purple shag carpet

Alas, it was too good to be true indeed. Our Canadian visitor has had a change of plans and she is leaving us and heading home on Tuesday...that leaves me four days to take advantage of free internet. So here I sit in my pyjamas, (for those of you complaining that i haven't posted anything even with the internet at my fingertips) sacrificing sleep to give an update of sorts. :) Really, it's no great hardship.

I did want to highlight something cool that happened this week. Well, maybe only the few family members that frequent my blog will be able to appreciate it, but I'll share it anyway. I forget what day it was, but I got a little letter in the mail. The address, Oakville Ont... I don't know anybody from Oakville, I don't think.

On a little sheet of stationary, the following note was roughly scribbled, (evidence of a hand that has proven the test of time) ...

"Dear Janna -
Recently I noticed your note on Hopedale Bible Chapel bulletin board. You mentioned your grandpa Ray Fox. I worked for him at FOX Cartage and Storage, (Trenton, Ont.). I was sales and claims manager for 3 yrs in North Bay and 2 yrs in Pembrooke. He sure had a heart to preach the Gospel. I remember your Grandma Helen Fox and Father Don, I believe! God bless you Janna. Doug and Vera Bramer. Date of Service 1957-1962. "

Sometimes I send thankyou notes for gifts that come my way via MSC for the ministry here...some to churches, some to individuals. I guess that little note was worth it. Or at least the fruit of it has touched my heart. I didn't cry when I read it, but now as I write my eyes are filling up. I can't help but feel so thankful when I think of my grandparents and their example of their lives dedicated to the message of Jesus'. They are in paradise with Him now, but on earth they lived with an urgency to help others know Him personally and offer Him their lives.

I wish I could have known them, I mean, I did, but I was young. I wish I could know them now. Especially Grandpa, cause I was only 12 when He went home. I'd love to learn how he counseled people, heck, I'd love to be able to make an appointment myself. :) When I was little, Grandpa's study was one of my favorite hiding places in the house at the lake. It was cool, dimly-lit, and the purple shag carpet and musty smelling books that lined the walls were always so inviting. I remember us girls accidently interupting more than a few of Grandpa's personal visitors to his study. And I'm sure in my childhood ignorance I complained as I sat through his sermons occasionally, and rolled my eyes at his lengthy prayers before Sunday roast beef dinners. Now I would give my right arm to hear him pray, or preach from the pulpit. I even struggle to remember what his voice sounded like.

Well, for some reason (God's.), I wasn't blessed to know Grandpa like I wish I could have. But I am blessed now to meet people that did. God did give me more time to know Grammie though, and I'm growing more thankful for that as the years go by, too. I remember on more than one occasion, bounding energetically into her apartment in the first floor of our house and having to quietly tiptop back out as she would be seated on the couch with the phone in hand, eyes closed, praying carefully with the caller, bible open on her lap. God is so good, to give us sweet memories.

When I was home in Canada this summer, I had a number of conversations (that seemed random at the time) with people who spoke of both Grammie and Grandpa's love for people and service to the LORD. It was so motivating. They were wise, and passionate about the Salvation they based their lives on. I want that passion, that wisdom.

I was reading in Philipians this morning, Paul talking about his chains for the gospel.

"The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that...what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain...Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ..."

I feel so challenged. I feel young, like a baby...wondering if I will ever love Jesus like the Apostle Paul, or like many others who have given their lives to him and gone home for their reward, like my Grammie, and like my Grandpa.

Thanks God for such a great cloud of witnesses, and for all the ways you bless and teach us through the people we love. Goodnight.

too good to be true...

Sweet. We got a new Canadian housemate this week, her name is Krista. She brought her laptop, and somehow is picking up a wireless signal, so here I am sitting on my bed (in front of the fan) updating my blog. I should have prayed for internet a long time ago. Who knew God would answer? :)
Oh shoot, somebody just knocked on the door.
Of course.

uninspired...except for Avocado milkshakes

Today I came to the cyber to post an update of some sort, but I am feeling rather uninspired. Unfortunately today is Tuesday, and it could be my only chance to spend some good quality time on the internet before next Tuesday, shoot. I got sidetracked by emails anyways, oops.
And other people's blogs are so distracting, i confess. How am I supposed to focus on my own when there is so much catching up to do when I do get here?!?
Ok, I only have one thing to say. Yesterday afternoon when I was out, Beth was visited by a couple of the park guys, who have been frequenting our place a little more confidently of late. That is cool. They sometimes bring food to make snacks at our place, and it is great that they feel comfortable in our space...and with us, not judged but accepted even though we know what they do late at night at the cancha amarilla. Well, it's a given that they feel free with Bethany. Anyways, yesterday among the crew that came while I was out, was the biggest dealer in block 6, Willy and a couple of his friends. They made Avocado milkshakes, and they left one for me. Totally gross. I could only bear one little sip, but for whatever reason...it made my day. Random. Simple. Jesus. It's amazing what a person can see, if one looks for Him.