FOUND BY GRACE

I took the test...this is who I really am.

2007-04-21T10:11:00.000+02:00

This morningI took the Carl Jung's and Isabel Myers-Briggs typological approach to personality...I can't believe how close it comes to describing a person-even ME. I googled ESFP to find out more,found out about my BLIND SPOTS!

Try it for yourself.. http://www.humanmetrics.com/

Type is ESFP

Extraverted Sensing Feeling Perceiving

Strength of the preferences %

56 25 25 33

Qualitative analysis of your type formula

I am:
moderately expressed extravert
moderately expressed sensing personality
moderately expressed feeling personality
moderately expressed perceiving personality

ESFP (Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving)
The ESFP personality thrives on new experiences and having a lot of contact with people. Possessing strong people skills, they tend to choose careers that allow them to help people in practical ways and often find themselves in the role of peacemaker. ESFPs enjoy work that is independent, resourceful, and allows them to have plenty of hands-on involvement and see the results of their efforts. They are great communicators, collaborators, and team players. ESFPs make up approximately 8.5% of the population.

For ESFPs the dominant quality in their lives is their enthusiastic attention to the outer world of hands-on and real-life experiences. ESFPs are excited by continuous involvement in new activities and new relationships. They also have a deep concern for people, and they show their caring in warm and pragmatic gestures of helping. ESFPs are typically energetic and adaptable realists, who prefer to experience and accept life rather than to judge or organize.

ESFPs enjoy people and have a real zest for living. They are playful and vivacious, and make things more fun for others by their pure and unabashed enjoyment.
Adaptable and easygoing, ESFPs are warm, friendly, and generous. They are extremely sociable and are often ``on stage'' with others. They enthusiastically and cooperatively join in activities and games and are usually juggling several activities at once.
ESFP are realistic observers and see and accept things as they are. They tend to trust what they can hear, smell, taste, touch and see instead of theoretical explanations. Because they like concrete facts and have good memories for details, they learn best from hands-on experience. Their common sense gives them practical abilities with people and things. They prefer to gather information and see what solutions naturally arise.
Tolerant and accepting of themselves and others, ESFPs don't tend to try to impose their will on other people. Tactful and sympathetic, ESFPs are generally and genuinely liked by many people. They are usually able to get people to adopt their suggestions, so they are good at helping conflicting factions get back together. They seek out the company of others and are good conversationalists. They enjoy helping other people but prefer to assist in real and tangible ways.
Spontaneous and charming, ESFPs are persuasive. They love surprises and finding ways of bringing delight and unexpected pleasure to others.

Possible Blind Spots
Because ESFPs place such a strong priority on experiencing and enjoying life, they sometimes allow their other responsibilities to suffer. Their constant socializing can interfere and get them into trouble and because they are so easily tempted, they have difficulty disciplining themselves. ESFPs' tendency to become distracted from finishing the tasks they start can make them lazy. By working to prioritize their activities, and finding a balance between work and play, they will gain a broader perspective and longer-range vision for their lives. Using successful and accepted methods of organization and time management helps them overcome this natural predisposition.
Their active life keeps them so busy, they fail to plan ahead. This can leave them unprepared for life's changes that would be easier to cope with if clues of their approach had been noticed. ESFPs need to try to anticipate what might be coming down the road and develop an alternative plan in case thins become unpleasant.
ESFPs also tend to make decisions without considering the logical consequences of their actions. Their own personal feelings are trusted and used to the exclusion of more objective data. Friends are so highly valued by ESFPs that they tend to look only at their positive sides. ESFPs need to take a step back to consider the cause and effect of actions and work toward becoming more tough-minded. Saying no will not be nearly as difficult if they do.

Happy Easter!

2007-04-03T21:02:00.000+02:00

My neighbour has this posted on his door...it made me laugh-actually it still does!! I haven't blogged for awhile so I figure I would just make you laugh until I get some more time to type a real blog!! Happy Easter :-)

Thanks for praying!

2007-03-06T21:25:00.000+01:00

Update!

Cody is at home.. And MIRACULOUS now no bones show up broken!

YEAH! Now he just has to take time to heal and have physio therapy.

SO..this means MY PARENTS ARE COMING TO VISIT!

They leave on Sunday the 18th and will stay until the 30th.

They get to see what my life is like here in Zurich first hand!!

My Biggest Challenge Yet!!

