Musings from a Confused Mind...

So I have made it back to Calgary after six months away in Quebec!!!

The most obvious change has been the change of colour - I moved from piles and piles (and piles . . .) of snow to just barely a dusting.

However, the more subtle change has been in language:

When I flew in on the airport, I went to the washroom before leaving and noted that the little girl in the next stall was talking to her mom. The first thought in my head was 'Hey! That little girl speaks English!!'. And then I remembered, I was in Calgary and most everyone speaks English!

I also find it odd to be speaking in English! In most circumstances I find that I have to concentrate in order to make sure that I speak in English - most small phrases are coming into my head in French first!! If I don't think through my words first, they are coming out in French.

I have also spent the last six months worshiping at church in French, and though I would have thought that I would look forward to an English church service again, I found myself translating the worship songs and sermon yesterday into French!!

Yes. It has been an extremely odd and amusing transition back into the English world! And I have found that I miss speaking French!!

Fall in Québec - Automne à Québec

Having waited a long time to view a Fall in full colour out East with the maple trees, I enjoyed taking many photos. Here are my favourites to share:

http://picasaweb.google.com/Kristi.Hopf/FallPhotosQuebec

(The first few are repeats, just me playing around with the different settings on my computer for photos.)

Enjoy!!

Life in General - à Québec

So what is life, in general, composed of in Québec?

Mostly I study, but the methods in which I study are varied. Though I spend a lot of time in the Grammer textbooks and practicing congugations and articles over (and over, and over . . . ), the homework is varied. This last week has found me writing stories and songs in French (which has served to expand my vocabulary!! - especially as the song had to rhyme!)

I also spend time reading novels in French, listening to French music or movies; and I attend a Bible Study at the University in French with Campus Crusade for Christ. This has given me the opportunity to hang-out with Francophones and converse about general life in French.

I also have found it useful to get out and use my French. I always count it a grand success when someone in a store does not switch to English on me; or if I go to a restaurant and am given a French menu, without the waiter asking if I prefer the English menu.

The school itself also offers many varied activities each week and there are always animateurs (activity directors) who are francophone and who talk with students. Some of the activities are cultural based - watching a Québec film, visiting an historic site in Québec - and some are conversation groups with one or two animateurs. Last Friday, I went to a hockey game between the Québec Ramparts and the team from Rimouski. I learned there that Patrick Roy (my favourite hockey player from the Montréal Canadiens) lives in Québec and coaches the Ramparts; so I actually got to see him, definitely a highlight.

There is another student from my school in Calgary - Ambrose University College & Seminary - who is completing his OnSite internship in Québec. Most Sundays after church, we head off into the city to explore. My two favourite restaurants that we have found are the Crêpe Breton and Aux Anciens Canadiens. At the Crêpe Breton, you can order crêpes stuffed with almost anything you want, I generally order the 'breakfast' type with eggs, bacon and cheese. At Aux Anciens Canadiens, you can order a 'table d'hôte' which includes two beverages (meal and dessert) an appetizer, the main dish, and a dessert for $15 at lunch time. I love this restaurant because it serves traditional Québec cuisine (meat pies) including my favourite dessert in Québec (and perhaps overall in life) - la Tarte au Sucre d'Erable (maple sugar pie).

From time to time, when the tables are covered in paper stock, a meal becomes an impromptu French session; and I am sure that the servers are amused when we leave to read all the verb congugations and phrase tips I have written all over the 'tablecloth'. After lunch we check out various 'touristy' sites: the Citadel, Vieux-Québec, the Observatoire (art gallery on the history of Québec with an amazing view of the city), once we took the ferry accros the river to Lévis (another town).

