Ramblings on a Monday

Our rambling began by visiting our friendly "Blaze" caretaker. A reliable vehicle maintenance business--Cousins. They are located in West Chezzetcook about ten minutes from our house.

In any case, we were able to obtain the information that we needed in order to continue on with our vehicle registration and annual motor vehicle safety inspection.

We drove down the road a few more kilometres and picked up Stella, Lisa and Mike's happy dog, and continued our adventures.

Here we are at beautiful Martinique Beach. Apparently the longest beach in Nova Scotia. It was an hour after high tide, sunny and windy. The waves were approximately 12 to 13 feet high and spectacularly crashing.

Lou and I had an invigorating walk up and down the beach. Stella, on the other hand, put on at least ten times the mileage we did and at a much faster pace. She loves the beach, especially so on windy days when she finds it very exciting to chase the sea foam, any sand particles or loose leaves.

Psalm 104:7-9. But at your rebuke the waters fled, at the sound of your thunder they took to flight; they flowed over the mountains, they went down into the valleys, to the place you assigned for them. You set a boundary they cannot cross; never again will they cover the earth.

Fall in the Maritimes

Some beautiful days along the Lawrencetown Beach. Lisa with their dog, Stella, also at Lawrencetown.

Something that I think that I could really get into is checking all of the seaside kind of activities that carry on at this time of year in Nova Scotia. Every month we receive a publication called "Shop the Shore" which describes special events that are not to be missed. For example, just on this weekend, events like "the old fashioned seaside Christmas" in support of Seaside Business and Tourism was being held in a few communities in proximity, there was a Christmas tea and bake sale, a quilt show and sale, another craft sale in Oyster Pond, the Chezzatcook volunteer fire department was hosting a hot turkey supper and Christmas sale. That's about it for this weekend. Lou and I were able to check out the quilt show and sale in Lawrencetown, an art display and sale in Seaforth and peek in at Theresa and Heather's. (a variety store in Seaforth that is very unique. It sells everything from guitars to craft supplies including fine yarn, to groceries, jewellery, rents videos). It is a place that everyone in the area knows about. The sisters who own it and work there all the time know everyone in the surrounding area. It is also open every day.

This morning we were at Good Shepherd Church. The people were so very welcoming. We are so very thankful and happy about all that we are able to experience here, for friends here and away, for our family also here and away. In another week or so we will plan to celebrate Thanksgiving again. (we always celebrate Canadian and U.S. Thanksgiving).

Home Again

Tamarack trees by the side of the road, close to our house.

It was good to walk into our home in East Lawrencetown on Wednesday afternoon. Lisa and Mike along with Stella, their happy dog, met us at the airport in Halifax, chaffeured us to our house. They had prepared some delicious African yam soup and fresh hazelnut/raisin bread which we all happily devoured.

It has been a good week of resting in our own bed at night, processing some of what we have learned and been exposed to over the past three months, rediscovering our surroundings in Nova Scotia.

A view from our property by the lake--zoom in to check out the waterfowl.

Even though we provided a team mascot (Stella) for the Saskatchewan Roughriders yesterday in the CFL semi-final, they were somewhat of a disappointment at least for Marilyn.

Some Final Reflections from Maui

There is much for which we are thankful as we reflect on the past three months at Haggai Institute in Kihei. It has been good to be in this beautiful part of God's creation to explore many new places. But more than that we have had such a great time in working hard, in cleaning rooms and various common rooms, and of course, the outside pool decks and pools for Lou. Friday was our last day. Our morning began as usual at 7:30 a.m. (Lou at 6:30 working at the pool and spa) with a devotional. It is the tradition that the volunteers who are working their last day are prayed for. What a great affirming time that was for each of us.

The volunteer machine, as I call it, moves very smoothly as people come and go. We have come to appreciate many volunteers from Canada, U.S. and Australia. On Tuesday, Nov. 4 it is our time to move on.

