Monday, November 30, 2009

Polka in my Parka?



SO...since I've been here I've had a little dilemma.

I haven't really had to face it until now.

I knew it was coming when wearing my shell over my hoodie became chilly. I really knew it was coming when Glenn said "you're going to freeze in that thin little outfit in a few week" when I already was freezing. I really really knew I had a decision to make when I realized I forgot my winter coat in Sherwood Park. Before all you motherly figures in my life start to freak out I shall inform you that I am not without:

The Parka.

My grey. Men's. Big. Ugly. Parka.

Please, don't get me wrong. Not all parka's are ugly. Just mine on me (exaggerated statement but this is my blog y'all)

I remember the first time I wore it. I walked into a whole arena lobby of people wearing normal coats like the ones insisted were good enough for me.

The looks! The stares! The cultural assumption and insensativity (too far?..Im a missions graduate??) I honestly felt so out of place. The kids called me....Santa....

ITS HUGEEEE on me. I actually feeeeeel like a marshmallow.

Calm? Breathe? Get over it? ...I can't.

It's the classic I wanna look alright but I can't in this winter wear (story. of. my. life.). I feel ridiculous. I look ridiculous. I am...ridiculous.

However! Today I had been freezing. cold. numb (too far again) until I thought: "Im only going for a car ride" and "I don't even need to get out of the car". I have been wearing it out to start the car and it is incredibly warm....so I did it. I wore it in "real life" (for you Jo.) No one looked. No one laughed. No one really had the chance.

I'll keep you posted as to if I wear it out when people can see me.

In the meantime, I leave you this:

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Crayons



So I was having a "not the best of days" yesterday and it seemed I was in a rut, a funk, a mood. Though I had reason, I hated feeling like I was walking around in an irritable mode with a dark cloud above my head ready at any moment to release a down pour of negative emotion. I tried the usual talk it out thing. I tried the cake and ice cream thing. I even tried brightening someone elses day by surprising them with a visit and coffee. Nothing would do. I knew I needed to pray and sit at the piano. So I headed to the Church and I did what I went to do. I went to that 'place'. It was good but I dare not say 'not enough'. It was but a strange thought came into my head. Crayons. I want to color. I was headed back to work when I started driving in the other direction towards the drug store. Would you believe me if I told you it took me 10 minutes to pick out a coloring book? The lines needed to be solid. Crisp. and the paper the right feeling. I know what you're thinking: "you're a freak". True. I almost had to settle for a medicore book when I there it was. A floor size superman coloring book laying under stacks of winnie the pooh books (that will be the day). The lines, thick black. The paper bright and definitely not recycled. The drawings simple and screaming "color me!" Almost late for work I did a brisk walk through the stationary isle to pick up my new pack of crayons an away I was. Color therapy.

My friend Julie used to pass out crayons to her college students on the first day of her class each year telling them "When your stressed, take this crayon and smell it". The smell of something farmiliar from your childhood helps reduce stress.

Julie, I bought a whole pack and I feel great.

Love,

Meaghan

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Snowshoeing!


I have to admit that I am so excited to be back to blogging. Why I didn't start blogging again sooner I'll never know. I have been particularily excited to blog about my snowshoeing excursion with my new "gal pals" (as Julie would put it).

Sunday afternoon a couple of us girlies bundled up (me in pants that literally felt like I was wearing a diaper in all the wrong places) to hit the woods (or forest? trails? bush?). Though we have had LOTS of snow (compared to Edmonton, I hear) the weather was mild and the paths were lightly beaten down by some snowmobilers.

It was so refreshing to be in the middle of nature. I truly felt like a northerner and so much so that it spurred on thoughts like "I want to live in the bush. I should buy a snowmobile.I want to go hunting every weekend and the unforseen: "I want to live here forever". Fear not, my city friends, the other day much to some of locals dismay I cried out in my weekness "I miss Walmart!" and I do.

I'm looking forward to Christmas at home but anticipate what other northern treasures I will discover this winter. I have been encouraged to join women's hockey this season but that may be going a little too far for me.

Things on my Northern to-doolie list:

1. snowmobiling
2. hunting
3. ice fishing
4. trip to yellowknife
5. cross country skiing
6. any other northern activity

xoxo Meaghan

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

November Update


I first should explain to you all that this is update central now.

