I have to say that my trip to Vernon was not merely a holiday, but it was also a time where God taught me many lessons; and it is one trip I will never ever forget! I had so much fun that I did not want to return back to Vancouver. ;) I’m serious. Really…
I must say that without a doubt, Alison and her family (her mom and dad, Brothers, Daniel and Adam; and sister, Rebecca) were and are fantastic and wonderful people! They have been a truly good host and I cannot thank them enough. They made me feel at home and I feel like part of their family. =) They are the most AMAZING family I have ever met. Really… They sort of remind me of my own family ;) Which I find pretty cool! ;) Because I felt like I was at home. =)
Anywho, updates on what I did here.
December 27, 2007:
I took an overnight bus and arrived in Vernon at 9am. Alison came to pick me up with her brother, Adam. And yes, I saw snow. Lots of it. I even experienced how it feels to have snow falling down softly! I even walked on it. Yes, finally a “jakun” experienced snow. Anyway, I hit the sack the moment I arrived Alison’s place. I so did not get enough sleep on the bus. By the way, her house in Vernon, wow! It’s situated by the Okanagan lake and the view is just so awesome! ;)
At night, we went up to Silverstar to ice skate! ;) It was the most amazing experience. There was so much snow!! ;) (Bear with me. I’ve never experience so much snow before) It was my FIRST time ice skating. I was so scared but I did not want to chicken out; plus, I would not want to miss the opportunity. So, I gathered all my courage (I did not know that I actually had courage in me ;p) and put the skates on and with the help of Alison’s friend, Mike, I went unto the ice. (See, before coming, I ensured that I watch and read and learn a little about ice skating. Owh well, you know, get some stuff in my head so that I know what I’m doing). Mike was such a sport, and he taught me what to do and stuff. I got the hang of it after a while, but I sure was NOT ready to let go of his hand! ;p I was AFRAID to fall! (There, I admit it) Anyway, of course I knew full well that sooner or later I gotta let go and skate alone. I was hanging on to dear life on Alison’s hands when she let me go. I panicked for a second, but thn I realized I was able to balance myself on the skates. So, I mustered all the confidence I had, and skated! And ta-da! I ice skated! ;) Sweet! Well, I sure do not know how to turn, jump, etc. except to move forward, stop, and not fall, which is pretty good! ;p Well, bottom line is, I had fun, learned how to ice skate and most importantly, gained new experiences. =)
December 28, 2007:
We woke up at 7am and prepared to go up to Silverstar again. This time, we were going to snowboard and ski. Yes, it was my FIRST time in my entire life skiing! Of course, I had to take lessons. So, lessons it is. Geesh, I NEVER thought skiing would be so tough! Well, maybe not, but to me it is. I know what I should do, like really. Test me and I can explain it to you; but what I found difficult was putting it into practice. I keep on putting my life on the “roller coaster” because I’d just ski all the way down, not knowing how to stop! Haha… ;p After 2 hours of classes, I must say I was pretty beaten down. I’m sort of a person who does not give up easily, but get discourage easily if I do not live up to the standards and goals I’ve set for myself. Those who know me would know that I have pretty high and “lofty” standards (which can be bad at times). And it’s bad for this, because I did not want to ski after my lessons. Haha… I just couldn’t. (Like seriously, I can still picture myself and that slope of snow). I felt bad too because I felt like as if I disappointed Alison. Sigh… I nearly cried and I might if I keep on thinking about it. However, I wouldn’t as I knew that at least I GAVE it a try and experienced something new. At least now I know how it feels like to ski. Maybe in the future, I’ll give it another try. =)
Upon returning home, we went hot tubing! Boy, was it fun! It was so relaxing! ;) After dinner, we had games night. We played Mexican Train Game and Cranium. We had fun despite feeling tired after a long day.
December 29, 2007:
Lazed around the whole day. That’s what you do once you get sore! ;) My body is all sore from using muscles I NEVER in my entire life used, I guess. (I’ve been exaggerating a lot in this post. Haha…) Owh well, that’s what a Saturday should be. Do NOTHING other than relaxing. =) Later in the evening, Alison, her mom and I went hot tubing! ;) I had fun… Owh yes… Then at night, we rented a movie to watch. =)
December 30, 2007:
Unfortunately, I have to (like it or not) pack and say goodbye to lovely Vernon! =( How sad. I must ensure that I make another trip back to Vernon some day. (My goal *grins*) I attended their church for the very first time. It’s a Russian church (no, it’s not in Russian). It was a really good experience. =) They took me out for lunch and then it was that time. It was so HARD to say goodbye to them. It was like saying goodbye to my own family. Over the past few days, they have become like my “family”. =)
On my way back to Vancouver, I met this cute little girl named Kaya. She was sitting next to me and she gently nudged me and said: “Can I tell you something?” And from there, we hit it off! Boy did we have fun laughing! She is only 5 years old but a really smart little girl. Spending 2 hours with her taught me a few little lessons. She taught me that it’s perfectly fine to sometimes be silly and funny in public. The games we played on the bus really loosen me up. She also taught me how to love. I don’t know, for some reason, this little girl just brought so much joy and laughter and love into my life. One thing she said to me that pierced my heart was this: “I don’t know why, but my mummy always scolds me whenever I do something right for her.” I then asked her if she felt sad, and she yes. That moment really made my heart reached out to this little girl. And as she gazed into my eyes, she smiled and said: “You’re my best friend”. I tear inside. The nicest thing a little girl ever said to me. Truly, she must be God sent. She and her mum and little brother got off a stop before mine. After she left, the whole trip back to Vancouver was filled with awe and amazement as I reflected and prayed for Kaya and her family.
Lessons learned from Alison and her family while I was in Vernon:
- They do everything as a family; and that is something I really miss. I miss doing things with my family.
- They are really a God-fearing family too. I admire the fact that they are really cautious with what they watch on TV; and that really opened my eyes and made me realized that I needed to reevaluate what I watch on TV.
- They are really open to each other. I like the fact that they say "thank you" and give lots of encouragements to one another often. For example, at every meal, everyone would thank their mom for preparing the meal. =) I realized that that is something I should put into practice. And, they always, always tell one another "I love you". Truly a family to look up to.
- For me, the thing that stands out most is Alison's relationship with her mom. They have a really, really strong bond. I had fun just watching them having a conversation ;) They talk about everything under the sun! I really look up to Alison in this area and I am praying and trying my best to have a really good and strong relationship with my parents. I am really thankful to God that He brought Alison and her family into my life and using them to "mold me" into a better person.
- Hospitality and giving is really important. I truly understand now how my mom feels whenever she lets someone stay over at our place; and how she wanna just bless that person. =)
- I also learned a few Canadian culture stuff from them, which is really cool! ;)
So there you have it.... =) Ah, good times! ;) Owh, pictures... Yes! They're in Alison's camera; so I'm waiting for her to send them to me and then I'll post it up here. So, bear with me ok? =)
Only 2 days until I leave for my super exciting trip!!! In 2 days, I'll be busing down to Seattle and then flying to St. Louis, MO for Urbana!
