The Hope Within

Today was a busy day, as we had the semi-annual memorial service at St. Ann's.

But afterwards, an interesting conversation came up at my coworker Carla's place.  A few of us were sitting around the table, and out of nowhere the unthinkable conversation about religion erupted: "Is there a God"?, we mused.  For the first time in a few years' a genuine conversation about such matters came up, and I have to say I found it so rich, interesting, and refreshing.

At the table were an Adventist, an ex-Mormom, a "progressive" (ex-United Church), an atheist (ex-Catholic), and me, a recent convert to the Catholic Church.  And each of us came at the question with our own experience and belief.

Not everyone appreciated the conversation, though.  Things got personal.  Feelings are hurt so easily.  Convictions are tested, as is patience and the ability to not take criticism personally.  It's so hard though, when one's deepest beliefs are challenged.  It's a hit to the very core.

I need more conversations like these.  And I need to practise expressing "the reason I have this hope within" (I. Peter 3:15) more.  With grace.  And understanding.

I'm Loved

This was the "Welcome back" that awaited me this morning when I arrived at the office.

My smile says it all: it's a genuine "I feel loved" smile.

Jackie and Katie were behind it, as well as a few others.

I'm grateful and feel tremendously blessed.

Another Trip Coming To An End

Lunch with the tennis gang:

As usual, we're only watching tennis for the first 3 days of the tournament, so today is the last day.  Including the 2 days of quallys, I took in 5 consecutive days of exquisite tennis.  Along the way I saw:

Practise:

* Nadal

* Djokovic

* Goffin

* Cilic

Tournament matches:

*  Thiem - Mannarino

* Djokovic - del Potro

* Jack Sock

* Joh Isner

* Rafa Nadal

* Nick Kyrgios

* Bernard Tomic

* Sam Querrey

* Bouchard - Tomlijanovic

* Puig - Schiavonne

* Christina McHale

* Andrea Petkovic

* Anika Beck

* Julia Goerges

* Jelena Ostapenko

* Kristina Mladenovic

* Chloe Paquet

I even saw Vero Cepede play.

Amazing.  Simply amazing.

Comida Corrida, Customer Service, And Settlers

After a few days of frantic walking, biking, and bussing from one end of the city to the other, today was a day to just relax.

In the morning I walked to a mall and did a bit of shopping.  I bought a hat (see pic below!), a black shirt, and a white polo.

Afterwards I had lunch at a comida corrida place near Ruth and Marty's, followed by an espresso.  That's when I realized that I didn't have enough money with me to pay for lunch.  I told the waitress, and said I'd run home, get the money, and come right back.  She smiled and replied: "That's ok, our waiter will walk home with you and you can pay him there."  I was floored.  Was she doing this because she didn't trust me I'd come back to pay, or was this customer service at its best?

I think it was the latter...

The waiter did walk home with me.  We had a nice conversation along the way, about life, work, education, and of course fútbol.  Once at my place, I paid him, and gave him a nice tip.  He was ever-so grateful and went back in the direction we came from.

Mid-afternoon I went to Ruth and Marty's and we immediately parked ourselves on the outdoor patio on the 14th floor of their condo complex, ordered some piña coladas, and played Settlers.  I brought a travel-size game along, and it proved to be a big hit.  Small.  Complete.  Practical.

There was a cool, gentle breeze on the patio all afternoon.

Tomorrow: Xochimilco!

Bikes And Operas

After a healthy breakfast of fruits and yogurt at Ruth and Marty's, we set out for a journey through the city on bike.

One of the great things about Mexico City is that every few weeks the city shuts down some of the main streets and opens it up to cyclists, rollerbladers, walkers, runners, even skateboarders.  And everyone seems to love it and take advantage of it - kids, teens, adults, and the elderly.  You don't even need to own a bike, you just need a membership with Eco-Bici, an organization that promotes biking throughout the city.  Virtually every 2-3 blocks throughout the city there are bike racks where you can pick one up.  Its brilliant.  

Along the way we saw vendors selling all kinds of stuff, from refreshments to clothing; we also saw outdoor yoga classes, large group dance and exercise routines, and yes, protests.  Every time I visit, there's a protest against the government about something...

In the evening we went to the Palacio de Bellas Artes for an opera.  I'm not much into opera but tonight I found myself drawn into the story.  Perhaps it's the gorgeous building and interior.

After the opera we made our way to Cuauhtémoc, where we had a drink at El Barril.   for a drink.

Tomorrow we plan to lay low at Ruth and Marty's house.

