When I left Bolivia last week, somehow I had this idea that I was coming home to summer in Canada. In my defence, I haven’t been home in May for over four years. When we landed in Chicago, I looked out the window and saw a lot of brown…not so much green. I figured that wasn’t a good sign. But then the stewardess on the flight from Denver to Saskatoon made the announcement that it was 33 C in Saskatoon. That put a smile on my face and made me feel better. It would be just like home in Bolivia!

In hindsight I think she meant 33 Fahrenheit…

When we pulled into the gate and people stood up and started putting on their winter jackets, I knew I was in trouble. I actually did okay though. The cold took my breath away for a moment when we left the airport…but I did okay. When my mom locked the keys in the car outside Superstore and we had to wait in the cold for a tow truck…I did okay. Even when I woke up this morning to snow all over the ground…I did okay. I even walked for an hour or so this afternoon…outside…and I enjoyed it. It was nice to experience the crisp, snowy air. Someone had a wood fire burning and the smell of the smoke made me feel kind of nostalgic for winter in Canada.

But when I left the house tonight and it was storming and snowing and my car was covered with frozen ice…  Come on people!  That’s just too much….

So…I think you’ve all had your fun now, and it’s time for summer. For those of you who laughed at me on Facebook? Aren’t you enjoying this same winter weather that I am? Is it funny that you’re freezing your butts off just like me? Just curious… =)

At any rate…obviously I’ve arrived safe and sound in Canada. It was a bit strange leaving Santa Cruz. I said goodbye to everyone and went into the security area. The security people told me they were boarding another flight and asked if I would wait a bit longer. So I went back out into the waiting area, just in time to see Isabel and the guys walk across the lower level and leave the airport. That was kind of a strange feeling.

It’s been a bit strange in general, being home. I went with my mom to Superstore the afternoon I arrived (where the aforementioned keys in the car incident happened…), and it ended up being kind of overwhelming. I had a moment where I thought I might have to go back out to the car. It’s a good thing the feeling passed…since I wouldn’t have been able to get into the car anyhow…  =)

It’s a hard thing to explain, really. I’m not sure I can right now. It was just weird to see so much in one place. It’s really something, the country we live in…how much we have available at our fingertips. Walmart hit me the same way later in the week.

Anyhow…a couple of prayer requests before I go. If you could pray for the guys back in Santa Cruz. I’ll write more soon, but some of them are going through a difficult time. A couple of them are making some bad decisions. Pray for God’s Spirit to work in them. As well, pray for those who are running things while I’m gone…Isabel (my girlfriend), Tonchy and Jorge (my pastors) and their wives, Noelia and Viviana. It’s a lot of work that they’ve taken on, on top of everything else they do. But both Tonchy and Jorge didn’t even blink when I asked them if they’d be willing to help. They were excited to be able to have the time with the guys. Hopefully they still feel that way after three months. =) There’s no doubt that they’re going to have to deal with some tough things while I’m gone. I’m praying though, that God will use their words to speak into the lives of the guys that are struggling.

I don’t want to leave things on a negative note though. God is doing some great things in the lives of most of the guys. I had a couple of great conversations the night before I left. The guys just shared what the house means to them, and how God has changed them over the past year. So that was good to hear. I’d been a bit discouraged before that. It’s easy to focus on the negative and forget the good.

At any rate, I’m home for the next three months, if anyone wants to hang out and grab a coffee. =) I’m staying at my sister Wanda’s house…her number’s in the phone book. Just give me a shout. If you’re interested in hearing more about Bolivia, or if you think your church might be interested in hearing more…just give me a call. I’d love to tell you more. =)

I’m looking forward to seeing you all! It’s good to be home, and it’ll be fun to have the chance to hang out!

Thanks for praying everyone…