Jamaica

First off, I have absolutely no excuses for not updating
this sooner. It came from pure laziness. Also, not being
in front of a computer added to it. But here you go. An
update with some pictures and I will try to answer the
questions that some of you may ask me. This first pic
is of me my first Sunday. I went with one of the schools
that YWAM offers. We went to a beach called "Doctor's
Cave". Later I found out that it is the same beach that
my little sister is coming to on her honeymoon and the
end of this month. CRAZY. Anyways, that was the start
of an amazing 5 weeks.

The picture below is one of me and Kristine. She was a
dear friend that I met on the YWAM base. She is on
staff there for the next 2 years. She was one of the first
people I had met when I arrived. We clicked right away
and she helped me through some tough times. The times
when I asked myself why I had chosen to come to a
country knowing nobody and when I would ask God why
He was making it so difficult for me. Never mind that I
asked Him to stretch me and challenge me, but I never
thought He would do starting my first day. Kristine was
a great listener and she was also ALOT of fun.

In one of my previous posts, I had mentioned that my
friends were on a cruise and they had stopped by and I
got to spend the day with them. Well, the picture below
is one of me, Victor and Annelise. It was such a special
and refreshing day for me. To be around people that
knew me and reminding me that I was blessed to be able
to be here and to experience a new culture.

Below, is the building of CUMI. The place where I had
the opportunity to volunteer two days a week. What an
amazing experience that was. I met some great people
and got to be exposed to a whole new way of living.

A couple of times, me and April (one of the Canadian
girls volunteering a year of her life to work in Jamaica
with MCC) went to a local orphanage that a few of the
clients from CUMI did the laundry. While they were
doing that, we would go and play with the kids and hold
the new born babies. Below is a picture of one of the boys
that were there. They are just the most adorable children
and they just want to be held and hugged.

If I had to sum up my 5 weeks into one word, I would
have to say, WOW. From my first day to my last day,
God used me. During the time, I would ask God why he
brought me here. I didnt feel like I was making much of
a difference but looking back now, He used me in small
ways. I was able to organize an office for a lady who just
couldnt find the time to do it. I was able to work with
people who felt like the world was out to get them and I
was able to make them smile and laugh. I was able to
hold a precious newborn baby who was unwanted by a
parent. I was able to show them a little compassion and
love in the little way I could.

People here at home ask me what my highlight of the trip
was and I answer them this way. I had three highlights. I
couldnt really pin point it to just one. Number one, YWAM.
What a blessing that place was. It was more than I had ever
imagined it was going to be. I met some AMAZING people
and I was exposed to an amazing organization and maybe
one day I can be a part of. I was encouraged in their faiths.
I remember telling people back home about some of the
faith stories I was able to experience being there. I keep
saying, "When these people pray, God really answers them"
I ask myself, why does that not happen back home? The
only answer I can come up with is that they truly believe
that He will answer. They dont doubt. They pray and pray
until it happens. I would have goosebumps everytime I
would sit through a chapel service there. They worship with
everything they have. So incredibly powerful. Number two
was volunteering at CUMI. I had such a great time getting
to know the clients. They were fun and we had some good
laughs together. Also, meeting April and Suzanne was such
a treat. And to think, they only live 1 hour from me here in
Canada. They were a blessing. Number three was having my
friends come and visit.

I have been back for 1 week already. It has been a very hard
and emotional week for me. Trying to figure out life and to
continue the path that I had started in Jamaica. You set all
these goals when you are away from home and then when you
get home, it seems impossible. Life gets in the way. Routine
gets in the way. I just pray that God will use me here like He
did in Jamaica. Even if it is through the "small ways".

Thank you to all who were praying for me. Jamaica was a
life changing experience for me and I am so blessed by the
support I received and the love I felt when being there. If you
have any questions or want to know more, please ask! Thanks
for all who read this!

Week Two and Three

Hey there everyone! I apologize for not updating sooner. I never
get alot of time on the computer so I always seem to forget to
update. So sorry to those of you who read this.

Things are going so great here. I have learned and experienced
so much in the last few weeks. It is hard to believe that I have
less than 2 weeks left here in Jamaica. It makes me sad to have
to leave this amazing culture.

Last week, God gave me an AWESOME treat. My friends were
on a cruise and they had a stop over in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. So I
took a taxi to Ocho and I got the spend the days with them. It
was such a nice treat to be able to see some familiar faces. I think
that is what gave me a whole new outlook on my time here. I was
so proud to be able to show them a bit about the Jamaica culture.
Annelise and Vic, Jason and Tammy, thank you so much for
spending the day with me. It was such a special time for me.

