NEW YEAR'S EVE DAY DECEMBER 31 2013

Tomorrow it will be 2014. An entire year opens before me. Even at my age that speaks of potential for rewarding and productive activity. I am grateful for my health. I have my complaints but I'm OK.

I have much to which to look forward.

I have the opportunity

CHRISTMAS DAY 2013

CARI'S PHOTOS

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Still smiling after a couple of days of work

Allen Kotanen has led groups of students and alumni of Trinity Western University for many years to make a difference for people through Habitat for Humanity. Christine and I were members of a 14 person team this month. From the 8th to the 21st of December we were on Ohau Hawaii to assist in the construction of homes for people who otherwise could not afford to have their own home. Allen and his wife Sylvia are members of our church, Fort Langley Evangelical Free Church, and on this occasion they took the two of us as well as two other church members, Rundall and Judi Maree.

I select the word "gratifying" to summarize my experience, because it is true for me on several levels. I am gratified that I was actually able to contribute to the physical work output; that I helped to make a difference for people; that the first impressions I had of team mates was inaccurate and that I love each of them at the end of our time together; and that I was able to enjoy the rewards of teamwork again, having missed the rewards of team which I have missed after retiring five years ago.

All 14: Melinda, Julie, Sylvia, Diane, Allen, Sara, Bob, Cory, Christine, Christa, Mariel, Ron, Rundall, Judi

We didn't complete any of the five homes on a small cul de sac but we were informed by Habitat supervisors that we had put them ahead of schedule by several weeks, such was our work ethic. We were up each work morning by 5 am and ready roll at 6 am for a 1.5 hour commute to the job site. Then we made that trip back to the Salvation Army Camp where we stayed during our twelve day trip. The camp is located on a property that could not be more appealing, 600 yards away from breaking surf which roars 24/7/365. Unspeakably beautiful and enjoyable to walk into the ocean after a hard day of work. And to have left Canada's deep freeze during December to work and play in 85 degree sunshine is annoyingly great to those to whom we texted, tweeted and emailed.

Time off to shop and to beach

Christine, Ron, Melinda, Sara, Judi, Cory, Rundall

SELAH

It is still important to pray for Selah two weeks after this initial entry. Here is what I wrote on Dec 8th 2013.

Selah is a beautiful child. Here she is years ago as a small think. Facially, she today is strikingly similar in appearance but she has stretched and the only picture I have of her as the tall slender child she is now is rather obscured below.

She is unwell presently and this is a great concern to her parents Eric and Beth (Unruh) Woelk. Beth is my niece, Murray and Diane Unruh's daughter.

She will be further examined and tested and diagnosed this week. This extended family is praying for God's intervention, to identify the issues and prescribe the treatment that restores her to health.

Today, Christmas day, I have learned that she is still very tired, weak, anemic and this is as yet unexplained; further tests must be carried out over the next weeks. We love her very much.