Iain and Susan's Blog

2010-01-08T15:32:00.000-08:00

Well, it's almost a year since we last blogged - how time flies!!! I'm afraid the advent of Facebook into our lives has meant that we have tended to post status updates on there, rather than taking the time to write a little bit more here. Apologies. I am back. I don't know why, but I felt the urge to write again, to share my random th0ughts with anyone who will listen (or should that be read?).

So what of the past year? What has happened in 2009 that kept up going, kept us busy, kept us on this crazy journey through life? As I looked back, actually quite a lot! I thought about trying to write it all in a poem or a song, but that's not really me...I even got to the Wilson's version of the 12 days of Christmas, but I got stuck at number 5....so lets do a run down of the years personal highlights.

My personal favourite was getting deported. Probably not most peoples highlight of the year, but it was for me because of what unraveled AFTER we were sent back to Scotland! First of all there was 3 days of sleeping (not bad after 36 hours of traveling, 10 days of running around visiting and a year of major adjusting). Then there was the quality time with friends and family - not just fly by the night visits, but good deep and meaningful conversations and helping each other out. There was 6 weeks of being with my parents and my gran, catching up on times I'd missed with them. I bumped into old school friends; I learned to appreciate where I'd grown up and those who helped shape me to be who I am today; I got to share about our trip to Iqaluit and our heritage with the Inuit people. I learned how much I am loved and that those who love me will do almost anything for me. Complete strangers took care of us. Work colleagues fed us, my boss didn't fire me and friends helped pay the bills. In it all, GOD CHALLENGED me to a new and deeper level of faith in HIM. I can honestly say that His hand was all over everything that happened to us and not once did I feel He'd let me down. If anything, He gave me a glimpse of how much Iain and I are loved, appreciated and cared for by our amazing family and friends. Thank you, to each of you who stood by us in our hour of need.
Love Susan

Chilly Billy!

2009-01-16T06:53:00.001-08:00

We read recently that Scotland and the rest of the UK have been experiencing some 'Arctic weather' conditions with sub-zero temperatures and freezing weather. Well, we hate to be the bearer of bad news, but what you had, wasn't really Arctic weather!

Here in Ottawa and in other parts of Canada over the past week, we've had REAL Arctic weather. Yesterday was one of the coldest days on record for many places and Ottawa temperatures hit -37 yesterday morning. According to the weather man here, your flesh can freeze in 15 minutes at -35!!!

Despite the cold, and the ongoing bus strike here, the city kept going. We went to work (Iain even has to walk to work!), got on with our day and watched as people went running and cycling by - they must be insane! My car did complain at the cold -the cars do eventually freeze here, but it did start and took me safely to work on some icy roads. Somehow, I hate to think what would happen in the UK if temperatures like this were to hit there - thank goodness for the Gulf Jet Stream!!

Winter hobbies - Part II

2009-01-11T18:02:00.001-08:00

Our second winter hobbie, wasn't quite so strenuous, but just as nice. This morning we visited Tent of David, a lovely little worship and prayer centre just out of the city in Rockland. Rockland sits on the Ottawa River and there are some lovely little spots where you can boat in the summer, skidoo in the winter, or just stroll along the water...so off we went after church on our way home...

The river is actually right behind Iain.

...but he just had to have a go at walking on water, right on the skidoo trails!

On the way home, we noticed lots of little huts dotted along the river...

...turns out these are little fishing huts for ice fishing on the river - the vehicles beside it are actually cars - right on the river!!! Rather them than me!

Winter hobbies! Part I

2009-01-11T17:48:00.001-08:00

'It's Canada, it's winter, suck it up'.

I've read this quote several times in articles these past few months and really it's true. Whilst not as bad as last winter (thank you God!), we have had a couple of snow storms and freezing temperatures lately that have coated this beautiful land in a blanket of white. So, whilst wanting to embrace all that is Canadian, we've taken up a few winter hobbies...

Janet from work, kindly lent us her snow shoes, and yesterday we traipsed through the woods for an hour, enjoying the peace and quiet whilst trying to avoid the cross-country skiers!

Iain had some trouble staying vertical, but hey, at least he didn't shoot himself this time!!!

Happy Christmas

2008-12-25T10:03:00.001-08:00

Iain and I had a lovely night last night opening our gifts from each other and those sent from our family...

Iain got new fleecy pyjamas,

A top from Gap, Glasgow,

slipper socks from Switzerland complete with hand made hat...

and lots and lots of revels!!!

Thank you everyone who sent us gifts...there are simply too many to mention them all! Happy Christmas.

Christmas Nativity

2008-12-25T09:56:00.001-08:00

Iain and I visited St. Andrews Presbyterian church here in Ottawa last night for their 'real' Christmas nativity. It was a little bit different from your normal nativity, yet strangely more like I think it actually was for Mary and Joseph the night the Christ Child was born...can you guess why?

Right in the heart of downtown Ottawa, across from the Supreme Court of Canada, they had set up a real manger complete with sheep, donkey and some geese! It was quite something!

A Baby Boy

2008-12-22T06:43:00.001-08:00

I'd like to introduce all our friends and family to my little nephew, Nevis Huynh. He was born on Friday 19th December just before 2pm weighing 7.4lbs. Both mum and baby are doing well and might be home for Christmas!

