Snow, snow, everywhere snow!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words and I'm sure this one captures many.
Last night my class had their commissioning service. The weather did not cooperate with us very much. The snow just came pouring down along with nasty winds that would brush snow up your windshield. I know I don't drive, but I was riding along with two of my classmates when this happened. The roads weren't too bad, just corners and intersections. The snow was quite deep in places due to the snow drifts, but it does look pretty. I spent about an hour shovelling my walkway around the house and to the sidewalk, and the sidewalk. Some places taking three or four shovel fulls before finally hitting ground. Some spots were past my waist, which doesn't say much as I'm short haha. Last night after the commissioning service I had to shovel in front of my door at least to get it, the snow drift was up to the door knob. Again because I'm so short I wouldn't be about to leap over that haha.

Anyway, the commissioning service was rather small (due to the weather), though it was very good. I left feeling so blessed and encouraged by the message and the warmth of the Punjab people. Also four of us shared our testimonies and they were also encouraging. Then each of us were prayed for in a different language all down the line. It was amazing to say the least to hear just a few different languages in our world of thousands of languages. I can't believe that this semester is almost over and it will be time to be heading back to Ontario. I am looking forward to that but at the same time will miss the people that I have come to know and love here in Calgary.

A little adventure, in God's great creation

A few weeks ago I went to Banff with a girl from my program. I was in awe of the amazing moutains that took my breath away. We dressed for the weather in Calgary which wasn't too cold and there was no snow either. I brought my spring/fall jacket in case it was windy. When we were getting closer we saw that there was snow everywhere. Despite the cold and lack of proper winter wear we went for it a short hike. The snow and ice was beautiful, little did we realize that we would end up slipping and sliding everywhere. I am very thankful that we had railings to hang on to along the cliffs, or else I would have lost my friend! Ok, I slipped a little too, I admit it! Anyway here are some pictures for you to enjoy. Sorry that they kind of run into one another. I fought quite a bit with these photos. Some of God's creation at it's best!

Encouragement followed by discouragement

Although I sent out an email a week or so ago stating how encouraged I was. I almost did not last. Satan saw how happy and bubbly I was even though I was tired and weary.

As many of you know I am currently raising support for my first overseas missions journey that is to come in January. I am super excited to be able to serve God in this way. However, there are also those times when we should see what other missionaries are up to. So off I went to see missionaries that I know well and are serving in Saskatchewan. I was so encouraged and blessed to see them in action and the ministry that they have there as well. After the few days that I spent there I went on a retreat with fellow CrossTrainers past and present. This time was also wonderful and encouraging.

So what is so discouraging about that? Well I am struggling with my support raising, truth be told. This is not an easy task when you are out of province that is for sure. I am trying every tactic out there without making people feel bad and send me money out of pity. I am writing letters to hopefully encourage others and to ask for prayer. I am not coming right out and asking for money as I find that rather rude. haha. If a person is going to give they are going to give. I was happy giving this over to God, allowing him to full in the gaps in his timing. That said the mission agency I am going with kind of threw me a discouraging ball. I know where I am sitting as I keep on top of that so that I make sure that I send out thank you cards right away. They just said "you are at 40%, that's a great start." Now I know that this is not really discouraging words, but they were to me. I believe that Satan was taking the "high" away from me to gain a moment of joy over my feelings.

Please pray for me as I work through this dark moment. This too shall pass! Actually I received a yesterday (personal) and today (missions), so I know God is working at taking that glory away from Satan.