDS team down in 2012, if you are interested in going with the SGAC team please email her at : coreen.frey@sgac.net
love Grace!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
On The Road Again...
Well, here we are at the Pearson Airport in Toronto. We came in from Antigua last night at 10:20pm and waited for our shuttle to the Best Western Hotel. While waiting for the shuttle we were blessed to spend a little more time just being with eachother.
We finally got to the hotel at 11pm. The beds and pillows there were fantastic, we'd all agree!
Louise and I had asked the front desk for a 630am wake up call but never recieved it. Thanks to my bladder though we woke up 30 minutes before we had to leave. We may not smell fantastic but we are rested!
We are off to Edmonton this morning at 10am. The group has made it most successfully through security and we are just enjoying the traditional Canadian coffee and breakfast from Tim Horton's.
As we are all awaiting the end of the trip I know that a part of us doesn't want this experience to end. God changes us if we allow it and let him take on the hardships; times when we run out of patience and forgiveness. I know that the revelation I wanted is just starting to appear as we are coming home. Some want a big BANG change, others needed of assurance that they can still make a difference. I know that whatever changes were made in us were not of our own doing and that God is continuing to shape us throughout life wherever we are. Life IS a missions trip. Our MISSION is to LOVE. Sounds easy hey! Well, i guess it depends on your definition of love. The Bible says that this is love:
So can we be more patient and kind... will we endure when we are pressured by ignorance or hardships. Could we be more humble?...forgiving? generous? We can if we know who are source of strength is. I will take how the fact that i could improve on all of those characteristics
... oh we are leaving the airport, finish later!
We finally got to the hotel at 11pm. The beds and pillows there were fantastic, we'd all agree!
Louise and I had asked the front desk for a 630am wake up call but never recieved it. Thanks to my bladder though we woke up 30 minutes before we had to leave. We may not smell fantastic but we are rested!
We are off to Edmonton this morning at 10am. The group has made it most successfully through security and we are just enjoying the traditional Canadian coffee and breakfast from Tim Horton's.
As we are all awaiting the end of the trip I know that a part of us doesn't want this experience to end. God changes us if we allow it and let him take on the hardships; times when we run out of patience and forgiveness. I know that the revelation I wanted is just starting to appear as we are coming home. Some want a big BANG change, others needed of assurance that they can still make a difference. I know that whatever changes were made in us were not of our own doing and that God is continuing to shape us throughout life wherever we are. Life IS a missions trip. Our MISSION is to LOVE. Sounds easy hey! Well, i guess it depends on your definition of love. The Bible says that this is love:
"Love is patient, Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast. It is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self seeking it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but delights in the truth. It always protects, always trusts always hopes always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
So can we be more patient and kind... will we endure when we are pressured by ignorance or hardships. Could we be more humble?...forgiving? generous? We can if we know who are source of strength is. I will take how the fact that i could improve on all of those characteristics
... oh we are leaving the airport, finish later!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Final Boarding Call
Well, the story today has been, "hurry up and wait". Leaving out base at 7:30am to arrive at the airport in Antigua on time was a great idea, until the plane was delayed an hour. Luckily there was much shopping to be done in the only shop at the airport. Boy did they like us there! It's no use fightin "Caribbean time"... "no worries mon!" Good thing we had a 5 hour layover in Barbados where we enjoyed sun shine and coconut icecream for the last few moments of our stay.
Now the count down has reached 5 minutes till boarding...God is so good. Thank you Lord for safe travels and a blessed time here in paradise! Antigua, you have our hearts!
Now the count down has reached 5 minutes till boarding...God is so good. Thank you Lord for safe travels and a blessed time here in paradise! Antigua, you have our hearts!
DEPARTURE DAY
We are getting ready to leave the Mount St Taber Retreat Centre... the place is a bustle with movement as everybody is eating breakfast and doing their packing. We have leftover brownies from last night so some are having that as their breakfast others are having whatever leftovers
Jonathan, Glennis and Micheal are driving us and our luggage to the airport for 8 am.
We have a departure at 9:15am to Barbados.