Here, I am standing on the edge of the wall of the Citadel - the star shaped fortress on the perimeter of Vieux-Québec. It has a sequence of two or three walls before one reaches the heart. While I took this picture, I was standing on the first wall and looking in towards the centre. There are still yet two more series of ditches and walls. Quite formidable! This is my friend Will. Behind him you can see the tower with a circle on top. This is a rotating restaurant where we ate brunch this day. It was cool, because during an hour and a half, the restaurant rotates in a complete circle and you have a bird's eye view of the entire city. I took a few pictures and the following is a picture of Vieux-Québec and the harbour. In the distance you can see l'île d'Orleans - which is in the middle of the St. Lawrence River. And to close off - for those who have been asking, yes, it has finally begun to snow in Québec City. Just yesterday one of my profs told us to not worry - the snow would come; and indeed it had in most of Québec, just not here. As the city and residents began preparing for the snow in September, I was beginning to wonder if it would ever come and what exactly they were hunkering down for! I had begun to despair that I would not see snow here before I left. (Though I won't remain to see the huge piles that block one from seeing across the street.) Well, today it snowed for about 7 hours straight and it looks like it has been snowing for weeks. If the depth on 'my' driveway is to be believed (ie: no wind drifting) it dropped about 3 inches today. I wonder if it will stay or melt away before the next storm?

Language Progress

I've hit an interesting point of my language learning that I did not anticipate. About a few weeks ago, I hit a level of proficiency in which I discovered that I don't really need to think about what I'm saying.

I also hit the point where, in the last few weeks, I've learned enough new things that I have to really concentrate to use them. To use this level of concentration is mind boggling and gives me a headache at times. It is hard to be back at the slow communication stage again and thinking through everything.

It is and would be so easy to be comfortable and remain in the "I can talk without thinking phase"; but I am constantly reminding myself that if I really want to communicate well - and move to the next level in this language - I need to slow down, think hard and incorporate all the new stuff I'm learning. (And I am sure that all who are subjected to my French will appreciate my incorporation of the new tenses and moods of communication as well!!)

To use one of my new tenses/moods:

Il faut que je fasse exactement ça! Ce sera me donner un grand mal de tête mais, ça vaut la peine.

"It is necessary that I do exactly this. It will give me a big headache but, it is worth it."

Odd that I did not, until now, make this connection; but within the phrase to express "it is worth it" is a word to perfectly describe (pun?) my situation:

peine = punishment/pain

What an odd yet comforting and gentle reminder that some times things of great worth are wrought through "pain".

_______________________________________

On another side note - I am grateful for all the English grammer that I now know subconsciously and just use. I have gained an even greater appreciation for those who have to learn our language!

Mixed Blessings

This week has been one of mixed blessings, as I was dealing with grief on the loss of a friend and the news that grandmother's cancer was spreading.

However, throughout this week, I have been blessed as our Saviour upheld me and helped me to concentrate on my studies; especially given that exam week started yesterday.

I also took a much needed break on Tuesday to walk through a park and enjoy the Fall colours. I spent two-and-a-half hours meandering through the park:

▪ listening to the sounds of the water - at times the rush of the waterfalls and at other times the quieter murmur of the stream.

▪ enjoying the sound and fun of shuffling through dry leaves on the forest bed.

▪ watching the sun go down and the moon rising in the sky.

I was grateful for the rest of mind that God granted during those few hours.

And as I was walking, I realized that this is my last Fall in four years to see trees turning vibrant colours; and that God has given me the most beautiful Fall of my life. And thus, I left the park feeling blessed and grateful that I took the time to soak in God's splendour.

More Photos Link:

http://picasaweb.google.com/Kristi.Hopf/WalkInThePark

Mes Vacances en Gaspésie

Un post au complet en français pour mes amis francophones . . . et oui, c'est après les corrections de mon professeur!

Mes vacances en Gaspésie:

Je suis restée trois nuis à Gaspé puis une nuit à Cap-des-Rosiers. En autobs, la Gaspésie est à environ douze heures de Québec. Je suis partie de Québec à minuit ave l'idée de profiter du temps en autobus pour dormier. Mais, malheuresement, je me suis assise derrière le chauffr et sa musique était très forte. Donc, je n'ai pas dormi.

Après que je suis arrivée à Gaspé, j'ai découvert qu'il n'y avait presque rien à y faire. Il faut aller dans toutes les autres villes pour faire des activités touristique. Dès que j'ai realisé ça, j'ai planifié mes vacances. J'aurais dû mieux les planifier avant de partir; mais, ce n'était pas grave. J'ai lu les brochures touristiques et j'ai décidé d'aller à Percé - pour voir Le Rocher Percé.

Je suis arrivée à Percé à 15h00; j'ai presque manqué la crosière que j'avais réservé la veille. Alors, j'ai dû courir au bauteau. Le Rocher Percé est magnifique!!!

Aussi, le bateau a navigué autour d'une île. J'ai vu les Fous de Bassan. C'était incroyable!!!