While being here we have had our hearts and minds stretched as we have met people from various countries around the world. We have come to know Penny from Zimbabwe who is an entrepreneur in her country; Esther in Malawi who is a judge; Billy in Manilla who is COO of a very large company; Peter, a doctor from Uganda. (These are not their real names). And the list goes on and on. We have heard many stories. Their lives are an inspiration to us to live with integrity and accountability.

It is amazing to us how they all regard the volunteers so highly. They are "blown away" by the servanthood of our actions. And daily express their thankfulness. It has been humbling for us. And a privilege.

Now for a few pictures of our last week here.

A view along La Perouse Bay.

Late afternoon sun at Big Beach.

participants ready to go (above); below--Marilyn, Claudia and MaryAnne at the beach.Lou with some sound advice!

Aloha

At the end of many days we work in the laundry, folding towels. As you see from some smiling faces, even that can be fun. Hiking at La Perouse Bay with friends on Wednesday afternoon.

More of the La Perouse hike. La Perouse Bay is located at the south end of the island. The trail is on lava. La Perouse Bay was formed when lava erupted from a vent just up the mountain at around 1790. The shoreline is starkly beautiful--stunning views at each new turn. At times dolphins have been seen to be dancing in the bay. We hope to check it out one more time.
A blowhole that has developed from water erosion.

Happy Thanksgiving

The taro plant--reminded us a little of the rice fields in Thailand and Vietnam. This picture was taken at Kahakuloa Village. A photo opportunity with Kahakuloa Head in the background.
The Olivine Pools.
Sunset at Ka'anapali Beach. Earlier in the day we snorkeled at the beach. We saw and swam with many colourful fish and three large sea turtles. That was fun!

This weekend we celebrated Thanksgiving by touring with our Canadian friends, Lyle and Lorna. We saw countless amazing and beautiful sights.

And we are thankful. Thankful for good health, for our family and friends, for freedom to travel, for the privilege of voting (we have cast our ballot in the election happening in Canada on Tuesday), for God who is the giver of all good gifts.

Weekend ramblings

This past weekend we rented a car and toured around Maui. After two months of being here we have seen many things, but it was good to drive around on our own and come to more of a understanding about the culture and history and how to navigate around this beautiful island. Friday evening we drove to a nearby beach--Ma'alaea Beach. We thought that we might be able to capture a beautiful sunset. However, it was cloudy. Still beautiful. The pictures above were at Ma'alaea.

Saturday we drove together with our friends, Lyle and Lorna McClelland, to Haleakala National Park. The altitude here is 10,000 feet. There are many outstanding views of West Maui and the valley between the mountains. The last series of eruptions at Haleakala occured around 1790. It was at this summit where we did some walking.Lou strikes a familiar pose--he is like an eagle, don't you think?

Saturday evening we attended a show in Lahaina, called 'Ulalena. It is a show written by Canadians depicting Hawaiian life. We were particularly impressed by the music, the percussion in particular was very effective. There were some beautiful dancers who very creatively evoked strong emotions in all of us in the audience. It was fun and entertaining.

Sunday was another beautiful day in Maui. We have been attending a little Hawaiian church in Keolohou whenever we can. That's where we were on Sunday morning. We love it. The worship band includes ukeleles, guitar, keyboard and at times during the service, hula dancers (keikis, or the young girls). Singing is enthusiastic, heartfelt. Always the liturgies are meaningful. People are very friendly.

After church we drove to the upcountry. Tedeschi Winery was one destination. Some interesting historical facts were made known to us there, and the drive was spectacular, but the wine was rather unremarkable. On our way back we visited Ali'i Kula Lavender Garden. A real treat, especially for Marilyn.

Stopped at Kula Lodge for lunch--enjoyed pizza from an outside brick oven.

Our day ended happily at Big Beach, about a fifteen minute drive from where we stay.
How's that for a great wave!Do you think we might be cool?
Sunset at Big Beach!