It is finished!

It's over - the month is finished and the project is completed.  I will be taking my Mum out tomorrow as I wanted to include my entire family - however, she has specifically asked me not to blog about her.  (PS - I'm taking her out for tea of course, AND to do a little shopping).

DAY THIRTY

Hester V.



Yes, I know - she's looking a little hairy today!

 

 

Hester is a Doctor, Mother of 5 (a set of twins in the mix), Wife and Philanthropist/Charity Founder and Director, and yet she was too shy to have her picture taken. (She’s actually beautiful!) Hence, the lovely picture of her dog – Baloo! Truly sweet dog – truly adorable name… By the way, the cat's name is Bagheera - LOL!

Hester and I weeded her garden and chatted ourselves into a frenzy. Although we worked our buns off, there was still much to do, as she has a beautiful big property.

 

    

Although there is much to say about Hester, I do want to tell you about the amazing work she does in and for her charity.
                                                                      www.hearafrica.com

Hester formed a charity to help the people of Zimbabwe.Below I have actually lifted their mission statement to give you a better and first hand understanding of what she/they do.

 

"Hear Africa Foundation is a volunteer-run organization working to create sustainable solutions to the issues of poverty, social support, health care, education and infrastructure development in Zimbabwe.We facilitate a practical response to these matters while paying special heed to the cultural context and the sensitivities of Zimbabweans.

Our mission is to raise financial support in Canada while working with the people of Zimbabwe to ascertain and respond to specific humanitarian needs, with the long-term view of developing local sustainability.We believe that relief of poverty will occur with sustainable and humanitarian infrastructure investments, such as repairs to schools or provision of agriculture products."

 

Hester is tireless in her dedication to helping people and even next week is hosting their annual Golf Tournament at the Redwoods Golf Club.The day will be followed by a 3 course dinner at the Club.
 

If you are unable to support them in the tournament or dinner but you still wish to make a donation, please go to www.HearAfrica.com and you will find details on how to go about doing this under the "Make a Donation" tab.

 

 

Hester, I hope that your hand gets better, (she burnt her hand quite badly this morning on the stove) and I look forward to spending time again with you gardening - one day.:)

          

 

 

DAY TWENTY NINE

 

Pam D.

Mum of 3 - Grandma of ALMOST 3!

 

 

Pam, Mum of Emma - April 1st!  Beautiful and kind-hearted!

Pam and I shared tea and got to know each other a little today.  Although I have "known" her for about 2 or 3 years already, this was really the first time that I was able to find out a little more about her.

Her youngest daughter Ally, came down after a while and spent some time with us too, although I only managed to get a shot of Pam and the tea we had.

Thank you so much Pam for the lovely hour.

Best wishes as you go off to Quebec Ally. 

Don't forget to bring back a French son-in-law for your Mum!  :)

 

 

 

DAY TWENTY EIGHT

Only THREE days left - WOW !

I am down to the last three days and I have a contradiction of emotions sitting quietly in my heart.  A brewing sadness because soon it will be over – the thing I love to do – serving others wherever they are at, in their moment in time, but an anticipation that I can come up for air and return to my regular routine – if I have such a thing.


                                                         Day Twenty Eight has arrived -

 

Lindy J.

Gentle, sincere, brilliant teacher!

 

Lindy is a brilliant teacher, hostess and game player!  So my hour had no choice but to have all those qualities "brought to the table" - literally.

 

Although this was her hour for me to "serve" her, Lindy insisted that my entire family come along with me.  The two families enjoyed learning a new game for the hour and then she spoilt us with homemade soup, salad and homemade cabbage rolls with fresh bread to end off the evening.  How's that for an hour - try 5 and 1/2 hours.

 

I am pleased to report however, that I did help with the dishes to try make her life a little easier - otherwiser it could have been "shame on me"  LOL.

 

Thanks Lindy for a wonderful evening - we always have such fun at your house and especially learning new games with you!

 

 

 

 

 

TWENTY SEVEN

Marilyn M.

5 men in her life with an endless stream of happy visitors

 

 

Marilyn is ALL heart, so it was no wonder the notes and letters to her , which I read, were full of thanks and praise.  She has two books of them.

