Welcome back to
the blog everyone! Hello again faithful readers and greetings to new ones, this
is the anniversary edition. It’s been nearly 4 years since my first departure
for Prince Edward Island. I come to you with a special edition after about 3
years of silence. 4 years is an odd anniversary to celebrate, it’s not round or
predictable like most, which is why I love it so much. I like to keep you on
your toes. This is particularly special because for the first time in 4 years I
went back to the Island solo. Every year after I left I’ve taken friends along
to share in the adventure but this time it was just Jesus and I. Much like the
first time.
4 years. So much has happened in that time.
Here is a quick up to-date recap:
- - September 2011- April 2012:
finished culinary school and became a certified pastry chef,
- - April 2012- October 2012: worked
at Anne of Green Gables Chocolates on PEI
- - October 2012- September 2013: moved
back to Ontario and was the pastry chef at Benmiller Inn, Goderich Ontario,
- - January 2013 – September 2013: recorded
a full length album, and released it November 2013
- - September 2013 – August 2014:
nannied for a family and their 2 delightful and mischievous boys
- - June 2014: got baptized, again.
I was baptized as an infant, but took the “double dunk” as an adult to declare
my love for Jesus publically and be commissioned in a new ministry venture as
prayer director of Uptown Community Church
- - July 2014 – August 2014: did a
Canadian East coast tour for 10 days promoting album and performing all over
the Maritimes. It was a hoot!
- - September 2014 – present:
joined a church plant and was asked to be prayer director and worship team
member. Jumped in with both feet, woohoo!
- - September 2014 – present:
working as baker and FSA at Conrad Grebel University College on University
Waterloo campus, continuing to perform music where I can in mid-western
Ontario, KW, and GTA
- - April 2015: benefit concert
with FRED PENNER! Short Twitter appearance on CBC courtesy of FRED PENNER!!!
- - April 2015: 100% on my firearms
license, beginnings of hunting and fur trapping license, woohoo!
- - August 2015: currently writing
anniversary blog J
Now we’re caught
up.
As some of you
may or may not know it is tradition that I return to the Island every year
since my departure from it 3 years ago. The Island had a huge impact on my life
spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically. If you are unfamiliar with
my story I encourage you to flip through the other blog posts, but here is the
Spark Notes version:
God called me to
the Island to go to culinary school, not only for the great job security, but
to get some solo time with me. It was a retreat, a solace, a place to get
perspective and where God met me and formed me into the fearless and furious
woman I am today. I’ve had my fair share of scars in life and the healing
process started on the Island. But God, in His faithful and relentless love,
has continued to cultivate me, rip out rotten roots, clip back over zealous
branches, and water my heart with His blood. He patiently scrubbed the lies and
shame from my cobwebbed heart so His grace and truth could shine through and
alight the dusty attic of a chest cavity with His promises, provision, and
power. In the past four years I’ve also grown bolder and feistier in my faith.
I love Jesus and He is Truth. Deal with it. Regardless of my bold faith, I still
have not managed to curb that sailor tongue of mine. Please forgive any crass
words that may or may not follow.
The special
occasion that spring boarded the return to PEI was to celebrate the marriage of
Ian and Sandra Fidles, the couple I first stayed with when I moved there. I am
over the moon excited for them!! The wedding was my primary reason for going,
but I also hungered for ocean, red sand, and lazy listless days. My agenda for
the 5 days I would be on the island were:
#1- Go to
wedding
#2 – Go to beach
#3 – Eat Lobster
Departure day
came quickly but I was ready! Like a child about to go to the zoo for the first
time I sat cross-legged on the front lawn of my apartment building, luggage
beside me, bouncing impatiently. A friend graciously drove me to the airport
and we arrived in plenty of time. However the lines were very long and I
quickly became stressed. The lines for check-in where monumental, however lines
for the self-check in kiosks were nonexistent. Should I try the kiosk? I don’t
like learning knew things when I’m under time pressure and stress so I held my
ground and did the only sensible thing: pray. “The Lord is good, the Lord is
gracious. He delights and has favour in those who Trust in Him and are
transformed by Him. Lord transform me, I trust you.” I repeated that again and
again and sure enough the line began to move quickly, and everyone who had
8:00pm flights were rushed through. The Lord is faithful!