Scrap the wix website. It was too complicated to put together and I feel like this blog is a better way to be consistent and expressive in me letting you know what I have been up to. I don't want to loose you or your attention so sorry for taking you all over the "net's forty acres" and back.

I would also like to apologize for my skin deep update I gave you in October. I plan to be honest with the good, bad and ugly truths of my life here in the North. I appreciate your dedication to me through it all and all of your small, quick, long, big and dreamful prayers.

The Honest Truth:

Things have been difficult. What would a young buck like me expect moving far from her family for the first time with her vehicle packed to the roof containing her whole life? I was trying to hold onto anticipated "northern girl" bravery but it soon feel apart after a much anticipated trip back to Edmonton in October for a friends wedding. "They" say that going home and back the first time is the hardest. "They" are right. I will however happily tell you that I have decided and understand this is all apart of becoming a "adult". The numb feeling has passed and the real me is boldly showing to those around me. Okay, glad that part of the blog is over.

The Best Part:

The good news is that I have finally settled and humbly accepted that "hard times" are a frequent part of living (duh?). I have passed out of the valley, climbed a small mountain and am standing on top now dreaming and envisioning great things for Hay River, Northwest Territories with a few metaphoric nicks and bruises. I know that bigger mountains will come but I'm living in the present.

I have been keeping busy working at the cafe as well as participating in lot of music/worship orientated teams.

Youth night is going extremely well. For the past two weeks kids have been showing up and giving their lives to the Lord. Our newer Christians have been hungry for prayer and the more seasoned have been passionately sharing with other kids their faith. Each youth night is filled with laughter, prayer and deep spiritual warfare. Their transparacy with us is incredible and I am blessed to walk life with these kids. Though I am usually shocked internally at their stories and the battles they fight, we hold them when they cry. We tell them we love them, because we genuinely do. It is for this reason that I am here.

Highlights:

I have been forming new relationships with more and more people my age. A couple of gals also eager to explore the North came to live here last month and have been a huge encouragement to me. Though clearly they can never replace my treasured friendships I have at home I feel comfortable with them and savor the times we have living a northern life together, recruiting new friends around town and the deep contemplative talks.

Another highlight is the relationships I have been building with the people here. At the cafe I have been meeting so many people and love the time I have with my co-workers. The bond that has been created between me and some of the youth is spurring me onto more and more ministry opportunities with them. During a prayer time one youth prayed "God I always wanted an older sister and prayed for one. Now I have one". Beautiful.

The Newest:

As of yesterday I have taken a position at the bank here in Hay River. I wasn't able to stay full time at the cafe and have only been working part time there due to the economy. I will hopefully be able to work a few shifts still at Emmanuel's as we are currently trying to start a young adults cafe night as an alternative for the young people here to come to instead of the usual bar/party scene. Please pray for me as I transition to my new job starting Dec 7.

To my Emmanuel girls: I love you and have loved my time there. I'm still around so let the antics continue. No need to let the silliness die.

Thank you for all your prayers. I will continue to notify you when a monthly update is posted. Feel free to check my blog often as I will be updating little posts, thoughts and pictures!

Also I'd love to see comments from you left at the bottom here.

Love always,

Meaghan Ellen

Wordless Wednesday





Tuesday, November 17, 2009

October Update


Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!

The weather has changed and winter is upon us!

Things have been great here in Hay River. Thank-you for all of your prayers. I have been working at Emmanuel's, the Christian bookstore but more so cafe. I love going into work to make lattes and good connections with many different people from all walks of life.

Aside from working, I have been helping out at the Church I am attending. 'Hay River Pentecostal Chapel' has welcomed me and has me helping on the worship team, young adults Church and involved in the youth group. The youth here are so much fun which makes me look forward to the Thursday nights with them. A lot of the youth come from broken families and are involved in drugs and alcohol but have an evident hunger for the Word of God. We are seeing lots of change in their lives!

Please pray that I would become quickly connected into the lives of the people here as a Godly influence! I am still trying to get involved in a school so please pray for favor as I endeavor to reach more children for Christ.

Bless you and thank you so much for your support.