 

 

 

Marilyn runs a bed and breakfast in Fort Langley.  Very successful B&B by the looks of things, with a high rate of returning clients.  And excellent rates!  WOW  - Not quite sure how you make it all work - but you do!

 

  I had an incredibly fun time with Marilyn getting beds and rooms ready for the guests that were to be arriving that afternoon, discussing the life of a B&B owner and hearing various stories about the fabulous guests that pass through.  It’s hard to believe that she started when she still had her 4 sons at home!  You would think that 5 men in the house would be enough for one woman, however, nothing is ever too much trouble for this woman and when you are in her care…  you can be sure that YOU are going to be looked after!

 

Thanks Marilyn - only sorry that it wasn't longer.

 

 

 

  

TWENTY SIX

 

Jane S.

Living the 'Sweet Life' and loving those in need.

 

 

This is the lady who felt like she was in a candy store when I asked her if I could come and serve her for an hour.  She was so excited, she didn’t know what chore to choose for me to do.  (LOL!  Just LOVE THAT!!!)  She lives out on five acres and we all know how much work there can be when one lives out in the heavenlies.

Jane is like a little bee – she lives in this continuously busy circle of children, husband, work, business, farm.   I think I was a little taken back at the chore she had me do for her.  I was expecting to do something more along the lines of labour, however, I had a very cushie chore and felt really thrilled to be asked to write out new recipe cards for Jane, in order that she might upgrade her recipe collection.  I just LOVED THAT.  I have thought a thousand times how I wanted to do that for myself, yet those kinds of things always get left on the back-burner and sometimes even forgotten.  There is something wonderful about having ones recipes (particularly favourite one), sorted out and filed in an orderly fashion.

 

Not just that – once again, I was spoilt with a cuppa.

Thanks Jane – call on me again to come out there and help you write out more cards, it won’t cost you anything more than an acre (or two!)  J

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TWENTY FIVE



Emily N.

A new man in her life - but he still doesn't replace the old one

... who's at work!

 

 

I was SO blessed to meet up with Emily today.  She is just this amazingly sweet, quiet, new Mum who has worked as an ESL teacher for the last while.

 

She, like Emma, my first lady - 1st April - just craves a little bit of adult time.  We chatted away about her new lad and her job, whilst I did some vacuuming and then washed down these gorgeous new toys she got.

 



 

Thanks Emily for being so gracious in allowing me to visit you guys, when you are so busy with your first precious baby.

 

 

TWENTY FOUR

 

Jennifer L.

The kind and gentle spirited Professor

 

 

Jennifer is a Sociology Professor at TWU.  She takes her work seriously and is very good at what she does.  She is currently a student there too, improving herself to further her career.  Jennifer ALWAYS has a smile on her face and a kind of peace that surrounds her almost like an aura.

 

OMGoodness, I simply love visiting Jennifer.  She is the sweetest lady.  She informed me that she had a specific task for me that day - It was of course - yes wait for it...

 

 

 

 

She was in need of my brain...

 

Yip - okay, then settled down out there!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

We chatted about a few things going on in her life and things that were currently on her heart.  I gave a little bit of input which I felt came into my heart as we spoke and I left feeling so amazed at the heart of this woman.  I trust that what you have planned for the girls at your school goes even better than you hoped for Jennifer and I pray that the girls see themselves as God sees them and not as the world hopes they will become.

 

I look forward to hearing the result of the retreat very soon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

TWENTY THREE

 

New Foundlander - All heart - Is there anyone who doesn't love her?

 

Mary-Lou, how do I even describe you?

When you come into Mary-Lou presence, you are aware that light has entered your world.  She is like this giant ray of sun-beam.  She just permeates your cells with joy when you are around her.  She comes from New FoundLand on the East coast of Canada and has brought with her that humour and life that grows over there.

Mary-Lou and I enjoyed our time together in her front garden.  She and I planted up some window sill boxes, pot plants and planted into the garden bed as well.  It was the perfect day to do all of this, with such gorgeous sunshine – OR was that just Mary-Lou?

Sweet lady – sweet friend – heart of gold.

 

 

 

What was I thinking?

LOL...

This is quite a difficult task.  I can see the finish line, but things are not getting easier.  Each day has required me finding an extra 1 and 1/2 hours that I didn't have to start with.  Organising the letter, the card, the gift, driving there and driving back has taken more time than I budgeted.  I'm NOT complaining mind you - this has been a very interesting excercise in learning more about people I know well, some I don't know very well AND of course myself!

