Life is bitter sweet

A lot has happened since the last entry on our blog, so thought I should do another update. A lot has happened in the last few weeks. We had four Brazilian friends in for a typical Brazilian meal of beans & rice, roasted ribs, a green salad and a milk custard pudding for dessert. Our guests were Lucas Lara, right here from Salmon Arm, Solonge Detmering, also from Salmon Arm. She came to Canada 28 years ago to work for my sister Edith. Then there was Rotary exchange student by the name of Gabriel Di Bello from Sao Paulo, Brazil, and last but not least, Neusa da Silva, from Fairview Ab. that came to Canada 22 years ago to work as a nanny for my nephew and his wife. We just had a ball jabbering away in both languages. It was a fun evening and I vowed I would cook beans more often. I’ve forgotten how good they can be if one puts some imagination to work. Solonge or Sula, as we call her has to be the world’s best bean cook.

Gabriel, Neuza, Luke & Sula

Then we had some very sad news … First, that Eric’s brother Guy and a friend of his were instantly killed in a tragic automobile accident on their way from Saskatoon to Ft. McMurray where they both work. Eric is now bereft of both of his parents and one brother. It was such a shock to all of us. Ruthie and Luke flew to Saskatoon to be with him through this most difficult time. We hardly recovered from that when we got word that a very dear friend of ours that has been involved with the mission in Brazil drowned while on a fishing trip. He was a good swimmer so no one really knows just what happened. He leaves behind his grieving wife and three young daughters. He worked for the mission for many years as did his wife and her family. Recently he started his own business and was doing so well. It is still hard to believe we won’t see Miro in this life again … however, we have an eternal hope, and can look forward to seeing him in heaven. In the mean time we can weep with them and offer them what comfort we can, even if it seems insignificant to us.

Miro and his wife Joce

Our granddaughter Ruth and her husband Royden are in Salmon Arm right now. Royden’s father Ed Lepp was sick with cancer and has since passed away. He was only 64 and had so much to offer this world. Ed was a pilot and his plane crashed many years ago in northern Ontario. His passenger was killed but he survived against all odds, but did retain many scars to show for it. He lost one hand, and the fingers on his other hand. He limped badly as a result of his crushed ankles. He used a metal hook and was very dextrous with it, we were always amazed at the things he managed to do with it. The ‘Lepps’ are a large, closely knit, loving family, and when one suffers, we all suffer. Please remember them in your prayers.

Royden & Ed

Our friends Bob & Sharon Guzak from Edmonton come to spend time at their Mara Lake cottage, every winter and Bob loves to snowmobile. His other friends couldn’t join him last week so he took Earl out with him. That was a first for Earl and quite an experience by the way he tells it. He had no idea it involved so much special equipment and special clothing. I think he had stiff byceps for a few days … but would probably do it again if the opportunity arises again.

Earl & I and our friends Sharon & Bob