This morning we worshipped across the road at Maranatha CRC. The service was led by Pastor Ken VanDyk. His sermon, ‘Christ’s Ambassadors’ tied in beautifully with our Sea to Sea theme. The singing was phenomenal. During the singing of ‘How Great Thou Art’ I’m almost certain that the ceiling rafters lifted up a tad. Fantastic! When we walked out of church we were greeted by Ralph’s brother and his wife; Flo & Shirley Aukema. They came early to spend some time with us and with several other people that they knew on the tour.
Lunch was served at the school by the church folk. They have generously feed many of our visiting family as well. This goes beyond our expectations and again, thank you.
Rain was threatening so we hightailed it to the nearest Starbucks so that I could post yesterday’s blog using their internet. This means I didn’t pirate the internet from anyone (like I alluded to in yesterday’s blog) but actually did the right thing and paid to get connected…so no crime was committed. It started to rain buckets while we were in Starbucks. We checked the weather network and it verified that the system would last several hours, so with umbrella and rain jackets we headed off to Queenston Heights Park in Niagara Falls.
Ralph plugged in directions to the park…big mistake. The fastest route was the QEW but somehow we didn’t hear the correct instruction because before we knew it we where in a long line trying to cross into the States (and I’m not suppose to be going across till tomorrow!) Quick call to my family that we were meeting at the service to inform them of our dilemma and no sooner had Ralph finished the call when Flo noticed a way out. Quick U-turn and within 5 minutes our GPS informed us that ‘we have arrived’.
It is still raining so everyone is seeking shelter under the pavilion. First two people I saw where John & Betty-Anne Werkema (my sister) with some of their children…. Michael (and Carolyn Kuipers) and Cassy. Next I saw my uncle and aunt, Harm and Margaret Bremer from Aylmer. He generously prints off my blogs for my parents to read and if I understand correctly he also keeps the people who live at Heritage Place informed of my process. Aylmer CRC was the church my family worshipped at for many years until Tillsonburg CRC started. Then because it was closer to were we lived we became part of the original families that founded Tillsonburg CRC.
Cynthia, Aunt Margaret, Uncle Harm and Barb MellemaKees & Liz Vreugendel with their daughter Helen gave me a hug. George Douma found me (a Chathammite and friend) and told me where his wife was located but I never got around to her……..sorry Hilda and I could continue on with the dutch bingo but it’s suffice to say that it was another great day of seeing familiar faces, receiving hugs and generally feeling loved.
At 4 p.m. the rain stopped, the sun came out and the service started. God is good. David Raakman was our worship leader and the main speaker was Brian Walsh. He gave a powerful message on the fruits of the spirit; challenging and providing us with much to think on. Alida Van Dijk a cyclists from the beginning of the tour and a ‘St. Catherine’s’ native shared her perspective of the tour. She represented us well, thanks Alida. The service ended with some songs and then the cyclists and support staff was asked to come up to the front for a blessing. Wow, to look out at all the people sitting on the hill side was amazing. I couldn’t see the end of the crowd, and I’m not going to speculate on how many people attended because I’m bound to be wrong.
When the service ended the local CRC community started feeding the cyclists. We decided to go out for dinner with our visiting families. It was nice to sit and talk about the plans that everyone has for the fall.We made it back to the camp in time for Andrew to say good bye to his friends. I packed up a bag because I’m being billeted tonight at Henrietta Hunse’s home (Ralph is bringing the 5th wheel back to Chatham….good bye bed, good bye Ralph). Barb M and our head cook, Lavonne K stayed at Henrietta’s home last evening and there was one extra single bed so they’ve graciously allowed me to use it.
It was difficult saying good bye to Andrew. He leaves on Tuesday to attend Regent College in Vancouver. He plans to be out west for at least 2 years, maybe more. While I’m excited for him it means that we’ve officially cut the apron strings. He’s starting his own life and that’s the way it should be. So now Jolene will get our undivided attention (lucky Jo!).
After peloton we went to Henrietta’s home. She is a very welcoming host and quickly made me feel at home. She also shared that she will be married in 6 weeks and we got a sneak peek at the dress she is designing. She will make a beautiful bride and we wish Jim and her many years of wedded bliss. Henrietta also showed us some of the wonderful fabrics she has taken home from Mila when she worked for CRWRC. It was a pleasant evening and bed time came all too soon.
Tomorrow we cross the border. Six more biking days. Later, Cynthia
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