Canadian Vacation-part three

Tim and Lidiyanna enjoying a snuggle around the campfire

On one of our days during vacation, we drove about 45 minutes to the village of Mont Tremblant. It is a ski resort in a smaller mountain range. During the summer, the village is still alive with activity including shopping, entertainment for the kids, and lots of dining. We enjoyed some crepes and a Canadian treat called Beaver Tails which are flat pastries similar to donuts that have toppings like chocolate hazelnut or cinnamon sugar. While in the village, we rode the gondola to the top of the mountain and enjoyed a beautiful view. Graham and Tim rode the luge which is similar to riding a scooter down a big hill. Graham also tried the ropes course for kids and the mountain climbing. Wesley and I had fun playing on a pirate ship and riding some small boats. It was a fun day in a beautiful village that we'd like to visit some time during the winter so we can introduce our kids to some skiing. Although it was lots of fun for a day, I was glad that we spent the majority of the week in a more peaceful environment that really refreshed our souls.

back at the cottage enjoying the sunset before bed

before the luge

Graham doing the ropes course.

Wesley and I riding the gondola.

a view of the village from the gondola

Canadian Vacation-part two

After a bit of a stressful summer, the cottage we rented in Quebec was a perfect way to spend our vacation. The cottage was located on a small lake called Lake Nomininique in the Laurentians of Quebec. The Laurentians is a region of coniferous forest dotted with hundreds of lakes and rivers. It was a beautiful, remote area with quaint villages that took us away from noise and distraction. We spent the week playing on the lake's shore, paddling around in the paddle boat and kayak, roasting marshmallows on the campfire, and just enjoying each other. God knew it was just what we needed to end the summer.

Our First Canadian Vacation-part one

Last week, the five of us piled in Tim's truck and headed to Quebec to enjoy some rest and relaxation together. We started our vacation with a night spent in Ottawa, Canada's capital city. It's a beautiful city right on the river with some intricate buildings on its Parliament Hill. The city is very pedestrian-friendly so we explored it on foot Friday night and by bike on Saturday.

The Peace Tower on Parliament Hill

changing of the guard

enjoying a break from our bike ride

Parliament Hill behind us

On Friday night we sat on the green lawn in front of the Parliament building to watch a light show that told a little of Canada's history. In many ways, Canada differs from the United States, but some things are true no matter where you live. The people here are proud of their country just as we are in the U.S. I was thankful for the opportunity to see Ottawa and learn a little more about this country we'll be living in for the next few years.

Finally

After three months, I'm finally starting to feel more settled here in Canada. We've settled on a church, and that's a great feeling. We hope to get involved in a small group and I intend to join the women's weekday Bible study in September.

We've gotten to know two families that are here with Nissan from the states, and it's been really fun to have some fellow Americans to get together with. Even though their kids are a little older, our kids have had fun getting to know them.

I've made a friend in the area through a connection in Nashville and she and her kids have already worked their way into our hearts. My boys ask often when we are getting together with the Lilley's, and I always feel refreshed after spending time with this family. They are a true blessing from God and I know we are developing a life-long friendship.

We've continued to explore the area and enjoy the summer beauty before it slips away and winter starts to creep in. I am looking forward to the Fall here as I know apple farms are a fun autumn treat. The beach remains to be the boys' favorite summer activity, and we recently found a park that has dirt jumps where Graham can ride his bike. Going on long bike rides with the kids has been my favorite part of the summer.

The summer has been long and challenging at times, but God always provides and I am feeling hopeful about the direction He's taking us in for the Fall.

Fun with Grandparents

Nana (my mom) and Grandpa Sam came to visit us this past week. We had a great time having family here and showing them our new home. We went to the African Lion Safari, spent time at several parks and a beach and, of course, enjoyed ice cream together. They were kind enough to babysit so I could get my haircut and go to the grocery store by myself. The kids loved having them here and were sad to see them go. We will miss you guys!!

Oakville Harbor

the lighthouse in Oakville

watching the elephants swim at the safari

One Year Ago

One year ago, Tim and I got on a plane that took us to the other side of the world to meet our daughter. This week, I am remembering with a joyful and thankful heart the journey that took us to Lidiyanna. What an amazing week it was and I will never forget that first moment that I saw her. Tim and I waited nervously on the front steps of the transition home while a nanny brought Lidiyanna out to us. She was wrapped in a purple blanket which now seems so perfect. We always say purple is her color and she just loves her blankets. She cannot go to sleep without them. The nanny placed her in my arms and was wiping Lidiyanna's eyes. She had a cold and her eyes always water when she's sick. I just started crying and felt such a heaviness in that moment. It was a good heaviness but it was one of those defining moments that change you forever.