We stop in Barbados for a 5 hour layover and then head to Toronto to spend the night at the Best Western before arriving to Edmonton, Canada on the 1st. We should arrive home at 12:30pm on Tuesday!
We find out that the departure tax is now 70 EC (about 30 $US) instead of 50 EC...ughhh... but all is well as everyone pools together funds to get us out of the country.
We wait in the departure area and the team cruises through the Duty Free shop for some great gifts! Our flight is delayed so we sit and chat....
i will update you later when we are in the Barbados airport!
Jonathan, Glennis and Micheal are driving us and our luggage to the airport for 8 am.
We have a departure at 9:15am to Barbados.
We stop in Barbados for a 5 hour layover and then head to Toronto to spend the night at the Best Western before arriving to Edmonton, Canada on the 1st. We should arrive home at 12:30pm on Tuesday!
We find out that the departure tax is now 70 EC (about 30 $US) instead of 50 EC...ughhh... but all is well as everyone pools together funds to get us out of the country.
We wait in the departure area and the team cruises through the Duty Free shop for some great gifts! Our flight is delayed so we sit and chat....
i will update you later when we are in the Barbados airport!
Saturday at Jolly Beach
Our ``Fun Day`` is at Jolly Beach! Jonathan picked us all up at 9:15am and we headed to the all inclusive resort for a day of fun and relaxation.
The day was hot and sunny. We arrived and recieved our wristbands which would give us access to the resort`s ammenities. There was Kayaking, Sailing, Water Volley Ball, Sea Shell art, Beach Volleyball and much, much more....
We separated into grounds to find our breakfast. Since the buffet breakfast was over we had the continental breakfast. Great fruit and yogurt!
Louise, Amy, Penny and the Degenhardt boys headed to the beach to grab a good spot. The beach was busy and there were no lounge chairs so we just laid down our towels. I wanted to look around so a group of us ventured down the beach, others went looking for sea shells.
There were many vendors around the beach selling dresses, wraps and jewelry.
Every lady on our team had bought at least one dress so I really wanted to find on here on our last day to buy souvenirs.
Penny and I soon found ourselves by the pool. Here there were a lot of loungers availabe and it was just more relaxing there then by the beach. Of course the pool wouldnt be the same without a cool beverage so we also went to get refreshing drinks. I had a Blue Lagoon and Penny treated herself to a Antigua Kiss! As we went back to our chairs we noticed that a lot of our team members were in another end of the pool getting ready to play beach volleyball. I finished my drink and we both headed in! I can`t say wich team actually won the game but it was a lot of fun!
After volleyball we walked down the beach and found the Kayaks. Amy and I went in a double kayak and Gezina and Louise took another. This was probably a highlight of my day! The water in Antigua is just soooooooooo unreal! It is so turquoise blue... salty as heck though! The water stings my eyes actually so i dont go under very often.
We soon headed to the lunch buffet where a bunch of the team already were eating. The buffet was tasty for sure! I wont give you to many details but I will let your imagination run wild there!
As time was passing quickly I knew I should search the shops for a dress before it was too late.
After trying quite a few different styles I decided on a colorful mid-length sundress. All of us have gotten some really nice dresses!
There were some children playing near one of the shops and they recognized us from the Bolands school performances. Louise and I got playing with these kids for sometime. It is great to see the kids again!
I can`t even recall the time it was at this point in time but we`d all agree it past too quickly.
We made sure we ate at the poolside grill before our departure at 5pm.
There were grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, fried chicken and fries! It was when we were eating on the top level of the grill that we noticed the sea shell art that was soon starting.
The sea shell art was just a bunch of random shells and a glue gun and we kinda poked fun at the idea, but we soon found ourselves all crowding the table in search of the best shells to glue together!
We are leaving the airport, i will finish the post later! .....
....never mind, we are delayed!
ok, so where was I.... hmmm ok, ya
so after the seashell art we had to go get ready for pickup... our day at Jolly Beach was coming to an end ):
The day was hot and sunny. We arrived and recieved our wristbands which would give us access to the resort`s ammenities. There was Kayaking, Sailing, Water Volley Ball, Sea Shell art, Beach Volleyball and much, much more....