2007-02-23T18:10:00.000+01:00

Here is my report from Snow Camp-

The 2 full days of skiing I got in were GREAT. Cooking 3 meals a day for 20 people who come from over 8 different countries -->PURE STRESS. This is the first time I have ever taken on such a challenge-Planning and buying a menu for a whole week, while staying within budget and cooking it to the approval of 20 different tasters! (AND on top of it, I had 3 muslim kids who didn't eat any pork, and 1 kid who didn't eat any meat at all because of religious reasons-they added some extra fun to my menu planning!) The first 2 days were the hardest-if we weren't eating Curry or Rice, the kids from Sri Lanka were complaining, and when we had rice the others were wanting spaghetti. All I heard at first was the complaining, and whining! But they always came back for second and third helpings-so I realized that my cooking wasn't that bad! And I just had to come to the realization that I wasn't going to please everybody. By Wednesday I had won their hearts with my homemade chocolate cake-and by the end of the week I even heard the random thank you!! It was an intense week..up at 630 and to bed at midnight-only to get up the next morning and start all over in the kitchen! Would I do it again?? I love to cook..but I would rather be socializing and just being with the kids than being holed up in the kitchen!

The mountains were BEAUTIFUL...and they quieted my stressed out spirit!!(and dashing down the runs in my snowblades-- beating the boys helped too!)

We simply have a creator who is amazing beyond words. Creation so beautiful can only point to HIM!

2007-02-23T18:02:00.000+01:00

The Alps are beautiful..and the skiing was unbelievable!

Pretty much the whole gang

2007-02-23T17:54:00.000+01:00

The bottomless pits! They were ALWAYS hungry!

They "Loved" washing up almost as much as showing off their huge guns. I am not sure if this look means "wow, this is great fun" or "I am stresssssssssssssed out"GAMES!! How many layers of clothing do you have on? Vanilly on the far left his won with 38!

Team Retreat

2007-02-09T23:26:00.000+01:00

I just spent 3 days in a little house up in the alps somewhere. It was the same place as last year the only difference was this year there was 3 feet less of snow. No sleeping in an igloo this time.

The view from the house!
Finding out way back down...

Such a nice romantic looking stroll..but I HATE hiking-Up or Down! Have I ever mentioned how i HATE hiking? I would rather run 10 miles than go for a nice leisurely hike. Maybe it's because I come from the flat prairies..?!
I would rather sit in the freezing snow and socialize than hike!

The retreat was good..nice and relaxing!

Tomorrow I leave for 7 days of Snow Camp. The first 2 days will be with the kids from kids club ages 7-12. From Monday-Saturday it's the teen guys (13-17yr.old) snowboarding camp: and for some reason I am the head cook?! There will be 22 of us..I have never done anything like this before! We are somewhere in the alps in a cabin, meaning there aren't many stores around. I have planned the menu and bought the groceries -and pray to God that I have remember everything! I feel like I am in over my head with this responsibility..I guess we will see how the week goes!

Let me introduce Christoph to you...

2007-01-26T20:29:00.000+01:00

Christoph's used to be called Mohamed. But as of Sunday Jan. 21 his new name is Christoph Raphael. Christoph=Christ-bearer, Raphael=God Has Healed.

Since I first started working here in Zurich, Christoph has been a regular in Chrischtiehuesli(drop in center for drug addicts) But he is a completely different man now, he has been sober and completely clean for 6 months, and gave his life to Christ shortly before Christmas.
This is a very big step for someone who originally comes from Iran, and grew up as a Muslim. That is is why he changed his name to completely shed his Muslim roots and background.

He came to Zurich 7 years ago after fleeing from his country he was deeply addicted to drugs and had spent some time in jail. It was here in Zurich through Chrischtiehuesli that he first came into contact with Christians and saw something that he had never seen before. It took him 5 years to fully realize that he needed Jesus to save him-and that he did! He continues to come and visit all his old friends at he drop in center but now he shares with them his new found faith and love in Jesus Christ-and with such real passion and desire to see his friends turn there lives around.

My roommates and I with him after his Baptism.
This was an extra special baptism for me, because Christoph and I have been working together every Friday since November. Our job gives us a lot of time to talk so he has shared a lot about his life with me-he has shared with me where he has come from...and I have been able to see how much Christ has done in his life! Our God is alive and moving and continues to perform Miracles!

I love this little Peanut!

2007-01-15T16:57:00.000+01:00

That sweet little face can win over anybody's heart.
These are our Candy necklaces we made!
I don't know if you can see it really good in these pictures-but take note of her "sparkly eyeshadow-and shiny lipstick!"

Just like the big girls.

2007-01-15T16:56:00.000+01:00

More pictures of our fun in Seattle-and the coast!

2007-01-15T16:13:00.000+01:00

SEATTLE-having fun here until the 11th!!!!!(more to follow)

2007-01-08T08:58:00.000+01:00

Today started with a trip to the outlet Mall,

Ended up buying things that weren't needed, not even a little bit-not even at all.

Headed south down I5-to the Quality Inn,

the free upgrade to jacuzzi suite-sure made us grin.

We unloaded the van(Mabel) and settled into our suite,

and prepared ourselves for our evening treat.

A dinner date in the Space Needle 605 feet up,

With pork chops and seafood-we had a great sup!

Then came the cheesecake and creme brulee,

it was a great ending to our perfect day!