The weather here hasnt been the best. We are still getting parts
of the hurricanes so it is quite rainy. I think it has rained almost
every day since being here. But this weekend the sun is shining so
I am hoping to get some sun.

I am keeping quite busy. I just finished organizing a ladies office  
here. That was quite alot of work but I accomplished it so that is
great. Then I have continued to volunteer at CUMI. I am really
enjoying doing that. We were able to stop in at an orphanage a
couple of times. Totally sad and devastating to see these children
who just want affection. We spent most of the time in the baby
nursery. Holding all the new borns. Some of them are so tiny that
you could hold them with one hand. I wish I could take some home
with me but for obvious reasons, I cant.

Sorry about not posting pictures. The computers we work on dont
allow you to download anything so it will have to wait until I get
back.

God is so great. He has challenged me in my faith more than I ever
thought He could. He has stretched me beyond my comfort zone
which I shouldnt complain about since I asked Him to do that. I
have met some amazing people here. I have been able to experience
and absorb myself in a new way of living. It has been surreal to me.

Thanks you for all of your support. It means so much to me! Love
you all!

I will try to post one more time before I leave! Till then...

Week One

First off, thank you everyone who posted. It is nice to know
that I have support. Well, my first week is done and I am
still alive. YEAH! What a week it has been. I always knew
that I was an emotional person, but my goodness.

On Sunday, I went with a team of people and we hung out at
a beach here in Montego Bay. It was such a beautiful day. I
got burnt of course. Then on Monday I got to meet more of
the staff and touch base with the director of YWAM. I spent
the day just reading up on YWAM and get myself more
familiar with what they are all about. She also arranged a
place for me to serve outside the walls of the YWAM base. I
am volunteering at a place called CUMI (Community for the
Upliftment of the Mentally Ill). I will be volunteering there
every Tuesday and Friday. So on Tuesday I went there and
met 2 Canadian girls. April and Suzanne. We totally hit if off.
Then the rest of my time I will be staying at the YWAM base
helping out where its needed. This week and next, I am doing
some office organizing and some painting for the maintenance
guys. Friday I got to go to a daycare and carry newborn babies.
Talk about the cutest most precious sight.

This time has been more challenging and overwhelming than I
ever thought it would be. I have felt God's presence in the ppl
I have met and interacted with. The amount of love that YWAM
pours into their relationship with God has been so overwhelming
and encouraging to me. They seek Him in absolutely every
aspect of what they do here.

Thanks again for everyones thoughts and prayers. I have both
needed them and felt them. Please keep them coming. I will try
to post pictures next time!

In Jamaica

Good day everyone! Greetings from Jamaica.
My time in travel was pretty good. My flight to Philidelphia was
great because I slept the whole way. The flight to Montego Bay
was pretty long but we made it safely so I have to be grateful for
that. Once I arrived at the airport, one of the staff from YWAM
picked me up. The city is beautiful. Some parts are pretty run
down but I love the culture. Once I got here, I realized that I
forgot some pretty important stuff. Like towels, sheets, flashlight,
alarm clock, soap etc. Dont know where my mind was when I was
packing.

To be honest, it has been EXTREMELY hard being here. They drop
you off in your room and there you go. Not checked in on once. It is
very lonely right now. Not alot of people around this weekend. So it
has been very sad. Missing family and friends. Not really having much
communication. So last nite, I went to bed at like 8:00pm because I
was so exhausted (which could be affecting my emotions) and I just
prayed that God would bring someone in my life to make me feel
more welcome than I have. Today as I was walking around the base,
I started talking to this lady Nancy and she helped me today. She
drove me into the city and I was able to pick up some stuff I needed
and to just chat with someone and to share how I was feeling.
It felt good.

I dont want you to be reading this and thinking that I am all sad.
God is going to use me here and I just have to be patient in letting
Him show me where that will be.

Thank you all for praying for me. I definitely need them. I get
computer access here so I will try to update this as best I can.
Thanks everyone!

Time. . .

Where does the time go?? I can not believe that I am leaving
in less than a week. This past weekend has been a very hard
and emotional week for me. There are such mixed emotions
in my decision to go to Jamaica. Excited to experience all that
God is going to teach me down there, yet scared to death to
be alone. But then I have to remind myself that I will not be
alone. I have such an amazing support group praying for me
and reminding me that this IS where God wants me to be.