San Angel

I usually visit Coyoacán when I'm in México City, but we visited San Angel today and came away with quite a positive impression.  Much more so than previously.

The Latin world is so colourful, it always strikes me.

Below Ruth, Marty and I are having an espresso "cortado" break.

In the evening we went to our favourite place, Centenario 107.  We seem to end up there every year when I visit, and this year we even sat at the same table as last year.

I'm tremendously blessed with friendships such as Ruth and Marty's.

Food And Friends

Lunch with James, Paul, and Scott:

Dinner with Sanjit:

Meeting The Wittenbergs

I saw James and Paul for lunch today.  My goodness, what a treat to see them and share a meal with them.  How I wish they we lived closer, all of us.

What I appreciate so much about them is our ability to converse on matters of the heart, soul, and intellect.  Relationships.  Providence.  Vocation.  Purpose.  Direction.

We had such a great time together, it reminded me of our university days together.  James and I have had similar times more recently at seminary, but having Paul part of the picture was fantastic.

Paul is a broken man.  Oh Lord, broken to pieces.

But Lord, you're upholding him by the palm of your hand.  Lord have mercy on your servant, have mercy, have mercy on him.  Amen.

Ruth And Marty In Saskatoon

A month ago I wrote about the blessing of having a good friend in my life.

This month I'd like to write about two more friends who are very special to me, Ruth and Marty.  For the past week they have been visiting me here in Saskatoon - what a treat to have them here!

We've done a ton of stuff together over the last few days: cooking, going for walks, bbqs, lots of board games (!), watching tennis, a road trip to Regina, visiting a winery south of the city, and checking out various food joints.

The roots of our friendship go back a good 8 years.  Initially we played lots of soccer together - that's how we met.  After scrimmages we'd go out to the pub, and I noticed that I always had good conversations with both of them.  I appreciate their ability and interest in discussing not just ordinary topics of everyday life, but deeper topics too involving honest reflections relating to worldviews, geopolitics, faith, and the sciences.

I don't agree with them on everything, in fact, our points of view diverge on many fronts, but I find them both extremely open, gracious and engaging, three qualities that are must-haves in order for mutual learning and understanding to take place.  They are excellent conversation partners, and I always walk away enriched after one of our discussions.

Our friendship extends well beyond Canadian borders too, as I have the opportunity to visit them during the winter when they live in Mexico, and I'm in need of some hot weather.  Five of the last seven winters I have visited Mexico, and every time I've been there, they've been amazing hosts, offering me a place to lay my head, wonderful tours of Mexico City, and amazing meals.  Without fail, they've always offered superb hospitality.

One of our annual highlights the past few years has been attending the Abierto Mexicano de Tenis, held in Acapulco each year.  Our mutual interest in tennis has fostered further strengthening of friendship bonds, as we all love discussing the latest tennis news or gossip.

Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures during their visit here this past week.  This may be something I regret in the future, as I think having people coming to visit me here from other places is always a milestone of sorts that ought to be remembered in pictures.

Lord, thank you for blessing me with friends the likes of Ruth and Marty.  Please pour your blessings upon them both, protecting them, leading and guiding them towards your loving embrace.  I pray this through Christ my Lord.  Amen.

Meadow Lake: Day 2

Another day...another hike.  This time not as long, and not as scenic, but still great.

I slept well, mostly.  The sleeping pad I bought (to put underneath my sleeping bag) last summer is an inch thicker, and it works - I slept much better than I usually do when I go camping.

Good morning picture:

Campsite:

Hiking pictures:

Marco and company headed up the food department.  Is there anything better than grilled food?

In the evening things got a bit heated.  We started taking about the 2 topics everybody says you shouldn't talk about - politics and religion.

Energy and the environment.

Capitalism.

Faith in the public square.

Such great topics, worthy of discernment and discussion indeed.  Add a glass or two of wine, and you have all the ingredients necessary for an ... argument.

But it's necessary to have these "arguments" every now and again - iron sharpens iron.

I get a little bit tired of the argument that Christians are "blind sheep".  That argument may have held in the past, but today, Christians are anything but blind sheep.  We actually get a fuller education than the secular world offers, because simply speaking, we are taught both, the sciences and religion.  Secularists are blind in only paying attention to the empirical world.  They believe a priori that there's no need in studying faith-related matters, and are therefore completely ignorant of them.  So who's really blind here?

Camping @ Meadow Lake

I'm camping in Meadow Lake with Eric, Marco, Dorotea, and John for the long weekend.

