I write this as the dust settles from the 'end of Kaleo landslide'. And that's what it was; a landslide that escalated quickly and ended swiftly. I am so thankful that the end really isn't the end, but rather a new chapter of the story. (These analogies must be making up for the one's that Jimbad would normally be making, ha). Saturday night/Sunday morning back at Qwanoes was the hardest; we stayed up all night just so we could stay in each other's company longer and to say goodbye to those leaving in the early hours. Overall, lack of sleep combined with tough goodbyes make processing difficult and I've only been able to think about it and appreciate it all now.
The last week was an amazing one. We returned back to one of our favorite places, Mt. Washington, for our Kaleo retreat. This time was much appreciated; no homework, no big agendas, just good quality time with each other. The boys took on the job of cooking and dishes, which was again much appreciated. I think my highlight was climbing the mountain itself. During the retreat, we had a solo time that we were to spend with us and God. If we were going up the mountain, we were to go with company, so that's what we did. Rivs, Jess, and myself set out a little early and attempted the hike (or 'climb' up a black diamond run). By the end it was Jess and myself and every break we took, we used it to share, pray, and read bibes. We prayed for strength and a way up the hill and we got it, in the form of footprints of our brothers, James and Bob (you could tell from the cowboy boots, ha). We followed in the footsteps all the way to the top. There were breathtaking views as always, and funnest part? We slid the way back down via garbage bags and snowpants.
Wherever we find a playground, we instantly put it to use (And perhaps find more entertainment than most children). We stopped in Parksville on the way back from our Kaleo retreat and had an epic time at the beach and on the playground. We even made a few little friends (That turned into bullies...sorry Matt). Also, can't forget the time at Transfer Beach before picking up Bria (more great games of grounders and tag, playground and beach).
Friday we had our last chapel together and that night we had our Grad night out. We went to Just Jakes to eat and afterward headed to Vic to spend time at the breakwater. I treasure those last moments together. Then all too soon came Saturday; filled with baptisms, prayers, worship and music-playing, grad ceremonies, pictures, banquets, a few goodbyes.
Sunday was leaving day. I went to church one last time with my mom. It was hard leaving the ministry there, but it will be in my prayers. Saying goodbye back at camp was hard as well and I am so thankful for the prayers and love of the people that were left. My mom and I went to Coombs where we saw Nick Vansnick! What a pleasant surprise! Then what followed was the long trek home.
So here I am. Writing of a small story of events that are really filled with so much joy, sadness, love, and hope that my heart aches even now. God has not only worked in my life, but in the lives of the people we met. From snowy Olympic parks to smokey fires past the train tracks, God will continue to be with those people when I'm not and dearly wished that I could be. This is most likely my last blog here. Thank you for reading and for your prayers. Can't wait to see a lot of you next year at Briercrest and elsewhere in the future.
So just like at the Olympics...
Goodbye, thanks for coming, au revoir, auf wiedersehen, tschuss, dasvidaniya, adios, ciao, adieu.
-Genuine Jader
"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
-Philippians 1:3-6