We separated into grounds to find our breakfast. Since the buffet breakfast was over we had the continental breakfast. Great fruit and yogurt!
Louise, Amy, Penny and the Degenhardt boys headed to the beach to grab a good spot. The beach was busy and there were no lounge chairs so we just laid down our towels. I wanted to look around so a group of us ventured down the beach, others went looking for sea shells.
There were many vendors around the beach selling dresses, wraps and jewelry.
Every lady on our team had bought at least one dress so I really wanted to find on here on our last day to buy souvenirs.
Penny and I soon found ourselves by the pool. Here there were a lot of loungers availabe and it was just more relaxing there then by the beach. Of course the pool wouldnt be the same without a cool beverage so we also went to get refreshing drinks. I had a Blue Lagoon and Penny treated herself to a Antigua Kiss! As we went back to our chairs we noticed that a lot of our team members were in another end of the pool getting ready to play beach volleyball. I finished my drink and we both headed in! I can`t say wich team actually won the game but it was a lot of fun!
After volleyball we walked down the beach and found the Kayaks. Amy and I went in a double kayak and Gezina and Louise took another. This was probably a highlight of my day! The water in Antigua is just soooooooooo unreal! It is so turquoise blue... salty as heck though! The water stings my eyes actually so i dont go under very often.
We soon headed to the lunch buffet where a bunch of the team already were eating. The buffet was tasty for sure! I wont give you to many details but I will let your imagination run wild there!
As time was passing quickly I knew I should search the shops for a dress before it was too late.
After trying quite a few different styles I decided on a colorful mid-length sundress. All of us have gotten some really nice dresses!
There were some children playing near one of the shops and they recognized us from the Bolands school performances. Louise and I got playing with these kids for sometime. It is great to see the kids again!
I can`t even recall the time it was at this point in time but we`d all agree it past too quickly.
We made sure we ate at the poolside grill before our departure at 5pm.
There were grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, fried chicken and fries! It was when we were eating on the top level of the grill that we noticed the sea shell art that was soon starting.
The sea shell art was just a bunch of random shells and a glue gun and we kinda poked fun at the idea, but we soon found ourselves all crowding the table in search of the best shells to glue together!
We are leaving the airport, i will finish the post later! .....
....never mind, we are delayed!
ok, so where was I.... hmmm ok, ya
so after the seashell art we had to go get ready for pickup... our day at Jolly Beach was coming to an end ):
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Saturday, Jan 29- BEACH DAY AT THE JOLLY BEACH RESORT
Today we are off to enjoy a great day at the Jolly Beach Resort !
We will have the whole day at the all-inclusive resort to play in the ocean and relax by the pool.
Jonathan is picking us up at 9:15am. We will have the buffet lunch and then check the activities that are for that afternoon....
So we arrived at Jolly Beach as scheduled and took in the sights! Its just like off a beach calendar! The breakfast was continental because we came after the buffet breakfast. We enjoyed fresh fruit, biscuits, yogurt and cheese. The activities board was full of things to do. Everyone took turns telling what they would really like to do that afternoon and then we set off to plot a spot on the busy beach until the rest of the adults were done eating. A group of us decided to walk down the beach to see the shops. Some enjoyed the water right away and got busy looking for nice sea shells to take home. The Kayaking was something Gezina, Louise, Amy and I really wanted to do so in the mid afternoon that is just what we did. The kayaking was sooo fun! We ventured all the way to the far side of the beach and started to imagine we were part of a wild adventure to find safety after our plane was crashed in the ocean off shore.
Later that afternoon we took part of the water volleyball. We had a great time with some other hotel patrons and the resort staff.
Lunch came all to quickly... Some of us headed over to the buffet area for a delightful meal of assorted foods. There was a great variety to choose from including rice, caper fish, spagetti, burgers, salads and a yummy ice cream for dessert.
