It has, in general, been a cold and rainy summer. I'm not sure if it's because I'm a West Coast girl or because I'm still used to the cooler temps of Highland living in Papua New Guinea but I've loved it! However, there have still been plenty of days of sunshine (which I'm equally happy about) and here's a bit of what I've been up to outside the office.
(Theme: great friends and good times)
Strawberry picking with my dear friend, Lesley.
Shooting my first rifle! Some great friends from Church, Martin & Ginger Witzke, had the patience to teach me (which I needed by the looks of how I'm holding the rifle).
That bottom one on the line is me! I was just happy to hit the target.
Joan and I became good friends when we were in the missionary training here together 10 years ago and we've loved being back together again now (Joan and her family have been on staff here since we graduated the training).
A gorgeous day for a bike ride.
This is "The Kissing Bridge," the last remaining covered bridge in Ontario.
Taking a break from riding to nibble a bit of wheat.
Southern Ontario is full of quaint old towns with lots of history.
I find that bribing my niece and nephew with ice cream is a good way to spend time with them.
Each class of students in our missionary training program spend six weeks each summer building and living in rustic homes in the back 40 of our campus. Although they're definitely learning to rough it and live with less, the more important lessons have to do with teamwork.
Final touches.
While up visiting a student I also got to hang out with more good friends who are on staff with the training center. Karen Whatley was teaching me the fine art of Senegalese tea.
Bottoms up!
And a couple last shots of this beautiful part of the country I now call home.
