Home for the Holidays

After an epic battle to procure plane tickets, I have arrived safe and sound at home for the holidays. My journey began as I departed Nias on Tuesday morning, with no afternoon flights. On Wednesday,after some frantic last minuteshopping, I left at 6:00 am for the airport, and a quick hope to Penang, Malaysia. After few hours layover, and my second breakfast, I deprated for Taipei, Taiwan. The time in Taiwan was filled with a hot shower, a third breakfast (I did have lunch on the plane) and some email checking. Finally, I departed for LA, arriving midafternoon, after a second lunch and a fourth breakfast.

In LA, all my hopes for seeing Tinseltown were dashed as the brisk American evening was to much for my shortsleeves, and the price of a Hollywood jacket was more than my trael budget would allow. This was a good thing, however, as I quickly realized I could barely function following a leisurely meal and shower. So, at 10 pm, I ended Wednesday 31 hours after I started it.

On Thursday, I finally arrived in Toronto, via Phoenix, at 7:30 pm to a splendid blizzard. Meredith met me at the airport with her husband's coat, and we started the 2.5 hour journey to her home in Kingston. We arrived at home by 3:30 am, after several coffee break and a small collision with a reverse-rolling 18 wheel truck. Welcome to Canada, eh!

Friday was my culture shock adjustment day, as I practiced driving in snow, driving on the right side of the road, adjusting to the existence of traffic signals, and shopping in Canadian malls again. So calm and quiet...and expensive!!! Dan and Meredith have a great little starter home, and I certainly felt odd being hosted by them, as the homeless guest.

On Saturday, we drove to Peterborough, with only a few wrong turns, and visited with my mom's family. It was a good turnout, and a chance to see everyone in the semi-annual tradition. My younger cousins are grwing up so fast!!! I finally met my parents there as well.

The next stop, on Sunday was Arkell Road Bible Chapel, my home church, where I surprised many with an unannounced visit. I guess some who knew did not have the chance or perhaps desire to share this info ;) What a homecoming,as I realized what I had really missed during my time away. After church, it was time for Dad's family Christmas dinner and gift exchange at Grandma Sheach's house. There, we received the announcement that my cousin Alyssa is engaged to her long-time boyfriend Ryan. Congrats to them both.

Later that night, after a rousing game of Skip-bo with Grandma, we set out in two cars for the long haul north to Markstay. I guess my dog got tired of waiting, because by the time we arrived, he was over at the neighbour's and we didn't see him until morning. It has been nice and mild the last week, with temperatures ranging in the -5C range, and the coldest day of the week was Tuesday.

On Tuesday, we all went into town for some Chrisstmas shopping. Dad went into the office, to find that the robbers which broke in on Sunday night had come back again the next night, and left only the 200kg. fax/copier, and the oldest of computer monitors. Meanwhile, I got a message informing me that two old friends from the early days in Indonesia, Joel Crocker and Mary Lee, had eloped in Costa Rica. We rounded out Tuesday with an all-u-can eat fish fry, and a family outing to watch "The Chronicles of Narnia" in the theatre - our first family theatre event since 1988. An enjoyable film, and an adequate interpretation of my personal favourite book of all time.

Yesterday, Wednesday, was an adventure for my Dad and I, as we tried to break the beaver dam which has caused the river to flood. The beavers have cut down about twenty huge poplars, more than 30 cm. diameter and 30 meters tall. When we finally found the dam, we realized we hadn't brought the axe, the chainsaw had no gas, and the dam was covered with 15cm of snow, and 10 cm of ice. It was a good adventure anyways, and we got wet and cold.

That's the update so far - I will be staying with my parents until at least Boxing Day, and then back down to Guelph to visit with Grandma and my friends and family at Arkell Road until New Year's. My return flight departs January 2 from Toronto. I'm taking photos and video, so should have some good images for later posts!

Wishing all a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and God's richest blessings for you and your families during this season of joy and rememberance.

Love to all, Chris

Twentieth Century Tragedy

Dear All, I have spent the last two weeks trapped in the decades of no internet access! The UN office is no longer providing an internet service, and the local internet cafés run so slow that my work email server times out, after trying to load the page for five to ten minutes. I apologize to all who have not received a much deserved response, but I must deal with the work emails first. I am out in Medan for two days for a meeting, so I’ll try to catch up with as many as possible. Other than email, the project is finally rolling at a great pace, and we may reach our readjusted targets.

God bless you all, Chris