Morning all! I just went on to the website about my El Salvador trip. They didn't add any new info, but they added two pictures to the write-up about the trip. One is of the surgeon that is leading the trip and the other a picture of the clinic area on a previous trip. It makes me get excited! I have a glimpse of what it may look like! I might very well be in that very picture in a matter of weeks!!!! It seems like more of a reality as it is getting closer, money is due and I see pictures like these!!!! God is so faithful! Yesterday I got another little gift of financial help from Shane's grandpa. That is so nice of him, and he doesn't even love God! Well, he's supporting me and whether he really knows it or not, he's supporting the ministry of Jesus! May God bless him for his generosity and capture grandpa's heart.

Hello, hello! So, my Shaner took me out after work last night. He took me to Red Lobster, which might I add, is our favorite place to go together. The last time we were there alone for a date was on my birthday last October. We did come in January with my family, though. Anyways, we then just went back to my appartment and listens to music, relaxed and looked through the pictures we have accumulated as a couple....in september it will be 3 years already!!! Oh baby, that's quite a while! It has been really fun! And I have learned a whole lot about myself, love, males, relationships and God. I have really been shown a side of the Father that I never knew before through Shane. He has been really good for me, even in the tough, conflicting times. I learn more and more about effective communication all the time. For the most part, I'm really proud of our communication! (just a little brag!). Anyways, he's going to bump me off the internet any minute, by calling me, so I'll go now!
Have a great night!

What a comfy rainy afternoon! I love the thunder! Unfortunately, I just got home from work and I'm off for another shift! Only 4 hours though, so it is bearable! I just hope I can get everything done that I need to!
My Shaner called me last night and informed me that he is taking me out on a date tonight! I'm very impressed! I don't know what we are doing because I want it to be a surprise! I love surprises!
Well, gotta go! Have a nice evening!

This new way of posting new blogs is something to get used to. I was expecting the old way when I logged on, but a different screen came up. To those reading my blog, you won't know what I'm talking about because nothing that you see looks different, just the place that I go to post the blogs.
I just got back from my past few days in Mitchell. My sister had her grad yesterday and it was really fun to be a part of it! I was pretty much the helper and photographer the entire day. It was really nice though, and she looked amazing! It kinda made me emotional though, because I remember my grad like it were yesterday and would love to relive it in a second! On sunday it will be 3 years since my grad day! Time really flies by. I got to go to the ceremony and reception with my sister. When my mom and I dropped her off at prom and were walking back to the van, it was kinda sad. I felt kinda old. My grad time was over. I know it sounds funny because I'm not really old at the ripe age of 20! But, I really feel so grown up that sometimes it would be nice to be a teenager again, except with the conveniences of my life away from home now, but without the responsibilities! Wouldn't life be perfect? Ha. Not possible!
I'm going to a dance show with my lovely friend Bonnie! If it is all sold out were off for something to eat or drink. So, later all!

Today half of my money for my trip to El Salvador is due. I was sitting on the couch last night watching some American Juniors with Chris, when a certain person called. They called to ask about my trip, how the finances were and to say that they had got my email/letter about the details. This individual continued to inform me that they wanted to call Global Health Outreach tomorrow and pay half of my trip for me!!!!!!! OH MY GOODNESS!!!!! I have been going on with the mindset that I will pay for it all. God does give good gifts, which I have been the receiver of two great ones the last two days! $3000 off my loan on monday, half my trip paid for on tuesday! What is going to happen today? You know, he is so faithful. I could potentially be a worrier and try to do this very independantly. Instead, God has showed me time and time again that he is a faithful Father and a wonderful Provider. In September, I wanted to surprise Shane at his cousins wedding in B.C. for the weekend. I prayed that he would provide the money and jokingly asked for him to send it in the mail. I went to the mail that day or the next and in the mail was a check for just over the price of my plane ticket. In high school, I remember that I really wanted (very close to needing) a new pair of jeans. I prayed about it, even put it in as a prayer request at house group. Sometime that week, I was called to the office at school for a message. There was a note with the amount for a new pair of jeans from an anonomous friend. Situtations like this happen to little old me. I am tickled and surprised with every gift, especially when it fits just so perfectly that it must be a God-thing. He has really used these times to strengthen my faith in his provision!
And hey, Shane and I decided not to go with that car, but the dealership called us and let us know that the financing was approved, even without a co-signer which is AMAZING for students! We are going to keep looking and see what happens. It will happen within the next few months though. Pray that we find the exact car that God has for us and that it is at a GREAT low price! Have an encouraging day!

Shaner and I had a WONDERFUL evening together last night! We went for a walk, looked at cars (and actually test drove a really nice one for fun!), and had fun talks about the future together! It is so fun to discuss and dream! It is even more fun when slowly those dreams begin to become reality. I love it! Our great evening is pretty much all that has been exciting in the last few days/hours. Of course, I worked today and picked up a few extra hours. I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to do with my evening. Not sure if I want to nap or not. It may be too late in the day for that. I'm severely in the mood to go to the movie theatre! And not the cheapies but a good Silver City experience! Oh the fond memories! Chris and I might treat ourselves to a movie after our terrible dishes are finally done! See you later and say a prayer that our dishes will miraculously get clean themselves!

Guess what!?! I got a totally awesome letter in the mail today! God is so good and so faithful! I've type the first little paragraph for you! Kristi L, The Canadian Millenium Scholarship Foundation is pleased to award you a millennium bursary in the amount of..........$3,074!!!!!!!!!!! OH MY GOODNESS!!! Out of the blue! I didn't apply for this award and never expected it! When you fill out a student loan you are automatically entered in! Everyone is! Amazing! $3000 off my student loan! Boy, will Shane be happy to hear this news! It will make our finanical future easier!
I worked this morning, but accidentally slept in! I was supposed to be up at 5:30 and at work at 7, but I woke up at 6:40!!! I got there in amazing time though, by 7:35 and skipped my break to keep the hours!
I get to finally see my Shaner today! And I'm really excited! I can't wait to spend an evening with him!
I had a little nap yesterday before work and shed a few tears when telling Shane why I was bumbed over the phone. Then I felt a lot better. A few tears and a nap almost always does the trick!
Well, later all!

The wedding was wonderful! I loved it and it was great to be apart of the day with Natalie and Lance! It's amazing that now they are married! I'm totally happy and excited for them. But I'm kinda bumbed myself. I'm feeling a little of the jealously of not having to say good-bye all the time anymore and being able to see the other person EVERY DAY! That seems like such a fantasy! We (Shane and I) are at about once a week and I'm feeling a little sad over that lately. All these weddings that we are a part of and are going to this summer are giving me the itch and I'm feeling a little sad and jealous at this present moment. Part of my bumbed feeling has to do with the fact that I have to work all afternoon/evening tonight and Shane finally has the day off! It would be the perfect quality time opportunity! It is summer and it seems like I'm either working or sleeping because I'm so tired. I need some refreshment. I'm just bumbed.

Today is the wedding! I am getting so excited! I just woke up (it's 11am) and am going to slowly get ready for the wedding! I hope that it goes wonderful and that the weather is great! Perhaps a little less wind would be nice, but mostly just rain rain stay away! Yippy! I'm really excited for this wedding!
Ta Ta for now! I'll let you know how it went!

I am pretty tired this evening. I worked two shifts at the two different places that I am employed at. It equalled to over 10 hours at work today. Whew! I was pretty bumbed today, because the rehearsal dinner for Nat and Lance's wedding is tonight and I was supposed to go with Shane. I'm really disappointed that it didn't work out and that I had to be responsible and work. I am committed to honesty and integrity (at least I try!), and so, the easy route out of calling in sick wasn't an option for me. Though, when I told a girl at work, she asked why I didn't just call in sick. Sometimes you have to do the uncomfortable choice in order to live a life of integrity. Knowing that others at work know what I believe and stand for, and then in fact lying, would be wrong, though convenient. I just can't live that way though.
Pray that tomorrow we don't get the rain or storm they have been talking about! The wedding is at 6pm and I want it to be great for my friends! I'm pretty excited about this wedding! It is going to be a blast! And I get to stare at my Shaner standing up front all dolled up in a suit and such! Wonderful!
By the way, I finally got a position at one of my places of work! I got a .45 which is really nice for me! It means that I get 4 and a half days of work in a 14 day work period. But since my position is half evenings, I get 9 shifts in a 14 day work period! Sounds good to me! Thanks God!

If any of you can work the whole internet/computer thing well, let me know. I finally got signed up to haloscan, the comments part of blogs that mine has been lacking and I don't know how to figure it out! I want to be able to have some sort of two-way communication, but that won't happen until I can figure this whole thing out! So, if you can help, email me! hisdevotedone@hotmail.com
Shane and I have a wedding rehearsal to go to tonight. We had a little scare in the transportation department. No ride after all. But I got that ironed out this morning. In a hurry.
My sis is over and spent the night here. We are having a fun time together! Vegged, went to the mall, went to the cheap theatre and this morning, slept in, ate a nice breakie and painted our nails (because it is totally a girly thing to do!)!
Have a nice day!

It has been almost a week since my last blog! Goodness gracious! In the meantime I've been working and went home for the weekend! It was really nice! I got three big things in in one trip home - my friend's bridal shower, father's day and my sister's grade 12 drama. It was a really nice weekend and I felt like I was having a bit of a holiday! My sister is coming over for the night tonight, and we will celebrate that she is completely done mandatory education forever as of yesterday! Yeah! She is so excited!
THIS NEXT PART MIGHT BE SENSITIVE TO ANY OF YOU - IT IS ABOUT DEATH. Just a warning in case you've lost someone and it is a hard topic for you.
Last week on my friday evening shift, one of the residents on my wing of the floor, passed away. It was kinda strange, because I haven't had much experience with dead people....wait that was strange wording. I haven't had anybody close to me die yet in my 20+ years of living. I've been grateful for that! At about 8:20pm, I went in to the resident's room and washed, changed and repositioned her. She was doing pretty terrible and I wanted her to be as comfortable as possible. Then I went on my break. When we came back, within 15 minutes we checked on her. She was gone. It was so strange. It was as though I kept thinking, "she's not actually dead, she's just breathing a lot quieter than before". She was really white and instead of the rasping breathing I heard less than an hour before, it was silent in the room except for the sound of the machine that was giving her oxygen. I felt for a pulse and could find none. Later on, the nurse asked for my help to get the resident ready for the funeral home to come (this was after the family had been in). It was a strange experience for me. I have never touched a dead body before. It isn't spookey, it is just bizarre that one minute the person is there and another moment their body is, but their life and spirit are not. Death is very bizarre. I can understand just a tiny bit how strange grieving must feel. What I don't understand is how anybody that doesn't believe in God, or in some sort of afterlife, can feel any comfort when someone dies. I know where I am going and that gives me peace about death and where I will be after I die. What if you didn't think there was anything else after this world? How completely disparing! I am thinking of the line from an old hymn. Blessed assurance Jesus is mine. I'm so thankful that some things are for sure and forever. I know where I'm going.

Again, I made it through the needles in my mouth, the drilling and all that jazz that comes with getting a filling at the dentist! At one point in my melodramatic mind, I said to myself, "Just help me to make it out of here alive!". Actually that was more like a silly prayer! It really wasn't that bad and I was totally calm in appearance! Just a little over-aware of what was going on in my mouth!
Shane and I had a big talk about different things about parenting this evening. It was actually a little humorous! I had to chuckle when different phrases were used like, "our children", "the children" and "my children" and how depending on the point being discussed, the word in front of the word 'children' changed! It was quite funny, and pretty intense! Parenting must be quite the feat when you get two people who have both been raised in different homes and therefore differently to some degree. We were only talking about hypothetical situations, never mind actually parenting for real! All you out there who are parenting some one and read my blog, power to you! What a big job! I guess this is a good thought process in time for Father's day! I get to go home and spend the night at my dad's and the day with him! I know that he won't find out from this blog what I got him, so I'm going to share. Usually I just give him a card (I give a card for everything! I'm the queen of cards - the Hallmark kind that is), and write an IOU for coffee or supper or something. This way I have the excuse to have time to spend with my parents! But, I did want to actually get a gift this time. Just something small. I got a cute card and will write something sentimental and two c.ds. One is the best of blues and the other the best of jazz. My dad loves this kind of music so hopefully he is delighted by the gift and hopefully the cds are good! I think they will be!
Well, I'll blog again tomorrow! Have a great sleep everyone!

I worked the wonderful night shift last night, and I actually liked it this time! I got to watch a whole movie in between rounds with my feet propped up! That is what I call hard work! Last night was sure more relaxing than any day or evening shift I've ever worked! So, I slept in until 1:15pm and have just realized that I'm letting time get away on me as I do all my morning internet things! I have to jump in the tub because I have to be at the dentist soon to get that little cavity filled! They were really quick with setting up my appointments! That's so great! Hey, I didn't mention, but I guess I must grind my teeth in my sleep ( I know, disgusting!), because I'm wearing the poor whities down! The dentist encouraged me to get a mouth guard type contraption to use at night! Oh dear! I don't know about it, seeing as though it is approximately $300! That is some big money! I guess I'll have to see because I don't want the problem to get continually worse through the years!
I'm going to do some errands today. Pick up my bridesmaid dress for a friend's wedding that I'm in, go to the library, and pick up my sweater that I left at Shane's. Have an eventful day!

