THE LAST SUPPERS

We've finally reached that place in our preparation to "go to a place, you cannot come" (for at least a couple months until we get settled) where we've been enjoying last suppers. Cheezy, I know. Its been so great to connect with friends and family before we take off. Here's a couple pics and summary.






















FRI, SEPT. 14: We started our farewell suppers with a great evening with part of our old small group. The Lazagna (it was awesome, Gen; and thanks for chopping up the lettuce Robert) and conversation were fantastic (thanks all), and as always, all the kids had a blast. We missed Kevin and Barb, and the boys; and Giles and Sherry and their kids. Hopefully we'll see you guys again soon. Thanks for hosting, Rob and Amanda. You guys are great.





















SAT. SEPT. 15: Then we had the extreme pleasure of babysitting Will Biro (Paul and Sonia's little guy) for most of the day on Saturday while his parents had a day to themselves. I think we had more fun than they did. I don't remember what we had for supper, but it was great having Will join us. They just don't get much cuter. And Will, well he's cute too (ha! ha!). We love you Will, and your parents, Paul and Sonia.





















SUN. SEPT. 16: Then we had an inspiring evening with Lynn and Jayme Chotowetz's at their place. The pizza was delish, and it was so great to get caught up on whats been going on in their lives (having just returned from a year in South Africa working with Hands at Work in Africa), and to share a bit about what lies ahead for us (at least our best guess) and talking about our mutual passion for the people of Southern Africa. Thanks for a great evening, guys. Its always inspirational and such a pleasure to spend time together.





















WED. SEPT. 19: After far too long, and after being spoiled so many times by his culinary expertise (few can put on a spread like he can), we managed to coordinate our schedules to have Lynden Gill over. We love spending time with you, Lynden. You've been a trusted friend for a long time. Cheers. Maybe we'll see you in Puerto Vallarta sometime during the frosty winter we're going to miss.















SAT. SEPT. 24: Mom (Oma) and Dad (Opa) Ravensbergen (front row, left side) arrived in Calgary from Montreal on Tuesday, September 18th to be part of a weekend of parties to celebrate the nearly six month anniversary of the wedding of Linda's sister, Judy and her husband, Gerald (front row, right side). They married in Hawaii last April (without us, imagine). Friday night, Judy and Gerald hosted a family reception at the Ranch. Now that was some good eat'in and lots of fun. Thanks for the invite! Then they hosted an open house for friends and family on Saturday. This photo was taken after the friends left and it was just family left. Linda's eldest sister, Frances (or "Aunt Frannie" as my kids call her, front row, third from left), also from Montreal, was also able to join us for a couple days. It was so great to see you again Fran. Best of luck with the dissertation. Its always great to see you Mom and Dad. Sorry we weren't able to see the rest of the clan. Hopefully we can soon gather again in the east.

SUN. SEPT. 24: We had our farewell at Westside King's Church. It was a day of mixed emotions. Paul has spent almost half of his ministry career here. It felt odd to be saying "farewell" to our church community that feels like family, and a staff we love dearly. Although we won't be attending for a while, it will remain our home church. And we'll be listening to the podcasts. Thank God for the internet! To the board, thanks for your kindness to us over the last 9 years, and most recently. its greatly appreciated. To the congregation of Westside King's Church, there is no one like you, anywhere. We're going to miss you all. On Sunday afternoon, Laura (friend of Linda and Paul since all were teenagers, stood in our wedding party) and Reg Fleming, helped to put together a potluck get together for us at Menno Simons. Laura and reg, you're the best. Thanks to everyone who popped by. It was great to have a chance to chat with most of you one on one and enjoy some great food. BTW - if you happened to have taken any photos of our farewell at the celebrations or the potluck, we'd love to get a copy. We didn't take any, and forgot to ask anyone specifically.















MON. SEPT. 25: After a long weekend of "goodbyes", it was great to spend a relaxing evening with a good friend, Tracy Bodnarchuk. She invited us to a showing of "We Are Together" at the International Film Festival (a must see for all Africa alumni). It stirred our hearts and reminded us both of our deep passion for Southern Africa. And afterwards we went out for Indian food. It was great. Thanks for a special evening, Tracy. we hope to see you in Panama.

THUR. SEPT. 27: Linda had lunch with some of the moms from our kid's school. They are an incredible group of women, and good friends. You guys are all incredible and I (Linda) will miss you all.





















THURS. SEPT 27: Then we went out for supper with Mom and Dad Ravensbergen to Bolero's, by invite from a friend, Tim Warman (manager). Wow! What an incredible night. Brazilian food rocks! The food was insanely good. The whole experience was one to remember, a definite highlight in our "restauranting" experience. Tim it was great to see you. Thanks for the invite. And how can we say enough thanks.

FRI. SEPT. 28: Jeff and Michelle Simpson dropped by for a couple hours. And as always, we had a great time. You guys are two of our favorite people. Thanks for your friendship.















FRI. SEPT 28: Then while the night was still young (8:40pm) our neighbors hosted an impromptu party for us. Jeff and Candice, thanks for hosting. Sorry guys, for whatever reason, there were no photos with everyone. We should have posed for a group pic. You guys are incredible. Thanks for your support and friendship. We'll miss you all. Nobody moves while we're away, right? We've got a good thing going.

LAST WORDS: Well, there you go. A few pics. A few thoughts. But lots of great memories. We appreciate everyone of you and we're going to miss that kind of lov'in from friends and family. We're still around for a while and would love to get a chance to connect before we go.

Paul