Wednesday, March 16, 2022

Hi! Yesterday was a great day. Such as we've not had for two years. Our dear sweet Emily came over for a baking visit. It felt so good and so 'normal' to be free to enjoy each other once again. We made s'more cups (in the photo) and then waffles with Uncle Larry, for lunch.

  I want to tell you about Emily, who is such an inspiration to us. Emily turned 14 last week. She came with her family from Syria 6 years ago, on Feb. 25. Our church sponsored them, & my role was to stock their cupboard and fridge to give them a head start once they arrived. Fr. Ron, also asked me to cook their first meal. Well, that sealed the deal as far as relationship goes, because sharing a meal is a very significant experience for them. We've shared many meals together since. I must say that Syrian cooking is by far the best we've ever enjoyed. 

  We are Uncle & Auntie to Emily and her brother and great friends with the whole family. It's crazy how with our two very different cultures, we enjoy each other's sense of humour. Always lots of laughter.

  Two weeks after they arrived, Emily celebrated her birthday at the St. Patrick's Day tea, where the CWL brought out a birthday cake for her. Emily's sweetness captured the hearts of all who met her. She has always been keen to try everything, especially in the kitchen. Each fall I would have a baking day for the grade 7's to supply goodies for the Fall Fair bake sale. Although the students were 12, I would invite Emily to join in. She could have taken over the kitchen. She's not afraid of work, including cleaning up. 

  Every time we'd visit them, Emily would bring us a plate of food right away and ask what we'd like to drink. Over the years, she's been keen to help us decorate indoors & out for Christmas. Emily's family joined us on a camping trip 4 yrs. ago. First time experience = Emily setting up the tent, chopping wood & going out in the boat, catching a fish. That was when she was 10.

  To enjoy time with a young person, so enthusiastic about… everything (except carrots) is such great medicine.

We hope you've encountered such a person in your life. As much as they give to us with their zest for life, it is such a privilege to be able to be part of their life in affirming and appreciating them as they continue to develop into the best version of themselves. "It takes a village!" God bless each boy & girl with good people in their path to love, nurture, encourage & appreciate them.

  God bless you! xoxo