Thanks closesineurope

I did it. I started a new blog. Thanks closesineurope, we had some good times, but we're not actually in Europe anymore so its time for something new.

Everyone! Please visit me here from now on. I'm still formatting it but the first post has been written. Angie will either write with me or start her own, or both.

John

Hong Kong

While I don't care for the Canucks I must say Vancouver has a great airport complete with free Wifi anywhere you are. I just spent the past hour chatting with the wife and kids on facebook. I'm a modern man. The best was when I told Lex I was having coffee with Troy from High School Musical. I am now an even awesomer dad. My plane leaves in 3 hours and my flight is supposed to last 14 hours. Wow. I thought the 8 hours to London was long I can't imagine this. The good thing is I have some good books and my laptop plus each seat on the plane has its own tv. It'll be fine as long as my back holds up. I slipped a disc a few days ago playing hockey but stubbornly kept playing. My wife wasn't impressed even when I told her I set up the winning goal. Apparently I should have been doing something noble whilst slipping a disc, like holding open a door or catching a falling baby. Anyways, I now walk wierd as Maddie compassionately said to me last night which. ..don't I always? Sitting is the worst thing for this kind of back injury which means I'll be the annoying wierdo who hobbles up and down the aisle every hour for "no apparent reason." I just read on Steve's blog that his back is out too. Man, we'll be terrific at this camp.

Well, its time to checkin to my flight. Should be a good time.

John

Due to the recession. . .

So its official. Last week I flew into Calgary, gathered up all our stuff and made the solitary drive through the mountains back to Crofton. The drive was fairly eventful as the road was closed from Field to Golden meaning I had to drive all the way to Radium Hot Springs then loop back to Golden. I had never been to the Springs but was frustrated enough when I arrived that I didn't really take them in. As I continued my road trip the roads got snowier and the semi's became more invincible. There were a few times when my knuckles bleached and Paddington Bear heard a profane word or two. Ah yes, Paddington Bear accompanied me. My friend Greg had jokingly seat belted my daughters London gift in with me and there PB stayed the entire trip. Some people enjoy driving hours and hours in bad weather with no radio, I'm not a big fan. In fact, I discovered I'm a bit more sociable then I even thought. I wouldn't be a liar if I said that Paddington became my Wilson as there were times when I engaged him. "So Paddington, what do ya say there, quite the road trip hey?" "Whoa, that was a close one, sorry about that Pad." "Stop, again, you just went?" We ended up bunking in Kamloops for the night and I almost brought PB into the hotel with me but thought otherwise. The next day I could tell he was miffed because he was very quiet and spend most of the time looking up at the cab roof as if to say "you used me, like a stuffed who. . ."

Anyways, we arrived back and moved into the 2 bedroom at the same hotel. The manager is very sweet and worked hard to get it ready for us and although there is still a faint urine smell we rented a black light and zapped the rest of it and other things. .. away. High five. There's twice as much room as our last place but still, after 6 months without a home, we drool for a place of our own.

Oh yeah, so the week I returned I had a meeting with the Church planting network and they said "due to the recession. . ." Yeah, not great news. They can only afford a third of what we need so the possibility of us getting hired suffered a major blow. We've haven't given up yet, I rarely although there does come a time when the line between moving in faith and forcing things is very faint. We love it on the Island and really hope to stay here but in the end I must have a secure job, wherever it may be. So. ..if you know anyone. ha.

Yeah, we're trying to stay positive and doing a fairly good job but there are moments when we "discuss" things with God and encourage him to make the right decision. ha.

For now, I'm focused on China. Yeah, I get to go to China after all. Hong Kong to be exact. On Sunday I fly out with Steve McMillan to speak at a Teen Retreat. 5 sessions, so we'll be busy. His sister Harmony works there and she's our connection. We're not that famous. I'm actually getting excited although I must admit its been hard concentrating on my talks with all the job stuff in the background not to mention some close Calgary friends who are going through hell.

Anyways, it was time to update and we feel loved that you care enough to hound us for information. We'll try to keep it coming at a faster pace.

John