La Cabane à Sucre!

--OR-- the "Sugar Shack"

This was one of our field trips this spring. Apparently, Québec produces most of the *world* supply of maple syrup and it's a big tradition here. The "sortie" (or outing) began with a traditional brunch type meal with maple-glazed ham, eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, crêpes, coffee and juice! We then took a quiz and learned about the maple process and history. After that, we visited an actual site where they produce the syrup.



What you do when you get there is take a spatula, grab some maple syrup and pour it out on top of the snow and let it start cooling. Then take the spatula and roll it across the syrup and voilà! you have a syrup covered spatula. We also took a walk through the woods to actually see the harvesting pots.



It's almost comical...Ok, maybe I should back up a little bit first....The Quebecois people are very, very, very...very proud of their heritage and their traditions. Did I mention they're super proud of them? Well, this tradition is no exception. They claim that the syrup has incredible amounts of essential vitamins and minerals, and if eaten in large enough quantities, will boost your immune system so high that you'd probably never get sick again. I had just one spatula's worth, most others had 2 or 3, and a few dared to have twice that amount. At any rate, it was a fun time and a good break from the classroom as it's starting to warm up here.

Toys

Check out my new toy! Since I can kind of stand up on my own, mommy and daddy thought I might enjoy an "exersaucer." They were right, I love it! Thanks Mr. and Mrs. Hayward for thinking of me at the store when you saw an extra one! I can turn all the way around and jump up and down and throw toys everywhere. The best part is that my legs are getting stronger all the time, and yesterday I think I might have figured out that I can actually go places on my own instead of having mommy or daddy carry me...wouldn't that be great?! Just think of all the places I could explore! I don't have it down quite yet, but I'm going to work on it....

I also got some cool Easter presents from Grammy! My bunny hat is so soft and I love chewing on my new book. Daddy said I couldn't have any of the chocolate bars yet, so he ate them.



I like that it's warm now too, no baby should have to feel that kind of cold. Mommy and daddy try to go for a walk every day--there are so many new sights, sounds, and smells I haven't discovered yet. Sometimes it's just too much for me and I get really tired, and I just close my eyes for a little while. I don't know what the big deal is, but sometimes daddy gets really excited and tries to show me something far away up in the air. He calls them "airplanes," and says that I should like them because he likes them.



But really, I just like looking at all the things close to me right now and talking to other people when they walk by. When there's nobody to talk to, I just talk to myself or the stroller. I may look like my daddy, but I'm like my mommy through and through. I love people and I'm happy all the time. Well, it's about time for my afternoon nap....until next time!

Furlough

So, just for fun I decided to plot a course for a possible furlough based on where most of our supporting churches and individuals are located. I was a little surprised at the results!


View Larger Map

That's 7,214 miles --OR-- 117 hours of driving time, with stops in at least 7 US states! I can just imagine...we finally return home after 290 gallons of gas, 2 flat tires, leaving a small suitcase in Lincoln, Nebraska, and endless bathroom breaks! This is the ultimate "Are We There Yet?!" On the other hand, I'm really encouraged that so many people from so many different backgrounds have come together to join our team and serve with us through the ministry of MAF. It warms my heart and eases my worries to know that folks literally all over the country are praying for us regularly! What a God we serve!

Changing

Ever heard of a bee called a mud dauber? It looks like a wasp and stings like a wasp, but it builds its nest out of mud and is commonly found around the corners of the house or attached to a barn or shed. They have a saying here in Quebec that involves the mud dauber, much like Punxsutawney Phil in the US is supposed to tell us how much longer winter will last depending on if he sees his shadow or not. Well, the bees tell people in Quebec if it's going to be a brutally cold winter with lots of snow, or more of a mild winter depending on where they decide to build their nests. So everyone around here watches the bees in October/November to see what they say about the upcoming winter, and surprisingly, they're quite accurate. Most of the nests I saw were pretty close to the ground. All that to say, it's been pretty mild here; most of the snow is gone and it's been in the 40's for the past few weeks. We've also been seeing a little more sunshine, which is very welcome! We can't wait to get out and start taking walks again.

Last week we had a mid term break, and it was nice to take a little pause in the french learning and "sleep in" (as much as you can with a 5 month old). Speaking of 5 month olds, our's is doing pretty well. She's quite the animated little girl, and just like her mommy, she loves people! She's rolling around, talking nonstop, and can't stop wiggling!

This week is quite the busy one. We have tons of homework to do, newsletters to write, and I'm in the middle of getting most of my immunizations for Africa. I also have to give my testimony this Wednesday morning during chapel (all in French mind you). Our monthly support is still about the same as it has been; we still need about 20% to be released to the field. We would appreciate your prayers in these matters. For now, I have to go get poked and prodded!