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!

web "window shopping"

So, I couldn't sleep this morning. I don't know if it was nervous excitement or if I was stomach sick! haha. Anyways, it caused me to venture to the living room to watch "rich bride, poor bride" and browse the internet. I landed on modcloth.com and thought I'd share some of the cute dresses and tops I found:

Cute, right?! I know.

Karla Lee - January 5th, 1961

Today is my mom's 50th birthday. I wrote this for her:

The first person I ever knew was also the most influential person in my life.

My mother has been a mentor, coach, confident and friend

and has faithfully guided me, like a lighthouse, towards truth, love and a life worth living.

She taught me how to walk by faith and to pray when my faith was scarce.

Most importantly, she taught me to trust in Christ when I had almost no faith at all.

My mother has modelled kindness, strength and perseverance

and has taught us what it means to live selflessly.

She has made me who I am and I hope to someday be

a mirror-image of the woman who gave love and life to me.

A Wonderful Christmas Time

I'm a tad late with this one!

I had a wonderfully magnificent Christmas. It was full of fun, family and festivity (and who could possibly ask for more?!) We were at our church for Christmas Eve, and I read from "the Jesus Storybook Bible" from a big arm chair onstage. It was like story-time with Aunt Jay - I should have pushed my glasses down my nose a bit! When that was done, we headed over to Uncle Grant and Aunt Connie's house for Saip family Christmas. We ate lots of tasty food and played the present-stealing game (White Elephant?). Aunt Edna ended up with a bottle of Fireball...

We stayed overnight at Dad and Muttie's house and enjoyed a leisurely morning of opening presents, eating dad's goulash (yummy), drinking coffee and, of course, reading the Christmas story from Luke chapter 2.

At around 11:30 we headed over to mom and Lyle's to have our family Christmas there - we ate mandarin oranges and turtles (it's tradition!) opened presents and lazed around. Uncle Guy and Aunt Terri came over for Christmas dinner and we enjoyed our usual ridiculousness joking and laughing around the table, eventually retiring to "jam" in the music/living room.

/div>

I'll have you all know that I remained in my pajamas ALL day.

We left for Kelowna mid-morning on the 26th and enjoyed our Dyck family Christmas as soon as we arrived! We had an awesome time of relaxing, playing games (TTR, Settlers, Dominion) and I read about 50 percent of "Little Women" on my new Kindle! (I'm now at 80 percent).

We even enjoyed some outdoor theatre and a sleigh ride (right up my alley!) in Armstrong - we had an awesome time.

It was fabulous. Just fabulous.

Merry Christmas, friends.

Mere Christianity...

My friend Ron lent me "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis, which I have been meaning to read for... well, most of my life. While reading it today, I came across a couple of thoughts that I wanted to quote - undoubtedly I'll have another post or two referencing this book, but here's what I'll share for now:

"I have heard some people complain that if Jesus was God as well as man, then His sufferings and death lose all value in their eyes, 'because it must have been so easy for Him'. Others may (very rightly) rebuke the ingratitude and ungraciousness of this objection; what staggers me is the misunderstanding it betrays. In one sense, of course, those who make it are right. They have even understated their own case. The perfect submission, the perfect suffering, the perfect death were not only easier to Jesus because He was God, but were possible only because He was God. But surely that is a very odd reason for not accepting them? The teacher is able to form the letters for the child because the teacher is grown-up and knows hot to write. That, of course, makes it easier for the teacher; and only because it is easier for him can he help the child. If it rejected him because 'it's easier for grown-ups' and waited to learn writing from another child who could not write itself (and so had no 'unfair' advantage), it would not get on very quickly. If I am drowning in a rapid river, a man who still has one foot on the bank may give me a hand which saves my life. Ought I to shout back (between my gasps) 'No, it's not fair! You have an advantage! You're keeping one foot on the bank'? That advantage - call it 'unfair' if you like - is the only reason why he can be of any use to me. To what will you look for help if you will not look to that which is stronger than yourself?" (pg. 58-59)

And also from page 65...

"God is going to invade, all right: but what is the good of saying you are on His side then... There is no use saying you choose to lie down when it has become impossible to stand up. That will not be the time for choosing: it will be the time when we discover which side we really have chosen, whether we realized it before or not. Now, today, this moment, is our chance to choose the right side. God is holding back to give us that chance. It will not last for ever. We must take it or leave it."

Update

I'm still alive.

I didn't end up going in to Tsawwassen for job shadowing - I called Paige and told her how crazy stressed I was feeling about some of my school stuff and she said "don't worry about it! We can reschedule for January!" (After all, this wasn't required, it was just something I wanted to do).

So I felt better.

Today, I worked on my directoral project for "The Tempest" and then Gabby came over to study for our Stagecraft final. I can do this.

And then I watched last week's episode of "The Office" again because it is SO freaking funny. Sometimes you just need a little light-hearted escapism in your day!

