We're Back!!!

Hi everyone. Just thought I`d let you all know that we are all back safe and sound in Vernon. The trip home was uneventful, and most of us napped, seeing we left at 4 in the morning! We got to the Canada border at 5.30PM, and literally had to be escorted to the Canadian side by US borderpatrol, and had to hand our Parole papers back in. So now we are no longer deemed `parolees`. Although we were all tired, our spirits are still high, and will share our stories with you in due time.

Before I sign off, I would like to share an e-mail I received from Dar on the way home. It is her farewell to the East Hill DRS Team, and her comments are heartfelt.

Marcel.

Here are Dar`s comments. 

I'm a fan of Ralph Marston daily motivators, have been since I was turned on to him about 5 yrs ago. He is a minister and on his website there is only one area where he specifically indicates that he is a Christian (the page about specifically about him) and what I appreciate about the motivators is that they apply to ALL, no matter what religion. This was the motivator on the day that your team arrived and the last one left (both groups have left imprints on my heart):

THE DAILY MOTIVATOR

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Keep building

+++++++++++++++++++

If it were quick and easy you would have already done it. The fact that it is difficult and time-consuming means you're doing something truly worthwhile.

The value of any achievement is built with the time and effort you put into it. Keep going, keep building, keep at it and you'll truly have something of great value.

It is often difficult to stay positively focused. And it is always worth the trouble.

Sure, it would be much easier to do nothing. Yet by doing nothing, you create nothing.

Instead, step forward and do the difficult work that must be done. With each effort, you are adding more value and substance to the achievement.

Feel the satisfaction as you continue the difficult and rewarding work of building that achievement. Know that the value has already started coming to life.

Ralph Marston.

Michelle: Though you had some trials through the week with your body and the task at hand, you were a contribution to the team and none of us could have grown as we did without your presence.

Helene: A lot of might in that small package of a body is what you are! I enjoyed your being the first to greet me in the morning, gently nudging "is the coffee ready?" along with your bright smile and dancing eyes.

Anita: Your gentle tone and encouragement for the whole team, as a team was inspirational. The next time you come back, bring the family too!

Harold: My doubting Thomas of the group. I could always depend on your curious smile and bit of "what if?" inquisitive presence, it gave me a moment to ponder it all. Thank you.

Cor: I very much enjoyed our time together and Thank you for fixing my car tail light. Your wisdom was gentle and informative and I felt at ease listening to you and learning, as you shared your knowledge. Also the laughter that you brought, sticking that tongue out or winking when you made a joke.

Josh: I'm sorry that the fishing didn't work out with Albert, nor did it for us. I do promise that next time you're here we will go and I hope it is with your whole family too. Thank you for the laughter and the visuals and all the ribbing and such. I know you made an old man smile a lot this week.

Marcel: You were an awesome leader, humble and open to new learning as you went along. Your quick quips, along with Josh's kept me on my toes and I enjoyed every minute of it. The laughter was wonderful and heartwarming.

God Bless each of you and thank you from the bottom of my heart for the planter and gift money and the notes you each left early this morning. I will put the money aside and use it especially for traveling to IL for the wedding. You all have a special place in my heart and I look forward to seeing you down the road. Where ever you head on your next mission trip, I know you and the people you will be in service to will hear God's word and they will know you represent Him. Know that there will always be a hug here waiting for you.

Blessings, Dar.