One month already!

Well, we are in Lynden already one month! It has gone so fast! We've really experienced the communion of saints and met so many people and been invited to so many homes. In fact, we've turned quite a few down as we just needed some time to breathe and have some down time! But fortunately, we're not leaving anytime soon so there is still plenty of time!

Since Tuesday, the days has taken on a bit more structure and routine with the older two going to school. They get taken by Russell V, who is 17 and has a drivers licence and takes them home again at the end of the day. They are adjusting to school here. Some differences are the desk and chair being connected and as consequence, they are all single file. The plus is they are allowed to take and consume in class: coffee, soda, energy drinks, tea, gum, candy and snacks occasionally. All jewellery is allowed, and of course, free dress! No restrictions on wifi however this is monitored with responsibility on the user. Computers and ipads are allowed in class. The classrooms, lockers, kitchen and gym are all connected under one roof so no matter what the weather, the kids can get to where ever they need to be. In fact, when it's raining the kids all play in the gym! The gym is really neat. There are bleachers (seating) on the side, which just get pulled out whenever this is a game. There's all the different nets and backboards and lines for soccer, basketball, volleyball etc. To one side there's a mezzanine which currently holds the library (temporarily) as the original library room was needed as a classroom. So as you can see, it's all quite interesting and neat to see and experience.

We had seen a RV for sale by an Aussie who bought it for their two month holiday and were selling it as they were heading back to Australia this week. It was in Vancouver so on Saturday we decided to head over the border and go check it out. The crossing was our first experience of having to check in the office because apparently we needed to get our passport stamped every time we go into Canada. Having crossed over already some 5 times, this was a first, but we dutifully obeyed and got them stamped. Travelling into Vancouver was quite the experience. We're not sure if something was on or if the long weekend had something to do with it but the roads were busy! But unlike in Perth, the traffic flowed no problem, even though there was road works. We finally arrived and checked out the RV. It was a 2000 model but although Steve was sold on it, I wasn't that keen. She was a bit too well used for my liking so we gave it a miss.

Approaching the Port Mann Bridge

The Port Mann Bridge is a 10-lane cable-stayed bridge that opened to traffic in 2012. It is currently the second longest cable-stayed bridge in North America and the widest bridge in the world

We travelled to back to Surrey/Langley as it was John Houweling's birthday and we were invited for dinner and met a stack more cousins. We met Sandra, Kent and Pete as well as Ed and Hester who own the chook farm and where we stayed when we came 6 years ago!

The birthday boy and his son Steven

Steve talking with Ed and Hester. Their son Jake is on the left

We had a great meal and good company. The little girls enjoy a splash in the kiddy pool and after dinner all the kids went in the hot tub. The hot tub is on all year round and gets used all year round! We got back in the States around 10pm with no incidents at the border!

On Sunday we had a sermon by Rev Wielenga on Cain and then went to Cason and Helena vanDriel for coffee and lunch. They have a mansion of a place and he is a car enthusiast! Loves his cars! Had a nice time and before we knew it, it was time to head for church again. After the service, there was a planned coffee social to welcome us as well as a family who had their little girl baptised. Their story is interesting in that Melanie was 10 days overdue and her husband was suddenly hospitalised due to appendicitus. He was still in hospital when she had the baby so they were lying in hospital together! Thankfully, all went well and they both could come home in due time.

And that ends our week, well the start of the fifth week. Tomorrow is Labour day, and there is a church picnic planned, so we hope to attend.

We continue to thank God for His goodness, care and protection. We pray too for His care over our loved ones in Australia as well as other places in the world.