Also, you all need to go to this site: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1y64mxm85s

I LOVE Dave Barnes. What a funny guy.

Okay. Merry Christmas!

the Christmas Crazies.

I'm desperately trying to finish off my remaining school work - tomorrow (Tues.) I'm shadowing Paige Hansen at SDSS as a drama teacher (it's recommended that anyone going into education has at least a few experiences in the classroom before finishing TEP, PDP or BEd). Wednesday morning is my Introduction to Technical Theatre final exam... I'm not at all prepared. That night we have the youth Christmas banquet, leaving me little to NO time to work on my final project for my Intro to Theatre class on Thursday morning.

Yikes.

If I can just survive past Thursday morning, my life will be easy, breezy and wonderfully Christmas-oriented. HOWEVER, I literally have no idea how I'm going to get all of this done.

Why not work on it RIGHT NOW instead of blogging? Well, I'm trying to... but every once in a while I become paralyzed with fear and have to resort to sneaking some Reese's pieces or staring at my Christmas tree or venting on a website...

AAAAH.

Also, I've asked Kyle for Christmas movies for Christmas (scrooged, home alone, muppet christmas carol, it's a wonderful life, white christmas, the grinch, elf), but what good does it do me to open a gift that I will not be able to enjoy for a whole 'nother year?! dag nabbit. I still want them, I just want them now so that I can enjoy them. He already tried to buy me one, but I had already bought it for myself... (Christmas Vacation).

Okay, back to the grind. Wish me luck.

my whitt

I'm a tad late. I meant to write this a few weeks ago, but school and rehearsals and, well, life caused me to delay.

My sister, Whitney Shea (Saip) Dyck turned 24 on October 24th - her champagne birthday. It's hard to believe that we're getting into our mid-twenties... I remember sitting on our bedroom floor, making barbie cars out of slippers and wondering what we would look like when we turned 16.

I have lots of memories with Whitt - she has been my "other half" since 1988. From before I can remember I have tried to be just like her... everything from outfits, to hairstyles (pixie cut in grade 5, yikes), to last names... haha. In all honesty though, I don't know who I would be without her. She has played such a vital role in shaping who I am today - she's always been a coach, cheerleader, mentor, confident, supporter and best friend to me, and I can't explain how much she means to me.

So Whitty, happy (belated) birthday. I love you more than you'll ever know.

xo Jay

Day by Day.

I wrote this note for facebook last week, but I thought I'd share it on my blog as well...

Joshua 1:9

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

sometimes I get discouraged. sometimes I wonder why I'm still dealing with these health issues, why God hasn't healed me. but then I remember just how good I have it... just how blessed I am. despite the frustration I sometimes feel, I know that I belong to an all-knowing, all-loving, all-powerful Saviour.

i love this old hymn. my prayer is that these words would always ring true in my life.

Day by day and with each passing moment,

Strength I find to meet my trials here;

Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,

I've no cause for worry or for fear.

He whose heart is kind beyond all measure,

Give unto each day what He deems best;

Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,

Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Ev'ry day the Lord Himself is near me

With a special mercy for each hour;

All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me,

He whose name is Counselor and Pow'r.

The protection of His child and treasure,

Is a charge that on Himself He laid;

"As your days, your strength shall be in measure,"

This the pledge to me He made.

Help me then in ev'ry tribulation,

So to trust Your promises, O Lord;

That I lose not faith's sweet consolation,

Offered me within Your holy Word.

Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,

E'er to take, as from a Father's hand,

One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,

Till I reach the promised land

this eminent spotlight.

I'm pretty excited...

this coming Wednesday is the first read through of "Girl in the Goldfish Bowl", which is the Morris Panych play that I was cast in at UFV. The cast is only 5 people and, in all honesty, everyone is SO great! (Which sounds conceited, but you know what I mean).

The play is set in 1962, when air raids and the Cuban missile crisis are part of daily conversation.

My wonderful, marvellous, talented friend Gabby Bohmer is the lead - she plays 10 year old Iris - and she is PERFECT for the part. Just an all-star.

Ron Jackson - a very funny and intimidatingly gifted actor - will be playing Owen, Iris' father, who has not worked since World War II (when he accidentally shot himself in the leg while loading a gun), and is completely obsessed with physics.

Rebekah Brisco - what a doll. Lovely, talented and hilarious! She will be playing Sylvia, Iris' mother, who, in an attempt to leave the family, slipped and broke her wrist, and is now stuck in an awkward situation.

Josh Wilson - who I think of when I think of "UFV Theatre". Very talented, and although I was super intimidated by him at first, he's actually very sweet and VERY funny. He will be playing Lawrence, an aimless drifter with an undistinguishable past whom Iris found on the beach and believes to be the reincarnation of her dead goldfish, Amahl ("I named him Amahl because that's where we bought him").