Last nite, my Life Group got together and had a potluck for me
to send me on my way. Becky had decorated her livingroom in
greens and yellows (the colour of the Jamaican flag, had no idea)
with balloons and she made little flags and had signs up for me.
It was quite overwhelming to see the support and encourgement
they all gave me. Just to be surrounded in prayer and knowing
the sincereity behind it just gave me a sense of peace that I can
not even explain into words.

So, as the days are fastly approaching, I just thank God for
answering my prayers and showing me strength in myself and
through my friends. Though, all my prayers have not yet been
answered and some decisions still need to be made, I feel that
God will answer those in his timing, still trying to teach me how
to completely trust Him.

Thank you to those of you who are praying for me! I will try to
keep this blog updated as best I can.

Countdown begins . . .

Well folks, the countdown is officially starting. I have only 15 days
left of leaving for the craziest trip of all time. Plans have changed
just a bit since I last posted. When I first decided to head down to
Jamaica, I emailed SO many different places to volunteer and work
with. Finally, I got the biggest answer to prayer. YWAM emailed me
back and they want me to volunteer with them. Which means that
they will take care of me and make sure I am fed and I have a nice
place to sleep. Before that email, I was freaking out a bit. You know,
having the panic attacks, questioning why I was doing this in the
first place, that sort of stuff.

I was talking to my one friend and she said to me, "Lexi, do you
really think God would of put all this stuff into place if He really didn't
want you to go?" That really made me think differently. After I had
made the decision of going regardless, that is when everything just
kept happening for me and my emails were being answered and so
many different people were telling me that they had been praying for
me from the beginning. That was such a powerful moment.

As of right now, things arent 100% organized but I am getting there.
Thanks for those of you who have been praying for me. They are
definitely being felt. I will keep you posted on updates.

Thanks.

JAMAICA

Not sure if anyone reads this anymore but I still enjoy
writing entries every now and then.

I had this crazy idea in my head that I wanted to take
a leave of absence from work and go and serve in another
country for a period of time. So, I went into my boss
and asked her if I could get a LOA from work for 5 weeks
and to my surprise, she accepted my request.

As of October 26th, I am heading off to Montego Bay,
Jamaica for 5 weeks. I will be working at SOS Village for
that period of time. I am excited to see what God will
have me do down there. This will be a very stretching
and scary experience for me since I am doing this all on
my own.

There has been a number of ups and downs in the whole
planning process. Trying to trust God that I made the right
decision and this is where He wants me.

If you remember, please keep me in your prayers as I
enter this life changing experience.

Silly Questionares!

5 Things that you cannot live without for under $10/each:
* Sea Salt & Lime Rice Cakes
* Mentos
* Non-fat Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks
* Blush
* Deodorant

5 of your favourite movies:
* Pretty Woman
* The Notebook
* Dirty Dancing
* Beauty and the Beast
* Sweet Home Alabama

5 +5 = 10 baby names that you love (5 for a girl, and 5 for a boy!) (maybe you'll give others good ideas!):
* BOYS: Hayden, Jesse, Jake, Will, Tyson
* GIRLS: Abby, Rhyann, Samantha, Ramona, Libby

5 songs you could listen to over & over & over:
* Things Do Change – Scott Normandy
* A Moment Like This – Kelly Clarkson
* Matt Redman
* Tim Hughes
* John Mayer

5 people who have influenced your life in a positive way:
* Christine Raymer – dear dear friend
* My sisters – Rachel, Julie and Suzanne
* Phil Siebert – BBI’s Chorale Director
* Becky Kirkby – dear old friend that reappeared
* Annelise Buma – dear friend

5 items that stay in your purse all the time:
* wallet
* pen
* mints
* sunglasses
* deodorant

5 moments when you knew everything had changed FOREVER:
* Had a conversation with Jeff and decided to lead a Mission’s Trip
* Decided to go to BBI
* When my parents transferred me to a Christian School for Grade 8
* February 14, 1995
* Being an Aunt for the first time

5 obsessions you have right now:
* Young and the Restless
* Saving money
* Losing weight
* Being busy
* Trying to please everyone around me!

My Week of Vacation

I just finished my week of vacation. It was so nice to
relax and catch up with some great friends. My week
started off by spending the weekend at my friends
Jeff and Christine. I had not seen them in so long so
it was so nice to spend this time with them and their
beautiful daughter Eva.


On the Saturday evening I organized a bbq. My sister
and her family and Alex and Carla with their children
came and we hung out. It was so good to have all my
girls together. The one picture above is the 3 girls.
Bella, Eva and Olivia. There are all basically the same
age so it was so cool to see the different stages they
are all at.


