Apr30-May6 in Alberta

We went with some of our friends to a camp in Alberta, where we joined about 130 other students and staff  from the prairies.  The main focus was Bible study - either you study Mark 1-8, or if you have done the first section in a previous year, you study Mark 9-16.  Forty hours of reading, questioning, researching, discussing, reflecting.  So very good.  The setting is wonderful - right on a lake - when we first got there the ice hadn't completely disappeared on the lake.

However, days later, although the water was still frigid, a few people were baptized! 

After the evening sessions, there were evenings of Worship, Amazing Race games, and World Cafe.  Our friends were involved in presenting Asian culture.  Here's the snack - Rice ball with sweet sesame/bean filling. 

Now it's time to put what we've learned into practice, and begin a summer season of ministry.

Gerry's & Sara's birthdays

Gerry, in his younger years - he recounts the experience of this week-long hike up Golden Hinde as one of seeing God's blessing in that the weather remained sunny and dry for the duration, something quite uncommon for those who try to do the climb. 
On Friday we did less of a trek, hiking along the river close to home.  Again, it was a bright, sunny day and we enjoyed a picnic.

In the evening we invited beyond the usual Christian Gathering for a celebration evening.  Being that Sara's birthday was the next day, it became a celebration for both.  It was a fun evening with 19 friends from five other countries joining our family.  Great friends, great food!

This is our precious Sara when she was two.  She is still as precious, but where have the years gone?!

This evening we went for a walk along the river and across the train bridge.  I think this might be the first time I've been on the bridge when the train went by.  Boy, is that close!

Tim's birthday

Easter

A nippy but bright Easter Sunday morning.  Our family meet a few international students in a park near our house to celebrate that Jesus has risen.

We were at Dad & Mom's with Gary & Doreen and the Koops for dinner, games, with the traditional egg painting and Easter egg (and other sugary things) hunt.  Enjoyed by all.

 

In case you are wondering, yes we still have LOTS of snow.  This picture was taken on Thursday.  How long before the flowers will bloom in this flowerbed?

Gatherings in our house

The last few Fridays we've been studying "All about Easter", and afterwards doing some kind of activity.  This past week we put together craft kits for a Kids Club here in Saskatoon.  Above, trying out some origami designs, and below making pompom / pipe cleaner critters.

Why buy cream sandwiches when you can make them?  This, thanks to Sara's Malaysian roommate.  Quite tastey actually!

Dad's 82nd birthday

Icicles

Fun

 Gerry figures that if we have snow and ice, we may as well have fun with it!