Not so happy clappy :(

2008-12-13T08:51:00.001-08:00

So our clapper box has been returned to the shop. Turns out you have to be almost on top of the thing for it to pick up your clap, and you have to clap a certain 'style' to make it actually work! I was getting too frustrated to make it work and driving Iain mad at 6am trying to get the light on!!!! Oh well, I can always say we tried it - back to cold arms and overstretching.

Happy Clappy

2008-12-06T15:01:00.001-08:00

Do any of you remember the TV show Roseanne? It was an American show which I used to watch when I was a teenager. One of the things I always wanted from the show was a clapper light - bascially Roseanne and her husband had one in their bedroom which they could switch on and off just by clapping their hands - no leaning out of bed or over stretching on a cold winter's morning to switch on the light, just clap and on it pop's or off it goes.

Well, we saw an advert here on TV for something similar, except you plug an ordinary light into the wee box which goes into the socket and clap away. After much searching, we finally found one! No more reaching, no more cold hands and a teenage dream finally comes true!

It's Christmas!!!!

2008-12-06T14:43:00.001-08:00

It might only be the first week in December, but here in Ottawa, it's definitely Christmas. On Thursday we went to the Christmas light switch on up on Parliament Hill with some of the team who are here at NHOP from Saskatchewan, and earlier in the week we put up our Christmas tree!

After a quick trip to Canadian Tire to buy a base for the tree, it was off to the forest (at Loblaws- our local supermarket) to buy the tree. Then we set to decorating.

I think this is the nicest Christmas tree we've had and it's nice to have a little bit of our family traditions here with us in Ottawa.

My First day Hunting - Iain manages to shoot himself!

2008-11-14T07:45:00.001-08:00

Last Sunday at church I left Susan alone for 5 minutes and by the time I came back she had arranged for me to go hunting with our friend Tony!!

So Yesterday was my first day Hunting. My friend Tony took me out to his favourite spot for hunting deer. We spent the morning sitting and waiting, with Tony making the odd duck noise!

Then we went for a walk round the bush over trees lying across the river!! You get the idea!!

we did' t even see or hear a deer, not even a doe let alone a buck (we are only allowed to shoot the Buck).

On our way home Tony decided we should take the back roads incase we spotted a Buck! If we were fast enough and quite enough we could be taking it home on the roof of the car!!

we only seen a dead wolf that had been trapped and shot then just left on the side of the road! I only shot it with my camera!

we stoped in the woods and Tony asked if I wanted to take a few shots, I grined from ear to ear, probably the same face I made the first time I got to sleep on the top bunk or when I got to drive a car for the first time, That child is still in there somewhere!!

I took aim and said to Tony what's the kick back like? No answer! so I just shot the shot 300 short action ultra magnum rifle BANG!!! what a noise!!

I turned round to Tony, with an even larger smile on my face!!

He just looked at me and said what happened to you?

I felt the blood run down my face

Turns out that when I shot the gun it kicked back and the scope hit me in the face right between the eyes!!! I looked like I had been shot in the head!!

I guess in one way that was what had happened! My first day hunting and my first Gun shot wound!!!!

I've heard of people being shot in the back of the head with the front of the gun but never being shot in the front of the head with the back of the gun!!

once I got all cleaned up we checked to see if I had shot the target I was going for. Turns out I hit the mark dead on!!!

We spotted about 8 Doe but no bucks then about 15 mins before the sun went down (the point at which legally you have to stop hunting) we spotted a doe at the far end of a field just at the edge of the woods! Tony got out the car and got the gun he got down by the side of the road and looked through the scope to confirm it was a Buck. He had a clear shot, but unfortunately you have to be 10 meters from the side of the road before you can shoot!! By the time he moved 2 meters the Buck had moved into the woods!!

So no deer on the roof of the car!!! Tony encouraged me that to see a Buck on your first days hunting is pretty good!!

Hey Susan thanks for organizing all this for me, and Tony thanks for taking me out hunting, Next time I'll take you hunting for Haggis!!!!

Geography Lesson

2008-11-09T18:46:00.001-08:00

So it seems that everyone has been a bit confused about where Iqaluit is. Just so you all know, Iqaluit is the capital city (and also the size of Lennoxtown, the village where I grew up), of Nunavut, the newest of Canada's provinces and is marked above by the top left hand pin. Ottawa is marked by the bottom left pin (even though it looks like we're in America somewhere!) and Glasgow is marked by the pin on the right.

Know where you are now?

Apologies

2008-11-09T18:38:00.001-08:00

It seems some of our life has gone missing! Unfortunately some of our older blogs have lost their photos and we cannot seem to restore them. Apologies if you've been wanting to see what Barrie or Golden Lake were like or if you wanted to see my mum and dad's holiday pics...you were too slow!

Freedom!!!!

2008-10-31T17:56:00.001-07:00

Today, our president allowed me to dress him up for our fancy dress competition as William Wallace.

Complete with national drink!

Hallowed Eve

2008-10-31T17:46:00.001-07:00

So tomorrow is All Saints Day, the day when we celebrate all the saints throughout time. Unfortunately the Pagan's and others decided to celebrate the day before with a celebration of all things evil, hence we have what we know as Halloween. My work decided to have a fancy dress competition and, reluctant as I was to join in, i decided to participate, but to 'go in the opposite spirit' as we are learning to do so often here.

