Day 25

Monday, June 9 2008

I'm home. Wow, did it ever feel weird to be back in Prince George again. When I left there were no leaves on the trees and there was still snow in the parking lot by the ball diamonds near our house. Now the trees are green and the grass is beautiful and the bugs are out!

I got home to find our house immaculate... Ger's been working hard (as he always does with his obsessive nature) on the yard work and the grass looks amazing (thanks in part to our neighbor Craig who is as much a lawn junkie as my husband). I think Ger had spent a better part of the weekend on making the house perfect for my return. Ian and Ger had spent Saturday fixing the side of the house where the pathway sloped toward the house instead of away from the house. Thanks Ian for using your machine to help Ger all day. He really appreciated it and had a great day working with you.

I went to visit the grade 5s and bring them some popsicles from Sam (which he wanted me to do). He wanted me to tell them that he really, really missed them and how he wished he could be back at school with them. He would much rather be back at school, work and all. He especially misses hanging out and playing with his friends. I answered a lot of good questions from the class and had the opportunity to say thanks for all the letters, cards, care packages, food, and their precious prayers in person on behalf of Sam.

Then, I went to my kindergarten class to surprise my students. It was great to see them, answer a few questions, and hear all their latest news. They had a lot to tell me and too little time. I sure appreciated all their smiles, laughter, and hugs. I'm glad I had the chance to come back to PG before the school year was over. I disappeared so quickly and never had a chance to say goodbye to my students. It was very special to be so warmly hugged, cared for, and share tears with some of the parents who were there to pick up their children after class. We have been so very cared for by so many wonderful people...staff, school families, students, friends, neighbors, and our own amazing families.

This evening was great just to go for a walk in the neighborhood, say hello to some neighbors, catch up with Katelyn and get some things packed for my return trip. Sam had a great day with his grandparents and was very well looked after. He called me this evening to find out how it went with his class, what I did and to say good night. We have definitely formed a bond between us that only an experience like the one we've gone through can form.

Ger went to church yesterday at Westwood and was amazed at how each song seemed just for him - "I will not be Shaken" and others which exclaimed the solid love the saviour has for each of us - even through the stormy weather.

I found out today that the school community surpassed their goal they had to fund raise for our family in their "Shave for the Brave" drive. We are overwhelmed by the support and love we have experienced from our school. People have given greatly to help us and we are so appreciative of their love in such practical ways.

Some of the boys in the high school have been growing their hair for many, many years and had planned to let it grow until graduation but are getting it cut next Tuesday in support of Sam and our family. The fact that our poor secretary Rosie has to do it too (she was the top of the thermometer!!) brings a tear to our eyes. It will be a memorable day for many students and staff participating and Sam cannot believe they are doing this all for him! He prays nightly thanking God for the people and prayers which are helping him. He feels very blessed! Ger plans to get the video conferencing working so that Sam can watch the whole thing from the apartment in White Rock.

This journey is hard, there's no doubt about it. But it sure is easier to travel this road with a company of great friends and family to help us along. We couldn't do it without you! Thank you for your support and prayers. God is good. All the time.

Good night.

Debbie