We got to be in B.C. for over a month. What a treat. Our five favourite parts were…
5. Being Surrounded By Nature
In China we see towering buildings everywhere but not a lot of nature. The peacefulness of the cottage and the lake was so refreshing. I set up shop, (my laptop and camera) right by the window and imagined myself in another life, as an artist and writer living in the cottage. Maybe someday.
Water is so calming. It was a little cold to be outside so I spent a lot of time enjoying the view from indoors. But the sight of several eagles flying right over our lawn drew me out into the chilling wind. It was incredible to watch them catch the wind and swoop down to the lake for fish.
4. Catching up with friends
Brian and I saw different friends almost every day and loved having a chance to connect with people we haven’t seen in years. We enjoyed lots of amazing Canadian food too, some things I had forgotten even existed, like rhubard, triscuits and peppercorn ranch salad dressing! Thanks everyone for your warm hospitality.
3. Being with family
Brian’s dad got to do lots of grandpa duty, watching the kids while we toured the lower mainland meeting friends. They loved it! Then we all went to Victoria, where he grew up, and visited with extended family.
I had a few sleepovers, some yoga time, and a movie night with my sister. Fun times!
2. Meeting our newest family member
We visited Brian’s brother and family and finally got to meet our newest nephew. He’s already 2 years old and we just met him for the first time! One of the hardest things about being so far away is not being with family. It really hit us when this little guy was born and we didn’t get to be a part of welcoming him into the world, helping Brian’s brother and sister-in-law and gradually getting to know him. I think I half expected him to still be a babe in arms, since I had missed out on those delightful first few months and years.
But I was thrilled that he said, “There’s Auntie Charity,” the first time we met.
1. Whenever I ask the kids their favourite part of B.C. they have the same answer. It was something I told them would never happen while we were in Canada. Check back for my next post to find out what it was…