I went as St Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland...

Unfortunately you can't see the Saltire flag too well in this picture, but you get the idea!

Below are my colleagues...in all their outfits!

Front row (L to R): Ela, the pumpkin, Martene, the banana (with squeaking monkeys!), Erin, green grapes, Katy, geisha.

Back Row: Joanne, masked princess, Melissa, fitness guru (she was in the gym tonight), Susan, St Andrew, Ragaa, bumble bee, Nasr (our president!), William Wallace

The only one who missed the group photo was Stacia, who came dressed as...

Holy Cow!

Iqaluit

2008-10-22T07:55:00.001-07:00

This past weekend Iain and I had the privilege of travelling to Iqaluit, the capital city of Nunavut, in the Arctic. We were there for The Cry of the North, a day pf prayer for the Inuit people and for northern Canada which was simply awesome.

There simply isn't enough space to tell you everything that happened, so I'll let the pictures tell some of the story instead...

Nunavut from the air

Iqaluit

Our hosts

Trying on an amautiq...

...used to carry babies

Eemeelayou sharing raw seal with us...it was nice!

Sharing haggis, neeps and tatties with our hosts...they loved it!

Caribou...Mmm!

Recording an interview with CBC radio.

Praying for the youth

Barrie

2008-10-16T15:32:00.001-07:00

This Thanksgiving weekend we headed south down to Barrie, which is 7 hours from Ottawa (that's like driving from Glasgow to London almost!). Out long time friends Fraser and Rachel were coming to visit with some of Rachel's family and we all wanted to get together.

The drive, whilst long, was stunning...right through the Algonquin Park where they are currently hunting moose and bear! Thankfully, we were on the highway and out of range of bullets and arrows!!! The trees were stunning and it was just so beautiful..

Golden Lake..two hours away!

Fall colours

The lonnnggg road!

Barrie itself is a growing city right on the Lake Simcoe. We had fabulous weather and a great time. AND we got to hang out with lots of Scots!

Fall

2008-10-16T15:20:00.001-07:00

I love the seasons and one of my favourites is autumn. All those crunchy leaves and crisp air...I just hate that it's closely followed by winter - all dark and wet (at least in Scotland). Anyway, last week Iain and I went of to Gatineau Park to stomp through the leaves and enjoy the colours...thought you might like a look!

Gorgeous colours aren't they?

The Cucumber and His Cousin Part II

2008-10-03T08:37:00.001-07:00

So my little cucumber plant is slowly dying and really not coping with the sudden change in temperature here this past week. He did however bring forth two little cucumbers which is quite incredible considering this little plant started from a seed over three years old lying dormant in an tin.

His cousin the tomato plant is tall and lofty, but alas grew too late to produce any fruit this year.

I've been asking God what this represents, two plants, growing in exceptional circumstances, bearing some fruit, but not really reaching their potential...does it even mean anything - or was I just too late in getting them planted?

Let me know your thoughts..

How many calories??!!!!

2008-09-27T17:24:00.001-07:00

Moving to Canada has had lots of pluses and minuses...great weather (well for us Scots its great), lots of new opportunities to meet new people and lots of new foods to try. On the downside, the winters are freezing (literally!!!), no one understands half of what we say and all that new food..well lets just say both our waist lines have expanded somewhat in the past few months.

So, after our holidays we decided we needed to act before we turn into marshmallow men. We're taking the sensible approach to weight loss of eating what we want within a set calorie/fat intake limit and increasing our activity levels - last week we started running along the river and next week I start my pilates classes.

Today we went shopping and decided we wanted to have lunch - at McDonalds. Yes I know...not the best place to eat when your limiting your calories or fat...but it was what we wanted. I got a copy of their 'nutritional' information chart and decided to see exactly what we were eating. So, how many calories do you think ARE in a McChicken sandwich?? Go on guess...

Give up? 460! With 25g of fat. Add the fries...360 with 17g of fat...then the coke (both medium sized) 220 but hey no fat and before you know it we're eating 1040 calories and 42g of fat - in one meal! My daily allowance is only 1100! So in one fail swoop my McChicken Sandwich meal has taken all but 60 of my calories for the day...but hey that leaves me two After Eight mints for supper (only kidding!)

No seriously...if you're trousers are starting to nip a bit, or your extra tire is expanding, start looking at how many calories and how much fat is in what you eat - I've been amazed at how little I knew about what I was eating.

On a plus note...just for our friend David back in Scotland, our local supermarket is now stocking 500ml bottles of Irn Bru (we think they heard our accents one too many times) with only 3 calories per bottle in the diet stuff. And yes...we stocked up!

The things people do at youth camp!!!

2008-09-24T15:39:00.001-07:00

Last year I was at a youth camp and had to go down to a meeting after just spending what felt like a whole day running around the beach in Arbroath.

I was sweaty, very smelly and in a real rush! I did think about having a shower but time and the fact that my shower had the pressure of a dripping tap caused me to go to plan B.

Anyway! I thought it would be a good idea to borrow (steal really!) Malcolm’s wipes from the washroom we were sharing (sorry Malcolm!).

I took a handful of wipes out of the packet and proceeded to give myself a good wipe down, I was the speaker after all and had to smell fresh!!

