Greetings from the Land of Living Skies

Hello from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan!

It is sunny outside but it's 4 degrees! With the temperature being so cold, it makes me think that I've missed Fall. Nevertheless, I am enjoying the weather to the fullest.

You must be wondering about my first three weeks experiences in a new land. It is rather difficult to summarize my time in Saskatoon but I will try my best to describe to you what it is like to be living in Saskatoon and to be doing ministry here.

My Team

My team consists of my supervisor, Lisa, and two fellow interns, Tim and Becca. We come from all over: Lisa's from Montana, USA; Tim's from La Crete, Alberta; Becca's from Wolfville, Nova Scotia. We live in a house that is close to the university. We live in community and do things as a family. It's only week three for me but I already feel the tension of living in community. It's amazing how much you discover about yourself when living with others. We have yet to butt heads (praise God for that). For me personally, it's the little things that bug me the most. For example, I can't stand dishes that are not clean properly; I can't stand lots of lights being turn on around the house. If you're in the living room, clearly you don't need the lights in the kitchen and dining room; I get frustrated when someone is not punctual especially when it has been told that we're leaving at 7PM, then you ought to be prepared to leave before 7PM, not getting ready at the strike of 7PM. *Phew* Aha! I'm discovering so much about myself just by looking at what drives me up the wall. It is through community living that we learn to love one another, learn to express our feelings to one another, and learn to come to a solution as to how to deal with conflicts. I believe it will be a good learning year for me.

City of Saskatoon

People have a misconstrued understanding of the province of Saskatchewan. To many Canadians, you don't choose to GO and LIVE in Saskatchewan. It's the forgotten land. Why on earth would you choose to live in Saskatchewan when you can opt for other 'better' provinces like British Columbia, or Quebec, or the Maritimes?
But you know what? Saskatchewan is a really beautiful province. Yeah, when I was flying over it, it was so flat I could see for miles and miles without any obstruction. But, oh the vastness of the land! It is so amazing to be in a province where you could gaze out to the horizon and see wheat fields and grasslands and just how beautiful the land is. Saskatchewan's tagline is: Land of Living Skies. I tell ya, they live up to that! Oh the beauty of the skies! It's like they're alive! And their sunsets are breathtaking! My team and I drove out of the city a few days ago and we got to witness one of the best sunsets!

As for the city of Saskatoon, it has its own beauty and charm. The South Saskatchewan river flows between the city and there are six bridges that connects the west and east sides. My house is located close to the university (about a 10 minute walk). There are parks and trails by the river where you can explore. Oh so beautiful! As you can see, I am loving the city and I am definitely very happy to be here. Each day I wake up and smile and thank God for the privilege to be here and to see Him working in this 'forgotten' province.



I don't think I can ever get enough of this land. So much potential and I believe that God is already doing something in this land. "A spiritual awakening oh Lord is what my heart asks of you for this land and for this people."

IVCF/Student Ministry

Student ministry is so different here. I have experienced a ministry back at University of Victoria where a fellowship has already been established. Here at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S), we are helping them to reconstruct and redevelop the fellowship. It is like pioneering work/mission work on campus. We go onto campus and most times flop ourselves somewhere and be a 'furniture' (ie. making our presence known on campus) or we go on campus and walk around or get involved in student activities so that we get to meet students. Tim decided to join ballroom dancing - to learn to dance but also to meet students. I am looking forward to taking a class on curling - to learn to curl and to meet students. There are two student leaders and my team and I have been spending time with them, helping them dream and vision BIG for God and for their campus.

There has been days when I'd go on campus and sit in a corner and say to God, "Gee.... I don't know why or what I am doing here. Things have not been easy. We don't have a fellowship here. Students don't even seem interested in knowing or talking about you or the Gospel. So really, God, I have no purpose here." And as I heave a sigh of discouragement and dejection, I heard the quiet whisper of a loving God, "Do not be discouraged, do not be disheartened. Take heart for I am with you. I brought you here for a purpose and while you may feel like nothing is happening, take heart for I have a plan and a purpose."

Even though things are hardwork, I sense God's love for the city, the campus and the students. My team and I were praying for the campus 2 weeks ago and I saw a picture of a lamb and then Jesus saying, "The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy, but I have come that they may have life to the fullest." Jesus wants to be a Shepherd to the lost sheep in this campus. And Jesus is asking me, "Are you willing to allow me to use you to bring my kingdom and love to this campus?"

My response?

"Oh Lord I am willing. Take my life and everything that's in me and use it all for Your glory."