We spent a week in Ethiopia visiting Lidiyanna every day at the transition home. I treasured each moment there and dreaded whenever our guides told us it was time to leave each day. Lidiyanna was so sweet, smiling whenever I kissed her, making great eye contact with us, and falling asleep in our arms. We bonded so quickly with her, and it was very difficult to say goodbye at the end of the week. I was so thankful for her loving nannies and the way they cared for all of the babies is something I was always be grateful for. I think that's part of why babies from Ethiopia tend to adjust so quickly in their new homes.

Today, as I was watching her play, I could hardly believe it has been one year since I first met her. She has grown and changed so much, and we have enjoyed getting to know our daughter. Thanks for remembering and rejoicing with me.

Home

Home...

I realized this past week that my home is no longer Nashville. It has taken me two months to learn that fact, but I think it has finally clicked.

I got really brave, or crazy, and took my children on a 14-hour road trip to Nashville last week-without Tim. What was I thinking? Well, Tim was traveling to Seattle for business and I just didn't want to stay in Canada without him. Plus, my church in Nashville was having VBS and it's the best VBS I've ever been a part of. I also have really missed my brother, his family, and my friends, and I just wanted to see them.

We had a great time, but my heart longed to go home. And, I just couldn't. I couldn't go to my old house on Meandering Way, and yet, I don't feel like my house in Canada is home. You know the feeling you had when you went away to college and came home for the weekend. You realized you didn't quite have a home anymore. You were floating around in the middle not quite sure where you belonged.

We drove by our old house to visit some neighbors, and I felt so sad. I wanted to be home. We went to church and saw precious friends. It was bittersweet to be reminded of such great friendships. I couldn't wait to get home.

My home is not in Nashville, and my home is not in Toronto. My heart will not be at rest and fully at peace until I am Home and in the arms of my heavenly Father. God has been good to remind me that our bodies are only temporary dwelling places for us, and someday we will rest, fully and peacfully rest in a beautiful, perfect home beyond what we can imagine now.

So, tonight as I wrestled with this internal struggle and longed for my Home, I felt God telling me to be thankful. Be thankful for the good things He has given me now. His good gifts make this temporary passage a little more enjoyable.

Right now, I am thankful for ...

• the big, brown eyes and toothy grin that greet me every morning
• the older brother grabbing his little brother's hand on the way home from the park
• the sunshine and gentle breeze
• a good book to keep me company tonight
• a hard-working husband that is devoted to his family
• the forgiveness offered to this tired mama after yelling at her boys for fighting over who had more bubbles in the bathtub

Meanwhile, we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling...Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

2 Cor. 5:2-5

• Thankful for what is to come.

Happy Birthday, Wesley!

We celebrated Wesley's birthday with a dinner of rice and chicken (his choice), cookie cake, and a bike ride (he got to ride in the trailer-also his choice). It was a simple yet sweet celebration for my precious boy. I can hardly believe he's four!

Fourth of July with our friends

We had some good friends from Nashville come to visit us this past weekend. Mark grew up outside of Buffalo so he had already planned a trip up to visit some family. We were so happy to get to see some familiar faces and spend another Fourth of July with them. We have celebrated the Fourth together for the last four years so it was fun to carry on the tradition even though we didn't see any fireworks this year. While they were visiting, we took the train into Toronto and rode the ferry to Toronto island. It has some beaches and a small amusement park on the islands. We also visited Chinatown and had some yummy food. It was a crazy experience and we were all exhausted at the end of that day, but it was well worth it.

The Hoesels

Lake Ontario

We learned our lesson the first time we traveled in the city on the train and opted to take Lidiyanna in the backpack instead of bring the stroller. It was much easier to get around and through lots of stairs without the stroller. She was a trooper the whole day and took her nap in the backpack.

one of the beaches on the island

We steered clear of the clothing-optional beach on the other side of the island.

Friday, July 1 was Canada Day which is similar to our Fourth of July. The kids wore their Canada shirts and we went to the lake and watched fireworks.

One Year Ago...

We received the call. We had a baby girl. Her name was Lidiya. She was four months old. We rushed to the computer. We saw her precious face. It was love at first sight.

