Happily Grateful

My, oh my, this is much too long overdue. My summer is absolutely flying by, and I’m losing track of the days that go with it. Each day is a new adventure and I’m learning so very much. I’ve gotten to make a lot of fun drinks -including a raspberry lemonade that we just added to the menu- as well as a bunch of different things about the island. For example, when people say that they’re “going to town” it doesn’t mean driving half an hour or an hour to the nearest town or city that they can buy groceries in. No no, it means taking an hour long ferry to a separate island. I’ve also learned that blackberry bushes are a huge pain, and pretty challenging to get rid of -super fun though! I’ve had a couple project days since getting here, where I basically go up to the farm and do things that need to get done. Both times I’ve been tasked with weeding (which I absolutely love) and have taken out quite a few blackberry bushes do to it. I find it quite enjoyable, though the thorns are real suckers and give pretty nasty scratches.

At this point Lily’s gone home already, so I’ve hung out a lot with Ben and Keenan (awesome cousins of mine, hehe). We watched the first and second Guardians of the Galaxy, and are planning on working our way through other Marvel movies as well -we may even watch the first Avengers movie tonight. I’m so thankful that I have them here with me, it’s such a blast to have them around, not to mention the great quotes I’ve gotten from them already.

Some of my favourites being: “Ben! Why are you so hot?!” -Ben.

And “Why are you talking about flubber? Ain’t like you got any.” -Keenan. “I’ve got all the flubber.” -Ben.

I’m also very thankful that I get to hang out with Ben again because of the great discussions we have. Knowing I was coming out here and I’d be with Ben got me so thrilled, it’s always so amazing hanging out with him. Yesterday I went to town with Ben, Keenan and Hrothgar and on the ferry there and back, and in town, I got to hear all about Ben’s Harry Potter fan fic about the actual cursed child, being Teddy Lupin. It was so interesting to hear about, and it ended last night (at 11:30) with Ben sending me both pieces about Teddy as a student and an adult. While I haven’t read them yet, that’s my plan for tomorrow, as I have the day off. I’m also super thankful for the theological conversations I’ve gotten to have with Ben, about all sorts of things. It’s really amazing having people that you can just start talking to about sermons and pastors and sound doctrine, people that challenge you to dig deeper and grow closer to Christ.

Other fun things to note: before Lily left we went to town and got really good Indian food, which was incredibly fun. We also went swimming after dark with our friend and coworker Shannon, where we swam with bioluminescence and a seal. The only time I went off the island alone (a couple weeks ago) the ferry broke down, and so I got to take a water taxi back. Also, I think I’ve had more ice cream this summer than I have throughout my whole life -super scrumptious!

Signing off for tonight, until next time friend!