Then on Sunday, my best friend Steph and her mom
Ann and I went up to their trailer and spent some good
times trailering. (If that is even a word). It was so nice
to wake up and spend the majority of the day outside
with some fresh air. Much needed sunshine in my life.

Then on Thursday to Saturday, I had the privilege of
attending a Leadership Conference called the Summit.
It was one of the most challenging and life changing
experiences that I have ever encountered. God really
spoke to me and I learned so much about myself. As a
leader and as a Christian.

I had such a fantastic week off. Relaxing, exciting, and
challenging. We need those every once and a while!

ROWING!!

I started rowing in June and I absolutely love it. Not only is
it great exercise, but it is also a lot of fun. To be completely
honest, I did not like it at first. It was hard and it was really
difficult to catch on to. But once you get the hang of it, it is
so nice to be out on the water.

Below is the picture of me just having completed my first
race. BRUTAL! I was hurting. It was soooo much harder
than I ever imagined it to be. You are using all of your leg,
arm and stomach muscles, full force for like 5 minutes non
stop. It may not sound that long, but it definitely is so
intense.

Below, the picture is of us rowing out to the start line. I am
the third from the back. 3C, Starboard. That is my official
title!

For those of you thinking of ever getting into rowing, I
definitely recommend it. Such a great experience.

Why does God make us question?

Is it just me, or does others question why God lets us question
His existence? Lately, I have just been struggling with what God
has in store for my life. What path is He taking me down? Is He
even with me? Does anyone "really" hear God's calling for their
lives? Don't get me wrong. I know and I believe with all my heart
that there truly is a God, but I am having a hard time believing
that He is with me right now. As I sit in a church service, I listen
to the words of the songs that the congregation is singing, and do
people really focus on the words they are singing or are they just
singing for the sake of the music? For those of you who know me,
know that I love to sing. I love to worship and leading worship but
lately, I have just been sitting back and reflecting on the words
and the meaning behind them. People are always telling me that
every Christian questions why they believe and what this faith
thing is all about. I guess I never really took the time to question
it myself. I have been feeling God teasing me. Putting things in my
life and then snatching them away from me. Maybe for good reason
but why does He do that. Is it even God doing it or is it just easier
to blame Him? These are the things that I have been questioning.
Does anyone else questions these things?

"Whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity
for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a
chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is
fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready
for anything."

James 1:2-4

Random Facts About Me

Since I was tagged by Shara, it's now my turn to
share 7 random facts.

Here are the rules… Each person tagged gives 7
random facts about themselves. Those tagged need
to write in their blogs the 7 facts, as well as the rules
of the game. You need to tag seven others and list
their names on your blog.

1. I can't stand the sound of people chewing gum. It
absolutely grosses me out.

2. I hate when people bite their nails in front of me.
Who wants to watch people eating their fingers. So
unattractive.

3. I love the smell of a clean house. The smell of Mr.
Clean and Vim. I know, I am wierd.

4. I still sleep with the blanket that was first wrapped
around me when I was born. 27 years old. It looks
pretty shaggy but I just can't give it up.

5. I can't stand painting. It totally sucks. It takes way
too long and I just don't enjoy it one bit.

6. I could go out for dinner every night. There is just
something about it. I think after a while you would get
tired of it but I just really enjoy the conversation and
the atmosphere.

7. I would give anything to be in the praries right now.

Now I get to tag 7 people...let's see....I tag: Bonnie,
Janelle L, Tania, Cyndy, Naomi, Cyrstal, and Karina!

Scott Normandy

Last night my friend Scott had his CD Release Party. It
was a great time! For those of you who like music, check
out his website. www.scottnormandy.com. Scott
Normandy is a mix between John Mayer and Dave
Matthews. It is a great album, and if you are interested,
you can buy it over his website.

Scott Normandy just got signed on with a really great
and down to earth manager that is based out of Montreal.
Scott Normandy is going on tour this summer and is
having a CD Release Party in both Montreal and Toronto.

Check out the website.

In memory of...

In memory of Aiden Douthwaite who
passed away this past week!
4 years old.

The SDI Test

Has anyone ever done this SDI test before?? It is such a great
test that helps you realize your personality and how you deal
with conflict. They are categorized in 3 colours. Blue, Red and
Green. There is also a fourth category called Hub. In personality,
the blue is the feeler, the worrier, the one is always concerned
about the other person. The caregiver. Red is the assertive and
aggressive one. The "Let's just get in done", or the "Let's just
make a decision and move on". Green is the thinker. The over
analyzer. The person who think EVERYTHING through and
does not just make harsh decisions.

