Happily Grateful

I wish there was a way to describe Ben perfectly for so that everyone could understand what I mean when I say he’s one of the best guys I know. Ben is so funny and kind, and he’s growing into an incredible man. I’ve always been really good friends with him, and I’m definitely at the point where I would consider him one of my closest friends. Even though I don’t see him often, even though I never talk to him when we’re not in person, Ben is just one of my best buds. I can sit and talk to him about literally anything for hours on end, and listen to him talk about things in turn. This past week we decided to go out and watch for meteors, and we sat outside and just chatted until 3:30AM -I can’t do that with just anyone. It’s in hanging out with Ben that I remember how much I miss living in Alberta, how much I miss all my cousins. I just have this huge appreciation that we can go a year without saying a word to each other and then talk for hours. Last Tuesday we talked about relationships, marriage, mental health, testimonies, the island, evening, and more about Harry Potter and Ben’s fanfic. Not to mention we read some hilarious one star reviews on Goodreads of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, hehe. This week Ben was going to offer to take my shift so that I could take a day off – he didn’t end up needing to, but it was a very thoughtful offer. He helped me out with birthday shenanigans for Keenan and all around was someone I could talk to and trust on the island. Ben is such an amazing friend and cousin, and I’m so thankful he’s in my life and was out here with me.

Keenan is also growing into an incredible guy. I’ve never really been as close with him as I have been with Ben, but I can see such a change in him since when we were kids. I feel as though every time I see him he’s changed so much since the last – I guess that’s just part of living across the country from him. This summer especially I’ve noticed how God has shaped him; he’s kinder, stronger, sweeter, more mature, and there are lot’s of other little things I’ve noticed. I got the super exciting opportunity to celebrate his 18th birthday with him yesterday. We had nachos and cake and watched Avengers: Age of Ultron. I was so happy to celebrate with him, Ben and Hrothgar.

I house sat this past Wednesday, which was a huge blast. A lady named Sharon (who works for the ferries and is a volunteer firefighter on Thetis) went off island with her mom on the 11th, and came back on the 14th. My buddy Shannan watched her place on the 11th and 12th, and I got the 13th and morning of the 14th. I was basically living my dream; it was magical! I stayed in her little cabin with her two dogs and cat, wrangled some chickens that had escaped, and watered a bunch of plants. Not to mention the numerous walks I went on through the woods. While I was house sitting it rained which was super exciting, and that led to me finally finding a slug! I was told the slugs here would gross me out, but nope! Still love slugs.

On Sunday I was able to go to church one last time out here, which was amazing. The past couple times I’ve been able to go to church I’ve found myself going to Calvary Baptist Church in Chemainus. The theology they teach is quite sound, and I’ve found their sermons quite compelling and very well done. Don’t even get me started on the incredibly friendly community there. I was offered rides back to the ferry terminal by many people, and many others told me they saw me walking to church and considered offering me a ride there. It got to the point were I was walked around and introduced to different members like so: “Oh hey *insert name of person being talked to*, have you met Emily yet? She’s over on Thetis Island for the summer, not at the school but at the marina. She’s only going into grade 12! She leaves on Wednesday though, but it’s ok because she has a good church family to go home to.” It’s an amazing church and I am so grateful that I was able to take the ferry and attend a couple weeks there.

As I’m writing this I’m actually sitting in the airport, kinda glad for the delay my flight has. Thanks to the delay I am able to finish up this before going back home, setting my next post up nicely for being back there. This summer was a ton of fun, and I’m extremely thankful for the incredible opportunity to come out here and work at the marina/cafe. It’s an incredible life experience, and I’m so happy it was offered to me. If you’re into boating, I highly recommend you stop in at Telegraph Harbour Marina on Thetis Island. And now I have so many things to look forward to going back home: I get to see my family again, I get to sleep in my won bed, I get to go back to my own church family, we’re going to camp in a week, I’ve got school coming up, and the list goes on!

Until next time Friend!