When I reached
the counter I handed the Westjet agent my passport and reservation papers
hoping to speed the process along. The Westjet agent slightly frowned at me,
“No checked luggage? Why didn’t you use the kiosk, you wouldn’t have to wait in
line.”
I replied, “I
don’t know how to use them and I don’t like using new things when I’m under
stress.”
“Oh but they are
so easy!”
Ok Mr. Green Eyes,
with the nice hair, and smells like lumber, summer, and whiskey, shut up. After
receiving my boarding pass I booked it to the next mile long line.
Boarding time
was 7:20 and it was 7:10. My heart was racing! “The Lord is good, the Lord is
gracious. He delights and has favour in those who Trust in Him and are
transformed by Him. Lord transform me, I trust you.” Again the line began to
move quickly, Praise God! Another Westjet agent began calling out flight
numbers and asking them to head to the front of the line. When she passed I
asked what the flights were again, she asked for my boarding pass and sadly I
was not on that list. I looked at her doe eyed and terrified. “How many are in
your party?” she asked. “Just me,” I answered. “Come with me.” She whisked me
to the front of the line and while I went through security she told me where
the gate was. “It’s at the other end of the airport, you’ll have to run, I make
no promises.” I was trembling as I put my carry on and purse through the
scanner. “You’ll be fine,” she smiled and then she was gone. Clearly an angel.
“Do you have an
liquids?” The security agent asked.
“Umm, I don’t
remember,” I replied. I did, but the were well within the carry on limits. They
waved me through and at the other end where I assumed they would stop me to
swab my bags they were distracted. I saw my window of opportunity, grabbed my
bags and RAN! Literally RAN through the airport. Praise the Lord for floating
sidewalks. What made this whole ordeal even worse is that I had to pee, and I
was anxious. I was panxious! I didn’t want to risk the bathroom break and miss
the flight so I held it and ran.
I arrived at the
gate at 7:40 and was one of the last to board, but was thankful I made it.
“Thank you Lord!” The flight left on time and when we had reached cruising
altitude and the seatbelt sign was off I went to the bathroom. Those airplane
bathrooms are tiny. Hoo dolly!! What an experience that was. I won’t go into
details lets just say I’m glad my ass isn’t any bigger.
After settling
in the flight attendants came around with cookies, corn chips, and coffee, I
gazed out the window at the beautiful scene below. The GTA fell quickly beneath
us and from our position in the air we could see the jumbo-tron at the Rogers
Center. We climbed higher and were treated to the setting of the sun as it sank
behind sleepy clouds giving way to a brilliant red sunset. Out of the corner of
my eye I could see flashes of lightning. There were three massive thunderstorms
that we flew parallel too, we were treated to a show of light and magnificence.
Each flash of lightning was unique and brilliant and could not compare to the
one before or after it. At one point they lit up the sky all at once, to those
watching, mainly myself and a young family behind me, we expressed our
appreciation with oo’s and ahh’s.
As we moved east
the storms moved west and I found myself craning my neck to watch them. “Lord,
your grandeur is marvelous, may I have one final eruption of lightning? Perhaps
5 strikes in a row? Before the plane passes them.” No reply. No delivery of lightning from them.
“Ok, I trust you.” I turned my gaze to the sky to watch the stars slowly come
out of hiding and suddenly FIVE more storms were on the horizon and they all
erupted with lightning at the same time! It took my breath away. “Lord, you
deliver!!” I leaned my head against the window and watched until they lost
steam and the stars came out in their brilliance.
We flew over the
mainland and from above I could see city and town lights scattered and clumped
along the landscape. They looked like their own galaxies and constellations.
But the brilliance of the night sky was incomparable to the man made patterns
below.
As we flew over
PEI a righteous full moon shone over the island and bathed the shores, rivers, scattered
lakes and ponds in an enchanting silver hue. The island was silent under its
muted and mesmerizing tones.