I soon learned a vital lesson, a lesson that I wish to share with all you avid Blog visitors! The first thing is You should never steal or borrow without permission and the second thing is you should always make sure you read the label on whatever you are about to apply onto your skin!!! It didn’t take long before I began to suffer the effects of having washed myself with toilet wipes, not face or body wipes!!! They sting!! And they smell.

So that evening I spoke to a group of campers smelling like a toilet, a very clean toilet!! And with a strange uncomfortable tingling in various areas of my anatomy!

So remember kids, don’t steal and don’t ever try to clean yourself with chemical toilet cleaner!! You WILL get a rash! It is better to preach smelly!

Oh! and Sorry Malcolm!!!

Bye bye

2008-09-20T19:32:00.001-07:00

Well today was my mum and dad's last day in Canada for this trip (my dad has already paid his deposit for the next one!). We have had a fantastic time with them, been lots of new places and thoroughly enjoyed our time with them. Here are a few of our holiday highlights for you to enjoy!

Outside the house heading off to Perth, Ont.

Iain on the zip wire at the Maple Farm

Pink Lake...yes it's pink!!!

Dad as a Mountie!

Parliament Hill from the Peace Tower

Chilling in Quebec

All in all, it's been a great time...the house seems so quiet now without them.

Quebec

2008-09-20T19:28:00.001-07:00

We decided to head off to Quebec City with mum and dad for a few days to take in the sights of the city. Quebec is beautiful and very different from anywhere else in Canada. We had a lovely time and felt like we'd been there for weeks!!!

Chateau Fonternac - $35 just to park there!!

Lots of cannons..

Montmorency Falls (thanks to dad's doodling on google earth!)

Enjoying the Joan of Arc garden on the Plains of Abraham

Eat your heart out Beechgrove!

Some fantastic food!

The In- laws (not the outlaws!) Have arrived!

2008-09-09T18:09:00.001-07:00

at last we have been able to welcome our first guests from Scotland!! Yeah!

Susan's parents arrived on Saturday afternoon and already have been getting around the country!

So let me introduce you to Bobby and Renna Garvie,

This a few pictures of them sapling some Pancakes and maple syrup, yum yum! dont be put off by the looks on there faces, it's just how us Scots display the joy of eating good food!! (Yeh right!) Can you see where Susan get's her good looks from?

Bellow is a picture of Bobby and myself, I have been requested to post this on the Blog asking for some captions!! I should say that the last time Bobby and I were bent over like that together we were in Switzerland wearing our Kilts at Susan's sister's wedding!! We were giving the traditional Scottish bum salute!!

so come on lets have some CAPTIONS!!!

This is what they normally look like!!!

Lessons Learned!

2008-08-27T05:34:00.000-07:00

OK..so I learned a lesson just last week. If you want to have some fun playing in the water fountain, I would suggest that you don't use the fountain outside the Museum of civilization!!

Just last week while trying to relax and have some fun and prove I was just as strong and alert as my younger friend Eric, I challenged him to a one on one, the object of the game pretty basic, first guy in the fountain is the looser!!

As you can see, I became the looser!! I'm Just Glad that Jesus is for Looser's!! After all he did come for the lost?

The Ottawa security guards are scary people, but when I warned them that I was a black belt in origami, They soon backed off!!

I just hope this doesn't affect my work Permit or my Visa!!!!!

Remember Kids always ask before jumping into someone elses fountain!!

More birthday cake!

2008-08-10T17:08:00.001-07:00

Last night we visited our new friends Doug and Rachel who live over in Quebec.

Doug is half Scottish and wanted to try haggis so we obliged by bringing the wee beastie and they provided the neeps and tatties!

After dinner, Rachel presented us with a lovely almond cake, and when she heard it had been my birthday recently got out the candles and sang happy birthday!

Unfortunately the wee girl was at home sleeping, so she didn't get to try any of this one - but it was delicious! Thank you Rachel!

Out and about

2008-08-05T15:10:00.001-07:00

Since the wee girl arrived she has been taking in some of the sights of the city. Last week she went to visit our good friends David, Anne, Megan and Daniel.

She had a dip in the pool,

...and hung out with Megan and her friend Dakota.

The following day she came to visit my work...

where she met all the staff and hung for the day. Tonight she is coming to a party with us after a quiet weekend and later on in the week, we might take her up to Parliament or to visit some other friends!

She's arrived!!!!!!

2008-07-29T17:07:00.001-07:00

For as long as I can remember, whenever I've had a birthday, she's been there. Even when I flew to Canada on my 30th birthday, she was there. We have been together through many trials and many tears and she is like a long lost sister. Whom am I talking about? The wee girl of course!

She arrived today, a bit jet lagged and traumatised from her long flight from Scotland, but she is resting and recovering well. We managed to keep some cake for her to try, so she is now well fed too.

Trying out Iain's cake..

'mmm I like this one too.'

We have decided to let her rest for the evening and will take her sight seeing over the next few weeks that she is here (she goes back to Scotland in September.) Watch out for her on your travels...who knows she may even come visit you!

Another birthday cake

2008-07-29T16:59:00.001-07:00

Iain and I have known each other almost 17 years and in that time we have celebrated 17 of my birthdays together. However he managed to make this one extra special by baking me a cake! His first attempt, whilst delicious, lacked some baking powder and didn't fully rise. So on Sunday, he tried again...