And me. I play "Miss Rose" ("maybe I'll tell you my first name when we've known each other a little longer.....Vivian"). I am the boarder at Iris' house, middle-aged, hopelessly stuck in the war years (for those were my glory days), I spend my days working at a fish cannery, and my nights down at the Legion making out with Veterans "like its VE day all over again" (although you never see it). I have the least amount of lines in the play, but the role is fabulous! (I actually have the most costume changes, which means that I will have multiple dresses made JUST for me!)

It's going to be wonderful. The show goes up in late January and runs until Feb. 6th. You should come see it.

xo - J

Really?

Look out, world. I'm "displeased".

"Hello...Jalen, is it?"

"Yes, hi"

"You've been dealing with this "condition" for a year and a half? hmmm... interesting. Have you had allergy testing before?"

"Yes, a year ago I had blood testing done through a naturopath"

"Oh. Well, I don't care what a naturopath found - do you KNOW of any allergies you have?"

"No... not for sure"

"Alright, let's do some tests then."

(Prick test, right arm foods, left arm contact allergens - 10 minutes of "reaction time")

"According to your reaction, it appears that you're quite severally allergic to dust mites"

"Oh. Is that why my arm is so swollen?"

"Yes. This allergy could be aggravating your skin quite a bit without you knowing it..."

Great. Wonderful.

First of all, naturopathic medicine (if that's what you'd call it - www.eczemanaturalhealing.com) has literally been THE ONLY thing that has had a lasting positive impact on my health (obviously also through God's help and healing), and although it's slow as the dickens (and some days I want to give up) it's effective for long term.

Secondly, my apartment is carpeted wall to wall to wall except in the kitchen and bathrooms... so, thanks so much for suggesting that I not have carpet - super helpful. Also, I don't think covers for my duvet, mattress and pillows are covered under my medical plan, so I'm not going to be able to run down to the store and purchase those anytime this semester, but thanks.

Basically, thank you for making me aware of an enemy that I actually cannot fight right now... except for more frequent dusting and vacuuming.

Pfff. I'm just frustrated. Why does no one respect natural healing? Medical plans don't cover pillow covers or probiotics or enzymes, or ANYTHING that helps me, but they DO cover steroids and cortisone creams and other garbage that has actually caused SO much damage in (and ON) my body. It's dumb. Really stupid.

I had to get that off my chest. I'm not saying that allopathic medicine is bad, I'm just saying that there should be a certain amount of cooperation and respect between the different methods of healing... I'm tired of being made to feel stupid by doctors. I've been dealing with this for a year and a half now and I know a few things about my body that they don't. I have a vested interest in my well-being, and I can't just tell myself "good luck" and send me out the door with a prescription.

Okay. I'm done. Sorry for losing my cool a little bit, but seriously.

my darling autumn.

I love fall. I really LOVE it. It gives me the warm fuzzies inside just THINKING about it!

Here are some thing I will always associate with fall:

- cozy clothes

- stunning colours

- crisp air

- pumpkins

- apple cider

- coffee dates

- gingerbread

- apple crisp

- my mom's "fall display"

- boots

- halloween (I love dressing up, carving pumpkins, having parties... even the smell of the candles inside the pumpkins!)

- family get togethers

- thanksgiving

- jazz music (specifically the Harry Connick Jr. "when harry met sally" album)

I love, love, love it. Unfortunately I'm not able to enjoy some of the usual highlights of fall because of my stupid skin, but hopefully that will all change soon! (I would LOVE to have a latte and a ginger-molasses cookie right now!)

My wonderful Aunt Terri sent me this fall collage a few days ago, and I just had to share it!

It is well.

Hey guys.

The past couple of weeks have been a little nutty.

Some of you may already know that Lyle (my wonderful stepdad) has been in the hospital for awhile now. He was diagnosed with epidural spinal abscesses. Basically, he had something comparable to tumours along the base of his spine that were causing him a lot of pain and threatened to cause neurological damage or paralysis if not treated immediately. On Thursday night they decided to do emergency surgery to try to reduce the risk of paralysis. The surgery went well, although they were unable to remove the abscesses, they could release some of the pressure around his spine. He's still at Royal Columbian Hospital, and they're now attempting to take care of the rest of the "problem" with antibiotics and other medications.

Thank you to those of you who were praying for our family - we can't tell you how much we've appreciated it! Lyle has really felt God's comfort through this whole ordeal (I think he's been calmer than mom and us four kids!) and we're obviously also VERY relieved that he still has full function of his limbs (and his mind!).

Lots of love.

Toms Shoes

This movement is rad.

Toms shoes is a company which was developed for the purpose of distributing one pair of shoes to a child in a third-world country for every single pair of shoes that they sell.

What an awesome idea.

http://www.tomsshoes.ca/content.asp?tid=529

check it out.

Personally, I love this pair:

I just need to have a little recovery time from my "all natural supplement" med purchases and school tuition and then these bad boys will be making an appearance on my feet! haha