When the plane
landed my heart skipped, pressing my hands against the glass I whispered, “I’m
home.” A few happy tears welled up but I brushed them away. Stepping out of the
aircraft I lifted my face to the east where the sailor moon beamed in greeting
and inhaled deeply. Rich ocean air with ribbons of seaweed, salt, and sand
wafted my senses and my knees buckled a little under the charming aroma.
The beautiful
and gracious Nadine picked me up from the airport. She was eagerly waiting
outside sort of parked in the middle of the road, so when I saw her we
exchanged quick hugs and hellos before tearing out of there. When we arrived at
her home, her husband Tom was waiting for us at the door and welcomed me with
open arms! Oh what a joy it is to be received so warmly but two beautiful
friends!
Tom and Nadine
got me settled and then ushered me to the kitchen for a late night snack of
Nadine’s delicious pork and beef feta cheese stuffed burgers. Mmmm. Nadine is a
fabulous cook and Tom is quick and willing to proclaim her talents to all that
want to know and even to those that don’t. My favourite line from Tom’s praises
was, “Nadine’s seafood chowder is righteous. You could baptize the dead in that
and they would come up singing hallelujah!” I’m going to enjoy staying with Tom
and Nadine for the next 5 days.
Tom went to bed,
but Nadine and I stayed up late talking about coffee, food, being anointed by
the Lord with sass and spunk, and other such joyous topics. It was close to 1am
before I flopped into bed and succumbed to a long sleep.
The following
morning I woke up leisurely and followed my nose to the kitchen where Nadine
had made specialty coffee, waffles, and bacon and eggs. That’s how you start
your vacation. After breakfast Nadine kindly drove me into town to pick up my
rental car. Despite being able to fold into the island lifestyle without a
seam, I still had the mainlander punctuality. I arrived precisely at noon but
the car hadn’t. Clearly whoever was renting it was still gallivanting around
the island, as they should be, it is a beautiful place. It didn’t bother me any
and I was promised a discount for my patience. In the mean time Nadine dropped
me off near Victoria park, I hopped out, and strolled through the familiar
streets.
I was grateful
for the opportunity to stretch my legs and wandered down by Victoria Park,
weaved my way through Victoria Row, around the Basilica, and down to Peakes. There
were a few knick knacks I pondered purchasing but kept to the strict list I
had:
-
Island wear for niece Beth
- - Soap dish from Cordelia’s
- - Chocolates for: Nadine and Tom,
Bible study, work, and Jontue
- - Antique cabinet knobs
- - Antique hanker chiefs
- - A few post cards
Enterprise
called about an hour later informing me the car was ready for pick up. Because
of the kafuffle I was given a complimentary upgrade to a Kia Forte, which is
nothing like the rickety Camry I currently drive.
Before I even
started the car I raised my hands in surrender and asked Jesus to protect the
car and myself on the roads, to give me extra alertness and to break off any
shame I had about driving extra careful. This was no joke. Islanders don’t know
how to drive well, I’m not one to talk given my driving record, but it’s maddening.
Plus the population of PEI doubled because it’s tourist season. So I
shamelessly assumed the role or “pokey tourist” driver who obeyed all the
traffic laws and blared worship music as an added layer of prayerful
protection.
Unlike Edna my
Camry the Forte actually drives. It accelerates when you apply pressure to the
gas pedal and magically stops when the same pressure is applied to the break.
Wow. Edna takes a bit more coaxing sometimes.
Keeping with my
shopping list I went to Timeworn Treasures Antiques in search of knobs and
hanker chiefs. The store atmosphere was in the full throws of summer. Bridal
veils, soft pastel coloured frames, teacups and saucers, and lamps were
arranged in inviting and creative ways. Retro suitcases and trunks were stacked
with linens draped tastefully over them and the entire store was wrapped in a
musical ribbon of the Sound of Music. With the help of the owner it didn’t take long to find what I was
looking for, pleased with my purchases I was on my way.
