I wanted to share a little bit about my weekend in Canada.  The occasion was visiting friends and family plus a speaking engagement at the church I grew up in.

As I drew near to Kitchener the road was hit with a blizzard-like experience.  It’s as if the weather waited patiently all the way from Sarnia and past London just so that it could give me all its worth as I entered Kitchener.  Traffic slowed from 64 mph to about 35 on one of Canada’s largest highways.  That’s 100/56 kilometers for those reading from beyond the border.  The roads were bad and I became nervous.  But the good Lord carried me through to my final destination.  My cousin advised me that getting “winter tires” (from Canadian Tire, maybe?) would be a wise decision on my part.  I was wondering what was wrong with all of the cars that were missing their rims/hubcaps!  Apparently, people invest in winter tires for better traction, and not having the mechanic transfer the rims saves money.

So I payed many visits to friends and family. Fondue parties and the like.  I was impressed that Canadians haven’t lost their enthusiasm for Ketchup Chips!  You read right.  Canada makes this mouth-watering flavor of chips, and it’s still a house-party favorite.  My friends had their fingers all over the chip bowl, and then proceeded to lick their fingers once they had their full share (or was that just me?).

On Sunday night I spoke at a church.  I talked about Christmas and the Incarnation.  God totally came through (not that he ever doesn’t) and put me in the zone as I preached.  But, for some reason I totally botched the devotional I did with their praise band before the service.  No one had anything to share before we went in prayer, so I offered.  I was so nervous before these folk that once used to be my church family that the ideas just weren’t coming out of my mouth right.  Thankfully, they were full of grace, and even better- God doesn’t work based on how good we perform.  The worship was great.

Canadians are so lawful.  When speed limits change on highways, they actually brake to slow down…exactly where the signs are posted.  Americans, at best, release the gas pedal just enough to slow them down a mile or so down the road.  This is good on behalf of Canadians.  The general slower-pace was such a nice break for me.  Next time I’ll know that brake lights don’t mean they see a police officer with radar up ahead, they mean the speed is changing.

I met a guy named Gabriel who went to Bible College in Portland.  He’s gifted, and he’s making inroads into people’s lives over there.  I pray that God opens doors for him to minister full time.

On my way back home the currency exchange drive-thru was closed as the border.  This was such an inconvenience.  I had to actually get out of my car and walk inside.  Just teasing- there weren’t many people so the the exchange was fast, professional, and almost personal!  Oh, and, I left the keys in the ignition while I was inside.  Canadians are nice and don’t steal as much.  I trusted that my car would still be there when I return.

Don’t take my word for it.  Visit Canada, and share your personal ruminations!