Goodbye to Edmonton for a while!

It's been quite a busy, but fun week. I worked my last 3 twelve-hour night shifts for a while on the weekend. It doesn't feel like I'm really done, but I am, and my new adventure is beginning. JST starts next week (joint staff training), then camp, then Africa! 

On Monday, Kristy, Chase, Mike and I went out to my auntie Carolyn and uncle Chris' acreage outside of Devon, and had a sleep-over. Auntie Carrie made us delicious coconut prawns and shish-kebabs. She treats us likely royalty! I had so much fun with my cousin Rachelle playing on the trampoline, going in the hot tub, playing bones, running around, and hammocking! 

Yesterday I had a pedicure courtesy of Belinda on her last day at Est-elle academy. It was my first professional pedicure ever, and I must say, the wax dip was incredible! The foot massage was also wonderful. Of course spending time with Belinda was the highlight!

A few of us went out for dinner at an Indian place yesterday. Quite delicious, but very hot. I couldn't get enough water down! The highlight there was seeing Michelle and Charles' baby Shayla. She's already 6 weeks old. Unbelievable. She's so perfect.

I'm leaving today for my parents home in good 'ol Saskatchewan! I still have to pack, run some errands, and go to Raquel and Allison's convocation. Should be a good day! 

Shots, flights, and impromtu concerts!

It's been a busy but good week. I had the weekend off and enjoyed a showing of Prince Caspian, catching up with friends at Church, and on Sunday night got to see both the Rawling Brothers AND my brother play music! I didn't realize the Rawling Brothers were playing and only found out a couple hours before the concert, but I thoroughly enjoyed it as always. They showed a slideshow of camp pictures during one of their songs which really got me excited about the place I'm going to be in 2 weeks! Wilderness Ranch! One of my favourite places in the world! I'll have to post pictures of it this summer for those of you who've never been there. It's awe-inspiring!

After the concert I was driving home down Whyte Ave, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw a guy with a guitar walking down the street. It looked an awful lot like my brother. So, I pulled into the nearest parking spot I could find and went in search of this guy. I ended up at O'Byrnes and found my brother hanging out and waiting for his turn at open mic night! Sweet! I'd wanted to hang out with Mike on the weekend, but found out he was in BC, so thought it wouldn't happen. It was fun to spend some unexpected quality time with some of my great and musical relatives! 

I got my last 4 shots on Monday; 2 in each arm! I'm fully protected now, except for rabies. I pride myself on how well I take my needles. Ever since preschool when the nurse gave me a stamp on my arm for being brave when I got my shots, I've been proud of my bravery. I had to get yellow fever this time, which really stung, but I handled it. It reminded me of how much it probably hurts my patients when I give them needles. 

I booked my flight on Monday, so now I'm really definitely going. I leave for Liberia on September 4th, and return to Edmonton on November 22nd. It feels so short, but I'm planning on going again next winter. We'll see what God has in store for me. 

Today I got to enjoy my first Shiatsu head massage ever from my dear friend Belinda! It was lovely! I'm in danger of becoming addicted to Shiatsu massages! I also got a haircut, and the frizz showed up for the party! Combing + curly hair = disaster! However, Belinda tamed my mane quite nicely, and I LOVE my haircut as always! Now I'm going to head to the park to enjoy the sunshine! :)