That evening
Tom, Nadine, and myself sat down to a delicious dinner of stuffed peppers with
pork, mozzarella cheese, pine nuts, zucchini and spices. On the side Nadine
prepared rice cooked in chicken broth. Now that is a trick I must use.
Instead of cooking rice in water cook it in vegetable, chicken, or beef stock.
It will cook and infuse it with flavor. Neat! All the different flavours
complimented each other and danced across my tongue.
After dinner we
sprawled on the couches and watched old movies. We started the night off with a
black and white Carey Grant, Katherine Hepburn, and James Stewart classic: The
Philadelphia Story. Then we sauntered over to the humorous Danny Kaye and
Angela Lansbury treat: The Court Chester. And finally we wrapped up the evening
in our decade with an episode from the TV series: Justified.
Timeworn Treasures Antiques
Saturday marked
the day of Sandra and Ian’s wedding! I couldn’t be more thrilled for them. The
wedding wasn’t until 3:30 in the afternoon so I took advantage of the time to
sleep in, binge watch episodes of Big Bang Theory, and taking a nap before
heading out.
It was a
delightful drive out to the east side of the Island. There was rolling farmland
rich in colour, the potato crop was lush, corn stocks reached their slightly
golden hands up to the heavens reaching for rain, and off to the south the ever
present shimmer of the Northumberland Strait. The windows were down to allow
the intoxicating country and ocean air to fill my lungs.
The wedding was
outside in the back meadow at Sandra’s family farm. The ceremony was outdoors
in the sunshine a rich breeze caressed our sun kissed skin, and though it was
hot at times, it was still a wonderful relief from the Ontario heat. Everyone was milling about, mostly staying in
the shade. Islanders think 26 with an ocean is breeze is hot. Ha! I like to
remind them, “It’s 38 in Ontario. Be grateful.”
When Ian had a
spare moment we exchanged a quick hug. Our reminiscent encounter was short
lived when he was waved over to carry out groom duties. The ceremony was about
to start. Sandra’s brother began to sing and play his guitar while we found our
seats. Pretty soon the bridesmaids and groomsmen sauntered down the grassy isle
looking dapper and dashing. We all smiled and caught our breath when Sandra
walked in on the arm of her father. She floated down in a dress fit for a
princess. It billowed and flowed with yards of tulle and a ribbon of sparkling
flowers tied around her waist. Her golden hair was spun into curls and her
father beamed with pride and joy as he escorted her.
The ceremony was
short and sweet and several readings from classic authors were read. Sandra and
Ian are the type of couple who don’t hold each other back form their goals but
also kindly hold one another accountable. Together they have faced a decade of
life together and I’m hoping they face at least another 10 more decades!
Dinner was a
buffet of delicious Thai food! There were speeches, tears, and toasts a plenty
as we honoured the couple. People spoke of Sandra and Ian’s kindness and I’m
very fortunate to be a recipient of that. They didn’t know me from a hole in
the wall and yet took a risk in allowing a strange girl to room with them while
she attended culinary school. I love and appreciate them both immensely.
The night
followed with dancing and we all made an appearance on the slightly uneven floor.
The tent and dance floor was over the most level place in the meadow, which
unfortunately was on a bit of an incline. The dance floor especially leaned so
every few songs we’d have to move the party up to the top of floor only to
naturally descend again. No one seemed to mind.
Mr. and Mrs. Fildes!
First dance
Father daughter dance
Mother son dance
Roommate picture!
I was so excited
to go to church on Sunday! To see old friends and hear Tom teach the word of
God, nearly everyone greeted me with, “Welcome home.” Worship time was
breathtaking. It was only John and his guitar but he lead with such passion and
conviction of Gods provision and guidance.
