In Canada once more

We’re back in Canada again. We’ve been here for a couple of weeks now and we’re staring to feel settled (Although I’m really missing everyone back in the UK, especially my family).

Shanon has written a great blog posting about our time at Christmas and our travels over here, so I won’t repeat that all on this page. Suffice it to say that it’s been a big journey, and we’ve had (and needed) a lot of help on the way.

Working from home is definitely something new and different. It’s quiet here! I am missing having face-to-face contact with my co-workers every day, but it is nice to be in control of your own time.

…And it is cold in Canada.

Update – back to Canada soon

Yikes! It’s been five months since the last update to this website. If you’ve been following Shanon’s blog, you’ll know what we’ve been up to. If not, you won’t.

Summer has come and gone, as has JoLynne (Shanon’s friend who came all the way over to the UK from Canada to visit in the summer).

Shanon has started, and now almost finished, a job at a nursing home in town here as an ‘activities coordinator’. That means she’s been filling up the days of the folk at the home with interesting things to do.

We’ve made some really good friendships with our church family at the Frome Baptist church – and it will be sad to say goodbye.

Which brings me on to our travels. We have received my PR (permission to enter Canada) and we’ll be heading out later in January. It will be very hard to say goodbye to family and friends (especially family). But it will be good to see our ‘other’ family and friends over there.

And it’s nearly Christmas!

Cake and Criers

Our further life and times in the deep Westcountry continue…

Shanon (as I may have mentioned) is doing such a great job as a housewife. Check out her superb culinary skills:

Please pray for direction in her life now, as she is considering employment and is seeking the Lord’s guidance as to what to do, where to do it, and how much of it to do.

Life is exciting in what looks like a quiet corner of the country here. We just went for a walk in the morning, and bumped into a whole bunch of these:

Oyez! Oyez!

There was a carnival going on in the park just around the corner from our place, and they had a town crier contest going on. Prizes for announcing, best dressed and for (as seen here) ‘escorts’. Shanon gets to experience another (not often seen) facet of British life.

Life in Frome

We have been living here for a couple of months now, and we’re really starting to settle in. Shanon has a great blog post on our day out to Dorset.

We’re already becoming active members of the Baptist church here. I’ve helped with P.A. (sound) a couple of times and tomorrow, Shanon is going to play the keys! Shanon is also making friends there, and had joined a midweek ladies group. It’s great for her to have some friends here!

Right now it’s Frome Festival time. Last weekend we went to see a pair of classical musicians playing piano and cello. Not my usual cup of tea – but I did enjoy it (and feel smart and cultured now!).

Home sweet home

As usual, I’ve been negligent in updating this website.

Shanon is indeed in the UK now, and we’re happily living together in our flat (apartment, for any Canadians). She’s been over here for about a month now, and we’re doing really well.

Shanon has been exploring the Westcountry and settling into life here, as well as being an absolutely fantastic housewife . She’s now studying for her music history exam. I’m keeping myself busy studying for my MCTS (Microsoft programming) exam. So we’re feeling pretty studious right now.

Life together is great and it’s so good to be finally settled after our time apart.

Married with no wife!

Yep, we’ve been and gone and done it! Now I’m back in the UK once again, but without missus for now . Shanon will be coming over this weekend, though – after her passport is sorted out.

The wedding was great. We made a speech at the reception, but I’d like to again say thankyou to everyone who helped and everyone who was there on the day. Thanks! From “My wife and I” .

Our photographers have given us a preview of some of the pictures of the wedding. There are photos from the ceremony and just after by Vicki, and photos from the reception by Debbie.

The big day approaches…

It’s now just two months until Shanon and I walk up the aisle. We’ve put together a small website about the wedding if you need any details or reminders. Dates for the blessing and wedding as well as maps are there.

Plenty of preparation remains to be seen to. Shanon has been absolutely incredible in making things happen for the big day.

Can’t wait!

What’s new?

I’ve been back in the UK for 6 months now. What’s new? … What isn’t new!?

Do I hear wedding bells?
Oh yes, I do! Shanon and I are engaged, and we’re getting hitched next April. We’re both over the moon! There’s a lot to do before the big day. After the wedding we’re both going to move to the UK. Long term we’re keeping our options open.
Did I mention we’re getting married?

Life back at home

I’ve been back for a while now, and this site has suffered from neglect a little. Here’s an update as to where I’m at.

So far
I’ve just finished a 3 week stint working as an IT technician at a nearby secondary school. I had a good time there, and I’m glad that the opportunity came up.
I’ve been back at Priory Street Baptist Church, catching up with the wonderful folks there. I’m also just starting to get back into the Crusaders youth group.
And now I’m mobile, as well! My parents have generously supplied me with a cute little Daihatsu, which is great especially for…

Coming up
I have a new job, which I start tomorrow. I’m now eagerly looking forward to becoming a software developer for a small company in the South West. More news on how that goes as it happens.
And last, but by no means least… Shanon is coming over in a months time for a long holiday in the UK and France. As you might guess, I’m really excited about that .

Back in the UK

On Sunday the 6th, I got back into the country. I received a great seeing off! Several of us from FOCUS were leaving Canada around the same time, so we had a joint leaving party which was great fun. A few folks even came to see me off at the airport (Shanon and family, a couple from work and another couple of friends, 8 people in all!). I really felt loved

Shanon, Kana and Andy at the leaving party (and Bruce in the background)

Now that I’m back, it’s pretty hectic and there’s plenty to rush around and do. Better dash!