Studying the recipe!

Adding the sugar...

...Da da!!

The final product!

It was delicious and reminded me of home. He is now taking orders if anyone is interested $50 for a plain cake, $55 with icing and of course tax is extra (this is Canada!)

Birthday Cake!

2008-07-27T19:00:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow will be my 33rd birthday. I wasn't planning on doing anything special to celebrate and have enjoyed a quiet, relaxing weekend so far. Yesterday, my friend Nahed took me out for lunch, and today we had Rob our friend and co-worker at NHOP round for dinner. Imagine my surprise, when after dinner, the door bell rang and our two friends Ray and Arlene appeared with ...an ICE CREAM BIRTHDAY CAKE!

They even had my name on it! I've never had an ice cream cake before (it was delicious!) and was so blessed by their thoughtfulness and generosity - thank you guys!

Ray and Arlene

A Day at the Beach

2008-07-27T18:51:00.001-07:00

This morning after church, we visited the Ottawa Farmers Market then went to the beach. It was a beautiful day today, if not a little breezy, so for us it felt like a nice Scottish summer's day!

Iain had a go on the gym...

we watched people swimming in the river and some beach volleyball...

then sat under a tree to enjoy a cold drink andan ice-lolly (popsickle to all my Canadian friends).

Next time, we'll take our bucket and spades, and of course some swim wear!

FIRST PEOPLE'S SUMMIT

2008-07-20T16:55:00.001-07:00

Last weekend, we were blessed to take part in a national First People's Summit here in Ottawa. This was a gathering of Christian First Nations, Inuit and Metis believers from all over Canada (many from the Arctic region).

Iain wore his kilt on Saturday evening and on a number of occasions was invited to join the drum - a huge honour for him! (He's on the left). The sense of God's presence during the worship was incredible, and many supernatural things happened including the release of the fragrance of Jesus.

A Coptic priest and his wife were there who had travelled from Alberta, and he and his wife were prayed for - I work alongside many Coptic Christians and thought this was just incredible and such a blessing.

I PASSED!

2008-07-20T16:38:00.001-07:00

Just a wee note to let you all know that I passed the second part of the national physiotherapy exam. Thanks to all of you who prayed and especially to Kingdom Kids at KCC, who made me one of their prayer assignments - see, prayer works!

The cucumber and his cousin

2008-07-20T16:35:00.001-07:00

Do you remember the blog I posted at the start of June about my little cucumber plant? Well, look how much he's grown!

The plant currently has four flowers and tomorrow will again be transplanted into a bigger pot so he can grow some more. Hopefully the flowers will have pollinated and we will have some cucumbers at the end of summer.

An even bigger surprise was to find that Mr Cucumber brought his cousin to Canada too - meet Miss Tomato!

She too needs a bigger pot and hasn't yet flowered so we're not sure if we'll see any tomatoes, but hey, after three years in a tin, at least she's grown. See what happens when we're willing to risk giving away our seed? Nothing happens when it's kept in a box, but new life emerges when we give it away.

Where have we been?!

2008-07-14T06:41:00.001-07:00

Apologies to those of you who have been checking our blog and finding...nothing!! We have neglected our duty to share our life with the world and have been hiding under a bushel somewhere. Panic no more...we are back! Enjoy the show!!

Do Schools Kill Creativity?

2008-06-10T11:07:00.001-07:00

Hi,

A friend sent me this link recently and it got me thinking, hmmm, Do schools kill creativity?

Sir Ken Robinson gives an interesting and funny incite into this question.

Did school kill the creativity in you? answers on postcard!!

Unfortunately I do not star in this video, but he makes mention to someone like me!! Guess who?

Apologies to my brother and sister who are both teachers, don't take it personally!!! PLEASE!!!

Sowing seed

2008-06-09T08:01:00.001-07:00

Many times in my life, God has spoken to me about sowing seed. If we don't sow seed, we will have nothing to harvest. If we don't risk giving things away, we will never know what might have been. Jesus said ' Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.' John 12:24

This little plant is testimony to that verse. When my grampa died three years ago, I asked for his seed box from his greenhouse. The box was full of half opened packets of seeds which I brought here to Canada with me. I planted some, hoping they would grow, but not overly optimistic that any would after three years in a tin! This is a little cucumber plant - growing bigger every day. Hopefully by the end of summer, we will have lots of cucumber to enjoy and lots more seed to plant.

Watch put for more on the plant in the weeks to come!

The first swim

2008-06-09T07:30:00.001-07:00

This weekend was hot hot hot so everyone has been out enjoying the weather. On Sunday we visited our friends David and Anne and had the privilege of being the first to use the pool this year. While Iain and I were only brave enough to dip our legs over the edge (it was a bit cold), Daniel and Megan were right in!

Iain preferred to play outside the pool, and was warned not to scare the neighbours with his super white body - when was the last time he saw some sun??

My First Baby Shower!

2008-06-09T07:20:00.001-07:00

On Sunday Iain and I were invited to our first baby shower here in Canada. For those unfamiliar with this, it's like a party for the baby before he/she arrives!

This is Risha, mum to be (baby is due end of July) who is receptionist extraordianaire at our clinic! As you can see we had lots of food, lots of chat and lots of games!! We had to 'Guess Mommie's Tummy' and 'Smell the Diaper', which Erin won!

