So Much To Be Thankful For

I realize we Canadians had our Thanksgiving weeks ago, but in the last 24 hours it struck me just how blessed I am.

Those who are connected with us are aware of the difficult season Crystal and I went through this past summer/fall. At the time it felt like the hits were never going to stop coming, but I knew there had to be an end... eventually.

Well the last couple of weeks the tide has turned and things are looking up. We have hope again.

Last week we sold our house, less than 12 hours from posting on MLS to accepting an offer. (This may be a future blog post). And last night I had my interview for a position with the Innisfil Fire Department.

I was super nervous leading up to the interview. It's been nearly 4 years of trying to get on a volunteer department and I felt like this was my best chance. (Don't screw this up AJ) I shared this post from Jon Acuff yesterday because it resonated so deeply with me. It seemed to describe me and give me hope for what was to come.

As I made my way to the Innisfil Town Offices my phone kept dinging with texts from friends encouraging me and praying for me and my interview. It was quite overwhelming. I said a quick 'help me' prayer and made my way to the lobby where I took a seat next to a well-dressed guy named James. He was there to interview for a position as well. We chatted for a bit, wished each other luck and made our way into our respective interrogation interview rooms.

I walked into the room and as I passed threshold my nerves vanished. I took a seat in front of the 5-person panel and we were underway.

As they fired questions my way I found myself thinking "Oh, I have a story about how a situation in my life applies to that" and "I know the answer to that". I don't think I've ever participated in an interview like that before.

After my alloted 60 minutes had passed I shook hands with my interviewers and made my way out to my car. I looked down at my cell phone and there were more encouraging texts from family and friends. I started to cry.

At times I have felt alone in pursuit of this dream. Like a lone sailboat in rough seas. But last night I realized I have an army of family, friends and supporters behind me.

Thank you to everyone who has stood beside me through this journey. Crystal and Kai, my parents, siblings and in-laws.
Thank you Todd for the interview prep and coaching.
Thank you Marty, Julie, Brian, Hilary, Tim, Rosalyn, Linda, Dave, Barbara, Amanda, Dave, Kirk and everyone else who texted, prayed and offered encouragement. Your prayers really made a difference.

I can across this song while listening to WayFM, and it resonated with me at the time (and still does).

It's Thanksgiving in the U.S. but today I'm giving thanks for the people that God has placed in my life that stand beside and are on this journey with me.

I find out in a couple weeks if I 'passed' the interview, don't stop praying yet.

Never Shovel Alone

The past week and a half we have been HAMMERED with snow in Pine River. Last Monday the snow was nearly waist deep on the street, so we were snowed in.

It was that fateful Monday that would be a tipping point on our street. All the guys were out shoveling our driveways, when it occurred to us that it would be more fun to shovel with each other. So we gathered on Earnest's driveway and started to make our way around the court.

We made a deal with each other, "No one shovels alone." Even though it has been snowing (seemingly) non-stop for the past 10 days, the promise still holds.

Sunday night Crystal and I were eating dinner when I heard the familiar sound of Claudio's snowblower. Turns out he was out clearing our driveway so I could enjoy dinner with Crystal.

Last night Crystal and I were out until about 9:30, and we came home to a cleared driveway.

Tonight Marty and Claudio teamed up and had our driveway done in about 10 minutes. I went out to help, but ended up watching as they laughed their way up and down my driveway. Once they finished our driveway they headed next door and cleared Noel's drive.

I feel so lucky to have such great neighbours. They lend me their tools, clear my snow, water my lawn and play with my dog. A 180-degree difference from living in the condo where people are posting notices about noisy pets and signing petitions to remove board members.

Best of all, there are still 5 more lots for sale on Lions court.