Additional elements to the month have included organising a couple of birthday parties and endless Dr. and Dentist appointments throughout the month!

Honestly, the MONTH OF APRIL...

What was I thinking?

DAY TWENTY TWO

 

Emily R. 

Mother, wife, student, traveller!

 

 

Emily and John are an amazing young couple who worked in Korea for some time and bore their son – Erza there too.  (Sweet little munchkin that I just want to eat up – he’s so cute!)

So, when I got to do my chore of sorting out the pantry, I was thoroughly intrigued at all the yummies I found in her cupboard.  Emily THANKS for your patience on all my questions about “what’s this?”  And, “what’s that?”  It was an interesting walk through the east/west grocery store.  It was fun talking to you and being a part of your life in that day.  Thank you too – for choosing the pantry – I LOVE sorting out my pantry – it’s always such a fun thing to do.

P.S.  The morning after I helped Emily, her poor hubby John was hit by a car from his bike.  He is okay, but is in pain with a broken arm and dislocated shoulder.  Get better John – I’m sorry for you.  … And, Emily if you need me – just call.

DAY TWENTY ONE

TING!  No, I have NOT forgotten these two days - They are a special surprise for the end...



Ta Da...

By far, my favourite days have been Saturday 20 and Sunday 21.  Of course, there is no-one who could win out over either of these days, because the days happened to be hosted by none other than my favourite people in the world – MY HUSBAND and CHILDREN!

When I thought of doing this project (the whole 12 month thingamajig), I knew that I wanted my family included in many of my activities.  I wanted one month to particularly include my husband (and we did that in March – you know – the whole date thing…) and a few more to include all of them together.

When it came to my April challenge – it was no different!

I absolutely knew that three of those days would have to include my family.  I am actually going one day OVER, because I still have to squeeze my Mom into the schedule as well!  J  She’ll be on May the 1^st.

I challenge all you folks out there to do this challenge with your family – it’s quite eye opening.

I told my children that they had one hour (OF COURSE, I DIDN’T TELL THEM THAT THEY COULD HAVE AS LONG AS THEY WANTED! – Yip, I am a little smarter than that of course,) and they could ask me to do WHATEVER they wanted me to do and I WOULD DO IT – no questions asked!  What they asked is NOT what I expected.

I expected that the first thing they would request would be to go to the mall (the eldest!) and go out to the park (the youngest!), however, the following ensued…

Holly invited me into her bedroom and asked me to clean it!  Huh – cheeky monkey – I had been telling her to clean her room for two days!!!

 

Well, it took me 20 mins and her room was spotless!  Her delight was quite sweet.  She squealed and jumped up and down – clapping her hands – glory be!  I’m guessing her “Love Language” is service – HA – who knew?   I then had to drive to the store, pick up bananas and ice-cream, in order that I might make her a banana split.  Uh, who said you could be having ice-cream in the middle of the day, dear?  Oh yes, that’s right – I did say anything goes…

By contrast, my youngest built a tent in the passage and got out my favourite china.  Together we had tea and cookies (and more banana split…),

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

jumped off the bed – well two out three did that trick – but I cheered them on loudly!   Finally, we played her FAVOURITE game – hiding go seek.

                         

 

 

Her love language – well, yip – you guessed it!

DAY TWENTY

Ta Da...

My hubby and I are spring cleaning.  The thing that confuses me the most though – is how come we can spring clean every year and still throw out overloads of junk?  We are not even spenders…  It’s all a mystery to me!

For his hour, the man of the hour, asked me to help him in the garage.   

The garage is SO disgusting that I'm too ashamed to even put the picture up - so here a little token view.  LOL!

Workload divided is accomplishment doubled and we were quite pleased with our efforts.

 

 

DAY NINETEEN

 

Raewyn W.

Excellence executed in all things:

Speaker, Mother, Teacher, Wife - these are a few of her favourite things.

Raewyn's Mum is graduating tomorrow.  How's that?  Awesome eh?  There's always time to go back to study when the kids are out the house.

