Canada and Celebration!

Hello everyone! Here's been the 'haps' as of late:

-Zach and I went to a pre-marital conference in Canada last weekend (Sunshine Coast, on Keats Island - near Gibsons). It was so lovely. The speaker focused on communication and conflict resolution. Both of which Z-man and I benefited from greatly! 

ALSO, Fiance finished his last day of school yesterday! Until August, that is. 

Some celebratory muffins were in order, because it was his half-birthday too! 

I'm so proud of him! 

He finished his first year of going to a private university, debt free!

Working three jobs to make that happen, while still spending time with me and helping prepare details for the wedding. Goodness, he is so hard-working! He also made time for his family by coming home every weekend to catch up with them, leaving school assignments on the back-burner. I am so incredibly blessed by him, his work-ethic, and his encouragement! Way to be, Zachary!

Canada, Beautiful Vancouver!

What a weekend! My sister graduated last year from a university in Canada, and her dream is to open up an art gallery in the inner city. I visited her this past weekend, and had so much fun seeing what she gets to do everyday! She works with an organization/movement called Mission Possible, you can click the link to learn more. 

Photos: 1st) Sister's apartment. 2nd) Alley. 3rd) Servants Kitchen (click the link to read about the ministry). 4th) Jenny's studio.  

If you click on the links above, you'll be able to read about the DTES (Down Town East Side) of Vancouver. Generally, people would much rather stay away from it. But my sister once mentioned, "all these people want you to know is that they have a name and a story just like the rest of us." It's so true. The people are very fascinating, and they each have incredible stories. And did I mention they are super friendly!? They are. We would walk down the street, and Jenny would call out the people by name and ask how they were doing, or she would ask about their family, sometimes giving them hugs ... just like any other person would respond to friends. Her pals in the DTES are abuse victims, drug/alcohol addicts, recovering addicts, drug dealers, and those who just happened to go down the wrong road - she loves every one of them, just as Christ called us to love. She lives in the community and walks the streets daily to make relationships with people - what a dream job. To be able to interact and love on people!
I had an absolute tremendous time and enjoyed meeting the people she hangs with everyday. It was an honor as they shared their talents and gifts with me - poetry, writing, art, they all had something unique to offer. It was so much fun! 

Oh, Canada. The land I call my...sisters home?

Hello loves! I am currently writing this to you from seat 21, car 3. I'm on my way home from visiting my older sister for the weekend and am all alone on this train. It's very peaceful, and whoever is making announcements is very witty...that always makes delays much more pleasent. I'll post photos when I get the chance! ALSO, if you haven't noticed already, I've put in some type of 'About Me' section up above to the left. If you have any more questions for me to add, let a sister know and drop a note!