We mentioned this in our annual visits to the girls in Toronto. Then last year Yvonne (younger daughter) and Henry announced their
plans to move from cold wintry Ontario to warmer Victoria in BC. Their proposal was that we combine our equities and secure a suitable house in
Victoria. Henry had to find a new job slot, Ben their special needs son requires careful handling.
In January Henry and Yvonne came and we met up in Victoria to look for suitable housing within the finan-cial capacity of our
means. Yvonne really wanted good views to see the mountains and other features of Victoria, We needed basic living, bed and office but would also very much
like another room that could accommodate occasional guests. The first sweep produced properties livable but not exciting housing. On the second to last day we
found one that was just above the financial potential. It had great views to satisfy Yvonne and then an additional room built into the downstairs patio which
with a door cut through the wall would provide the desired 3rd room. It was then found that there was an additional one bed suite downstairs The rent on this
together with a favorable agreement on price clinched things. We were in and had a most desirable property. Available March lst. We rejoiced together in the
goodness of God.
The Surrey town house was another question as with the strata committee history it could prove difficult to sell. In the event we put it on
the market and within a few days had 3 offers one of which we accepted.
The Move
We packed frantically, junked what we could as though the suite/apartment is 1200 sq ft it is still smaller than the Town House with a
basement which held all our surplus. We did not get a complete packing for the moving van on March 9th so have had to make two further trips with full car
loads to complete the process but now we are in finding our feet and making a new home.
Henry has now found a job with the Victoria Health Authority as a Cardiac E Health manager and will begin on May lst so we expect to be
one happy family by May 1st.
Victoria
Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, population about 330,000.
Victoria is reached by car ferry (winter every 2 hours, summer hourly about 250 cars per vessel) from Vancouver a journey of 1.5 hours
across a 40 miles strait.
Victoria is an attractive city and a popular tourism destination, though a pervasive homelessness and panhandling problem continues
to seriously problem the downtown area. The city is popular with students, who come to attend the University of Victoria, Camosun College, Royal Roads
University, and other institutes; Victoria is also popular with retirees, who come to enjoy the temperate and usually snow-free climate of the area as well
as the relaxed pace of the city.
Activities 2011
Church
We are in pursuit of a suitable Church home. The priority is not Sunday services but more intimate close relationships like House Groups, Men’s and
Women’s groups from which ministry and fellowship can emerge.
USA Visit
In June we shall go to Los Angeles area by car to attend the ICHE annual seminar following up on Singapore 2009 and Interlaken, Switzerland 2010. There are
also friends going up and down to visit with. Seattle, Portland, San Francisco area. Los Angeles and San Diego.
Ontario Visit
This was planned for April May but will now be in July August.
Alister and his 3 teenagers
Plans for their visit July, August putting up a tent on the back lawn to accommodate the overflow. With only one bathroom a bit of a squeeze!
Overseas Tour 2011 September to November
To date there is a firm program for November in a ministry team of 3 other men from University Chapel in Vancouver. We shall spend a month in various
locations in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh in South India. This is in fellowship with Jivan Nair, of Grace Ministries who was at Regent College hence the
connection.
Other possibilities are being probed. Your prayerful interest is encouraged.
Pakistan:
An invitation has come from a Dr Haroon Lal Din who interestingly is the son of the first
Pakistani believer I met on Multan Station in Jan 1954! He is operating a hospital/clinic in Azad Kashmir at Garhi Habib Ullah nearest large town
Abbottabad. There could also be a possibility of teaching a course at Zarapeth Bible College in Rawalpindi/Islamabad.
N E India:
Following the Seminars of last year 2010, there has been some discussion about possible follow up in Nagaland, Gauhati, Shillong and Tura.
Sri Lanka:
An invite from Lanka Bible College for B Th courses. Possibilities in Colombo Theological Seminary similar to last year 2010.
Indonesia:
The hint of assisting in graduate programs in a Seminary at Bandug on the island of Java reached from Djkarta. If this happened we would likely go on to
Malaysia as well.
Our warm appreciation for all your fellowship and prayerful interest in us and our doings as we seek to follow the Lord together.