Pendant toute la journée, j'ai pensé à mon excursion de pêche au homard. Mais cette journée-là, la mer était très agitée et l'excursion a été annuler. J'étais tellement triste! Je suis restée seulement une journée à Percé, alors, je n'ai eu aucune autre chance de la faire. Mais, j'ai pris une photo des pièges d'homard.

Le lendemain, j'ai quitté Gaspé et je suis allée à Cap-des-Rosiers. J'ai vu le plus haut phare du Canada!! Je l'ai visité jusqu'en haut, même si j'avais peur des hauteurs. Au milieu de l'ascension, j'ai pensé à ce que j'étais en train de faire. En haut du phare, j'ai demandé à la guide touristique si elle aimerait prendre une photo de moi: J'ai peur des hauteurs et sans une photo, mes amis ne croiront pas que je suis montée en haut du phare!!

Ma dernière journée en Gaspésie, j'ai fait une autre crosière à Cap-des-Rosiers. J'ai vu deux phares, des falaises et beaucoup de phoques. J'en ai pris beaucoup de photos car mes nièces aiment voir les photos des animaux que je vois.

Mes vacances ont passé très vite. Mais ça valait la peine. La Gaspésie est une très belle région. Je l'aime beaucoup. Je souhaite avoir plus d'argent et plus de temps pour y aller encore une fois!!!

D'autres photos:

petit-déjeuner à Gaspé: coucher du soleil puis lever du soleil à Cap-des-Rosiers:

Ça toute pour les photos maintenant. J'espere que bientôt ajouter les links dans cette blog pour mes amis y voir plus de photos.

My "ah-ha" Moment!!

So last week, my tutor reviewed the plus-que-parfait that I had studied with my textbooks. And my homework was to write 10 sentences in the past tense - using the plus-que-parfait with passé composé (2 of the past tenses). This signifies an action in the past, which happened after another action - in the past - had happened.

I thought I had it figured out . . . but I had mixed it up with another sentence structure. I had the right concept, but was applying it wrong. Needless to say, most of my sentences were wrong.

After we went over it again, it started making sense. However . . .

my "ah-ha" moment:

On the way home from my study session, I was thinking through a situation from the night before in my head, I was about to use two passé composé in my sentence when the light clicked on . . . I had stumbled on the perfect situation to use my new tense. And, I figured out how to use it in normal conversation!!!!

Cause for celebration!!

So, my situation:

Last night I was inside a building talking with my friends when I saw my bus arriving before the scheduled time. So I ran for my bus, but the bus driver had already closed the doors when I got there. Although, he was nice because he allowed me to get on.

et en français:

Hier soir, j'étais à l'interieur d'un edifice en train de parler avec mes amis quand j'ai vu mon autobus qui arrivait en avance l'horaire. Donc, j'ai dû courir; mais le chauffeur avait déjà fermé les portes quand je suis arrivée. Mais il était gentil car il m'a permis d'embarquer!

And as I sit here writing this, I think I have just figured out that my clue word in English for this tense is: "had"!!

Another "ah-ha" moment!

YOUPI

so . . .

after 4 weeks of waiting . . .

countless mintues on the phone (with 4 various offices of the internet provider . . . in French) . . .

bad advice from the internet provider . . .

and 3 modems later (the first two were outdated models and did not work) . . .

the internet at my house is FINALLY working!!!!

YOUPI!!!

This is cause for celebration!

Je suis très contente!!

I am very content.

As I have to leave soon . . . this is all for today. But, until next time, thanks to those who prayed!

PS - And thank you to my teammate Paul who came over - discovered I did not have the "wire" connections for the instructions I was given, and showed me how to connect everything to make the new modem work.

Attends Une Minute . . . s.v.p. . . .

Wait another minute please. . .

So for those with whom I have had contact, this will come as no surprise. However, for those who are wondering about my lack of communication. . .

I am now counting my fourth week of waiting for the internet connection to work at my house. They have promised me that this week it will be working. I am not holding my breath.

There is a French tense out here that I have come to love for this situation! It is the futur simple. This tense is used for uncertain future. I have begun to use this tense when speaking about the possibiity of my internet working.