Tom preached on
Jesus in the garden before His crucifixion centering on the knowledge that He
knew His death would happen before He created the world. That truth finally
clicked and tackled my mangy heart like a line backer. The weight and reality
of Jesus prayer in the garden that day knowing that He would be praying that
prayer before the earth had form or function blows my mind. He knew that when He
formed the mountains of the gruesome death that awaited Him. When the first
drops of ocean were poured out He knew your name and the struggles you would
face and the rebellion against Him you would partake in. But the beauty of
Jesus is that He is not shocked by our filth. He is not surprised when we lie,
cheat, murder, disrespect others, get addicted to drugs, alcohol, or
pornography. He knew we would be wretched when He swept the first brush stroke
of sunset sky and He still choose to create us, invest in us, LOVE us. "For God saved
us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserve it,
but because that was His plan from before the beginning of
time-to show us His grace through Christ Jesus." - 2 Timothy 1:9-10. Wow!
I was ruined by
the Gospel that day, my heart churned with joy, reverence, and wonder. The
Gospel is so simple, so True, it is satan who complicates it so we’re hesitant
to accept it. Choose Jesus. Everyday. All day. Choose Jesus.
With the fresh conviction
of Jesus astounding grace I packed snacks and beach gear and made my why to
Greenwich Provincial Park. Nature is where I can listen to God clearest. Greenwich
has a beautiful hiking trail that leads to the iconic horseshoe sand dunes.
Walking the
Greenwich trail was a breath of much needed fresh salty air. It curved along a
peninsula surrounded by remnants of an old farm. The field that was now over
grown with wild raspberries, carrots, flowers, and grass dipped toward the
river on the south side and faced the town of St. Peters. In the salty river
were oyster and muscle farms with their markers bobbing in the water. A few
boats sauntered through the waters every now and then. The family that lived there
were potato farmers, as most farmers on the Island are. Because of the rich mineral
deposit in the soil and the ocean spray that sprinkles the land PEI has some of
the most fertile soils. You have not tasted a potato until you have tasted one
from PEI.
My wild imaginative
heart is as content in open fields and plains as it is thick forests and
cascading shorelines. The path wound away from the over grown farmland and into
a patch of woods. The familiar musk of timber, damp leaves, and patches of
sunlight warming the forest floor encompassed my senses and my imagination
drifted. I don’t know what it is about the woods but I feel I should be running
through them with a bow and arrow, or at the very least barefoot with a long
flowing dress.
The foliage
began to thin and the faint hush and giggle of waves breaking on the shore
could be heard. The path opened to a huge inland pond with a floating
boardwalk. Some of the tourists found the sensation of the floating boardwalk
hard to get used to, I have excellent sea legs though, and didn’t loose stride
or pace. After the journey across the swaying walk, we climbed up a 30 foot
sand dune, descended the other side, and then walked down the beach a stretch
only to climb another sand dune to take in the epic panoramic view of all our
hard work.
When I descended the first dune and saw the
ocean, rich and welcoming, I rushed toward it, threw off my shoes and bag and
walked in up to my knees. Ohhh, glorious! The gentle surf and soft repetition
of the waves cooled and refreshed my body. I rested only a moment before hiking
up the other dune to see the iconic sight. The climb to the top of the dune was
steep but there was a rope fence to hold on to.
Reaching the
top, breathless, sweaty, and shoes full of sand, couldn’t compare to the
peaceful and impressive view that waited. The dunes stood in there own realm,
untouched by human cultivating hands, the only power the dunes were shifted by
were the ever whipping winds. They seemed to relax against the horizon, as if
they were an old couple well into their retirement years reminiscing about
younger days when they were closer to shore before the wind pushed them inland
and razor grass, grey lichens, and sprouts of trees took root and grew.
Satisfied with the journey and after snapping
a few pictures for posterity I gleefully bounded down the dune and walked up
shore to the supervised beach. Families, couples, and friends gathered there in
pockets of little beach nests containing umbrellas, coolers, and beach towels.
I made my own little nest by laying out my beach towel and securing the corners
with my shoes and bag. With my swimsuit already underneath my clothes I peeled
off the sweaty folds of fabric and boldly walked into the ocean. I waded in up
to my chest and allowed the beat of the waves to acclimatize my body. When I
was at its full mercy and enchantment I dove into the waves and swam out as far
as it was safe.
