So we had really great news to report. Paul got his bike back. You read a few weeks ago that we had been robbed twice and both our good bikes were stolen. Well we got a call, and one thing led to another and ended with us going to a pawnshop where our bike was bring held and getting it back. It's a long story (the guy got caught stealing another bike - he admitted to stealing 30 or so - he was dumb and went to pawnshops where you have to show ID and have your picture taken - he made it easy for cops to track which ones he had sold to pawnshops - he sold it to the pawnshop for $150 when it is worth $3000!)



As you can tell by the picture, Paul is really really really happy. We had been praying for encouragment with all that was going on here. Even so bold as to ask to get even one of our bikes back! Well we are so thankful and blessed feeling by this gift. Paul says he cant really claim its his bike anymore. The first time he worked hard for it, desired it, saved for it and went out and bought it. Then it was stolen out from under him and he went through a time of learning a valuable lesson. We cant withhold things when we really give to God. We are all or nothing, Passion and Determination and Sacrifice dont have little hidden treasures that they refuse to give up. So he trusted God had a plan through all of this, that he was learning and would be strengthened by it, and that God had something even better in store for him. And He did. Now Paul can't say it's his bike anymore, because all that he had done on his own was taken away, and then God gave it back to him for free because he is loved.

You know, I dont know why some people are afraid or feel unworthy to pray for the desires of their heart. God wants to meet those! He wants to bless us and encourage us and give us such amazing joy and fullfillment. All he wants in return is our heart. I'm still praying my bike will come back too. That would be so great. But maybe God knows something more, something relational or healing, is more the desire of my heart than that? I just pray and know he knows me and will meet my needs.

Be blessed and pray boldy. Ask and it shall be given. Knock and the door will be answered. He hears!

Parc Jacques Cartier & Parc Chauveau

This Saturday we went to Jacques Cartier Park, which is about 30 mins north of Quebec City. We figured it would do us good to get out into nature and relax and enjoy the fall colors. We phoned the Nelson family fab 5 and met them en route.

We brought everything to have a picnic (hotdogs,chips,juice,fruit,etc) and went to try to find a day camp place that allowed you to have fires. Well that was easier said than done. But eventually we found one.







Parc Chauveau is inside quebec city, right close to our friends house. Bennett loved to go there because there is a small creek, and he loves throwing rocks in the water. Arielle loves exploring and I love the peace and quiet and gorgeous colors, so we all win! I brought Bennett's rain boots so he was so happy to sit on a rock with his feet in the water and play in the water. Of course he got pretty wet elsewhere still, but was so happy.



Arielle kept sneaking over the snack bag when i wasnt looking and I caught her several times with her "hand in the cookie jar" . Shes my little snack hound.



I fear in a few more weeks the wind will have taken all the bright colored leaves off the trees and the maples will be naked. I'll miss the bright mix of reds and oranges. Until then, I intend to go out lots and enjoy them, which suits the kids just fine!

Have you seen these bikes?

So a few of you heard that about a month ago Pauls Rocky Mountain ETSX-50 was stolen from Laval University while he was in classes. It was locked up with a thick cable in plain view. And yet someone walked up with big tools and took off with it. That was a hard blow for us, especially Paul. If you know Paul, you know his bike was important to him and mountain biking is his favorite thing to do in his free time.

So we decided to fly my good bike (Trek Fuel 90) out to Quebec from the safety of my parents basement so that he could still go on good rides. He bought a $200 bike to ride to and from classes and mine would always be at our apartment or under our butts. Never locked up or left in public.

Then yesterday happened. In the middle of the night, someone scaled the brick wall up to our third floor balcony (no stairs or access point) and stole my bike too. We have no idea how they managed to get up there. Scary thing is that we were sleeping only a few metres away and there is no lock on that patio door. They could have just walked into our bedrooms too. So now I dont even feel safe in my own home.

Add this to the fact our mailbox was broken into and everything ripped apart and a cheque went missing, and you will begin to feel the welcome here hasn't been so "warm".

I wont lie, this is brutally hard. A few things that we didnt give away when we moved, and were important to us and our lifestyle, have been ripped away. I can't comprehend the reason that this happened. Twice! And we certainly dont have the $8000 to replace them both now. Im afraid to leave anything of any value alone, am not safe in my own apartment, and feel discouraged and hurt. I know we left everything for a reason and are moving forward in trust and faith...but my faith doesn't feel so strong in times like this. Why do you get kicked when you are already down and live far away from anyone to pick you up? Such is the way of my thoughts. Paul is really angry too.

We thank you for your prayers and support. We know we made the committment to give it all up, to put it on the altar and trust...but those are not always easy.