While we played, the men (who don't normally come to a shower), did the man thing and cooked all our meat for us - thanks Rico for some great BBQing, to Iain for holding the door and to Chris for keeping them on the ball!

Happy Birthday Erin!

2008-06-08T20:10:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was my colleague Erin's birthday! Last night we celebrated with her at Oh so good, a fantastic cake and coffee house (mum you will love it!), before heading the to the Heart and Crown for drinks and to catch a band. I was asked for ID for the first time in years (it made me feel young again!!) and Iain just about died at paying $9 for a whisky as you can see from the picture!! I guess we don't drink out that much.

Anyway, thanks Erin for a lovely night and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Erin and her boyfriend Chris.

My Turn To BE Embarrassed!!

2008-06-05T11:18:00.001-07:00

Well yesterday I embarrassed my niece!! It is only fair for her healing that I embarrass myself (again).

Some years ago I worked for a Multimedia Youth Project in the town of Bo'ness, we made a video Called Bo'ness Dug, Dugs is how a Scotsman would say Dog!

The Movie is a loose modern version of the parable of the unforgiving servant.

I had the misfortune of staring in the movie and recently I found out it has been put on You tube. I did not imagine it would come back to haunt me!!!

So, for your viewing pleasure and my embarrassment I present to you:

Bo'ness Dugs

Happy Birthday Rachel

2008-06-04T14:20:00.001-07:00

Say Happy Birthday to my niece Rachel, she just turned 13 yesterday. She is my favourite niece

HAPY BIRTHDAY RACHEL!!

Your presents in the post..........Honest!!!!

Rachel, if your embarrassed by these pictures wait until your wedding!!!!!!

Skint knees

2008-05-30T20:03:00.001-07:00

A few days Ago I revisited my childhood, I was helping Susan take the groceries out of the car into the house. Just like most men, my plan was to take ALL the bags and the box in one trip!! That was my first mistake!!

So, I wrapped three bags around each hand and then lifted the box with both hands. I stood up from the car and felt good. I was a man!

Then I turned to go round the car and I fell over a bright yellow block of concrete!!!!!!

Unable to put my hands out I just went down on my knees and then slid a little bit!!!

OK so I totally ruined my trousers, yes the new ones!!(always the new ones). I did hurt my knees, lots of blood, it took me some time to pick out all the little stones.

It reminded me of all the times I fell running down my parents drive. Although my mum wasn't there to help me up this time.

I hope this was my last time, not sure my pride could survive another fall!!!!

No I didn't cry.......................much!

Ottawa Tulip Festival

2008-05-30T19:36:00.001-07:00

Every year, Ottawa celebrates spring with the appearance of thousands of different kinds of tulips all over the city. These tulips are gifted by Holland in thanks for Canada's support of the Dutch Royal Family during WWII. Susan and I went to visit the Tulip Festival at Dows Lake (where we ice skated in February!) and wanted to share some of our pictures with you!!

Montreal for the weekend

2008-05-30T19:14:00.001-07:00

Iain and I recently went to Montreal for the weekend with the visiting NHOP team from Abbotsford, BC. We had the opportunity to sight see round Montreal City and to visit McGill University - founded by James McGill, originally from Glasgow!! On Sunday, we visited a church pastored by Richard and Francois Dube who live in Abbotsford, Quebec, an hour outside Montreal city. Francois recently had major heart surgery and is pictured here second from the left at her home. It was a lovely weekend and we hope to go back to Montreal soon!

Confession Time

2008-05-06T16:57:00.001-07:00

Yes it is true that last Thursday, due to some crazy circumstances both Rob Parker(Director of National House Of Prayer) and myself spent the night with the Police!

I have to say, during this time it was hard to hear with all the screams coming from some of the crazy people you find yourself with in a situation like that. The Police also replied with lots of noise, one in particular kept slamming his stick down, making a real noise!!

OK, ok! So we were at a Police concert with Susan,Fran and Andrea. It was great. Ever since Susan deleted my video of the Police live in New York, I wanted to see them live - I forgive you Susan!!

10 years later both Susan and I received a gift of tickets - yee ha!!

Bless you gift giver!!!!

"RUN SUSAN RUN"

2008-04-28T18:09:00.001-07:00

Last Sunday Susan began a long hazardous adventure to go where no Scottish physio had dared venture before!

Susan, along with her friend Erin from work (from work is not her second name!) took part in the physio run in Ottawa. They registered to do the 5K run and with weeks of preparation they decided what to wear!

They struggled, sweat, gave everything that they had, pushing themselves to the limit and after some time they managed to get out of there beds. All they had to do now was find the starting place!!

I risked my life to stand in front of them and take a picture, managing to escape just in time!

I have to admit they ran so fast,so focused, they ran together, they ran strong, pushing themselves harder than ever before. Then after the first five metres were over they just walked together out for a lazy Sunday walk!

I saw a 70+ year old woman with a brace on one leg jog past them!! Then three small children ran past who were doing the 2K run!

IF THEY WENT ANY SLOWER THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN GOING BACKWARDS!

Finally they made it to the finish line,with Erin clinching the lead on Susan.

Ironically Susan received the prize of a dinner for two, just for coming in LAST!!!

Even her other friend Janet who ran (yes actually ran!!) the 10K didn't get a prize!