There in the
cradling waters, its strong current pushing me back to shore, I thought back to
a sermon Matt Chandler, pastor of the Village Church, spoke on. He focused on Creation
and Gods deliberate and beautiful design of man and woman and nature. When I
spend time in Gods masterpiece be it woods, plains, beaches, or the company of
Believers, family, and friends, and when I stop and allow myself to enter a
posture of reverence and holy fear to the One who created ALL of it I feel
immeasurably small, yet incredibly seen
and known by God.
“I love the
ocean, like the real ocean, and I wish we all lived closer to one. If I could
be by a real ocean and hear its roars and be impressed by its waters and feel
the fear that it could sweep me out and be done with me without breaking a
sweat. That magnificence that awe that we feel would be surface level
elementary reverence, but the fact that someone told that ocean to be, that’s
exponential reverence.” – Matt Chandler. Exponential reverence. I’ve heard it
explained that fear of the Lord is having respect for His headship over the world
to physical and emotional fear of His power. While both are true I define it as
a fear of a life without God.
Swimming in the ocean, realizing its strength, fearing its monstrosity, yet
loving, welcoming, and appreciating its presence would be unsatisfying without
the deep reverence in the God who simply spoke it into existence and continues
to command its movements.
I stayed at the
beach until the plantain chips, peanut M&M’s, green apple, and bottle of
water were devoured and my stomach still cried out for more. With the windows
downs and the Island mix CD wafting through the speakers I drove back to
Char’town. Subway serves Atlantic lobster subs and though this is not quite
doing lobster justice I couldn’t afford a whole pound of it fresh from the
wharf, this will have to do. The buttery, fleshy, red and white meat romanced
my mainland palette into a love affair with the ocean delicacy.
Almost to the dunes
Ocean AT LAST!
Greenwich Provincial Park sand dunes
Wild raspberry bushes looking down to St. Peters
Blue chair. Blue shoes.
Check out them salty nautical curls!
Monday morning I
gathered up my beach gear again and headed to Rice Point to meet up with friend
Eliana to spend time with her, her husband Craig, and two children Ezra and
Esmeralda. I’m so proud of them and their little family! It was refreshing to
spend time with them. Ezra was a bit shy of me at first, but when I picked up
one of his dinosaur toys and played with him, he warmed up quickly.
Part of the agreement
I signed when renting the car was to not go off roading. However, most roads to
the beach aren’t really roads and we had to park in a bit of meadow. Craig
teased me saying, “You’re off roading!” Goofball. The beach has beautiful but
unfortunately the tide was against us. We only had about 12 feet of beach to
stretch on which was fine, we really only came for the air and sun.
While Eliana and
I chatted Craig and Ezra made a “sand doggy” the engineering skills to make a
successful sand castle can be hard for a toddler to grasp. Our conversation
wasn’t anything earth shattering but that’s ok, mostly we caught up and
reminisced about culinary school. Sometimes you don’t have to have in depth
conversations with friends you haven’t seen in years. It’s just as rich to know
that you can still talk after so long.
While we ate
lunch a deer fly landed on the arch of my foot and bit me. Ouch! Those demons
with wings can really take a chunk out of you. In what can only be described as
out back ninja skills Craig swooped for it with his hand, killed it, and tossed
it to the waves.
“Thank you for
avenging my foot.”
“And they say
chivalry is dead.”
When we were finished
eating Eliana reached for the box of wipes to pass around. Ezra made a bit of
babble and reached for them too, we assumed he was getting one for himself, but
he gave one to me! How kind! As long as there are good parents raising good children
chivalry and kindness will not die. Way to go Eliana and Craig.
Eventually the
tide came in so far that it licked the edges of our blankets and towels and
pushed us off the beach. With a heavy sigh we went back to their house and
chatted for a few more moments. I held Esmeralda while Eliana showed me around
the property. It was the perfect opportunity to impart the 5 keys of life to
the little one. I held the chubsy little girl in my arms, tipped her had back a
smidge so she could hear all the wisdom I had to impart and bounced her
lightly.