Seafood and Pork Chops...
Cheesecake and Creme Brulee...
Observation deck-with just a LITTE FREEZING COLD WIND...
..and some fun in the gift shop!

2006-12-26T15:57:00.000+01:00

2006-12-25T15:51:00.000+01:00

All the best Cody...

2006-12-13T19:54:00.000+01:00

Good Luck Cody with your new team in MJ! Sad to say goodbye-but I know this can only make you stronger as a person. Closer to the fam, and Julie as well. I love you..see you in a few days.

Such Beauty..

2006-12-06T22:20:00.000+01:00

Tonight I spent the evening visiting with someone who has become a dear friend of mine. Pingu. A 38 year old past drug addicts who now is dying of Aids as a result of the choices he made when he was 20. Once again he told his life story, the many things he's experienced, and how these different experiences have changed him...and broke him to the point of knowing he couldn't live without a Saviour, Jesus. Even though this was at least the third time I had heard it, my heart was deeply moved. It wasn't a sad feeling, but more of a warm happy feeling-I felt such peace. To know that someone with such an ugly past can be set free and COMPLETELY FORGIVEN. And to now be able to live in the light-in such freedom; compared to the life of slavery he once lead.

It's just painful to see how this Aids is crippling his body, and seeing how he has to live with his ugly past everyday. BUT on the other side of it everyday he gets to experience the grace of God and everyday it brings him that much closer to his Lord and Saviour. To me..that is real beauty. Our God is that much bigger and so full of love--he can use the brokenness of our lives to reveal more of himself to us.

"Forgive Me"

Song by Rebecca St. James

For all the times I’ve failed You, Lord

Forgive me

For all the ways I’ve fallen short

Lord, forgive me now

God, I’m so in need of grace

I fall upon my face

Forgive me

You see the tears fall down my face

Forgive me

Take my fear, Lord, take my shame

Lord, forgive me now

Purify me, make me new

Like only You can do

Forgive me now

Lord, we come to honor You

We are forgiven

We bring our love and thanks to You

We are forgiven now

God we praise You for Your grace

Before You we are raised

Forgiven

God we praise You for Your grace

Before You we are raised

Forgiven

2006-12-04T15:54:00.000+01:00

Hot as a Pistol!--I love Happy Stories with Happy Endings!

This isn't so much the amazing shooting performance, the real story is the respect and affection showed this young man by his classmates and the fans....

To my Mom..

2006-11-30T22:04:00.000+01:00

Can you see the resemblance?!! Someday I hope to turn out just like her!(Only a mother can get away with saying such wise words!)

"What if everyone jumped off a cliff? Would you do it, too?"

"Put on your sweater... you're making me cold."

"Don't make those faces - your face will freeze like that."

"Wear clean underwear in case you get into an accident."

"If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."

"Don't put that in your mouth; you don't know where it's been!"

"Don't run with scissors."
"BECAUSE I'M THE MOM, THAT'S WHY!"

(You just can't argue with that!)

When you read this...send a prayer up for her!

Everett got SNOW!!!! I want snow!

2006-11-27T11:39:00.000+01:00

ONLY 40 days left until I get to go and visit these cute kids-and Cody! After Christmas I am going down to Everett/Seattle for a week-to spend time with my brother and watch him play hockey. As well as my best friend **ANGIE** is coming up from Trout Lake to spend the week with me too!! I haven't seen Cody play in over 2 years -this trip I will get to see 3 games. He is Captain this year which makes it that much more special. Oh how I love hockey, and have really missed it!

MONDAY NOVEMBER 20, 2000.

2006-11-20T21:44:00.000+01:00

6 years ago today-my life changed forever. It was the day I broke both my wrists. I can actually remember it so vividly-even up to what I had for supper right before basketball that night-even what my dad said to me as I was heading out the door. I can even remember all the people around me as I laid on the floor waiting for my parents to arrive; even now it just feels like it was a bad dream. But I know it wasn't my life changed completely after that day. To be honest as I look back, and even though I struggle with constant physical pain I don't have a bitterness about it. My dreams of traveling as a nurse or a sports therapist had vanished in that split second. But "someone" far bigger and greater than I had(has-it's on going!) a much better plan. Which have included-
**Going to a Christian Boarding School for my last 2 years of High School
**Traveling to England for Bible College at Capernwray-and making life long friendships
**And now to be working in Switzerland as a missionary..which has showed me what my true passion is-to work with those who are on the fringe of society.
This "someone" who is better known as my Lord and Savior! has caught every single tear that I have shed from the frustrations of being more limited, through all of my physcial pain, and even down to the tears of Joy as I have seen him answer many of my prayers involving my pain.
God has truly blessed me and revealed himself to me more because of this accident. I guess deep down I am thankful for it, because I don't think I would be who I am today, or where I am today without these trials.
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me." Jer. 29:11-13
Thank you God for turning such Ugliness into real Blessings and Beauty-which can be used to glorify you!

