~ 208 Cline Ave. ~

I know that there are always many things to be thankful, but I do believe that sometimes they're just easier to see. Right now is one of those times for me!

First of all, I can't thank God enough for my co-op job! I am so excited about it... not only am I passionate about what I'm going to be doing, and not only is it such a huge "God-thing" that I ended up working where I am, I get to spend 8 months on the Mac campus! When I was deciding on universities, my heart was absolutely set on Mac. But God's calling was distinctly that I should follow Him to Waterloo, and I'm so glad I did. I don't know, this almost seems like some sort of bonus, with God saying, "See! Because you followed me, you got to go to Mac for a while too!" I look forward to whatever tests, trials, and joys God has in store for me there.

Yesterday, Mike Mak graciously took me to Hamilton. Mike Yung was supposed to take me, but had too much work to do (thank you for finding another ride for me Mike, even when I wasn't aware!). Mike (M) took me to my four housing appointments. The first was nice and very economical, but my spider senses were tingling. Something didn't feel right. The second place...lol! Cheap as dirt, and dumpy as dirt! =P

There's NO way you're going to live in THIS place...

~ Mike Mak

It was worth a try I suppose! Then, they always say that the third try is a charm, and just like Cinderella's glass slipper, it was a perfect fit! I was most hopeful about this place because God brought it to me; I did not find it myself. Anyways, this is how the third visit went. First, Mike and I drove in a forbidden entrance to the street (LOL!). We were about to turn around and go in the proper entrance, when we figured out we were only less than 10 houses down from where we needed to be, so naturally, we reversed to the house! ^_^ The house looked so cute, as if it was out of a story book! When we went inside, I met Erika, Karen, and Rachel, three Christian girls affiliated with the church I'm planning to go to in Hamilton. I instantly felt comfortable in their presence and very welcomed. The house inside was darling! The paint colours were so warm and others vibrant (including my room! A bright, vibrant, watermelon sort of green!). They have a reading room with the sun streaming in the window, and books galore! My room has a symmetical slanted ceiling (childhood fantasy #24: check!) and is really cozy! The doors are finished in a warm chestnut brown, which with the green looks awesome! And even better, the mattress is firm and even...essential for my back. I was happy to see that the whole house was clean, and felt like "home" already. What a blessing! I knew I had found the right place.

After that, since we were running early, Mike and I had some time to kill, so we decided to walk to the grocery store (only 5 minutes away!) and then do the walk to Mac. We walked down a little strip in Westdale village and got these amazing pastries from a bakery there. Once we turned into the residential streets, it was like walking in a fall paradise. The houses are all from my favourite era, the trees are mature, the gardens are well-kept...and Mac is so close! We clocked it at about 15 minutes, but we were walking slowly and catching all the nice scenery. Mike showed me Mac's really new and modern student centre, and then we headed over to the fourth house.

The fourth house I found to be very dark. Not to mention that it was very far, and would require a bus pass for the full 8-months, which made it more expensive even though the rent was reasonable. The one perk is that it had a piano, but I knew that it wasn't the right fit from the moment we stepped into the foyer.

Mind made up, we headed back to 208 Cline and I gave the girls a post-dated cheque for my first month's rent! What a sense of peace! And on top of that, a lovely day spent with an old friend filled with interesting and challenging discussions about life and faith.

If you're reading this, (both Mikes!) thank you for your generosity and sacrifice. May God bless you and continue to grow inside you every day.

*sigh*... smile...

~ En francais ~

Very quick update...

Going to Hamilton on Saturday to look at four places that I have lined up. I'm very hopeful. This whole experience has been so...easy. I don't know if that's a good or bad thing, but the circumstances surrounding my job seem like such a "God-thing" that I think it's good! ^_^ I hope...

Congratulations to Pearl, Alexis, Ray, and Steve on their convocations. You did it guys! Keep up the good work for God!