#1 Jesus loves
you
#2 I love you
#3 Manners
Matter
#4 Even
shipwrecks have treasure
#5 Barbara
Streisand is a goddess
Grateful for
their hospitality but sad to be leaving I left shortly after to meet up with
another friend, Natalie, in Char’town.
While I enjoyed
every fiber of my time on the island, time with Natalie is like a refreshing crystal
goblet of water. She is true and kind, her spirit is centered on Christ, she is
vulnerable and brave in her faith and she thrives on the Holy Spirit. This
woman, who I admire, love, and deeply cherish, welcomed me into her arms with
wisdom, without judgment, and with ample energy! We spent the whole afternoon
and evening together talking, sharing our hearts, admitting our hurts and
pains, struggles with God, ponderings and doubts, and over all joys of our
friendship together. I just love her!!!!
Time on the
island would not be complete without a red sunset over a red beach. We went to
Cove Head around dusk and walked the soft shore, sometimes we waded out to the sand
bars and walked the warm waters, and before the sunset we sat in the sand and
watched the water. I relaxed my soul and emptied any pressure or expectations
of myself that were not of the Lord. Soft chuckling waves tiptoed up the red
sand and then slid back into the big blue to be carried off to some exotic
place. A breeze came off the land and ruffled the water into little windblown
ripples. The ocean rolled soothingly, I relaxed whole-heartedly and breathed
deeply.
Neither of us
wanted to leave but nocturnal purples and blues began to fold over the sky and
the moon was beginning her climb to shine over us. Natalie wanted to spend more
time with me, and I with her, but it was late, I was tired, and tomorrow I
would be flying out. I needed to sleep. We embraced long and tenderly and
blessed each other before parting ways.
Ezra playing in the sand
Eliana and I
Red toes!
Sunset at Cove Head
Natalie and I
Red sunset, red hair, red shirt. Lots of red!
The last day on
the Island. Sigh. It started off wonderfully though. I awoke early and packed
most of my bags, I had a busy day ahead of me and wouldn’t have much time to
pack later. I rushed out the door and stopped at the grocery store to pick up a
dozen eggs for Leanne and Jeff before going to their cottage for breakfast.
What a way to
spend the morning! Right off the shore out on the deck with an ocean breeze
whipping through our hair while we feasted on bacon, eggs, sausage, island
potatoes, coffee, juice, and raspberry jam made by Leanne and Jeff! Oh the joys
of visiting and spending time with friends. The character of the island is a
perfect melting pot for kindred spirits to meet, grow, and flourish. After
breakfast we nimbly climbed our way down the cliff to the shore and stretched
our legs before the tide trapped us.
What a wonderful
stretch of beach full off oyster and clamshells all strewn about like stars in a
galaxy. I learned a new island term as well: shore shoes. Mainlanders know them
as water shoes, but apparently that’s just not the way of it here. I’ll adopt
that into my regular beach vocabulary and confuse everyone back home.
The tide was
ripping in quickly and the curve of the shore made a little peninsula. Being of
the adventurous kind I kicked of my “shore shoes” and headed to the tip. The
water was shallow for a distance and I wanted to see how far I could get before
danger was a factor. Turning back to shore for a picture it was apparent Jeff
was either taking several or was have trouble with my camera. It was then that
I realized the current of the water and speed of the tide was faster than I’d
expected. The conditions were causing the sand underneath my feet to shift
rapidly and I began sinking. I was only in peril for about a minute and realized
had the worst happened I’m an excellent swimmer and have friends that would
come save me.
We found a message
in a bottle and took it back to the cottage to read. Someone had a lot of fun
writing a silly note about liking the smell of batteries and other such
nonsense. It brought us a smile and a giggle though.
The car rental
was until noon and I wanted to be on time if not early, it’s that mainlander
inner clock again. The return went smoothly, I was half expecting them to find
out all the “off roading” I did and charge me an arm and leg for getting red
dirt all over the car. But then again ALL the cars on the island have red dirt
on them whether they’ve been off roading or not. While I was grateful for the
rental it was the most stressful experience of the island.
