Friends & Family February

Where did this month go?  Whew.  We had some visitors, which makes the time fly!!

The week before our train disaster, we had some friends visit from Iowa.  Steve has been a friend of Les' since high school.  He used to hang out at Les' parents house - Les' dad is famous for asking Steve one day "Don't you have a home?"   Steve married Rachel and she has also become a dear friend to us.  Steve is a farmer.  Les always enjoyed playing farmer, and Steve's family would let him farm with them.

Anyway, we didn't do much touristy stuff with Steve and Rachel, but we didn't need to.  We just hung out.  We did take a drive around the county one day - showed them our kids' homes, etc.  Les also wanted to share with them a meal from Syro's.  Les LOVES their lamb dinner and wanted to make sure farmer Steve tried this lamb.  So yummy.

This past week Les' only sister Linda and younger brother Gawin were here.  They came from the frozen tundra of Minnesota - 12 below the day they flew in.  They were amazed by the green grass, pink trees, crocus and daffodils blooming.

Bet she's not doing this anymore!!

One thing Gawin mentioned was driving up the "Highway thru Hell", which he watches on TV.  He also drives a wrecker so was very interested in checking that highway out.  When he mentioned it one evening, friend Rick was here and Rick said - "Let's go!"  So the three of them drove up the Coquihalla Highway on Saturday.  Crazy, eh?  That gave us girls a chance to head to the beach - Linda's request.  A beautiful day!  We had lunch at Packer's - what a view while dining!!

Leslie finding treasures with Auntie

We enjoyed having them around.  Gawin and Linda helped with some odd jobs Les had lined up for them.  The good byes for all of these visitors are extremely difficult.  We feel so far away from our family and these long time friends.  A shout out to some dear people who brought meals and/or goodies while we had visitors:  cousin Nyla, neighbor nurse Kay, friends Kara, Lu, Lori VW, Dan & Deb, Carl & Renee, neighbor Jayleen.  So thoughtful, and we are so thankful.

We had an AMAZING sermon this morning from Pastor Clay on Philippians 1.  He talked about Paul in chains, and some of us (Les) in chains - how to use these chains to advance the gospel.  He talked about courage, and finding courage in weakness and death.  He spoke to our hearts and we were greatly encouraged.