eh?

i love canada. traveling to canada - particularly if it's on a ferry through the san juan islands on a sunny day with good company - is a lovely treat. even though it's just across the border, there are some major differences. accents, attitudes, customs, traffic laws... it's great.

my weekend started off by me overflowing my hot cereal in the microwave and then getting a speeding ticket. but things improved on the ferry ride. in Victoria, i enjoyed the first tibetan meal i've ever eaten. yum. and chocolates. canadian chocolate is something else. the concert was excellent. gregorian chant and renaissance polyphony sung where it was intended to be sung - in a big old cathedral. we were spot on. the day ended with sweet potato fries and a little bit of wine, followed up by world cup replays. (satisfied smile)

a ferry trip back with spontaneous outburst of song, a nun from new jersey, and stories of a boy's heroic escape from a priory... a game of catch with the family, otter/beaver pops in the sun... a drive to seattle with madlibs, pizza and parmesan... a red eye flight... the thorough use of public transportation...

now i'm at the global health council conference at a fancy shmancy hotel in the capital city. many people who do many amazing [big and small] things around the world... and poor little i. all i have is a willing heart and a ready confidence. hopefully that will get me - in time, with prayer - to where i am doing helpful things with other people.

\\LB\\