This is what dreams are made of...

After young adults service, my brand spanking new friends and I go to Boston Pizza. Every. Time.

I must confess, I don't like BP's very much. I feel like it's glorified microwave dinners. That's besides the point of this post.

We go there habitually to see Tom, our forever waiter and manager.

I like to have conversations with people who serve me whether it's at the gas bar, restaurant or grocery store. I have made it a point to look people in the eye when I speak to them so they know that I am really meaning that "hi, how are you" or "thanks, have a good day". I throw in a joke or two, maybe a compliment if I mean it (because no one likes to be told that the sweater that they are wearing is nice when they you know it's ugly)

We've become friends with our server through our "tom fooler" (so punny) and antics. So much so that we text him (and vice versa) to tell him if were coming or not. He definitely goes out of his way to make us happy and gives us perks for being most likely his favorite regulars.

Last week Tom told us he wants to come to a service with us to check it out. No expectation was put on him, no prompting, no cheesy gimmicks or lines just pure friendship.

Friendship I decided, is my new battle weapon.

I've been dying to say this for the last two weeks now: I haven't been this excited about the kingdom in a long time. THIS is what I live for. Literally. This is what I honestly breathe for. Drawing people in by just being.

I could do this for a living, and maybe I really am.

I dare you to look someone in the eye today. To ask for a name. To wish a shift to pass quickly and to start all conversations on a deeper note, especially when socially not required.

Maybe then all the cliches will wash away only to expose something very simple and true: christians are just people.

This update is brought to you by the letter "K"

Hello dears,

It was just beggining to look like spring and it snowed today. My dreams were dashed.

Lent has been going well. It's spurred me onto being more deliberate about discipline and sacrifice in my life. I'm glad I participated in lent this year. A friend of mine's new year resolution was to try a challenge each month. I am thinking of trying to give something different up each month for a year. I will keep you posted on my progress.

Work has been going well. The playschool has been very entertaining. New names given to me have been: Miss Meaghan, Mrs Meaghan and Mr Meaghan. I have been enjoying the antics of the little boys and reminicing my princess days with the girls. One of my favorite children (not that I have favorites, right?) looked me in the eye and said "Miss Meaghan? You're funny". It made my week. I also witnessed a three year old understand puns for the first time. It went like this: boy: "Miss Meaghan this is the letter K" me: "k (said as in short for o.k)" boy: "....(eyes open wide) *gasp* K!!!". As most of you know, puns are the fuel to most of my jokes and though corny, I delight in them.

The cafe is sadly closing next month and so I will have to look for another part time job soon. It's been such an experience working at Emmanuels and with the ladies there. We've had a lot of fun times and deep, honest conversations. It's truly shaped my time here and I am going to miss it. It has been one of my all time favortite jobs. So fun!

Ministry has been very fruitful lately as the youth group contines to grow and thrive. My realtionships with the youth are deepening and are just as fun as always. Today I introduced some of the girls to Bollywood music. They weren't sure if I was being serious or not. I was of course VERY serious as I danced East Indian style down the highway in my truck.

We started a kids club a few weeks ago which has been well received. It's nice for me to use some of the tools I've learned over the last 6 years. I was getting a bit rusty with the lack of children's ministry during my time here. No need to worry, my silly game skills and tom foolery are up to par.

Next week I am off to Newfoundland to visit Tiffanie. I am so excited to spend time there with her and Ian. When I fly back to Edmonton my mom will be driving back to Hay River with me for a short stay. I can't wait to show her how life is done in the North. Hey mom, you're okay with sleeping on the right side of the igloo right? ...I joke...

xoxox

Meaghan