Update

This morning Jason and I went to a cool little church. It is a new church plant that is only a few months old. It meets in a home Sunday mornings, but is moving to a building in September. Anyway, we really felt at home there, and totally connected with the couple that is pastoring it. They are a Filipino couple, which is so much fun because when we lived in Winnipeg, we lived in an area that had alot of Filipino families. Their names are Mark and Beth, and Mark totally reminded us of Joel back in Winnipeg. (in fact, we told Mark all about Joel, and now Joel you HAVE to come for a visit! haha)

So far we have met the pastors of 3 small churches in Ottawa, and we've started friendships with all of them. Jason has been going for coffee every Sunday night with Vikki and Jon's pastor, and they get along great!

I'm so very thankful for Vikki, because she keeps me busy. If I were sitting at home more, I'd probably get weepy and feeling lonely. But she has been constantly inviting me out to meet her friends, and spending time with us. Between outings with newly-made friends, and my crazy work load, I haven't had time to be bored or even sad. Vikki has been also so amazing in helping us get settled. She has made lists of where we get our licenses done, our health cards, given info about school, about garbage and recycling days...you name it.

In fact, since Jon works crazy hours, Vikki and her son Jordan were at our place for dinner twice last week! So much fun! Jordan is 11, and is such a great kid. He gets along so great with Anneka and Aila, and they just adore him! In fact, when he is here, the other boys from the neighborhood come and play in our yard too. Anneka said "The younger boys just LOVE Jordan, and they just think he's a rock star!!" haha.

My Mom is coming on September 5th, and I couldn't be more excited. I have SO much to show her! Today I walked with Renee through the Byward Market downtown. (see photos) It's a shopping district filled with carts full of hand-made items, jewelery, clothing, fruit, veggies, flowers... etc. The streets are lined with more shops, and there are dozens of restaurants. Any kind of food imaginable is available in the Market. The restaurants are so fun, and they all have either outdoor patios, or storefronts that are entirely open. We found this tiny little cheese shop that is identical to the ones you see in Holland. I stopped in and bought a little piece of Dutch Gouda, and it was great! Renee said "Well...you'll HAVE to take your Mom here!" And I plan to!

I'm just excited to be able to share my new life here with someone. I think anyone who visits would fall in love with Ottawa. (and at least plan to visit again!) I can't wait for visitors to start coming!!!!