While we were in Edmonton Bella got a new lamb for her little lamb family. A couple of years ago Bella bought the Mamma Lamb from this same Build-A-Bear store. Can you tell which lambs have lived in Marabá for a couple of years, and which one is the newbie?

This is Chuck and Rachel’s daughter Elli, holding a pysanka. (Rachel is Dan Thiessen’s daughter).

I spent several hours early one morning with Chuck. I arrived as the family was waking up and Rachel was heading off to work as a nurse in Edmonton. Chuck is now teaching at a university in Edmonton and working on his second PhD.

I first became friends with Chuck when my brother Henry converted his huge old cadillac to run on propane. The three of us drove from BC to Texas and back, hunting for places to refill his propane tank all the way. Many Americans had never heard of cars running on propane back in the 80s. It was three weeks of out-of-control laughter and deep bonding. 

I first met Murray Fredlund in Texas, at Bible School. He was Ross’s friend, and played bass on the worship team. We did not imagine what an extraordinary family he was from. His parents travel together around the world, always trying to be part of what God is doing here on earth. After teaching for 35 years at the University Del now mentors PhD students for a job. In 2005 Del received the Order of Canada award from the queen for making an outstanding contribution in his area of geography and for giving significantly to charitable organizations.

Del and Joanne’s stories and the wisdom gained along the way are very helpful. He always seems to speak just what I need to hear. “When people ask me for a character reference I only share strengths. It is not helpful to share areas where people need to improve. Share strengths. Always be encouraging.” This sounds a lot like Apostle John he wrote 1, 2 and 3 John in the Bible. John was an old man when he wrote those books. He used to be known as one of the “Sons of Thunder”.  As an old man he concluded, “Love one another. God is love. Love one another”. I met several people on this trip, men and women in their 70s and 80s who have loved the Lord for most of their lives. They all told me what they had learned, “Love one another. Do good. Be encouraging”. 

It was great seeing Murray and Barb again too. Murray had box seats at a hockey game as a fun evening for the guys at his company. Del and I were invited too, as he had a couple of extra tickets. One of the guys that work for Murray has a PhD in math. He says it gets easier when you quit using numbers.

I went to the gym with Del. I had forgotten this Northern Canadian custom. Everyone takes off their snowy or muddy footwear at the door, and puts on their inside shoes. And your shoes are still there when it is time to leave. I wonder if this custom is other places in the world?

Rachelle worked with the Mission in Porto de Moz, and also helped us for about six months when we lived in Altamira. She has moved back to Saskatoon and is now married to Jonathan Hutchenson! Rachelle is as bubbly and happy as ever.

Mom’s cousins, John and Lydia Thiessen, live in Lethbridge Alberta. All their lives they have been passionate, sincere Christians, living to spread the message of God’s love throughout the world.

Thank you for lunch and some very enjoyable hours together.

The gps routed us cross-country in Saskatchewan. We drove for hours looking for a cafe where we could eat breakfast. What a beautiful, vast country with friendly people. We saw a herd of antelope. The restaurant reminded us of Corner Gas.

I have only one brother who is two years younger than me. He quit his union job of 20+ years here in the Fraser Valley, bought a really nice mechanic’s truck, and left yesterday for Northern Alberta to work. 

Here is a photo of Henry, his youngest son Seth and his new truck.

We are hoping and praying this turns out really well for you Henry.

My sister Marlene, my Mom and I all have February birthdays.

Thanks for the party, Darrell and Marlene!

One thing I miss about Brazil are the distinct seasons. The winter is passing in BC. Spring is pushing through once again. It is a hopeful season.

Every furlough we travel through BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan, visiting people who partner with our work in Brazil. It’s Spring Break so we are able to travel with our girls.

We are so blessed. Thank you everyone who helped make this trip possible. Thank you Lord, for creating such a beautiful country and such nice people all along the way.