Before leaving
the Island I met up with dear sweet Kendra, another chum from culinary school,
for lunch. Our conversation was similar to that of so many conversations I’ve
had here. We caught up on each other’s life, talked about this and that, hopes
and dreams, and shared giggles when remembering our school days. For dessert we
went to a farmers market and had freshly picked strawberries. Island berries
are very different from Ontario berries. I would describe their flavour as
mild, but the texture is meaty, it almost tasted pink instead of the potent,
crimson, flavour Ontario berries possess. But still enjoyable!
Finally the time
had come, my bags were packed I was ready to go, Kendra dropped me off at the
airport and after long hugs I let her go. The lines in Char’town airport are
ridiculous. They have none! I was through check in and security in 10 minutes.
As passengers
began to fill the waiting room so did dark ominous rain clouds fill the sky.
Our flight was delayed 30 minutes, but safe than sorry. When we boarded the
plan and got comfortable the captain announced that bad weather in Toronto
would delay us another 25 minutes. Didn’t bother me any, I had a good book and
a comfy seat and the patience of a saint. After a while the captain came on
again, his voice was timid and hesitant to share the announcement. Uh oh. “Good
evening ladies and gentleman, ummm, waiting time has been pushed to an hour.”
There was collective moan of frustration from the passengers. “They’ve grounded
some planes in Toronto and are waiting for weather there and in Calgary to
pass. Sorry folks, we’re going to have to sit tight. If we unboard all of you
and get the call to be in the air in 20 minutes we will have missed our window
and may have to cancel the flight. Please be patient, and thank you.” I
informed my friend who was picking me up about the delay but then went back to
my book.
The elderly gentleman
beside me kept accidently bumping my arm on the armrest. He was embarrassed and
finally I said, “It’s a little squishy and I don’t mind if we bump each other,
lets just put the arm rest up, we might as well get cozy, we’ll be here a
while.” And just like that a new friend was made. The gentleman’s name was Chris
and his sister Deborah, were in PEI for a family reunion. How fun! We got to
talking and pretty soon babbled on like kids in a school yard.
After about 40
minutes the captain came back on over the intercom, “Ok folks we got the go
ahead from Toronto, we’re on our way.” Everyone applauded and cheered and we
tore out of the airport like a thief on the run. Sitting beside such charming
individuals like Chris and Deborah made the flight home exponentially more
enjoyable. We chuckled at Chris’s goody jokes, looked out the window at the
beautiful sunset, shared why we were in PEI, and generally had a good time.
When we landed
in Toronto everyone on board was relieved and another round of applause sounded
for the captain and crew. It’s good to go to the Island but it’s good to be
home too.
Overlooking the water from Leanne's cottage
Charlottetown from the shore
Leanne and I
Umm, this water is coming in really fast!
Kendra and I acting goofy!
It’s been almost
a week since I’ve been back and it’s taken this long to compose this blog. I
wanted to make it perfectly clear about my affections for both the island and
the mainland. Adjusting to Island life is seamless, but folding back into
mainland living is just was familiar. The Lord has blessed me with provision
and redemption and a home in both places. He knows my heart, has anointed my
identity in His truth, and I trust Him. I will not spoil time with Him with brash
selfish decisions of moving or not moving to PEI. Hear me when I say this: I
trust Him. I submit to His plan. I welcome His guidance. I look forward to His
leadership. I am not bound by some fearful emotion or perverse religious chain.
Ultimate freedom is experienced in the embrace of Jesus.
In closing, if
there is one thing this vacation has taught it is that there is joy in
submitting to the leadership and provision of God. Not for a moment did He
leave my side on those island roads or ocean waves. He did not laugh or scoff
when I failed to trust Him and make my own way and then pay for it later. And
even when I realized my stupidity and cried out to avoid consequence sometimes
He canceled the discipline to hold me tighter. My soul is satisfied and hungry
at the same time when I am with Him. I love PEI and will always go back, Lord willing, but I love Jesus more and He has not let me down, and He never will.
Thank you for
reading and God bless you.
