We have some exciting things to report on, one of which is that spring has sprung! The weather today is already up to about 28 degrees. Looking outside the grass is beautifully green and lush looking, and over the past week in particular all the trees are getting their new leaves. It's amazing the effect it has on the landscape - and it's almost, almost hard to remember just how cold and hard the winter was. It's amazing the difference that sunshine and warmth can have on your mood and motivation in general. :)
We had a lovely April, and really enjoyed getting into the spirit of Easter - my favourite holiday. :) It was quite a novel experience to celebrate it during the spring! As it turns out Hot Cross Buns are not really done over here - there was only one store that you could buy them from, and they didn't look to appetising, so I rolled up my sleeves and got baking! They actually came out pretty delish!
Things have been finishing up for the school year - which is kind of strange for us - being halfway through the year, but the school year is ending - somewhat back to front from what we are used to. I finished teaching art classes and have just finished up my babysitting - plus the Bible study group that I was babysitting for has finished up too.
Josh is now in the thick of exams. He sat one this morning, and has another 6 to go over the next 4 days. Needless to say, he has been very busy. He works long hours every day, usually through until 11pm each night - but something that has been really nice is that we have been able to have dinners together. I even took dinner to seminary the other night so that we could enjoy it together! I'm really thankful that he is able to work so hard and consistently - and hopefully the Lord will bless his efforts!
Josh also had to have an interview this past week with the session from Redeemer Church (our church over here) so that they could assess him for his preaching license. By God's awesome grace, they granted it to him - so he is now licensed to preach! (So to speak).
As most of you would probably know by now, the students at MARS are set up with an internship so they can get some practical experience over the summer. Again, amazingly providentially - we were accepted at Emmanuel URC (United Reformed) church in Abbotsford, British Columbia. This is an incredible opportunity for us - and in particular for Josh - this very generous congregation is willing to give him the opportunity to preach, take a bible study and be involved in some visiting with the members. It really is amazing that they would be willing to take on us first years and give us this opportunity. Plus, we are going to be driving over there - which means crossing over a majority of the width of the US and Canada. A once in a lifetime road trip! We are planning on heading over to BC via Canada, and then Lord willing will return via the US. It's going to take us about 5 days travel to get there (traveling on average 7.5-8 hours a day).
So we look forward to keeping you updated on how things go! We are also looking forward to catching up with Beccy & Jake Gulliksen who are currently in Wisconson - right in our path for our trip, so Lord willing will be catching up with them for lunch on our first day of travel. : )
I also had a really cool opportunity this past week to go and visit a local Christian Elementary school. They were having a Book Day, and very kindly invited me to speak about book illustration with the kids. There were two groups that I spoke to - the first being an older group of about 75 kids aged 8-10 and the second group of about 45 aged 6-7. They were a great group and the school was very hospitable. I really enjoyed the opportunity!
So otherwise, the next couple of weeks are especially busy for us as we pack and prepare for the big trip, as Josh finishes his exams, and I do a thorough spring clean of our apartment!
Thought I'd include a relatively current picture of us over here to show that we are still alive and well. :)
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