29/31

And now, on to today's post! I should really head to bed soon, as TOMORROW I start my FINAL week (well, final full week) as a University of Waterloo Optometry student. So stoked about this!

Anyways, I had such a great weekend in Regina. It is always so good to go home. I love how comfortable home is, and how everyone knows you. Being in a place where people knew me and my family was one of the things that I really missed while living in Ontario. And it's one of the reasons that it took me awhile to start to really feel comfortable and at home there. Don't get me wrong, the anonymity that moving to Ontario for school provided me with was exactly what I needed at that point in my life, but some days, I just longed to be with people who had known me my whole life, and I didn't have to explain anything to them.

One of the best things about being at home is being able to see so many people that I love! It's always so awesome to see people like (just to name a few): Tamara & Matthew, Crystal, Andrea, Deanna, Jason & Shannon & Emmanuelle, Rich & Sue, Wilf & Laura, etc.

So to wrap things up, here's me with one of my favourite babies at home (and everywhere!) - Emmanuelle:

28/31 - International Supper

I'm getting to yesterday's post right now, because yesterday was a very busy day ... and I was way too tired to blog at the end of it all!

Much of yesterday was spent getting ready for and being at the International Supper. Like I said before, this is one of my very favourite things that my church puts on during the year. We have had it for several years now, and it just keeps getting better every year! We have a delicious meal, great entertainment, and awesome silent auction items. It went very well - and we raised about $8000 for the projects in Katungu, Zambia and Kalapani, India!

Alicia, working the ticket table with me

The front of the auditorium

Some of the silent auction items

Indian dancers

Mary telling a story

I got a basket with some tea items from India, as well as a gorgeous picture taken in India by Wilf. There was another beautiful painting by Kelli, who painted my lushomo painting for me. I just love her paintings - so beautiful!

I just love that my church does things like this. I love that we are so globally-minded - and doing a small part in helping people around the world. I love that so many of our members have been overseas, and know firsthand the difference that we can make in people's lives. I love that we are always sending people to go somewhere. I love that we are deeply involved in the work in many countries - Zambia, India, and Estonia ... just to name a few. I know that being exposed to all of this for my whole life has played a big role into shaping and molding me, and giving me the love that I have for our 'family' around the world. I definitely had some good role models and examples growing up! :)