France

I promised that I would blog when I was here in France, and thus far I've been a complete and utter failure at keeping that promise! HOWEVER, I'm now into a routine, my computer is fixed and I now have some time to myself where I can try and keep you all up to date.
I arrived in Europe on August 10th. I flew from Vancouver to London and then London to Geneva. Landing in London at 6:50am was absolutely magical - there was a fog on the fields and the sun was just rising... I felt like I was landing in a scene from Pride and Prejudice. I then waited in the Gatwick airport for a few hours with my two huge suitcases (and my travel backpack) until catching my flight to Geneva. The Mercers picked me up in Geneva and we drove over the border into France. Arriving in Seyssel was very exciting for me - the landscape is breathtaking. We live on the side of a mountain, literally, that overlooks the town. I will upload photos of the house and the view in a later post.
My first night I was taken to a 40th birthday party for Alix's sister. Luckily David and Alix spoke English because no one else did! It was quite a cultural whirlwind - lots of kissing on the cheek and eating dinner at 10pm.
Two days after I arrived we headed down to Hyeres for the beginning of family vacation. We were down there for a week and it was gorgeous. It's on the Mediterranean - at least 35 degrees everyday. We spent at least a few hours everyday at the beach, which was a lot of fun. It was nice to get to know the girls in a relaxed setting with David and Alix around.
We then headed to David's parents house in Jumhillac le Grand in the West of France. We stayed in their home (made out of a restored barn!) for 4 1/2 days. While there we were able to do a couple of adventures - the zoo, a prehistoric park and Hautefort chateau.
I was glad when we came home, although vacationing was great. I just wanted to figure out my routine... where I fit in here. And I think I'm getting there! I now have my little 5 speed (a FIAT Panda who I have named "Chi Chi"), my room is all set up - it's coming together!
Now I should probably go join the family for breakfast (just as you're all going to sleep!)
Here are a couple of photos - one of Kiara (almost 6) and Hannah (almost 4), one of a back alley I saw while walking through Old Hyeres, and a little collage from Hautefort.

Elda Lorraine Snider (Saip)

On the 13th of October, my Grandma turned 80 years old. You'd never believe it to look at her or talk with her but it is, in fact, true! My grandma has taught me so much about kindness, graciousness, humility and what it really means to keep your eyes focused on the Lord, no matter the circumstance. She has been a source of strength in my life - a constant reminder that grace and beauty need not diminish with age. She is lovely in every way and I hope to someday have a faith and demeanor just like hers.

love you, Gram. Happy Birthday.

my little girl.

This friday, April 29th (yes, the same day as the royal wedding), my little sister is turning 10.
Victoria Elizabeth Lorraine Saip - my "Toe-beth".
She has always been my special girl... ever since she was brought home from the hospital. I remember I used to lie on Dad and Muttie's green couch either napping or watching cartoons while Tori lied on my belly as a baby. We've played barbies, coloured in colouring books, played catch, baked cookies, painted nails, made up songs and dances and done countless makeovers.
She is one of the most amazing young ladies I know, and I am so very proud to call her my sister.
Already she has one of the kindest hearts of anyone I know and her gentle spirit is an inspiration to me. She is fun, talented, intelligent, creative and sweet.
Happy Birthday to my darling sister.
I love you, "Schmor Bor". You're one gorgeous 10 year old.

Death in His Grave.

Though the Earth Cried out for blood
Satisfied her hunger was
Her billows calmed on raging seas
for the souls on men she craved

Sun and moon from balcony
Turned their head in disbelief
Their precious Love would taste the sting
disfigured and disdained

On Friday a thief
On Sunday a King
Laid down in grief
But awoke with keys
Of Hell on that day
The first born of the slain
The Man Jesus Christ
Laid death in his grave

So three days in darkness slept
The Morning Sun of righteousness
But rose to shame the throes of death
And over turn his rule

Now daughters and the sons of men
Would pay not their dues again
The debt of blood they owed was rent
When the day rolled a new

On Friday a thief
On Sunday a King
Laid down in grief
But awoke holding keys
To Hell on that day
The first born of the slain
The Man Jesus Christ
Laid death in his grave

He has cheated
Hell and seated
Us above the fall
In desperate places
He paid our wages
One time once and for all

"Death in His Grave" - John Mark Mcmillan

to take the words from Job.

I've taken some verses from throughout the book of Job and added my own thoughts amongst them.

You must know my eyes have seen all this.
That my ears have heard it and I understand.
These things that you know? I know them.
These words that you're speaking to me are nothing new.
What I want is a private audience... with the creator of the universe.
I want to speak to speak to the Almighty.
To stand before Him and watch how He sees me. How I feel. How I'm hurting.
For though he slay me, yet I will hope in Him.
Till the end of my days...

For I know that my Redeemer lives,
and in the end He will stand upon the earth
And after my skin has been destroyed,
yet in my flesh I will see God. Me. With these eyes.
I long for that day and yet, I'm terrified for it...
Because of what I've done. Who I am.
For I am flawed in every way imaginable,
and though it seems that I have had to deal with more than I can, at times, handle,
I truly did not get what I deserved. What I deserve.
He redeemed my soul from going down to the pit
and I will therefore live to enjoy the light.

So speak, God.
Tell me of Your plans for I'm afraid this affliction leads me to make my own.
I'm sorry for how I've despaired - for begging "why me?"
Surely I spoke of things I do not understand.
Things too wonderful for me to know.

The truth, Father, is that my ears had, indeed, heard of you...
but now, through this, my eyes are finally seeing you.

February

Time flies.

My play has come and gone - and it was truly one of the most delightful experiences of my life. I can't explain how much the friendships that I created have meant to me... after one of the hardest years of my life, God knew I needed them. Gabby, Rebekah, Ron, Josh, Colleen and Joanna have become like family to me and brought so much joy and laughter back into my life. I love them, and I'm so proud of the job they did on "Girl in the Goldfish Bowl".


Here are a few pictures for you all to enjoy!

Girl in the Goldfish Bowl

Tonight is our first show in front of a real audience... and I think I might be sick. haha

I'm SO excited for this show, you have no idea.

If any of you are interested in coming, here are the details:

Location: University of the Fraser Valley, Chilliwack Campus

Preview Shows: January 19th & 20th at 7:30pm

Matinees: January 30th & February 6th at 2:00pm as well as February 3rd at noon.

Evening Shows: January 21st, 22nd, 27th, 28th, 29th, February 3rd, 4th & 5th at 7:30pm

Ticket prices range between $10-$18.

If you're interested, call the UFV box office 604-795-2814

...Showtime!