With Raewyn's Mum's graduation taking place tomorrow evening - Raewyn's 3 siblings are all flying into town for the event.  Of course, it's nothing to this Supermum to put on a huge dinner party for everyone and still be as cool as a cucumber doing so.  I was happy to help her out with a little bit of ironing.  I did the Dad and two young sons shirts and trousers whilst, of course, you guessed it - yakking away to Raewyn!

Thanks Raewyn - hope your Mum had a really fun time and that your party went off without a hitch!





 

 

 

 

 

DAY EIGHTEEN

Well, today is totally a CHEAT day!

The person I was supposed to visit is really sick AND her children are sick so she asked if we could re-schedule.  Every other person I called, was at work, away from work, away on vacation, visiting with family, or returned my call too late in the evening for me to actually go over and work for them.

Although I do have a few back up people for in case things go wrong - I didn't REALLY want to use them today, but rather keep them for the last week, in case I need them then.

I have two rules for this exercise - one: I have to be invited, in other words the person has to choose to have me there and two: I have to have had a reason for being there from the person's point of view.

Above are the people I spent the evening with.  It's one of my favourite things - to be in their company!  Oddly however, they wouldn't know this, because I seldom am.  As you look at their faces, you would get to see that I have worked for each one of them already this month - except for the middle one (with a moustache), he looked more like Alicia S. when I worked on their farm.  (Day Eight).  Sweet brown "Buddy" sitting down in front (without the moustache), is my favourite one of the bunch - he doesn't say as much.

So, to qualify for the blog???

Lisa A. heard that I hadn't gotten hold of anyone today, so she quitely came and "officially" asked me to join them for the evening.  (Step one accomplished.)  At the beginning of the evening I was invited to say a prayer, at the end of the evening, I kinda sorta, packed the cups we used into the dish-washer - there really WASN'T much to do.  (Step two was sorta, kinda accomplished).

 

  Yay, my month continues! 

 

 

 

DAY SEVENTEEN

 

Cheryl M.

Always moving forward with new adventures.

 

You are gonna LOVE this one…

On arrival, Cheryl explained to me that she had recently had some of her windows replaced.  She and her hubby, are doing up their house all fancy and stuff.  They’re painting walls, rearranging pictures, hanging new doors, building sheds, renovating bathrooms etc.  You know how it goes, when you get all excited - you start one thing and before you know it… you completely up and change the lot.  Then, you start on the neighbours things and before THEY know it, you’ve started your own reno. business.

Well, one of the exciting things about starting your own reno. business – is that there is always room for cleaning up, after the fact.

So…

I was kindly handed a toothbrush and bucket of vinegar and my hour began.

Sounds bad, does it?

LOL!

No, I’m afraid it wasn’t bad at all!  It was a fun hour – with the two of us getting into the nooks and corners of the windows frames and scrubbing them down, then using vinegar and newspaper to clean the window panes. The truth is that vinegar and a toothbrush are fantastic for removing marks out of corners and cleaning down surfaces.  In no time at all, the windows were all shiny and Cheryl was full of (her regular joyful ‘shoutin’ halleluiah’ self) delight.

Your nice clean house got me all excited Cheryl and guess what I did when I came home?  Well, let’s just say, my hour with you was a great motivator for me…

And, all my family can say to you is…

THANK YOU!

J

    

 

 

 

 

Wow...

Wow..., I just realised tonight, that I am just over half way through my April month challenge.  I've had some interesting hours, but none of them have been long enough!  (Well, from my side, that is!)

 ;)

DAY SIXTEEN

Tanya A.

An amazing woman - a fascinating life.

Tanya, you’re just so fascinating!  I LOVE listening to your life stories!

I got to Tanya’s beautifully clean house today and was informed that their sweet daughter Hannah had just had a birthday and that Tanya had decided that I should help her think of things to do for her birthday party, which is to be held this weekend.

Organising parties are amongst my favourite things to do, so I was pretty stoked at the thought of helping Tanya out!

The problem is, however, that when Tanya and I get yakkin’, it can be a bit of a problem.  I simply LOVE her stories.  They come one after the other and my jaw falls a little bit further with each new adventure.

By the time the hour was up, I very hastily spewed one or two ideas in Tanya direction, gave her a hug and left.

I wouldn’t take our hour back – in fact, I can’t WAIT to hear more of your life stories Tanya – there is SO much more that I want to hear AND KNOW!