Cady the Cowgirl?!?!

2006-11-13T19:20:00.000+01:00

Let me tell you a little story- our adventure to the farm!
So last week we went to my roommate's farm. Her family has somewhere around 16 horses and in the summer they hold camps where kids and adults come for a week and just ride horses! After living in the city for over a year and I haven't been on a horse for I'd say 4 years I was excited!! I have always dreamed of being a cool cowgirl. I did have my own horse for at least 6 years-but she was so relaxed you could do anything and she wouldn't care, somehow I didn't feel like a cowgirl riding her! Even though riding bareback is as cowgirl as you can get!!
Anyways as we got to this farm and were walking in the stalls..I found myself being grossed out at the crap that was getting stuck into my shoe..or all the horse hair all over my clothes..or just the fact that I now smelt like the barns. I think my dreams of being a cowgirl have been dashed...either that or the citygirl in me is taking over-is that possible?
It was a fun day riding through the hills of Switzerland on a horse! They ride english style here..helmet and english saddle-with.-completely different than anything i have ever done before! For some reason wearing a helmet takes the glamour away from being a cowgirl!

Look at us in our helmets..

Can you see the outline of the Swiss Alps ?!!

Happy Belated/Early Thanksgiving!

2006-11-05T19:19:00.000+01:00

Today we had our thanksgiving! We celebrated it today because it's in the middle of Canadian and the American thanksgiving, and since I am Canadian and the other 2 are American we met in the middle! (or because it was the first full weekend we have had energy since our big kids outreach!?) It was Great..We made everything from scratch-from the stuffing to the pumpkin pie.

All full and heading out the door to church!

Step#3 -The Feast!

2006-11-05T17:48:00.001+01:00

Step #2-Preperations..

2006-11-05T17:20:00.000+01:00

Our "turkey"!

Pumpkin Mash!

Step #1-The Pumpkin..

2006-11-05T17:15:00.000+01:00

These are a few of my Favourite things!!

2006-10-27T21:42:00.000+02:00

This was pure happiness in one package! Tim Hortons, Reese Peanut Butter Cups-Sugar Free, and Crystal Light! Ang-I LOVE YOU!

..and the flowers-fresh from the market this morning. They just happen to be my favourite flower!!

SEPTEMBER...

2006-10-07T22:47:00.000+02:00

September is gone..much has happened! Here is a BRIEF overview...of what I was up to!

Once again a new team...

2006-10-07T22:45:00.000+02:00

In September, 4 new people joined our team! 2 from Switzerland-who will stay for 1 year, and 2 from the U.S.A.-who will stay with us for 8 months. We are a young team so we connect really well and on many different levels. Our apartment is full with 5 girls-we definately keep each other entertained either sitting around the table telling stories, listening to Molly's random singing, or having a deep discussion! It's just FUN! I can see where we will learn a lot from each other over the next few months!

The Americans are just learning German and are struggling to pick it up.To be honest, I am really encouraged by there struggling- it just shows me how far I have come, and how much I have learned this past year. ( I am far FAR from Perfect..but I understand and can communicate!Ican see my progress.) I do sympathise with them! Micha(Swiss), Brenda(US), and Molly(US)

Debora(Swiss), Molly, and Brenda

It's Been Awhile!

2006-10-07T22:30:00.000+02:00

I spent my birthday and the first 2 weeks in Holland-at DeBron. It's a conference for new members joining OM-I was there last year as a new recruit, but went this year as a volunteer. I worked in creche(the kids program) this allowed the parents to attend the meetings without the distraction of the kids! We had a fun 2 weeks together-never boring! All games, and crafts!

Weekend in GLASGOW!

2006-10-07T22:25:00.000+02:00

After Holland I was home for 2 weeks and did the normal work routine!! My cousin Sara who lives in Scotland hasn't been feeling well so I went to visit her and the rest of my family there for a long weekend. We went to a French Market..Watched a lot of Gilmore Girls...I LEARNED TO KNIT!!!!...had many late night talks...it was just a fun and encouraging time together. You can pray for Sara as she keeps fainting and the doctors aren't sure of the cause..so she can't really be on her own much and this is wearing always having to be constantly "supervised".

We can never stay serious for long!

Some people just make home...that much more special!

2006-08-25T23:22:00.000+02:00

HOME...

2006-08-25T23:11:00.000+02:00

Going home..was simply an amazing time. It was so great time to constantly be surrounded by family and old friends. And to have the constant feeling and surroundings of HOME.
I am back to work and getting adjusted to life here..it really is 2 complete opposite worlds. But I can honestly say that I am and feel completely blessed and supported in both places by friends and family!

Beautiful Kathryn...

2006-08-25T23:06:00.000+02:00

(we are actually normal-when we want to be!)

The Countdown is on-Canada here I come!