After lunch we hung out at the beach and took only a brief rest before heading out on the kayaks once more! Quite a few of the team members were caught up in the shops that outlined the beach area. I went in search of a sun dress too. Every seems to have found a perfect dress so I didnt want to be left out! hahahah!
While looking at the different dresses we came across a group of children that were helping their mom sell souvenirs. These children recognized us from Bolans Elementary School! We got caught up playing with these children for a good 20-30 minutes. It was so great to be recognized and to really show them love even at this time when we were not doing the Seeds program.
Before we were to leave we ate from the pool-side grill. We had some great burgers, fried chicken and grilled cheese sandwiches. There was a sitting area up top the grill where Amy, Louise, Keneen, Rees, Joan and Josiah went to eat. As we were finishing up our food there was a sea shell art activity starting. Gezina went to check it out and found that is was only a glue gun and random shells... At first we kinda laughed at the idea but we soon found ourselves surrounding the table and going glue gun crazy! We made some.... ahem, interesting pieces of art as souvenirs or as gifts!
Our day at Jolly Beach was soon ending and we heard some of our team calling us to come and pack up our beach things. Awwwww, the day seemed to slip by all too fast. We were all very flushed from the sun and exhausted from our activities. We boarded the van and headed home for a games night.
We have a busy day on Sunday because we will all be going to different churches. There are three Seeds teams so we are going to three churches to perform our program for the Sunday schools.
-g
We will have the whole day at the all-inclusive resort to play in the ocean and relax by the pool.
Jonathan is picking us up at 9:15am. We will have the buffet lunch and then check the activities that are for that afternoon....
So we arrived at Jolly Beach as scheduled and took in the sights! Its just like off a beach calendar! The breakfast was continental because we came after the buffet breakfast. We enjoyed fresh fruit, biscuits, yogurt and cheese. The activities board was full of things to do. Everyone took turns telling what they would really like to do that afternoon and then we set off to plot a spot on the busy beach until the rest of the adults were done eating. A group of us decided to walk down the beach to see the shops. Some enjoyed the water right away and got busy looking for nice sea shells to take home. The Kayaking was something Gezina, Louise, Amy and I really wanted to do so in the mid afternoon that is just what we did. The kayaking was sooo fun! We ventured all the way to the far side of the beach and started to imagine we were part of a wild adventure to find safety after our plane was crashed in the ocean off shore.
Later that afternoon we took part of the water volleyball. We had a great time with some other hotel patrons and the resort staff.
Lunch came all to quickly... Some of us headed over to the buffet area for a delightful meal of assorted foods. There was a great variety to choose from including rice, caper fish, spagetti, burgers, salads and a yummy ice cream for dessert.
After lunch we hung out at the beach and took only a brief rest before heading out on the kayaks once more! Quite a few of the team members were caught up in the shops that outlined the beach area. I went in search of a sun dress too. Every seems to have found a perfect dress so I didnt want to be left out! hahahah!
While looking at the different dresses we came across a group of children that were helping their mom sell souvenirs. These children recognized us from Bolans Elementary School! We got caught up playing with these children for a good 20-30 minutes. It was so great to be recognized and to really show them love even at this time when we were not doing the Seeds program.
Before we were to leave we ate from the pool-side grill. We had some great burgers, fried chicken and grilled cheese sandwiches. There was a sitting area up top the grill where Amy, Louise, Keneen, Rees, Joan and Josiah went to eat. As we were finishing up our food there was a sea shell art activity starting. Gezina went to check it out and found that is was only a glue gun and random shells... At first we kinda laughed at the idea but we soon found ourselves surrounding the table and going glue gun crazy! We made some.... ahem, interesting pieces of art as souvenirs or as gifts!
Our day at Jolly Beach was soon ending and we heard some of our team calling us to come and pack up our beach things. Awwwww, the day seemed to slip by all too fast. We were all very flushed from the sun and exhausted from our activities. We boarded the van and headed home for a games night.
We have a busy day on Sunday because we will all be going to different churches. There are three Seeds teams so we are going to three churches to perform our program for the Sunday schools.
-g
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