Mildmannered Town gone Super

On a Saturday evening, just like any other, a small group of unassuming people shed their disguises and gathered together to discuss how to continue to keep society safe. Many would say that their powers are not super, but each has a special gift. Whether it be paranioa, special baking skills, or changing diapers at incredible speeds, this random little cluster of combatants fights evil and super-villianry to keep the common civilian from harm.

The society of supers

Aunty Bacteria...all about cleanliness

The Atomic Chef...showing off his guns

The Green Girl...loves foliage

Rainbow Rider...travels at the speed of light

Captian Canuck...has that flashy little frisbee thing

The Ale Avenger...lethargically lets villians come to him

Captain Savaho...scares villians away with his costume

And Safety Girl...has a neurotic hypersensitivity to danger. Loves reflectors and frequently uses her emergency response guidebook.

These dear friends gave me a bit of a send off that will stand out in my memory for years to come! Thank you my fellow marginal super-heros! What a great evening!

Wee Ones...

I've been spending loads of time with my friends and their wee ones...it's strange...my friends may not change so much during my absence, but their kids? Man, the ones that aren't speaking will be in school when I get back, and there are a few still in the bellies that won't even know who I am...so I have been spending as much time as "auntie Jess" as possible. There are a few lovely little ones that aren't photographed here (as of yet)...more to come.

I know, I know...these two aren't kids...but I just love the photo!!! Daryl's eyes...they're so big....

Where in the World is Jessica Richards?

Follow the journies of Jessica...where was she this week? Early Saturday morning, I again loaded my belongings into the gutless cutless (which is quickly becoming like it's name) and began the long 7 hour drive to Jasper. As much as my packing and unpacking has taken on a second nature type of feel, I mysteriously forgot the majority of the things I needed this weekend. I must not take for granted that I always know what I'm doing, or that I continuously have my wits about me!

Although I journied alone, I was very much amused...by random road signs (Manly Hall...seriously? And the 'scenic' highway to Alaska, which turned out to be simply a dirt road), and by singing unabashedly at the top of my lungs. Upon arrival in Jasper I was greeted by familiarity, family and a wonderful 22 degrees!!! What could make for a better weekend?

On Saturday evening we attended mass with my aunt and I was once again struck by Jesus' amazing sacrifice for us!!! Not only his sacrifice that paid for our sins, but the life that he has given to us now, so that we can live and do and breathe!!! It is no longer I that live, but Christ that lives in me! Pretty amazing. We entered the church in the darkness, and lit candles. All of which was a symbol of Christ's death and resurrection...with his resurrection he brought us life.

One thing that has really been sticking out in my mind recently is the act of remembering. Jesus asked his disciples to remember..."Do this in remembrance of me"...and the Israelites constantly remembered what God had done from them, and how he brought them out of Egypt. I feel sometimes as if we have lost the art of remembering, or have possibly become worse at it. Or maybe just I have. I love Paula's blog that is entirely given over to remembering! I want to do more of this...more of remembering the things that God has done for me, and the monumental moments in my life where he has 'parted the waters' or even in the daily things where he has opened my eyes to see beauty in my surroundings. I believe that also in our memories, God can and will be glorified!

So...after a weekend of reconnecting with family and saying more goodbyes, Monday afternoon brought with it the journey home.

Speechless...

I've got no words for what you're about to see. David (my brother) and I set up the camera in the basement and started jumping...the rest is history. Spectacular history if I do say so myself!

Check out my photos to see more from this magical evening!!!

April Fools

I think a big joke has been played on us by the month of April herself...I mean, we were led to believe that it was going to be all warm and beautiful and then BOOM! It snows for 2 days and a foot of snow is left in the blizzard's wake. So sad.

In some ways I blame myself...it seems that God may be giving me a great taste of winter before I leave and live winter-free for 3 years. Boo snow!

Anyway, the countdown is on for me...I think it's only about 4 weeks until Hope for Thailand team boards a plane for Thailand to begin a new life over there. In these last days I'm constantly reminded of my need for Jesus. I mean, I know and realise that we are always in need of Jesus, but there are definitely times where we aren't as aware...I have become vividly aware! I'm in a state of constant revelation of my dependence on Him...I have definitely been challenged to be a woman of faith who doesn't walk in complacency, but who steps out and trusts the One who leads. Lynnette came in contact with some radical people the other day who walk and live faith here in Canada and are experiencing daily persecution for what they believe. Why aren't the rest of us? It's not that I long for suffering, but I do long to be someone who lives this thing, walks in fear of nothing, and who listens to the Father and obeys.

I met an amazing couple this last weekend. Once again, I was challenged by their lives of faith and by their commitment to the call of Jesus. I stayed at their place on Saturday night and and spent a few hours becoming acquainted with these beautiful people. They are in their seventies, and have totally devoted their lives to doing whatever it is that Jesus asks of them. The gentleman said something that remains vividly in my memory..."When I was forty, I asked the Lord for forty more years to serve him. Anything after that time is a bonus." This couple is not looking to retire, but to go where God asks them to go, and to do what God asks them to do! I long to have that kind of faith in the later years of my life....

So...here I am, sorting through my belongings and considering what may stay and what may go, and decidedly not going outside for fear of losing my extremities to the cold. April...you really have made us the fool!