2006-07-17T14:16:00.000+02:00

In ONLY 10 days I will be on my way home to visit!! It's hard to believe that I have been gone for over 11 months. I have been looking forward to these 2 weeks for such a long time-they will be thoroughy enjoyed!!!

World Cup in Zurich=No sleep!

2006-06-25T22:03:00.000+02:00

Around townPeople standing outside a coffee shop/bar watching the game from the street. As cars drive by...
Just outside the grocery store people watch the game too!

The soccer (football) craze here is unbelievable! Horns honking after every game-even until 2am, every little shop has a tv-even the corner kiosks, streets blocked off by police while fans celebrate on the street! It was fun the first 2 days, but now it's over the top-and this was just during stage 1..next we have stage 2 -1/8, 1/4, and semi finals...Then the finals. I have no idea what to expect!

Actually deep down I wish I was a die hard soccer fan! BUT..this is probably the only time in my life when I will be in such soccer loving country and so close to where it's being hosted. So when Switzerland plays I do pretend that I am a swiss!..i wear my swiss t-shirt and can say "Hopp Schweiz, wir gehen nach Berlin"(go switzerland-we are going to (the finals) Berlin) with just the right swiss accent! :)

Beautiful Switzerland!!

2006-06-19T23:03:00.000+02:00

A day trip to Interlaken-a boat ride, and hiked up the falls. I love this place!!

2006-06-19T22:56:00.000+02:00

MY BELOVED....

2006-05-26T17:22:00.000+02:00

Of course moving across the world means leaving things behind. I guess for me these things aren't just people or possessions! Besides missing Canadian beef, I have to say that I miss Kraft Smooth Peanut Butter..nothing can compare - the smooth, creamy, sweet taste, and how it sticks to the top of your mouth!!!! (I think some fellow Capernwrayers can relate!!)
Tetsuro had room in his luggage and blessed me with a jar when he came to visit!! So this last week has been everything Peanut Butter; Bananas, Apples, and of course PB&J sandwiches! I love the simple joys of life.

Tetsuro came to visit!!

2006-05-25T11:40:00.000+02:00

This week I had a visitor! I can't tell you how great it is to see a familiar face after so long. Tetsuro and I went to Caronport together. He's traveling around western Europe before the World Cup begins in Germany.
So I showed him around the red light district..he met a few of my 'friends' as we walked along - got a little glimpse of where I live and the work that we do.
And to finish it all off we went out for supper and had traditional Swiss food, Chesse Fondue!!

First week of April-----ITCHY

2006-05-02T18:22:00.000+02:00

April started off in bed with what the doctor described as---> Chicken Pox. Yes it was the itchiest week of my LIFE. It even spread to my eyelids, inside and around my ears, my arms, legs, and alover my head and in my hair...have I made you itchy yet?! It was insane..i felt like I was the going insane, it looked awful and I felt horrible. Crazy Week.

SORRY...lost my password!

2006-05-02T18:12:00.000+02:00

Ha..so I am back. Yes it has been quite a while since I posted any words for all to see! This would be the result of deleting my cookies. The password had been saved since summer, so I didn't need to remember it-that is until I did my computer spring cleaning. I figured it was no hope as I couldn't even remember my sign in name. So I just left it and never even glanced at my Blog..I think I even forgot about it because I thought it was no hope...BUT for some reason saturday I came back and it just came to me...I wish I could have some magical story about how this happened but it just popped into my mind. HOW WONDERFUL!
So..a lot has happened in the past month..which mean my blog will be bursting with news for the next week.

Sunshine Without Rain is a Recipe for a Desert.

2006-03-31T13:52:00.000+02:00

Therefore the darkness that comes with the rain and clouds is really a blessing..

KATIE- TIM -->this is for you!

2006-03-17T00:07:00.000+01:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

This is for my old roommate Katie...and to all the times of hearing all about her GREEN SPAGHETTI..with Tim of course arguing at how RIDICULOUS green sphaghetti was!(I can hear him now!) Tonight I was in charge of team supper..and since we have spaghetti every week..I changed it up a little..green rice! Bright green rice. Ohh it was so much fun, and it brought me right back to good times at Capernwray-sweet preceious memories! (come on Tim, you must be a little impressed with my Irish spirit!!)

This also brought me back to my childhood when my mom once made us "green eggs and ham". Who knew food coloring could be so much fun, and used on everyday foods!

I'm ready for SUMMER!

2006-03-04T19:29:00.000+01:00

This Afternoon....
Tonight...

AND IT'S STILL SNOWING. This is the most snow that I have seen in Zurich.(so much that the trams aren't even running.) But it is the gross wet and slushy snow, so we can't even go out and play in it- it's the depressing kind of snow -BLAH - I just want it to warm up and be nice....I'M READY FOR THE SUN...

Here you have it...REAL LIFE OLYMPIC SHOTS!

2006-02-21T23:59:00.000+01:00

2006-02-21T23:56:00.000+01:00

Team Retreat...