There are parts of this tense that I find confusing. It is used for many different functions and I have decided that it is far from 'simple'. However, the part I love about this tense. . . it is one word! I simply need to change the ending of the verb and voila - futur simple! To use this tense in English we require two words. I love finding sentences in French that take less words than English!!

Anyways . . . .

As I wait for the internet, I am preparing photos to share.

And, as I am using my friends computer, this will be all.

À la prochaine!

Until the next time!

Kristi

Language Learning Mistake

While in French language studies, I have discovered sometimes in Quebec stores people will sometimes switch to English or find someone who can speak English. Though I have learned to understand that they are more used tourists than language students and just desire to help, I can at times find this annoying. I count it a huge victory when someone does not switch langauge or even ask if I want to switch.

There are times however, that I deserve to be "switched" upon. One funny mistake to share . . .

The other day I was in a bathing suit store and was looking for a top cover to wear over a bathing suit.

I unfortunately - first - could not remember the word for "over".

And then even more unfortunately - could not remember the word for "bathing suit".

(Admittedly I did not think through my question before I went in and ended up spontaneously replying to her offer of help.)

So I ended up saying . . . "I am looking for a blouse to wear that is higher than the bathroom".

Okay - so bathing suit in French is "maillot de bain" and bathroom is "salle de bain". Pretty close. As soon as I said "bathroom" I realized it was wrong, and the correct word came to me right away. But it was too late - the damage was done.

I thought it was funny. . .

She went to find someone who spoke English!

Language(s) of Prayer

The other night I joined the prayer meeting of my church . . . in Québec . . . in French. I admit to feeling a little intimidated and shy to pray in French. Yet of three things I am sure of, and am grateful for:

1. Our Father in Heaven knows my two languages.

2. He knows the intention of my heart.

3. When (yup, that's right - not if) I made mistakes, He understands.

_______________________________________

L'autre soir passé, j'ai rencontré avec le reunion de priere de mon église . . . à Québec . . . en français. Je sait que j'était un peu timide de prie en français. Mais, je suis certain de trois choses, et j'en suis reconnaisant:

1. Que notre Pere aux cieux sait mon deux langues.

2. Il sait l'intention de mon coeur.

3. Quand (oui, c'est vrai - pas "si") j'ai fait une erreur - Il comprend.

Summer Break!!

My summer session at Laval University was officially complete last Friday afternoon. The session went well and I can tell that my French has already improved. The five week session was so intense (15 weeks of learning crammed in 5!!) that there was no option to not improve.

Friday night, my cousins - Russell and Heather - surprised me with a visit! They are on a quick tour through Québec. It was nice to visit with family, and I have not seen them for quite a while. We went for supper at Le Cochon Dingue (from last post).

Roughly translated, it means The Crazy Pig. There is a story about the pig running all over around outside lost and crazy-like. The food here is amazing!!!! And I managed to pull off a bilingual evening as the waitress spoke in English for my cousins and I talked with her in French! We then explored through Old City Québec until about 10:00 at night. It is beautiful in the evening as well. We heard someone practicing bagpipes in a stoned courtyard. They were playing the star wars theme - odd choice for a bagpipe eh?

This week I am in Gaspé for a little holiday - next week I start conversation classes at another school. This area is beautiful - and I will figure out the photo thing for this area too. In the meantime, one photo of my travel up . . .

This is still the St. Lawrence River. It is still quite a ways before we round the Peninsula and I can see the sea. Though, at this area, the locals say the River and the Sea are the same. If you look at a map, you can tell why. I was in: Sainte-Anne des-Monts.

Vieux-Québec

Last Saturday,a friend from Seminary was in town with her French school and we explored all over Old City Quebec. This is a beautiful area of town - all the streets are cobblestone, the buildings are old stone, the churches have stained glass windows.

(Stay posted - once I figure out the flicker-photo thing, I will be adding a link here with all my pictures)

During the weekend was the Festival-de-Nouvelle-France (Festival of New France). Almost everyone was dressed in clothes for a certain period of the settling of Québec or France.

This area looks quite small on the map, but the streets are narrow and it is crowded with little nooks and crannys to explore. It will take about a week to go through the whole area.

We ate supper at a little café called Le Petit Cochon. It is a sandwich and coffee café that is related to Le Cochon Dingue. (more next post . . .)

