Ralph's Birdhday

Over the past week we've been celebrating Ralph's birthday. First, we celebrated it at GF Strong, where he's undergoing rehab. Then, a few days later, I took the bus out to Abbotsford to celebrate with family there at the hospital.

We are so so thankful for Ralph. It's been a really difficult year, especially for Melanie, Heinz, mom and dad, but I cling to the goodness of life as it is presented to us. Somehow, I believe God is in the midst of Ralph's tragedy. In some mysterious way this is what God thought best for Ralph's salvation, and I have to trust Him. I don't understand it. My mind is too small to grasp it.

Ralph we love you. You're a treasure to us.  Happy 22nd.

Celebrating at the rehab centre:

Celebrating in Abbotsford (incidentally - but not insignificantly - Ralph ate yoghurt and drank Sprite today, while we were eating pizza; it was the first time he "ate" something since January of this year):

Juan's Farewell

One of the guys of the soccerinos that I've come to appreciate in the past few years is Juan.  Especially this past year, as we've met week after week on Wednesday nights, playing board games, I've really come to appreciate our friendship.

Today we had a farewell party for him.  Actually, he threw his own party.  We just showed up.  After soccer.  Earlier this year, I believe in the spring, he got married in Taiwan.  Then he got a job offer in Spain, near his hometown of Pamplona.  Then he announced that his wife was pregnant.  Now he's off to Spain.  Busy life.  We will miss him, but we wish him well.

Here are some pictures he shared with us.  Some are also courtesy of Jennifer.  Thank you both.

First, the some pictures at the fútbol game:

Then the bbq at Spanish Banks: