Our relationship with Eagles Nest Ranch has begun. There has been a plethora of activity since the last post, of a varied nature. Since we have found out about our new role as directors of the Summer of Service (SOS) program (along with someone we have now met, Lauren), we have been going back and forth between the ranch and Medicine Hat. Luke and I had the experience of being part of a kitchen crew for six days helping with a retreat for a group named the Navigators, where we chopped, baked, and cleaned for 9-12 hours a day. As I keep hearing Luke say, "We worked twice as hard, but it has been refreshing." Working in close quarters with others, in essence, feeling part of a team of people working towards a common goal, has been out of the working picture for months. When Luke and I were at Central, we were our own team. As newlyweds, apart during a majority of the engagement period, this was a learning experience of cleaving, a gift we realize most couples are not allowed. The change however, of being part of a team, and community, was refreshing.
We are now out at the Ranch, and have moved out of the apartment we called home since January. We are comfortably in a room in the YWAM Center (there is a base here as well). Currently, there are no groups being hosted for retreats, so the quiet and solace is comforting to us. Our focus for this time will be one of preparation. Staff training for camp begins in one month, so time, thought and prayers will be spent on the development of the SOS program for the summer. Luke and I are going to help in the kitchen and with cleaning when other groups are hosted for retreats in the time before camp, but with the other part of our time we will be in preparation mode.
When I originally entered Canada, I was placed under a visitor visa status, which expires in July. Luke and I were planning on driving down to the American/Canadian border to change my status to hopefully that of a working visa. This week Luke called the Canadian immigration, and found out that after he re-enrolls for school for the Fall, I then as his spouse can apply for an open work visa , which allows me to get a job anywhere. We are currently working on this, but we are glad we do not have to leave the country or drive anywhere to work this out, it can all be done through mail.
Please keep us in your prayers for:
1). Preparation for SOS, to not be distracted! Luke, me and Lauren need to prepare a curriculum, but also are going to be speaking several times prepared messages to the SOS. We need time and focus for this.
2). For the visa to be worked out quickly and smoothly.
3). For our hearts and the hearts of the SOSers, to be one anticipation over what the Lord is going to do!
UPDATES:
I (Danielle), wrote several months ago about a tooth ache, and have recently had a dentist appointment where I had three fillings replaced. It was not fun, but it was a relief to have had that worked out. We are thankful for the Lord's provision that allowed me to have had that procedure done.
Because Luke and I moved, our address has changed, and our cell phone no longer receives reception (plus we ran out of minutes). I will post the ENR number, or email it if requested (I do not have it handy right now). If you want to write us, our mail will be forwarded to Central (ENR's main office), for the next six months. But here is the address anyway...
851 Industrial Ave
Medicine Hat, AB. T1A 3L7
Thank you for your love and support in reading this and praying for us,
Love,
Luke and Danielle