P.S.   Hope you had a great day on Saturday.  I’m sure that the party went off without a hitch!

 

 

 

 



DAY FIFTEEN

 

Sylvia K.

A woman who KNOWS what I'm talkin' 'bout when I talk "Rubbish".



Sylvia – We almost missed each other – I’m so glad we didn’t…

When you meet this lady, you immediately get a sense of her big heart – and as you get to know her, you realise that your sense of her was just the start of the depth of who she is.

She was raised in Africa, as an "MK" - Zambia actually - so she understands the colloquiallisms I sometimes still use in error, from my childhood.  For example, as I was about to leave, I asked her to show me where her "rubbish bin" was, in order to throw away my "serviette".  I meant to ask for her "garbage can" for the "napkin".

Sylvia very generously rushed her Dentist appointment just to get to be with me on this day and so graciously made us hot drinks to have as we chatted.  We spent our time brushing through conversations of a recent Hawaii trip that she and her husband had just returned from.  They build houses for “Habitat for Humanity”.   (http://www.honoluluhabitat.org)   I believe they have built a dozen or so houses already!  She also shared with me pictures of her precious children and grandchildren.

Next time you do a house in Hawaii Sylvia – I want to come with !!!  (Apart from the fact that Hawaii happens to be my favourite island in the world – I REALLY do want to help too – LOL !)

Don't Forget...

Don't Forget to come back at the end of April for ALL the stories about each person and what we did on OUR day!

DAY FOURTEEN

 

Lynn N.

Sweet Pinkolicous Lady.

 

This woman, hands down – HAS to be one of the sweetest people I have ever met.  She (and her husband), has taught me so much about kindness and generosity.

Immediately that you are in Lynn’s presence, you have a sense of joy.  She is that typical Proverbs 31 woman that you read about...  Apart from that, she is a gift to parents who have sick children, as she just happens to be a paediatric nurse.

I was so thrilled to have Lynn as part of my journey.  I knew that whatever we did together, there was going to be laughter and fun involved.

Well, guess what my job for her was?

Yip – didn’t think you could…

 

Cake Icing!

How fun – ONLY Lynn could come up with something SO creative and fun.  Lynn (and tenant Poutine), what lovely ladies AND wonderful CAKE ICER’S you both are.  Thank you so much for the fun afternoon.  Glad to hear you both enjoyed your cakes!

P.S.  I am quite sure that you can guess her favourite colour...

 

   

 

 

 

DAY THIRTEEN

 

Heidi W.

Looking at life from a different perspective.

 

 

Heidi, you are such a generous woman.  You are having such a busy week and you even have a guest staying with you – YET – you still so willingly allowed me to come through and serve you…

OH YES, That’s right – I DIDN’T serve you – YOU SERVED ME!

 

After wildly chatting through half a dozen topics (OVER A DRINK – SERVED BY HEIDI), I realised that time was up and I needed to scream out of her house to collect my children.

 

Heidi jumped up, grabbed an apron and handed it to me.   I donned the apron in fits of giggles.  She grabbed me and commanded her sister to take a picture of us together to prove that I had been there, then she told me to take a  (yes, that WOULD be ONE)  dish out of her dish-washer.  Her sister happily snapped shots of me LOOKING like I was actually doing some sort of service to their family, but in truth I had to fight Heidi off, as, through the laughter and clicky-clicks, I managed to remove some crockery.

I got to know you Heidi today for the first time.  What a sweetheart you are AND what a sense of humour you have!

                                                                                                                                                                

 

 

 

 

DAY TWELVE

Sarah F.

English sandwich, with African sweet peri dressing.

The Tupperware conspiracy!

Looking at the write-ups for each person, one may be forgiven for thinking that the length of write-up should determine the depth of friendship or level of respect that I might have for each person.  I’m afraid this is not true.

Sarah and I spent our time together resolving the lid to base ratio in the Tupperware department.    We decided that Tupperware and single socks were two of life’s mysteries that no generation will ever solve.

Sarah, I love our friendship.  It’s so unpretentious.   It’s so easy to be oneself around you.  I love that you were open to having me come on over and spend time with you and your cupboards!  With the great tea you make – I simply CAN’T wait to come over and do it all again!