2006-02-09T21:51:00.000+01:00

The AlpsThis cabin is nice and small, and in the middle of no where. We had to get up to it by Ski-doo.13 of us stayed here, and just relaxed and had tons of fun outside!!

Snowshoeing...LOVED IT!

"it was Lovely" -I now have an English roommate, so everything is lovely..and it's always in my head!

Sleeping in the Igloo

2006-02-09T20:28:00.000+01:00

2006-02-09T19:46:00.000+01:00

I am going to the OLYMPICS in Italy!!

2006-02-02T14:40:00.000+01:00

It's true..It's true! I finally got tickets for an olympic hockey game!!! YEAH I can't wait, I am really excited to go. I am going with Heike and we are just going down for 1 day and night. We will have all of Sunday to see the different places, and then the game is in the evening. The game we are going to watch is men's hockey on Feb. 19 Canada vs. Finland. We got tickets 2 rows from the glass-so you better watch the game (it will be a Sunday afternoon game there-if it's on TV.) and keep your eyes open you might just see me:) I will be all red and white--with my huge Canada flag!

Christmas in Scotland!

2006-01-12T21:37:00.000+01:00

Uncle Jay, with his girlfriend Susan
Ciaran and I...we make quite a pair!

They waited for me to fly in on the 25th and we opened presents that night. Em just can't wait to see what is inside.

Aunt Susie, Gordon and Ciaran singing some scottish tunes!

My beautiful Cousins...Emily and Sara.
(do we look related!??!!)

This year I spent my Christmas break in Scotland with my family!!! It was a nice break from here, and good to be with some family for Christmas. It was a lot of fun to go back and visit them again. They are always so welcoming and great. Even though my cousins..Sara and Em have lived across the big ocean for the majority of our lives, we have always been pretty close. So it was nice to have some late night girlie cousin talk!! And of course I became a pro racer on Selectrics (a motorized race track type thing!) Ciaran's favourite Christmas present! Oh, and I definately ate enough custard for everyone who misses the wonderful stuff!! (My fellow Capernwrayers!)

It's been awhile!

2006-01-08T01:15:00.000+01:00

This year my Christmas was really special, it was very different than what I am used to. A nice meal at Grandma's followed by opening presents, turkey buns for supper, and the candle light service. I spent Christmas this year -on the 24th we had what was called "Gassenweinachten" street Christmas. It is a yearly thing that the church her puts on with the help of many organizations including OM. Actually there was about 150 volunteers who came and helped. Some stayed in the church to visit with the guests, and others went out onto the street or into the restaurants and bars with presents to give to the people, but also to just visit with them. My job along with Hekie and Sarah was to decorate and help in the Bistro. The main meal was downstairs in the church, and upstairs in the sanctuary we had the bistro, which is just a coffee bar and another place to sit and visit. This was a challenge because between the 3 of us..we probably are the least artsy people. We really wanted to make a warm and cozy atmosphere where the guest would feel comfortable, so we went with many candles. And though our decorations weren't the greatest, it still ended up having a really nice atmosphere! A lot of the guests that came were people that we see around very often in the different places where we work. For me it was really special to share Christmas with them. To really be able to see that Christmas is much more than the presents, and to see that Jesus truly is the reason we celebrate this day. We had over 300 guests throughout the evening who came had a nice Christmas dinner and a warm place to visit. I believe that each guest was blessed by this evening, but I think I came away more blessed, and with a deeper understanding of what Christmas really is.

2006-01-08T01:14:00.000+01:00

The Stage..

Birds Eye View..The one is my favourite, because of reflection from the stage..

A few guests and workers..

And of course us, we ate in a special part-we look so tired!

It was a long night.

Christmas in the flat...

2005-12-09T17:34:00.000+01:00

At first I decided to make my nice bush into my very own Christmas tree!!! (I even made the star myself..nice touch hey!?)Then Santa (aka my wonderful mother) I guess she would be Mrs. Clause sent me a care package with presents!! One for every day until Christmas and on the first day I got...
My very own Christmas tree, with an angel for the top. The next day was the tree skirt, followed by the miniture decorations! I love it..so tiny but PERFECT in the flat!!
Can you feel the Christmasiness just from looking at this picture?? (Oh...and we have the smell of cinnamon emanating from the pot of cooking cinnamon on the stove!!)

A gift left at our door...a nice pointsettia for the center piece, to make the Christmas look complete.

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS!!

2005-12-05T17:15:00.000+01:00

Oh Canada

2005-11-19T22:19:00.000+01:00

On Nov. 8th I went to watch Team Canada play Team Swiss here in Zurich-part of the Deutschland Cup. Which I might add - Canada won this tournament, once again beating the US in the finals! (just warming up for the Olympics!!)
This was the most disappointing hockey I have ever watched. I haven't watched a hockey game since last year, so i was looking forward to this event for quite a few weeks. It was great- me in my Canadian gear all patriotic ready to cheer on Team Canada. But it was so slow, not the rough entertaining hockey that I enjoy. The entertainment that I got from the game was from the fans, they were crazy-so loud, like they are at the soccer matches. They booed the poor organ player so bad that he up and quit and walked out after the first period!!
In the end I had fun! It made me realize just how much I enjoy watching Hockey and how much I really do miss it. I am a true Canadian!!