Feux D'Artifice à Montmorency Falls

Wednesday night I went with the French School to Montmorency Falls to watch the firework competition. The team of the evening was Canada!!! And the fireworks were amazing! One of my friends from class was on the trip as well and we had a great time chatting all evening in French.

French word of the night: crème glassé molle

soft ice cream

As it was still so hot and humid when we arrived at 7:30, I treated myself to an ice cream cone!!

Whale Watching

Observation des Baleines!!

On Saturday, July 21, I went whale watching with the French school. The intent of the excursion is to practice your French. Though admittedly, I just wanted to see the whales, having never done this before. And of course, my opportunity for this in Niger is slim to none!! I did however, end up sitting by one of the school Animateurs, so I did get a fair amount of talking in during the boat ride of about 3 hours.

The excursion left the school at 5:30 am!! Yes, you read this right! I, Kristi, the non-morning person, got out of bed at 4:15 am to go whale watching. Though I did sleep for about 2.5 hours of the bus ride (both ways!).

I had thought that we were doing the whale watching on a boat like this:

But I was actually in a boat like this:

It was a beautiful day! The sun was shining and the breeze on the river was refreshing. We started in a town called Tadoussac, which is located near the fjords where the whales live. Right now there are a few whales that live in the river year-round. But in August quite a few types migrate through. We saw two types of whales, one our tour guide indicated was a "mini-whale" and the other was a "sea-whale". Both were black to me! We also saw a few seals.

Though I knew we were on the St. Lawrence River, it looked like the ocean to me! It was impossible to see to the other side, though it was a bit hazy that day. It also smelled like the ocean which we all found interesting. I did not get to see a lighthouse though, as there are special boat captains who bring the boats up the river, the river is not too deep and one needs to know exactly where to go.

Each town along the river had a church down close to the water and I also saw many sailboats out too.

Well, as they say in French, À Bientôt! Kristi

Canada Day

So I arrived in Quebec in time to celebrate Canada Day! It was a grand day. I went with some friends to the Plains of Abraham (Plaines d'Abraham)!! It seems a little surreal to be going to all the places I remember from my elementary school history textbooks.

I started French school last week and the first week has gone great so far. My French so far is good enough to at least get around town and buy groceries in stores.

Prayer Requests:

For my colleague Paul, and I as we start French studies.

For my colleagues in Niger - Cheungs and Marineaus - as they have recently commenced studies in African national languages (Djerma and Tamasheq respectively).

BullFrogs and Butterflies

♪ "Bullfrogs and butterflies. We both been born again!" ♪

As I watch the butterflies and listen to the bullfrogs at the camp, I am reminded of a song from my childhood - BullFrogs and Butterflies.

Though it took me a moment to remember the reason behind the song - it holds a simple truth: metamorphosis! The dictionary describes metamorphosis as: "change of physical form, structure, or substance especially by supernatural means".

The words that stand out to me are "by supernatural means":

From tadpole to frog.

From caterpillar to butterfly.

From old creation to new . . . sinner to child of God.

Our Heavenly Father is in the business of metamorphosis.

During the last few weeks of missionary training/orientation, our Father has continued this process in me - molding His new creation to be more like Him.

The purpose and intent behind this preparation in my life is that I may bring the Good News to the Nigeriens . . . Our Father desires to work a metamorphosis in their lives as well and to draw them into relationship with Him.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

2 Corinthians 5:17

Kristi

PS - If you are wondering about the bullfrog - it is not the peaceful meadow frog sound - the bullfrog sounds more like a mini fog horn!

Relaxation and Rain

The last few months since school have been very busy with three simultaneous moves. I have been shopping and packing for the next four years in Niger – and the sea container was finally packed the first week of June. Following this, I packed again for the next six months as I move to Quebec City for language school. I also finished packing a few household and family mementos to store at my parents while I am overseas.

Currently I am at a Bible Camp in Bancroft, Ontario at a missionary orientation with the denomination.

I am grateful for this time of rest that God has provided. Despite the training sessions, I feel my body and my soul relaxing for the first time in months. This break before I begin language studies is a blessing.

I am also grateful to be living out of a suitcase and not packing a suitcase for once!!

As I reflect on the rain that has deluged Calgary the last few weeks and is now raining here at the lake, my heart goes to the country of Niger. Though rainy season has started, my colleagues report that the city of Niamey has seen only three short rains so far. Throughout the country some regions have had less and a few have had a bit more.