One year later, Lidiyanna brings us so much joy. She is a lively 16-month old toddler. She keeps us very busy. She is constantly following her brothers around, climbing on everything (including the table in the backyard), snuggling with mom and dad, bringing us books to read to her, and showing us her adorable, toothy grin. Although she is more interested in moving than talking, she does say a few words like Dada and pupu (puppy). We cannot imagine our lives without her. This weekend, we remember the call that changed our lives. We thank our God for giving us the privilege of being her family.

Glimpses of Oakville

Lidiyanna in our backyard on Father's Day

The kids enjoying the bike trails around our neighborhood.

Random Thoughts about My New Home

My Canadian observations so far:

• "Mum" instead of "Mom"


• "Bum" instead of "bottom"


• Smarties candies are different here. They are similar to M&M's.


• In my opinion, the summer must be the best time of year. The weather is fabulous and everything is green and beautiful.


• A lot of women work full-time outside of the home and have live-in nannies (a lot of them are from the Philippines). Whenever I go to one of my neighborhood parks, I see groups of Filipino nannies with the children they care for. I am a little discouraged that I am not meeting more stay-at-home moms during the day. The nannies are nice, but they have their little group. I just feel like an outsider to them.


• The GTA (Greater Toronto Area) is very green and environmentally concerned. I have no disposal in my home because I am expected to compost which is picked up every week. The GTA does a great job preserving trees and green space. Even though I live in a new neighborhood, lots of trees were saved in the outlying areas and trails were made throughout the wooded areas. The kids and I have spent many hours this week riding bikes through the trails near our house. Lidiyanna rides in the bike trailer, and I ride Tim's old bike from college. Good times!!


• I've said this before...people from all over the world come to live in Canada. So far, I have met people from Europe, Tanzania, Jamaica, Nigeria, Russia, India, and Philippines.


• I can't find any cans of Rotel tomatoes. Oh, my!! Although there are lots of great food here, Tex-Mex doesn't seem to be too popular.


• Canadian geese are everywhere by the lake. So is their poop.

Things have been interesting. I'm finally learning my way around, most of our boxes are unpacked, and the kids and I have set up somewhat of a daily routine. I miss my friends and family in Nashville terribly. Despite all of the fun, new experiences we are having, I am homesick. I'm praying each day for God to shape my attitude and help me to enjoy this time and not just endure it. I am clinging to these verses:

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Zero Emission Sunday!

Wesley was on charging duty.

Sitting by the dock on the lake.

Skipping rocks - The lake Ontario shoreline is a rock skipper's paradise - Smooth stones abound.

The Seagull likes it.

Plenty of cargo space.

We may have taken the first Zero Emission trip to church in Canada. I drove one of Nissan's new LEAF's home this weekend. The LEAF is the first true production all electric car. After church we explored another shoreline park in Oakville.

Nissan's marketing strategy is "Innovation for All," and we put "All" of us in the LEAF today. It is truly an amazing car, and while I love big engines and 0-60 times, I am glad Nissan has created this truly innovative car.

The Adventure has begun!!

We've made it to Canada and have been in our house about a week. The boxes are just about unpacked but there's still the settling in that takes time. We started out last week at Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls, and the kids had a great time at their indoor water park while we waited for our furniture to arrive on the moving van.
We're learning where all of the parks and grocery stores are and we've found a few "splash pads" as the Canadians call them. Toronto has a really great park system, so I think we could go to a different park almost every day this summer.

Overall, things are going well. The kids are doing a really great job adjusting to the change. The boys have had their moments of sadness. Graham has mentioned missing his Kindergarten teacher and Wesley said he was ready to go back to his old house. I've been trying to keep them busy, and that seems to help. The weather has been so nice, so we spend a lot of the day outdoors.

I have moments during the day when I feel the loneliness hovering over my head like a gray cloud. I miss our friends and family in the states, and I simply long for a friend who knows me. When we are at a park or the store, I wonder if I stick out because of the way I talk or how I look. Am I giving the cashier the right coins or am I saying the right word for the bathroom (which happens to be "washroom" here). Then, I look around and realize there are lots of people here that are from other countries so I blend into the array of diversity around me. I'm learning to appreciate new things and my perspective is growing.

I'm a minivan mom now, and I'm loving it. My favorite part of the car is the GPS. I'd be lost without it...literally.

Our new home

It didn't take long before Graham learned about the ice cream truck that frequents our neighborhood. He has declared Tuesdays "Ice cream day".

I can already tell one of my favorites things about living here will be the water. Oakville is right on Lake Ontario and some nice lake shore parks are not too far from our house.

Wesley loved the flight to Canada. I think he thought we were just going on one long vacation.