Oh and YES! Susan was the only runner with a cardigan on!!

So if you want to win a prize at next years physio run, either run really fast or really slow!!

But congratulations to Janet for running the 10K in the same time as Susan took to do the 5K!!!

Next year Susan's running the 10K!!!!

I'll be there with the camera!

Stardate.....10. 04. 2008

2008-04-10T19:16:00.001-07:00

Last Friday evening, the NHOP team officially welcomed Susan and I to Canada and NHOP. They prayed for us and spoke into our life's then someone said I was like the chief engineer from Star Treck, So this is my interpretation as to what that might look like.

OK, let me introduce to you some of the crew on the SS NHOP.

From left to right, Iain(me) Richard, Terry, Ray(Back), Rob (front), Fran, Brian and Michele. There are others, I just couldn't fit them on the picture.

The dog is called Oakly.

I know it is only a matter of time before I go to work and hear Rob starting each day with:.

"Space; the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship NHOP. It's mission; to pray for God will. To pray in new life and a new generation. To boldly pray where no one has prayed before."

Da, da da daa, da da daaaaa, da da da da da da da, da da da daaaaa. etc...

It's at that point I'll turn round and say....

"It's prayer Rob, but not as we know it"

OK,OK I've stayed up to late! Time to go to bed!!

Until we meet again in another galaxy.

Cya

Iain

Keeping to my diet plan

2008-04-10T18:27:00.001-07:00

Canada is great, BUT! They don't sell walkers crisps or Irn Bru! Our supply has quickly disappeared faster than the snow and my body was going through some kind of detox, thankfully without the shakes (I think I've had enough shakes in my life!) We were forced to drink ice tea and Canada dry (which actually is not bad) "UNTIL" A glimmer of hope in the horizon, Yes we found a Scottish and Irish store that sells, Walkers crisps, IrnBru, Tunnock tea cakes, Haggis along with many other Scottish foods.

As you can imagine we have stocked up, with plenty of supplies for the weeks ahead, this could be the lifeline we have been looking for!

Visit the Irn Bru site: http://www.irn-bru.co.uk/

So now Susan is happy with her Walkers crisps and I am at one with my IrnBru. Now my friend David Lowe can come over and visit without smuggling his daily diet through customs.

All I need now is to find a "Hey Jimmy" Hat and my life is complete.

Blessings on you all.

Iain

All the nations under one roof!

2008-03-31T18:57:00.001-07:00

This past week, we've had the privilege of spending time with people from all over the world who have somehow ended up like us in Canada, or originated here. Last Tuesday we had supper at NHOP with some French- Canadians, met up with a friend from Mexico and another whose mother is Lebanese. On Thursday I did an extra shift at another clinic, working alongside a lady from Africa and a guy with Portuguese roots. At my regular clinic, I work with an Indian, an Egyptian and a Polish lady as well as four Canadians! On Saturday I studied with another Egyptian colleague and a guy from Lebanon before having lunch with some English friends (that's you Dave and Anne!!). Yesterday we went to church over in Quebec and had lunch with four Cree Nation people. Everyone loves our accents and everyone shares a story about how they ended up in Canada - some through birth, some through choice and others through circumstances. I can't wait to get to heaven and meet people from EVERY tribe and nation!!!

A trip back home?

2008-03-23T16:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we took advantage of the sunshine and headed west out of the city. Little did we know we were heading 'home'! We drove down the Highland Line to Lanark, crossed the Clyde River and stopped at McDondland's Corner to visit a Maple Bush Farm and Pancake House. After some delicious pancakes and a walk round the maple trees, we headed to Perth where we crossed the Tay before taking a walk round the best second-hand shop I've ever been in. Msot of the stuff was old furniture and nickknacks including a kitchen cupboard just like my gran used to have!!

Happy Birthday Alison!

2008-03-21T10:11:00.000-07:00

This week, my sister Alison celebrated a 'big' birthday. I can't divulge which one as that would mean admitting I am no longer 27!! My mum and dad celebrated with her in Switzerland where she lives with her husband Thiem, and we were able to 'virtually' visit via the wonders of Skype. It felt like we were all together despite the miles.

Happy Birthday Alison!

Family

2008-03-21T10:04:00.002-07:00

It has come to our attention that our previous post of photos of friends and family missed my sister Alison and brother-in-law Thiem! We love you both and miss you and don't want you to feel left out, so this is just for you!

Spring has sprung!

2008-03-21T09:59:00.001-07:00

This week I finally saw my first blade of green grass!!!! The thaw has started and everything this week has been a bit wet and mushy - just like Scotland gets. I was glad we brought our wellies even if I do look stupid in them :)

Thursday was officially the first day of spring here in Canada and despite the mountains of snow still around us, we know that spring has sprung!

Snow Snow, and YES SNOW!

2008-03-10T14:13:00.001-07:00

This song says pretty much how I'm feeling

I Hate Snow

To The Tune of Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Author Unknown

1. Oh, the traffic outside is frightful,
Accidents aren't so delightful,
I'm stuck in this stop-and-go,
I hate snow, I hate snow, I hate snow.

2. Cars are having troubles stopping,
Each other they keep popping;
I am moving so really slow,
I hate snow, I hate snow, I hate snow.

When I make it back home tonight
How I'll hate going out in the storm;
Because cutting wood really bites,
But I need more to stay warm.

