Before I start, I want to thank all of you who have supported me for my missions this summer in 2009. The stories and updates that are to come will be possible only because of all your help.
It's 1.00 AM and I'm currently in Vancouver International Airport waiting for a flight to Hong Kong. Before I board I wanted to drop at least one update before I get to Cambodia. The past few days I have worked at the eMi office in Calgary, and I've got to say it's been quite a blur. One thing I can really appreciate throughout the fatigue of transition and getting acclimated to Canada is living with another intern at his aunt's house - I'll elaborate later.
It's quite different working for eMi compared to last year at the Water District. First, my commute each way increased about 55 minutes. I went from driving down about 5 street lights to taking 2 25 minute bus rides and having to transfer. On the bright side, the weather is absolutely gorgeous. It just turned green here, and combined with the view of the Rockies in the distance an just a general peacefulness to the city, it is very pleasant to my senses.
Since I live with another intern, Edmund, I spend pretty much every waking moment with him. He's a 22 year old Chiense guy from Edmonton, and he's probably the most hospitable guy I've ever met. It really puts to shame my own half-hearted attitude of serving because of some of the things we've done. He's insisted I cook with him to save money, we bring lunch to work - leftovers :( -, and he's allowed me to sleep in the bed instead of the mattress on the floor. Beyond how he serves me, he brings snacks to the office everyday (that he doesn't let me buy the day before) and has made several friends on the bus that I normally would not approach. Everything I need he offers me without hesitation, and it's made my transition a lot easier.
The office environment is so great and chill. It's just 6 guys (at most) who work in a converted canoe shop, not that you guys can really picture what that looks like. (lol @ canada) I'll provide pictures once I get back. There's a kitchen/sofa/dining area in the between where the staff and the interns work. The staff doesn't hesitate to just engage the interns in 30-45 minute long stories or opinions, because I think they really encourage openness and a comfort level within the office. We pray everyday for a different eMi office and any other prayer requests, so it's awesome to just settle down every morning and lift up the day and an office to God. It sets the tone for a very stress-free day. However, I'm sure once I actually have stuff to do after I come back from Cambodia, I suspect I'll be much busier - but for now it's great.
So now that I've left Calgary temporarily, I have to say goodbye to Edmund as he's leaving for a year long mission trip in China. God bless him and me and you (the reader) too. I've been learning a lot about serving in humility from him, and I think it was God's impeccable timing of blessing me with his presence because serving is what missions are all about.
I'll be back soon, enjoy your next couple days.
Brian