After my little nap yesterday, my left arm was killing! Since then it has been really sore, even when I woke up this morning! I guess my muscle (the tiny bit that I have) didn't like the typhoid toxin! I made it through work though, even with an incredibly sore arm! I like the half evening shift - it's 3:30 until 9pm! Short and sweet! Though, on yesterday's shift, I got #2 ALL over my uniform - on the front, on the pocket, on the hip, on the back of the leg and on my hands! And I think to myself, I do this by choice? Am I insane? I just think how thankful I am that I am not staying at this job long-term! Nursing here I come!
I'm working the night shift tonight, so I'm kind of confused how to work out the sleep thing. I got up early for me this morning (8:30), that is early on a day off. I'm sure some of you are groaning that that is early. I do not envy those with children that wake up at all hours, or really early! I'm going to stay up for a few hours and then try and get about 5 or so hours of sleep before I go to work for 11pm! I sure don't like nights, though it's only my second night shift!
Well, I should get off the internet because Shane will be calling sometime this morning. He's going to pick me up and bring me over to his house so we can hang out together for a few hours! It is his day off and after today I won't get to see him until tuesday or so of next week because I'm going home for the weekend! Oh, speaking of home, my sister felt some direction about what she was praying about. Thanks to all who said a prayer. She is going to take the ESL (english as a second language) program thing this summer, which allows her to teach english and travel just about anywhere! I'm excited for her!
Have a great day!

Well, I survived my morning of the dreaded dentist and some needles at the travel health clinic. Facing two fears in one day! I think I need a nap! Unfortunately, I have a small cavity and have to go back later this week. Though, I'm impressed that I only have one small cavity since I haven't been to the dentist in two years! I got my typhoid fever vaccine and another shot of measles, mumps, rubella. Hopefully I'm set for my trip! I just might have to take some malaria pills. I'm checking in to it, but I already have the perscription.
I'm going to snooze now before work! Have a nice day! It is beautiful outside!

Good night everyone! If you think of me at 8:30am tomorrow morning, please utter a prayer! I'm going to the dentist (which I am very afraid of!). I'm especially scared of the pick-like tool that scratches your teeth! It grinds my insides like the feeling of nails on a chalkboard! Ahhhh! It makes me crazy! I'm also meeting with a travel health nurse to get the needles that I need for my trip. Oddly, I can give needles and love it, but getting them is a different story! I'm a little chicken!
So, good night and have sweet dreams! Oh, three more prayer requests! My lovely sister is making some big decisions within the next few days, and months about life after graduation. So, please pray for her. Also, a couple that Shane and I are good friends with are waiting for papers with the US government to go through and having to really pray for God's wisdom and direction. Please keep them in prayer as well! One more is that a young guy that I know is battling cancer. He has a young wife and a little son and they really need a miracle! Jesus, you know what all these people need and you hold their lives and futures in your hand. Thank-you that you are Sovreign. You are in control and you are a good Father.

Good morning, I mean afternoon! I must have been tired because I stayed in bed until noon! Though, I had some pretty warped and somewhat frightening dreams! I've been having pretty intense, and even scary and violent dreams in the last few days! What's going on? The wedding reception yesterday was nice and I got to wear my new dress which was a hit! I felt pretty good myself!
In the evening, after we got back into Winnipeg from the reception, Christina and I went to the open call for extras in the J. Lo movie that is being filmed in Winnipeg! It was a fun experience regardless if we get to be a part of it! I'm assuming it won't work out because my schedule is kinda crazy with weddings, work and my trip for the summer. Though, I could fit some film time in there! Hee! Hee! I've always wanted to be an extra. I don't want to be the movie star because I want my regular life, out of the public spotlight! But, I have want to see myself on screen as the person walking across the street or some sort of extra part! That would just tickle my insides! So, we'll see what happens! They are hoping to get a lot of people to be extras for this movie! And, if you don't know the title, it is Shall We Dance! How fun!
Well, I'm hoping not to work today, and so far, no call! I want to relax, clean, finish the letter about my trip, and perhaps see Shane in the evening! Have a great day!

