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Wow - two long plane flights and one layover later, I safely arrived in Toronto Pearson Airport where I was greeted with a big hug from my mom and my good friend Krystal. As we drove home together I had the opportunity to share many stories of what has happened during the last 10 months in Japan, and that helped me realize just how much God is and has been working. One of the highlights for me near the end of the school year was to read my students' answers on their final exam for Bible. Because we had studied different letters in the New Testament, the last question was, 'What do you think is God's letter to you through His letters to the churches?' I was blessed by each of the responses. One student spoke of being challenged to have joy in all situations, even when life doesn't seem to be easy. Another student explained that he didn't think God was telling him anything, but he had learned that God is good and faithful and loving. I decided that if that was 'nothing', then I'm OK with that! The best part of reading their responses was realizing that, in spite of the hundreds (thousands?) of times I felt nearly paralyzed by weakness or fear of not teaching Bible well enough, it seems the Holy Spirit was working through me to reach their hearts. I really shouldn't be surprised, I know, after being sent to Japan with Isaiah 55 ringing in my ears: 'My word will not return void, but will accomplish what I have set out for it to do...' Yes, I am weak. But He is strong.

After spending just two short days at home and a brief visit with friends there, I boarded a bus for Val-d'Or in order to make it to Quebec in time for my friend Marilyn's wedding. I am still here in Val-d'Or, and totally blessed to reconnect with my church family here. It was shocking but encouraging when a lady whom I barely know came up to me after church on Sunday and exclaimed, 'I am SO happy to see you! I have been praying for God to protect you and watch over you. This month, I asked God to give me a sign that you are doing well and everything is OK. This morning, here you are!!!' I was blessed by this for 2 reasons: first, it's incredible to hear that people are praying for me. I wonder how they remember to think of me but recognize that the Holy Spirit works to bring me to mind when I am in need. Second, my coming to Val-d'Or was an example to this lady's friends that God answers prayers. She had talked about me with them before and so I was living, breathing proof of a God who responds to our cries -- sometimes even little ones. :)

I'll be here for a few more days and then I'm heading to a camp near Mont Tremblant, where I will be volunteering for one week. I'm looking forward to being able to minister to Native people again for a short time. After that, I will return home for a full 6 weeks to REALLY spend time with family and friends there.

Isn't summer great? I'm so thankful that God gives us seasons of REST!!!

The fun stuff - Sports Day

School is almost over and our school just had its annual sports day. It was a GREAT afternoon and you can see how much I'm fun having with my students during the water games part of the day in this video. I don't know why it's sideways - I got it from someone else's camera and it was right side up for them. But if you can endure turning your head slightly, enjoy! :)