Graduated

Reporting myself safe;)                                                                                                                                                                                            Toronto got hit with a massive snowstorm last Monday, the worst in like 40 years I heard, with snowfall up to 55 cm. Commuters got stranded, plowers got stuck on the highway too and schools closed. The next day I found myself persistently trying to get to Starbucks (you know, one of my basic needs), risking my life on the busy main road, since the sidewalks were not plowed yet. In order to push the button to crossing the street, I was ploughing through snow up to my knees. However, yet I could see my favorite logo waving at me on the horizon, I had to wave back and return. But: it was an adventure:))

Last week teaching                                                                                                                                                                                                            This week we've been taught on the topic of prophesy by the Holy Spirit. I love that subject because it's a way God chooses to show His heart for us and others. And that's amazing. His desire is to speak love and life into our lives, every day. Directly to ourselves or through other christians. I've seen this demonstrated, especially during these teachings. Actually, this whole course was theory in action, it was taking in information and practicing. That's what makes it very powerful!

Fighting my fear of heights                                                                                                                                                                                                I had the opportunity to go to the Niagara waterfalls again, this time by night! To my big surprise, they were lighten up in all colors of the rainbow, changing all the time! We walked up to the center for a drink, next to the huge sky wheel. I was about to go back to the falls when Anish told me he had bought us tickets for the wheel.. You need to know, I hate those things, they freak me out! I knew for sure that I didn't go in. Anish laughed at me and reminded me of the lessons we had about gaining more freedom in life by overcoming our fears. He invited me to fight my fears and join them... but o, it was so terribly high.. Debating with myself..  However, it was Anish' liberating laugh that made me step in. Frozen on my seat, but kept in awe by the view on the falls. Stunning. Then Anish and our Nigerian friend started dancing and singing in that cabin, they had so much fun and I.. I cried "stop it, stop it!" In my imagination I saw the whole thing coming off but that made them even more laughing;). I'm glad they stopped and I was so proud I took authority over my fears AND enjoyed it!   

Graduation                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Our leaders honored us, by serving us a special, festive lunch at tablecloths covered tables. That was wonderful. We were invited to share our testimonies, which takes courage because we talk about deep, deep things we've been experiencing very recently. And giving words to it in a second language is even more challenging. Although there's always freedom to not do it, in my case it was another area to break through in order to win more freedom. So I took the mic and shared one of the many testimonies I can give about God has been doing in me these weeks. At the end we got our certificate, one by one, going along with an encouraging, personal word from our small group leader. So thankful..!

Ruth and Susanne                                                                                                                                                                                                            Yesterday I've met my dear cousins again and Susanne made me oliebollen!! On an old Dutch recipe, not with Koopmans;) and they were good! I got some for breakfast too, yummy. Both cousins were so welcoming and even though they were born and raised in Canada and don't speak Dutch, it was so easy to connect and share. This is also one of the precious experiences I've kept in my heart!

What's next                                                                                                                                                                                                                Today I got my negative Covid test that allows me to fly to California, Yay, tomorrow at 8.15 am. Initially my flight was planned for 7.15 pm. I prayed "Lord, I wish I could fly earlier, I don't wanna stay here in the cold, waiting whole day for my flight." Then miraculously, after one hour I got een email that my flight was rescheduled..  Speaking about changing plans, I've canceled my new studies and job..Oops. That was a big decision. For I didn't feel peace about it. I think for now it's not the right time and direction. Instead, I will be joining the Advanced course at this ministry school for 12 weeks, starting in March, online.    

That was a long story;) The next 2 weeks will be different as I 'm defrosting in the sun:)) Can't wait:) Hanging out with Lotte, Ryan and Peter's relatives or just taking rest on my own. Looking forward. I'll let you know next weekend!

Thanks again for responding and supporting and special thanks to my buddy Peter who gives me this opportunity while he's working hard. Also a big thanks to our Jesse who takes care well of my job in the fruitbusiness!  Love you guys.   

xxx Marieke    To see the complete set of photo's (sky wheel, falls) click photo's in the menu above.