Bible Study..

2005-11-07T22:10:00.000+01:00

Every Monday evening I have bible study with this group-and a few others. This has to be one of my favourite times of fellowship -(english fellowship!! )throughout the week! We are a very culturally diverse group- Canada, Venezuela, Germany, US, Denmark, Sweden, India, Australia, Japan and Austria. It's just such a great time of learning, and building friendships. For the most part we are a young group, and most of us are a long way from home, so we are pretty much one big international family! This group is blessing to me, and has helped me in my transition from home.

A Special Visitor- a fellow Saskatchewanite!

2005-11-07T21:45:00.000+01:00

This past week Jen came for a visit. She is traveling around Europe right now, and of course her trip wouldn't have been complete without seeing me and my life here in Zurich! It was a really nice time to catch up again-Jen was my RA my first year in Caronport. I was able to share with her some of the different places where I work. Just to be able to share what my life here is like with someone from back home was really cool. The few days that we had together was so encouraging for me...both nights we stayed up way to late just talking. (Ha -->we both are very good at this!!) Thus is why we both look so tired in the picture!
If you want to read what it's like to live and work here form an outsiders perspective, Jen is a FANTASTIC writer - she brings it all to life!..and she wrote all about it on her blog. "Life on the Streets, on the Mountains, and the City" http://www.jengilbertson.blogspot.com

KIDS WEEK!!!!

2005-10-23T16:25:00.000+02:00

This week was our kids outreach week. Let me tell you it was intense! It was a lot of fun though, it really made me excited for the different kids clubs I can be involved in after out training. Many of these kids come from all over, Iraq, Turkey, Nigeria, India...not many kids are Swiss. Some are refugees, and some came here with their parents who work to support their family members back in their home country. The kids all come from many different religious backgrounds as well; Hindus, Muslims, Catholics, and kids from homes who don't go to church. This week was a good opportunity for me to start to build relationships with these kids, to be a friend and a Christian role model. And I have a lot to look forward to in the next 2 years, working with these kids, and having an impact in their lives!!

2005-10-23T16:10:00.000+02:00

2005-10-23T15:58:00.000+02:00

Thanksgiving..with a compact Turkey!

2005-10-10T10:01:00.000+02:00

Maybe it's because I am so far away from home, but I realized that I really do have a lot to be thankful for! I decided that I was going to make this thanksgiving special..and since I really like to cook I was going to make myself a nice Sunday Thanksgiving meal. So I went to the store to see what I could find that would resemble a Canadian Thanksgiving. It was a little different such as; they don't sell full turkeys here. (In my previous pictures you can see how my kitchen is so small and compact) which means that my oven is really tiny and I don't even think a whole turkey could fit in there. Instead I bought a whole chicken a compact turkey! Which I seasoned and cooked to perfection! I made HOMEMADE stuffing! (As I was making this I knew that my Mom and Grandma would be so proud, and impressed with me and my talented cooking!) I cut the bread into cubes and dried them overnight and..seasonend them, added some celery and onions, it definitely tasted better than stovetop stuffing. And then I made a green been casserole that is a favorite of mine that we eat at thanksgiving, with cheese and roasted almonds. It was delicious; I think it even tastes better made with Swiss cheeseJ. The only things missing was Grandma’s wonderful mashed potatoes, buns, and pumpkin pie. And all the games after the big meal!!
I really did have a great thanksgiving..I even had that feeling afterwards of being soo full that all you can think of is curling up and having a nice long nap!

Open air concert?..in the Alps?..in October? FANTASTIC!

2005-10-09T22:05:00.000+02:00

On Tuesday a few of us from the team went to see Micheal W. Smith. It was a lot a fun..Big road trip in such a little country, all 2 and half hours. Even though I am from Canada..the great North, and we can put up with a lot of cold weather, I was still a little skeptical of it being an open air concert. After all it was in the alps..I could just imagine standing outside listening to the concert and not enjoying it because I was so cold. But the outdoor atmosphere made it that much better..and there was a lot of people there so you were surrounded which kept you warm. I ended up having a great time..good worship, and even a few oldies from good ol' Michael!

From the inside.

2005-09-28T21:26:00.000+02:00

Walking in the front door.. This apartment building was newly renovated 2 years ago, so it has a modern feel to it. My room is the room in the far right corner.Our Cute little Compact kitchen!! (Notice the espresso machine) The fridge is the cupboard on the left with the magnets on it. The Living room.. our office is around the corner and to the left.
Down the short hall..to my room, or the bathrooms. With 3 girls and sometimes even more living here at once, we are very grateful to have 1 and a half baths!! YAY.