I'm up to my neck in stuff to do right now...it's weird because I'm not as busy as I have been before. I'm just not handling as well as I used to. I'm not sure why. A special thank you to Eric for listening to me and praying with me about my spiritual state. You are truly a stand-up brother in Christ.

Well, gotta go, but before I do, I found out what my "French name" is =P It's ironic because my first name is already French, but the little random generator changed it anyway! Click on the link and have fun making your own ^_^

...Oh man...I had to do it again because I lost the code and it gave me a different name...LOL! My first name was Eloise Lemaire, which I liked better than this:

Your French Name is:

Anastasie Chabert

What's Your French Name?

~ Tagged ~

Before I post this fun little survey that Vicki tagged me with, a whirlwind update...

PRAISE TO GOD! I have a job, which means no interviews during midterms...AND!! it is the coolest job ever! PRAISE YOU LORD!

Looking for housing right now...it's very time consuming, especially when my time seems to already be consumed by school. Ugh, my body is so tired! I can't really figure out why. Perhaps I am fighting something.

I found what looks like a great church in Hamilton. We'll see how it is when I get there =)

Right now, God is teaching me patience. I can elaborate in person if you wish to inquire ^_^ For now though, say a little prayer for me! I need all I can get.

And now, the feature presentation:

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Tagged by my Moulin Rouge-loving sister in Christ and first class suitemate and friend, Vicki!

10 years ago, I was in grade 7 and still driving to Kingston from Ottawa once a month for piano lessons with my dad!

5 years ago, my favourite school subject was physics (what on earth was I thinking!?)

1 year ago, I was enjoying life in Montreal and having my first family Thanksgiving in a place of my own.

Yesterday I was so tired that I couldn’t keep my eyes open to study, but was very challenged at church by a message about “gouging out your eye”, =P.

5 snacks I enjoy: chocolate pudding, chocolate-containing ice-cream, pears, a couple chips, Strub’s full-sour Kosher dills.

5 things I would do with 100 million dollars: take my parents on a trip to Australia (and more!), set aside a trust fund for the education of my future children, fund Christian organizations in international development projects, build a school in a third-world country, acquire a laptop, digital piano, and small compact car.

5 places I would run away to: Ottawa, British Columbia, Gatineau hills, Vicki’s room (help me!) =P, my room (leave me alone!).

5 things I wouldn't be caught dead in: I’ve never really spent any time in thought about that…but perhaps one would be only my undergarments!

5 favourite shows: Lost, CSI, Desperate Housewives (season one), Ayashi no ceres, Magic School Bus

5 bad habits: I eat too often (and not well enough), I get consumed by hair on the floor and it distracts me from doing my work (I must clean the floor first), spending too much time planning for the future, not making my lunch the night before, not keeping in touch well enough with people I care for.

5 biggest joys: Being part of the unfolding of a child’s world, the thrill of the success of a student in a hard task, being able to focus solely on God during musical worship, receiving a revelation from God and following it, getting lost in the moment of an amazing song.

5 favourite toys: Mostly any board game, (childhood – next three) Mrs. Bunny, Ms. Bunny, Floppy Dog, Shubear (current).

Tagging: I will do this later =P

~ Squash ~

Well, we had a wonderful weekend at Fall Retreat. It was very challenging, and I think the biggest thing I learned was that there are ways to be creative in listening to God. Thanks God! You're awesome! The retreat was also a time of very warm fellowship...it was encouraging to be reminded of how much people care about CCF...and how they long to bring it exactly where Jesus would want it to be. Amen!

I am making a very fancy stuffed squash dish right now...it's in the oven for 10 more minutes. I hope it tastes good...I forgot to add salt =(

I have an interview for an UBER-COOL job tomorrow morning. If anybody reads this in time (although time doesn't matter because God is outside space and time!) please pray for me! I have been following this particular research for the past 5 years, and now I have the chance to contribute to it! It's amazing how God works. I can't wait to talk to the guy tomorrow morning!

That's it...gotta go check on the squash. *fingers are crossed*

God's blessing be with you!