Today we went on a 17km hike - it was perfect weather: slightly overcast, warm, and a breeze to keep the bugs away.

Good company, mostly.  Sometimes I get annoyed by people, more than I should...

A Friend ... Sticks Closer Than A Brother

Friendship is a precious thing, a gift from God.  And James (among other people) is just that, a gift.

"He who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty." - Job 6:14

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." - Proverbs 17:17

"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." - Proverbs 18:24

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13

"No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you." - John 15:15

"Peace be to you.  The friends greet you.  Greet the friends, each by name." - I John 1:15

He's been here for the past few days, attending a conference from his denomination.

While here, we've had some good conversations, mostly about theology.  Oh to have friends nearby with whom I could discuss these themes more regularly...

It's been interesting seeing him struggle with the issues of the days being discussed at the conference. He fears for the future of the church.

And yet, we need not fear, we need only to be faithful:

And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." - Matthew 16:18

9 Days In Vancouver

I arrived on the west coast late last night.

It'll be a strange trip, as mom and dad are in Paraguay, so I will spend much of my time in Abbotsford with siblings.

The main purpose of my trip is to attend the CASC conference.  I'm sceptical as to how useful this conference will be, given the fruitcake spirituality the organization promotes.  This will be a test of sorts for me...

The plan:

* April 9 - 12 in Abbotsord (2 nights at Ted's, then 2 at Melanie's)

* April 13 - 15 in Vancouver (airbnb)

* April 16 return to Saskatoon

I met with my wonderful friends Claudia and Hugh for lunch today, where else, but Al Watan?

Late afternoon I drove to one of my favourite places, Regent College.  I'd like to pitch a tent in the bookstore and live there for a year...

Pizza And Earrings

Been in Mexico for only a few hours and already enjoyed some fantastic company and food.

Spent the day with Ruth and Marty, relaxing at their apartment.  They are such good hosts, they know how to make someone feel at home, in their home.

Went for dinner at a pizza restaurant a 20 minute walk from their condo.

While walking around, taking in the atmosphere, we dropped by the artisan square where they have all kinds of kitsch for sale.  I found some amazing earrings for Daniela.  They're so lovely.  I didn't buy them because I want to think about it overnight - you know, sleep on it - but the more I think about it the more I'm convinced that they are THE right present for her.  I just hope they're still there tomorrow...

Tomorrow more of the same - relaxing at home.  Monday we take a bus to Acapulco.

Flights Booked

So I booked my flights to Mexico: Saskatoon - Mexico City on Feb. 19, returning Feb. 29th.  This will be my 4th year in a row visiting Ruth and Marty in MX, and travelling down to Acapulco with them to watch some great tennis.

But this will be a first also: on my way back, I plan to visit Daniela in Sudbury.  I took the plunge and bought tickets to see her.  I know it's a risk, but I feel good and excited about it.

So on my way back, I will do a week-long stopover in Sudbury, until March 7th.  While there, we plan on doing a little side trip, maybe to Manitoulin Island.

Lord, give me the wisdom to make good decisions about relationships.  Amen.

A Little Piece Of Heaven

What a hike - today I saw a piece of heaven.

Eight of us met up shorty after 8am and took the 1 hour drive north to Garibaldi Lake.  And it was worth it, an appropriate "crowing" of a great two weeks spent on the west coast.

It took us 8 hours to hike around 22kms, but we took some well deserved breaks along the way to enjoy the company and the view.

Below are a few pics worth sharing... 

My favourite part of the hike is not necessarily teal-coloured Garibaldi lake and it's majestic surroundings, but rather, the meadows leading to it.  The pathways meander back and forth between flat and hilly areas with a smattering of douglas fir trees, before going on a final switch-back descent - yes, downhill, and now in a deep forested area - to the lake.  

And the view of Black Tusk is always awe-inspiring, inviting and challenging you to conquer it.  Inevitably, I, at least, end up saying to myself: "Next time..."

As always, Marty was the photographer par excellence with us.  Below, from left to right: Ruth, Benja, Marilu, Nancy, Anoush, Sanjit, cub, and Marty.

Once back in Vanvouver around 8, we went to eat some ramen noodles near Ruth and Marty's place.

It was my final day in Vancouver.  I hugged everyone good-bye, got into dad's SUV, and made my trip to Abbotsford where I'll spend my last evening on the west coast.

More Lunch ... And Games

Lamb sag, chicken tikka karahi, chicken dal, and of course the staples, rice and naan - that's my kind of lunch!