Now I lay me down to sleep

2005-09-28T21:07:00.000+02:00

This is my room! I really want you to notice the bunkbed...meaning I have an extra bed right in my room. So if you are ever in Zurich......

The best part..my balcony. It's not the greatest view..all I see are the neighboring buildings ( I will have to post a picture of a neighbor across the alley, the balcony is a forest of marijuana!??)

My "Flat"..from the outside

2005-09-27T19:18:00.000+02:00

Here's where I live..and will be living for the next few years. Home Sweet Home!

My favourite part of this building is the peak. You can go up into it, and it has window all around. It's beautiful at night to look out and see all the lights of Zurich, and see them relflect off the lake!

One of the only grassy areas in our district. There is another park which is quite a bit larger, but it's about a 10 minute walk away. We live on quite a busy street. You hear the tram go by every 10 minutes or so, at first it was loud and annoying but now I don' t even notice it. My room is at the back which helps!!!!

In Detail...

2005-09-27T19:04:00.000+02:00

RED: This is our floor. The 3 windows on the left is ours, and the right window is the office. It has a seperate enterance.

BLUE: This is the church entrance.

PINK(this is as close to pink as I've got!): This whole bottom floor is a church. This whole apartment building belongs to the church. The Pink side is sunday school rooms and such. Which is where most of our teachings are held during the week.

My new team.

2005-09-20T21:10:00.000+02:00

These are my new Global Action Zurich (gaz) teammates, well all but 2. In the back left; Tom Vogt (Switzerland), David Gabriel (Switzerland), Philipp Eschbach (Switzerland), Stephan Heis (Switzerland), and Front Row Left; Matthias Bommeli (Switzerland), Noemei Vogt (Switzerland) Heike Lippmann (Germany), ME (Canada..yay!), and Essi Lahti (Finland). Not in the photo are Bill Yeo and Sara Comeau, both from Canada.
Philipp is the team leader; he is in charge of keeping us all organized. Matthias is the PR guy. He is another leader and does a lot of the office work. Heike is the girl leader...She's great. Eac leader also mentors different teammates.
Stephen, Bill, and Sara, have all been on the team for just about 2 years. They will be finished here in December of this year.
As for the rest of us, we are all rookies!! Tom and Noemie will be here for 3 years, I will be here 2, and Essi and David will be here for 1 year.

From now until December we will go through a training program, where each week we will study and learn hands on how to work in the different areas of ministry.

My Outline for the next few months:
This week- City Ministry
September 26-30 Kids Work
October 3-7 Street Work
10-14 Gasseneinsatze..translated into English, this means "Lane Employment" so we will be going out and working on the street and practicing what we learned the week before.
17-21 Kids week. This week we will be doing a weeklong outreach in the church.
24-28 Islam
November (31)-4 Research- get more info and do some research on something in this area of Zurich that you are interested in.
7-11 Youth
14-18 Servant/Lit. Not exactly sure on this one...
21-25 Communication
December (28)-2 Reflection..looking back on all the different ministries. It will be here where I will sit down with the leaders and decide which ministries I want to fill my schedule up with.
Its going to be a lot of learning filled with new experiences, but I am excited, and want to learn the different ways to reach the different people.

Fellowship and Friendships.........

2005-09-12T17:08:00.000+02:00

I have never experienced this kind of fellowship before. Imagine yourself in the same worship service as 290 new recruits ready to be sent out, all worshiping together under one roof. It really was something that I will never forget. The passion for Jesus... from so many different nations, it kind of gave me a picture of what heaven will be like. Every last bit from the worship to the fellowship. Even the fellowship we had during our card games, and SPOONS!! Friendships were made here at De Bron that will last a lifetime and throughout eternity.

People from all over...40 different countries!

2005-09-11T23:28:00.000+02:00

De Bron 2005..Somewhere in Holland.

2005-09-11T23:04:00.000+02:00

This is De Bron. I was here from August 23-September 3 with 290 other new missionaries heading out onto the first! De Bron is a big conference center run by Christians. It was really a beautiful place..see the straw roofs! It was like a big resort in the middle of no where. I don't even know how many people it would hold, at least 550 people.

Close like Sisters!

2005-08-19T08:15:00.000+02:00

This is Hailey....My pretty darn cool cousin. Even though we are 7 years apart in age, we have always been really close. The sister I never had. Tonight I had to say goodbye which is sucky, what is so GOOD about goodbyes anyways?? I'm trying to convince her to come and visit for Feb. break!! I'm going to miss the little gaffer!

Soul Mates...

2005-08-19T05:10:00.000+02:00

This summer has been great. I have been able to do a lot of things, and see a lot of people. Like Angie, who lives down in Portland we met at Capernwray and pretty much were destined for each other...soul mate best friends! We have so much fun together...even cruising in Portland turns into a blast!