Well, I don't have much exciting things to say today! In the last few days I've worked a lot and slept. Though yesterday night I went out for coffee (well, I don't actually drink coffee, but you know the saying) with a friend of mine from University whom I haven't seen in a while. It was really nice! I got my first gift towards my trip from her! She said to me, "The first 5 yards that you cover when you are flying away on the airplane, think 'Vicky paid for this!' ". She's so nice! And throughout our entire friendship of not quite two years, I have seen how generous that girly is! May God bless her the same way!
Tomorrow, Shane and I are going to a wedding reception for the friends of ours that got married in Ontario. It should be fun and I'm excited to spend sometime in the same room as Shane, because that hasn't happened since monday! I miss the guy! I also get to wear my new dress, which I will be wearing to every wedding and grad-related function of the summer!
Well, I'm working again today 3-11:15pm, so I need to go have some time with Jesus and eat some lunch before it's time to leave!
Have a comfy, rainy saturday!

Hello there! I've spent the last hour or two on the phone calling people about Bill C-250, the Hate Crimes Act. The MPs are going to vote about this bill within the next day or two and I'm very concerned about it. Pretty much it threatens our freedom of speech and opinion as Canadians and as a follower of Jesus it would have huge impact on Christians. It would criminalize us because of our belief that homosexuality is immoral and therefore turn us into criminals and the Bible into hate literature. I am pretty passionate about this and so I called my MP in Ottawa today to express my concern and ask that he would vote against this bill. I found out that he shares my concern and will be voting against it! Yeah! So, if you would, call 1-800-OCANADA to find out who your MP is and his/her contact info and call your MP. The vote is very soon so it is very important that you call right away! Tell your MP that you are very concerned and ask that he/she would vote against it for the freedom of speech and opinon for all Canadians! And, tell as many people as you can so that we can fight for our freedom and make a difference!
On another note, yesterday was a nice day. I got a whole bunch of shifts for June and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority called to tell me they want me to work for them! I don't know if I'll take the job because it will be my third, but I'm tickled that job hunting this summer has been so stress-free and successful! They have all wanted me! I'm off to work shortly. I hope I haven't forgotten everything!
I got to do the dishes, get a wedding present for friends of ours, go grocery shopping and go to a church evening service last night. I did it all with Christina which makes it fun!
I'm going to go eat something and get into uniform! Have a wonderful day! We have a wonderful God!

Good morning all! I'm going to call the lady from GHO and tell her I'm coming to El Salvador! Also, work called this morning to ask me if I wanted to work two evening shifts this week! I actually am going to know ahead of time that I'm working! What a blessing! It will be a nice day! I have dishes to do, the appartment to clean and grocery shopping. I'll find a bunch of odds and ends to do! Have a great day!

Wow! I have been neglecting my blogging responsibility! Since the last blog, I had a great time visiting with my friends from Florida, had my dance recital (which was very fun to be a part of) and think I've made a decision. The plans that changed so unexpectedly were the plans to go to Africa. I was processing the change and what I would do instead since I found out. The trip was cancelled due to international politics and possible danger to the team. The final thing that made the decision was that the US embassy closed due to the dangers, which was our safety net in case of danger. Also the British airlines weren't flying in to Kenya either. So, with all the possible danger and terrorist problems, they cancelled the trip. It's sad that I can't go to my beloved Africa, but I felt a lot of peace even when I was reading the email for the first time which said the decision. I know that God has a different plan. He must have known all along that this time Africa wasn't going to work out. I feel good though knowning that I was obedient, that I had the drive and motivation to make it real, and that it wasn't just a dream, but I was going. In light of the past few days, I think I'm going to join a different trip through the Global Health Outreach teams (same teams as Africa). One happens to be the same time period minus a day, doing the same sort of stuff. The team is going to El Salvador. I asked the lady at human resources what the difference would be in the trips, except for the different location. She said that the El Salvador trip would actually give me more opportunity in the medical side of things! It is because they are more organized and a little more modernized out there, making the medical side of things more advanced. Also, I'm pumped because there is a surgical component to this trip that there wasn't in Africa's. We are also working with Oasis Ministries, who are totally into the music, drama, speaking, and children's ministry thing! It should really be a good experience! I think I'll pray a little more and hopefully call the lady at human resources today to confirm my involvement! The totally amazing part.....it's almost half the price of the Kenya trip! Thank-you Jesus! He really is thinking about us and helping us out financially!
Also, I applied for 5 positions at work, and last friday I had an interview at the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. Hopefully something stable works out!
I should get off the internet because I'm waiting for a massage place to call me back and book an appointment! Oh, hopefully for today!