Halloween, Elvis, and Bomb Threats

It's been an eventful week in Vancouver. Truly. Our classes have been amazing this week. We've learned so much and have been challenged greatly. We learned about urban mapping and how to use the data you get from it and about postmodernity and other great topics. Our heads are truly swimming as we reflect on what we've learned and look at ways to apply it.

The most excitement has come from our interactions with our friends and people we've just met, though. On Halloween, my neighbor came over with 3 of her friends. My friend from the U.S. came too. We made Halloween shaped sugar cookies and decorated them. They had never done this before, so they really enjoyed it. They said they would come again. I'm excited--for the experience, for friendships, and for the opportunity to share the true story. We're having lunch with our neighbors tomorrow, so be in prayer for opportunities to share life and our stories.

In case you were wondering, Elvis is alive and kicking...in Vancouver. Jonathan met Elvis, a man from Ghana on the bus today. It was a longer bus ride, so they had a lot of time to talk--even about spiritual things. Elvis gave Jonathan his number, so they can meet back up for coffee and more conversation. Elvis' mother is a believer, but he does not see any value in it for himself. Pray that he'll think otherwise through conversations with Jonathan.

We had planned on going ice skating tonight with a group we met on Meetup.com. Our plans were changed at the last minute due to the Sky Train being shut down at our stop. Earlier today a homemade bomb was found on the Sky Train several stops past ours. It caused major delays and some closures on the Sky Train for several hours today. As we were walking to the Sky Train tonight, Mounties had all of the ways blocked off leading to the stop and the stop shut down completely. We went to the mall to get bubble tea and figure out what to do from there. While there we found out that there was a bomb threat at our stop. We decided to walk back home instead of trying to meet back up with the group since all transportation was delayed and our stop was going to be closed for a long time. The group ice skates every Friday, so we hope we can go next week. Once we got home, we found out they did find something at the station, although they are unsure of what it is right now. Mounties and bomb squads were checking it out, and our stop will remain closed for a few hours until they know for sure what the device is and if the stop is safe.

This is a super safe city compared to New Orleans and other cities we've lived in, and the crime rate is low. We aren't worried, but this does make you realize that dangerous things can happen anywhere. I'm sure some people are worried. Pray for safety for this city. Pray for peace. Pray that people can find comfort in Jesus. Pray for justice.

Here is a link to the Vancouver Sun's article on what has happened today. I'm sure more details will be available tomorrow. http://www.vancouversun.com/news/metro/Possible+second+explosive+device+found+SkyTrain+station/7491331/story.html

Making Halloween cookies with my neighbor and friends

Sleeping Beauty and Prince Charming

Our free-hand Haunted House pumpkin