Lexi was Blue-Red. My higher number was in the blue category
but I have some red in me. That didnt really surprise me.

In conflict, the blue is the person who doesnt like to deal with it.
Would just rather get rid of the problem by agreeing. The one who
is always concerned that the other person is feeling okay and
putting their feelings aside. Red is the one who likes to deal with
the conflict right then and there. Lets talk it all out and fix this.
Green is the one who needs to withdraw from the conflict and
really think about it and try to come up with the best answer.

Lexi was hard core blue. Totally didnt surprise me.

If anyone ever has a chance to do something like this, it is so worth
it. It is neat to see how you deal with situations and just to learn
your friends personalities and how they deal with conflict. You
really start to learn about each other and how to approach them
in the way your friends need to be approached!

Anyways, just wanted to share that.

Bella Joyce Jehan

Okay, so seriously. Is she not the cutest kid ever!
She just turned one on the 9th and Mike and
Julie had a birthday party for her and their place
was packed with people. I guess it is a good thing
that they are
moving into a more
larger home. Bella
does the cutest
things. Everyone
time she sees you,
she says "Baby". And
then she points her
little finger at
everything. She loves
seeing pictures of
babies and especially
of herself. I was over
at Mike and Julie's last
night and we were
looking out of their
bedroom window and
Bella was getting so
excited to look outside
and see birds. There is this little piece of bird poop on
the window and Julie was telling me that she gets so
excited everytime she sees it. She also loves my
earrings. At her birthday party, Julie gave her her first
piece of cake. First Bella was just staring at it but then
Julie put a bit of icing in her mouth and then she realized
that she actually enjoyed that so then she started eating
it. Usually, the child has chocolate and icing all over their
mouth but Bella was very clean and polite. There was also
like 40 people watching her and I think she liked the
attention it gave her. It is scary to think sometimes how
much I love
her. I can't
imagine how
much more
I could love
someone else.
Like my own
kids. She has
such a great
personality
and I think she
is going to have
a good sense of
humour. She is so funny at times with all of her little things and
her face expressions. When she goes in for a kiss she pouts
those lips so big and just leans in forward. She is the squeshiest
little girl ever. She has the best legs that get squeezed for often
by my crazy family. As you can tell, she is a very loved child!
Keep them coming Mike and Julie. I am waiting patiently....

Toronto Blue Jays

Have I told you how excited I am that the Blue Jays are back!
I was just at the opener in Toronto and what an interesting
game it was. The Jays, of course, won the game 9 to 1 against
the Royals. A fan got kicked out of the game in the second
inning for grabbing the ball off the field during a live play. What
a dumb ass. And then in the 8th inning, a huge fight breaks out
just a few rows behind and over from us. They had to have
around 8 or 9 cops to break it up. I have no idea how and why
it broke out but whatever, it was entertaining.

The pictures above is a picture of Reed Johnson. He is by far
my favourite Jays player. So I was very excited when I found out
that he was playing in the game I attended. And of course, he
did a great job in left field!
LET'S GO BLUE JAYS, LET'S GO!!

What is with the weather??

I woke up this morning to snow on the ground. WHAT IS UP WITH
THAT?? I refuse to believe that this snow is going to stay because
I am totally ready for spring. They shouldn't tease us like this.

I totally love the smell of spring. The smell of the snow melting and
the trees starting to bud. I can not wait.

Guess what I get to do on Easter Monday? BLUE JAYS GAME. It is
their first game in Toronto so I am very excited for it. My best
friends dad got 4 tickets so it is a date night with the dads. It is going
to be great.

Hope everyone has a great Easter. Eat lots of chocolate because I
know I will. Oh, and of course, for those of you who know what it
is, eat LOTS of paska!! So good. . . .

Girls Night!

Saturday night, Carla and I decided to have a girls night. Alex and
Jackson were in Port Rowan helping out with his dad so I drove up
to Kitchener to spend some time with the girls. Olivia is just the
most adorable girl. She is only 9 months old and she is walking
around and climbing stairs and getting into stuff. She, of course,
went through my purse and was very interested in my sunglasses
and lip gloss. It was very cute.


We ordered in some pizza and then put Olivia to bed and then
the boys came home. Jackson was playing shy with me until I
let him take about50 pictures and then I was his new best friend.

It was a great time to spend with my friends. I am so glad that
they are living closer to me. It will be so great to have them
near by and see them more often than I have.
Thanks for the fun night Carla! I hope you have a good and
safe week!