- a home in Abbotsford with a great neighbor (who takes pictures of the snow for us while we are gone!), wonderful furnishings, and nearness to a wonderful park, Mill Lake
- the blessing of visiting Melissa’s family in Bakersfield for a family reunion
- new friends in our MTE training course, who will offer rich relationship for years to come
- support of a wonderful missions agency, MBMSI, willing to take on the Ens family as missionary candidates and support us during training
- a school in Abbotsford with an amazing and caring team that has loved and taught our children over the last 3 months
- deep lasting friendships with people around the world because of experiences we have had over just the last 10 years of our lives
- the opportunity to see Lowell’s older brother Rigo in Vancouver a few weeks ago
- an amazing hand off of the “torch” at the MBMSI Alumni event this week, and prayer from veteran missionaries, most specifically John and Janice Goertz, missionaries to Panama and other countries over the years
- God continuing to speak to us about country assignment, His faithfulness, and the understanding of how He will care for us in the coming years
- a Silent Retreat at the Mark Centre that was instrumental in this season of training this month
- wonderful mentors in Abbotsford, Art and Eleanore Klassen, who have processed many decisions with us over these last months
- an amazingly accepting church, Mountain Park, and the care group of Dave and Elaine Balzer who have taken us in and prayed with us through this season
- snow at our house in Abbotsford to play in!
- encouragement from past co-workers and others from Lowell’s past life
- a Skype visit with the Grove church in Fresno last week
- encouragement through offers of prayers and financial support from friends and family
- some incredibly beautiful daily images of God’s grandeur in snow-covered mountains, white-dusted trees, fall leaf colors, and windy lake shores
- rich experiences as a family as we journey together learning about our little corner of Canada
- friends who speak Spanish in our training program, with kids who our kids adore
- my new friend A who played chess with me this month
- a low-cost solution to a problem with our van several weeks ago
- and so much more!!!!
It is good to take time to reflect on what we are thankful for, and I appreciate this year having two opportunities! Canadians celebrate in early October, and now we have celebrated again in late November. The holiday can quickly pass by with minds focused on turkey and the fixin’s, and without taking time out to look back on the year and appreciate the many gifts we have received.
Thank you to all who have impacted Melissa and I, Mikaela, Toby, and Timothy this past year. You are such an important part of who we are, and we cherish our relationship with each of you. Take care, and Happy Thanksgiving!
A picture of our house today, courtesy of our friend Tara. Snow!
Lowell
