The Next Step: December 2007

First off, I have to say that relying on technology sometimes makes things more difficult than easy. I have began to post at least half a dozen times these past few weeks, only to have things disappear on me repeatedly and the internet decide it doesn't want to work half way through. Today I am trying to work around this by saving it into word as well as on this site so that maybe, just maybe I will be able to successfully update everyone on life!
A lot has definitely happened in the past few weeks. My parents came out to visit over the remembrance day weekend, so we got to spend time catching up with them and showing off the campsite. We definitely welcomed the company!
As for everything at work, well that has definitely been keeping us busy. We had groups steady throughout November and truly it has flown by! I was amazed this past weekend when I had to flip over the calendar one more month! I have been busy hosting groups, decking out the lodge in Christmas gear, and keeping the office in running order. Overall I am coming to a point where I feel I can answer most questions with confidence and keep up with the groups as they all need different things. It is nice to be able to read a situation before it arrives, instead of trying to backtrack!
Greg has been working on getting everything ready for the winter season. The snow started falling fairly late this season, but once it started it didn't stop. We have had snow most days in the last two weeks, and watched, quite literally as the lake froze over. We noticed one morning that the shoreline was starting to freeze over, and when I came into work early the next morning, it was completely closed over! Now Greg has all the x-country skiing trails groomed and well marked, the tube slide iced over and in use (it will be a continual work in progress as more snow arrives). There was an attempt at clearing the ice with the tractor this past week...but it ended up being more work than help, as the tractor went through close to shore and it had to be pulled out. Needless to say, the guys were soaking wet, in the bitter cold!! With the snow, the cold has also arrived and the temperature gauge has not warmed past the -18 mark in quite some time, with most nights dipping past -30 with wind chill. Welcome to a Manitoba winter! BUT, when you don’t have to start your car and try to drive somewhere, fighting traffic the whole time, it makes quite a difference. We just bundle up, walk 30 seconds to the lodge and move back into warmth!
November 22 marked an exciting day, as Gavin Grey Friesen was born to my good friend Sabrina. He is a beautiful little man and it has been such a blessing to have been here for such a huge event. Greg and I went in and met him the day after he was born and I got to spend an entire day with Sabrina again this last week. I am quite smitten, he is beautiful and such a content little baby!
I am going to sign off here, hoping that this is going to post!! Please continue to pray for us as we are still adjusting to living in a new environment. Thank you again for all your support!