3. Traffic is slowly dying,
While I sit here I keep crying
Cause it just won't end, I know.
I hate snow, I hate snow, I hate snow.

When I make it back home tonight
How I'll hate going out to the store;
And the crowds that I'll have to fight,
I am sure that they won't have any more.

4. Oh, the blizzard outside is frightful,
Snowflakes aren't so delightful,
I'm trapped with no place to go,
I hate snow, I hate snow, I hate snow.

Setting Up Home!!!

2008-03-03T12:32:00.001-08:00

OK, so we get up on the day of our house move and look outside...... SNOW,SNOW and YES, SNOW. The most snow I'v ever seen on the one day that I really didn't want any snow!!! Global warming rally didn't want us to move house!!

Because you drive your big cars, I really struggled to drive our car out the car park!!!!

We eventually did move some things, we have everything we really need, although we plan to buy some of those things that the western population regard as essentials, like a sofa bookcase and Internet connection, among other things.

We managed to do our first shop, we soon realised that for the first time ever we needed two (Large) shopping trolleys!!

Anyway we have our home, our neighbour, who is also our landlady is lovely, so friendly and helpful, we really have been blessed.

Next post I'll try and have some pictures of the house.

Awrabest

A good old gripe!

2008-02-28T18:24:00.001-08:00

Well you've heard all about our fun adventures; skating in the park, enjoying the clear blue skies...now for the not so fun aspect of life in Ottawa. I'm sick of scraping snow off my car almost every day, even if it is nice and fluffy; of driving on ice-rink roads (especially after a late shift at work!); of being frozen out of my car (or in it!) and of almost everyone thinking I'm Irish!!!! (- no offence intended Niall!). I keep asking when the snow will melt and no-one seems to know - don't they understand that where I'm from it would have been and gone in a day?? When will the snow drops and crocus come up? Where is the green grass and lush hills? Someone please send me a picture!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can You See Anyone You Know?

2008-02-28T05:04:00.000-08:00

Home and work

2008-02-26T05:55:00.001-08:00

some of you are interested in where we are working and where our new house is, so, Just Click on the Map to have a look at where we are living and working.

THANK GOD

2008-02-23T17:50:00.001-08:00

Hey, we have found rented accommodation, yes, today we signed the papers for a years lease on the top two floors of this lovely house.

We went to see it about a week ago and instantly loved it, but it just turned out to expensive for us so we emailed the company and said it’s lovely but to expensive. We then looked at something just this week that was not as nice not as central and cost $200 more a month than the first one. On the way back we prayed asking God to make the first one available to us for $200 less per month.

We went past the house and both felt it was the home God had for us, then when we got back to NHOP, the company had sent an email to Susan before she sent one to them saying we have decided to lower the price by $200 a month are you still interested!!

So, we move in next Saturday, now we are just praying for furniture.

God is sooo good!

Susan Making a Snow Angel

2008-02-23T16:35:00.001-08:00

Really this is just a reason to test the video on the Blog.

Snow Angels

Susan involved in serious accident!!

2008-02-23T15:46:00.001-08:00

It is with great sadness in my fingers that I type this blog, sadly I have to report that while out wandering the streets of Ottawa Susan decided it would be a good idea to suck a large block of ice!!

Susan is now recovering in the local hospital, medical staff have said it is inoperable and she has to wait until the spring before the ice can be removed from her mouth.

The good news is that she has been advised not to try and speak, as this could cause further migration of the ice!!

OK, OK just a laugh!!

View from the park!

2008-02-23T09:11:00.001-08:00

Behind me is the National House of Prayer where we are currently staying. Today has been a beautiful day with clear blue skies and not too cold - perfect for getting out and about and enjoying the Canadian fresh air!!!

Skating in the Park

2008-02-23T09:06:00.001-08:00

It was such a beautiful morning today, that we just had to get our skates on and hit the ice! This time only Iain landed on the ground and I managed to even try a little spin (how did Torvil and Dean make it look so easy??!). We're considering entering dancing on Ice next year - what do you think??

First week at work

2008-02-23T08:55:00.001-08:00

Well I survived my first week at work and feel like I've stepped into a nice cosy pair of slippers. The clinic is lovely and the staff have all been really helpful in showing me the ropes. Most of the patients have managed to understand my Scottish accent, though some of the staff are struggling!!!

I'm enjoying working shifts (the long lies three days a week make up for the early rises) and making the most of my time off in between.

Iain has settled well into the routine of NHOP and will keep you updated about his plans and activities here!

Blessings

Susan

Romance is in the air

2008-02-15T07:37:00.000-08:00

Bonjour

OK, so yesterday was the most romantic day of the year! Susan and I found ourselves at our first French class. How romantic me speaking to Susan in French on Valentines day!
Can anyone guess what I’m saying to Susan?

Au revoir

Iain

Arriving in Ottawa

2008-02-14T12:36:00.000-08:00

Well we have now been in Ottawa for a week, we have had a snow BBQ we have been ice skating on the canal looking at the ice sculptures and enjoyed fellowship with this weeks residential prayer team from New Brunswick.

Life is all a little bit strange it looks like we dropped into Narnia, with lots and lots of snow! I did know about the snow before we came but it was still a big surprise!

We are now focusing on settling into work, finding a home and finding the church family God has for us.