Good Bye Canada

Our time with our family in Canada had come to an end. Those days flew by quickly and soon it was time to make our way back to our home in England. Final good byes are never easy, but we were so thankful for each day we had with them. We are blessed beyond measure to have such a wonderful son, loving daughter in law and 3 precious grandchildren. The Lord was good to allow us this time together, and we were very thankful for all the fond memories we would take back across the pond with us.

- A COUPLE SURPRISES -

As we were munching away on a yummy BBQ lunch after church one Sunday, a young lady came up to me and asked if I was Craig's mom. I should have given her a straight answer right away - ‘yes I am’, but my brain immediately began to race around in many directions before I could answer.
'I am Craig's mom, but you wouldn't know him, since he lives in England. Did she mix the brothers names up - had she meant to say 'Ryan', but how would Craig just happen to slip off her tongue?’
Since my confusion must have been obvious, she explained that she and Craig went to the same Youth Group in Niagara Falls 10 years ago. She knew he was my sister Luella's nephew and she thought that I looked so much like Luella, that I must be her sister - so I must be Craig's mom! A small world!!

As I was walking into the YMCA one afternoon with Noah and Selah, on our way into the Library, I heard someone call 'Liz'. Thinking that no one there knew me and that there must be another Liz, in the room, I ignored it and kept on walking. When I heard it again - 'Liz', I slightly turned my head still thinking that it would not be for me, and nearly stopped dead in my tracts.
Lo and behold there were some of our best friends from the Philippines - Peter and Kathy Baker. How in the world did we 'just happen' to be at the YMCA in Niagara Falls at the same time?
It took a few seconds to sink in before I ran over to give them both a big hug. Was I really seeing them or was this a dream? After I recovered from my initial shock, we went into the Library and they shared their story with me.
They were driving home from Virginia to Ontario and crossed the border near Niagara Falls. Their son had seen my Facebook status saying I was in Canada, so thinking I might still be in the area, they called Ryan at work. He told them where we were. Since they were only a hop, skip and a jump from that intersection, they decided to come and surprise us. And what a surprise that was!!
We had a great chat while Noah and Selah picked out some books before they went on to their swimming lesson.
It was sooooooooooooo good to see them again, and before they left, we made arrangements to meet again. Bless their hearts, they drove all the way down to Toronto on the day we left. After having a great conversation with them over dinner (always plenty to chat about) they took us to the airport and dropped us off .
The time had come to once more say good bye to Canada - to our family in Allenburg, to our friends and other familiar surroundings - like TIM HORTON'S - Walmart and driving on the right hand side of the road.

Our Favorite Canadian Kids

It would take a lot of convincing to get me to believe kids could get any sweeter than this!! We sure had lots of fun with them this summer.
Noah ready to shoot a basket.

Selah posing for her Omma.

One day I was sitting outside shortly after nap time and Noah comes running out to me - "Omma, this would be the perfect time to play chase me." We have a route at the bottom of their beautiful big back yard where he runs and I try to catch him. Since I was ‘never able’ to the last time we were there, he has suggested that I stay 46 days this time. Maybe by then I would have enough practice and be able to catch him.

Tea time with Mom.

So happy, swinging around the yard together.

Noah finishing off his puzzle.

Selah putting in her last piece of the puzzle.

Andrew enjoying his ride.

Story time with Abbi.

Daddy and Andrew reading together.

Selah taking a rest after getting wet in the splashing pad.

Andrew's first lollipop.

The doctor's were so helpful - checking to make sure everything was fine.

Daddy with the 3 of 'em in the hammock.

Big hug from big brother.

Selah in her fortress.

All ready to go.

Enjoying pizza.

I loved going to the playground with them, which was only a few minutes walk from their home.

Higher please Omma.

Sister Get-together

We'd been talking about it for years, planning it for months and getting down to the details for weeks. Now it was just days before our sister reunion. We were all excited about it and glad the time was close for the 3 Furlong 'girls' from Port Hilford to have a few days together!!

With Carol Lynne spending most of her adult life in Ecuador, Luella in Bolivia and me in the Philippines, I guess it is not too surprising that our paths didn't cross very often.The last time we were together was at Craig and Claire's wedding in 2004. That was great, but so short and a few years ago, so we were all looking forward to this time together.

I had flown in from England and Carol Lynne had her tickets in hand to fly in from Ecuador. However the night before she was to leave Quito she sent us a quick note - her passport was missing. Even an all night long thorough search did not bring positive results, which meant she would not be able to catch her flight. It would be necessary to get a new passport, plus the needed paperwork to leave the country could take up to a month. It looked like we would need to cancel our plans of spending a few days together in 1000 Islands.

We began to pray that either the passport would turn up or a miracle would happen and all the needed paperwork (exit clearance etc.) could get finished in record time. So why were we surprised when the later happened? Not only were they able to get all the paper work done on time, but they got their tickets changed and Carol Lynne was able to get to New York on time to be picked up for our reunion!!
Carol Lynne came to Ryan and Kara's in the morning. It was her first time to meet Noah, Selah and Andrew. Luella arrived soon after work and then we were on our way to 1000 Islands. We choose to drive through New York since it was a shorter route.

Our time together was wonderful - 2 days packed full of fun, chatting, catching up on each other's recent happenings, leisurely meals, walking around the town of Gananoque and lots of time to reminisce our childhood days in Port Hilford and memories of mom and dad. One day we did a cruise around the islands, which included a stop at Bolt Castle. Another highlight was enjoying a play together, but the best part of those few days was just being together.
The ferry that took us around the islands.

Can you imagine owning your own island and building a summer home there?
We got off the ferry and had a tour of Bolt Castle.

The boat house!!

Of course we were all drawn to the old organ and piano.

Later that evening we went up a tower and saw many of the islands from a different view. Then we walked across this bridge.

It was sad to drop Carol Lynne off at the airport in Buffalo, New York before making our last crossing into Canada. We had 6 border crossings during our trip, including the tour of the castle since it was on American soil and the boat launched off from Canada. Before we parted ways we were already talking about when we could do this again. We trust it will not have to wait another 7 years.

Ryan's Summer Project

One of Ryan's big summer projects was to put new siding on his house and Ragnar was looking forward to helping him.

Ryan had a good start on it, but it was a HUGE undertaking, especially since he only had a few hours to spend on it each night after work.

He had taken the old siding off and began putting on various new layers as well as the insulation.

Ragnar was able to join me in Canada the day after his Faroese classes were finished. Of course, Ryan and I were pleased to meet him in Toronto.

Ryan was able to take a week off work when Ragnar was there. They started right in the morning after Ragnar arrived and were able to continue each day getting as much done as possible.

Coffee break was always welcome. Who wouldn't enjoy a break with those special kids!!

They were pleased with what they were able to accomplish.

It was a good week of working together as a father/son team. I guess we can only dream that it could happen more often!!