I met James and Scott there around noon....so good to catch up with them!  Scott's doing well, he's now the CEO of a company he helped establish, and James is on a 6-month sabbatical from his church.  His father passed away a few months ago, and so he's adjusting to a new reality - dealing with his own grief, but also trying to console his mother in her grief.

What struck me during our conversations was the route each of us took to get to where we are today.  We met in university, our paths diverged in 3 different directions, and yet, here we are, enjoying a good laugh once or twice a year.

Khalid took the picture below.

In the evening I met up with my soccerino friends and did the usual: eat, chat, and play games.  Benja, Sanjit, Alfonso, Vero and I met at Marcello's (like I needed any more food!) for dinner.  Vero and I shared a ginormous calzone.

Afterwards we (except for Vero) went to Ruth and Marty's where we played Rook.

Tomorrow early we're going hiking.

Board Games!

It was like being put in a time-travel machine and traveling back 3-4 years and enjoying one of my favourite events: Wednesday night board games.  How I've missed those!

A good crowd gathered, including a few people - Sandra and Tabea - I hadn't seen since moving to Saskatchewan.  Other than that, all the usual suspects were there: Benja, Sanjit, Anoush, Marilu, and of course, Ruth and Marty, who hosted us and served up their usual warmth and hospitality.  Alfonso came too which is great, as he recently moved back to his native Costa Rica and is just here to get his Canadian citizenship papers before returning home.

We played Bohnanza and Rook until well past midnight.  I didn't win, but I didn't come in last either.  I got caught up on all the stuff going on: Benja's returned to the west coast, Alfonso's getting married, Sanjit's looking for a job, Anoush has a new job and loves it...

We're planning a big hike for Saturday, most likely Garibaldi.

Al Watan, Haflingers, Saloniki, And Rook

Well it was a busy day!

I arrived in Vancouver just before noon, where I met Sanjit for lunch at Al Watan.  This is still the best restaurant in Vancouver as far as I'm concerned.  And Khalid is still the best host.  It was good to catch up with Sanjit again too.

We sat and hung out at the restaurant until about 3pm, at which point we went to Broadway Shoes.  I'd planned to get myself some new indoor only birks, but upon discovering these comfy Haflingers I changed my mind.  I also picked up some long johns and a wool hiking t from MEC.

After the shopping spree we went to Ruth and Marty's, where we chatted some more until it was time to go for dinner.  We opted for Saloniki on Commercial.  Good choice.  Benja joined us, as did Alfonso and Anoush.  I woolfed down a lamb souvlaki with the usual fixins of rice and salad.

Before the meal Benja said something that stung a little: "So Ed, you've been living the good life."  Translaton: you've gained some weight.  When he told me this I felt like reaching over the table and punch him in the face, but that says more about me than about him, and it confirms what I see when I look in the mirror: I have been living the good life, or as my friend Scott would say, I haven't skipped too many meals lately.  I've gained some weight, and I need to deal with it.

After dinner we went back to Ruth and Marty's and played Rook until just about midnight.  Ruth and Marty weren't there, as they play soccer on Friday nights, followed by drinks at the pub afterwards.

Tomorrow I'd like to go to Ikea, on my way back to Abbotsford to celebrate Ted's 50th birthday.

Mano In Saksatoon

I saw Mano again tonight...after about 10 years!  He and Karen and their two daughters arrived at my place around 5:30 this afternoon.

We went for dinner at the Freehouse.  Afterwards I bought the girls some ice cream before we all went for a walk along the river, and then returning along Spadina Ave.  Bonus - no mosquitoes.

They're on their way home to Ottawa, after spending a few weeks in Vancouver.

From left to right: Ashwyn, Karen, Mika, Mano, and Edgar.

In many ways Mano hasn't changed at all.  He still loves Formula 1 racing.  He talked about it with the same passion and enthusiasm as in previous years.  He's also the same caring person as always - he heard with great interest as I updated him on the ups and downs of my life since we last saw each other.  He's a good listener.

Dear Lord, please bless Mano and his lovely family.  Amen.

I never thought I'd say this, but I'm glad there are no more planned visits in the near future.  I've ha d a very busy few weeks: Hugh, camping with Eric, Patri, more Hugh, more Patri, and Mano.  And in between all of that, cheek surgery!

I hope to get a few days' rest, before preparing for my trip west to reconnect with friends and family.

Thank you Lord for all the wonderful people you've placed in my life.  Amen.