Please pray for this country to receive the rain they desperately need for their crops this year; as the land is still dry and affected by the drought of 2005. Pray also that their crops will be safe from locusts and grasshoppers.

Answers to Prayer:

1. I have a place to live in Quebec City for language school!

2. My car was sold the day before I left.

3. I was able to finish and finalize all I needed to before I left as well.

From the humidity of Ontario!

Kristi

J'ai l'acceptance à Laval!

Bonjour mes amis!

I have finally received word this week that I have been accepted to the French Language school in Quebec City for this summer. As my plane ticket was booked over a month ago, I was starting to get anxious!

I will land in Quebec on June 29 and school begins on July 9.

Prayer Requests:

1. I still have no place to live in Quebec City and the team in Quebec is still looking into a few options.

2. I still need to sell my car in Calgary before I head East.

3. I am still in my "crazy packing" mode of my outfit which will be heading to Niger, hopefully the second week of June! There is much yet to complete and logistics to finalize.

All for now,

Kristi

Month of May

Well, May has brought showers to Calgary, and I am praying that my friends in Niger will have this blessing in June/July for rainy season. The people of Niger will need rain for their crops!

My semester at Seminary has come to a close, and I have survived to the end!

Now my month of packing begins. I have one month to purchase supplies for the next four years! A daunting task! What could I possibly need to purchase a four year supply of? Well, here is a small list of some things not available in Niger, that I have on my list:

• suntan lotion
• mosquito repellant
• deodorant (and in a hot country, this will be so very necessary!)
• lip balm
• clothes pins
• bedding
• towels

I also get to buy a tent!! My years of camping in the mountains will come in good stead, as I hope to travel to villages to bring relief aid and God's love to the Nigeriens. The times of no outhouses in the mountains have prepared me for no outhouses in the village - though, there are considerably more trees in the mountains than there will be in the desert!!

Following my month of shopping and packing the sea container, I hope to have a few weeks to relax with family and friends before I jet off East for orientation in Toronto. I leave on June 17 for two weeks and then continue on to Quebec City on June 29 for language school which will commence the first week of July.

Official Countdown

. . . to the end of the school term that is! 6 days 4 papers 800 pages of reading 2 exams!! Can someone hook up the caffeine i.v. drip? (Thanks for coffee gift card - Dan & Steph!) Following this next week, I will need to begin focusing on my trip to Niger and packing the "outfit" for the next few years. This includes purchasing items not available in Niger - suntan lotion, mosquito repellent, dishes, clothes, etc... I am also off speaking in churches, participating in a wedding - bridesmaid - and hoping to relax and visit family and friends. Then, I am off East for language school and the next phase begins!! To all who are tracking with me and praying - thanks!

One Month Left!

Well, there is officially one month of school left to go! I am busy preparing projects, papers and readings. Admittedly, I am not busy at the moment - I am either taking a needed brain break, or procrastinating - depending on your viewpoint!! I would appreciate prayer for health, energy and motivation to persevere through this month. As I approach the end of the term and can begin to see all that needs to be done in May to prepare, I am finding myself easily distracted as I study. I am, however, thoroughly enjoying my time at Seminary. I have enjoyed all the friendships I have developed. I have also enjoyed the vast reading and research that I've had to do - and still have to do - as it is all directly applicable to my future ministry. I have learned lots!! Despite the pressures of this next month that I am not looking forward to, I will miss this place when I leave and am eager to return on my home assignment to complete my degree. Well, the coffee I am drinking to stay awake through the next few hours is nearing the bottom of my cup, so it is now time to stop avoiding the inevitable - and return to the library! Blessings to all my friends this week!

Snow & Heat

As our winter winds down here in Calgary, I reflect on how little snow I will be seeing in such a short while. Every time it snows here, my friends tell me that it is snowing for me - so that I will appreciate exactly what I will be missing soon. My friends in Niger are getting ready for the hot season. Now, it is above 40 degrees most days - and this is not even hot yet. I am sure the temperatures will steadily increase over the next month until it is above 50 degrees in May! WOW! I cannot even comprehend what this will feel like. As I write this blog, I see that it is 43 degrees in Niger now - and it is 7:30 in the evening!! If you think of it . . . please pray for my friends as life and ministry continues on in this blistering heat!