It has been a full, sun-filled Summer in Vancouver. Between Project Somos and our personal lives we have had no shortage of excitement. Here is a brief overview which turns out to be longer than I like to make these things. For those visual types that would rather “see” our Summer, scroll to the bottom to view the Summer Slide Show!
We returned to Vancouver on June 14th and headed straight to Car-Free Day on the Drive. The Drive was alive with dogs, bikes, booths and many thousands of people enjoying the village-like atmosphere on the street that day. It felt comfortingly familiar after Guatemala yet somewhat alien. We had many interested folks drop by our Project Somos booth that day.
We spent our first two weeks back in Vancouver in the home of friends; Jenny, Steve and Rachel. We thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated their warm hospitality, yummy food and friendship as a gentle transition back into Canadian living. Many thanks to them! We love you!
We moved back into our Aubrey home for three days before our yet-to-be-unpacked bags were re-arranged and we were boarding another flight! South again. We returned to El Paso, Texas to partake in my daughter, Meg’s wedding! Yup. My little girl got married on July 4th. A good day for an American-wanna-be! Meg married Steve Osborn who has unanimously won the hearts of Greg, Mom, Dad and myself! Welcome to the family Steve! We look forward to everyone else meeting you soon!
Within a few days of our return we were back at Jenny and Steve’s emptying their living room of anything but seating. On July 13th, singer-song writer, Martyn Joseph, from Wales, performed to a sold out house concert! Forty of us spent the most amazing two hours engaged in Martyn’s beautiful heart-felt music. I was so moved by the evening that I spent much of it at the back, crying tears of pure joy and gratitude. We raised $3000 that night!
Martyn headed to Prince George the next morning and we then spent the next few days enjoying the company of his manager, Nikki and her husband Martin. We explored Vancouver, shared meals and had an amazing time getting to know them before they had to return to England. We’ve missed their fun company ever since. Can’t wait to cross paths again soon dear friends!
On the morning of Friday 17th we headed to Jericho Beach to set up our Project Somos booth for the Vancouver Folk Music Festival. For the next three days our days and nights were full of sunshine, engaging conversation and lots of wonderful music. It was like a huge reunion for Greg and I after having been away for so long!
A few days recovery at home and then we were off to the Sunshine Coast for a two day Compassion Fruit Society Board Retreat. Board Member, Lloyd and his wife Kim, hosted our wild gathering and we shared many productive discussions and delicious meals as a group. Not to mention an amazing lightning show which ended our time together! Many thanks to David LePage and Vivian Smith for their facilitation during our retreat!
Greg and I were up early the next morning and headed north up the Sunshine Coast. We travelled to Cortes via Powell River and Comox on our way to our second Summer Gathering at Hollyhock. This year’s gathering was even more spectacular than last year’s. We were so energized by the many inspiring people we got to hang out with while there. We were thrilled to be able to give a 15 minute presentation to the entire group and were then deeply encouraged by the support and love we received about Project Somos following that. Our official hashtag on Facebook and Twitter; #hhsg
We arrived home to August and a decision to stay put for the month. It didn’t mean that there wouldn’t be lots going on though. We had three weeks of company… My sister Heidi turned 40 on the 12th and I invited her to come from Vernon for two days of sister fun in Vancouver. And that we did! So nice to have that special time with such a special sister and friend!
After Heidi left, we hosted a SERVAS traveller from Belgium for two days. It was great to meet and get to know Alexis on her personal journey of discovery and exploration.
Fourteen year old, Yasmeen was our next visitor. Yasmeen came from Toronto to spend six days helping us with Project Somos work. After knowing Yasmeen for 11 years, it was such a treat to have this special time with her. I am so grateful for her enthusiasm her bright mind and her loving heart. Thanks for all your help Mimi!
Corrina Grace was our next visitor to occupy our little green guestroom/filing cabinet. She came from Guatemala on her way to Australia. For ten days, we filled our days and evenings with Project Somos/Project Seres work. This past Wednesday, Compassion Fruit Society officially welcomed Project Seres on board. That evening she shared the vision of the Project with the board, advisory and volunteers. We are thrilled to be working together!
It became pretty clear that ten days was not enough time to do all we need to do so Corrina will return in October to stay and work with us for another month or so. To read more about the vision of Project Seres, please visit the website and blog where you can stay up to date.
And now? Now it is Labour Day and the days are getting shorter and much cooler. It’s a time to hunker down and focus on that never-ending to-do list. Top of the list? Secure the land in Chimaltenango. We’ve been awaiting news about another group that may be making an offer on the land. Meanwhile, we are moving forward as always, with the vision that that land is ours and will be the home of the Project Somos Children’s Village and the Project Seres Climate Change College. We will be out there, full force working to raise the funds to make this all a reality. Please join us in helping make this happen!
My apologies for breaking the blog rule about keeping things short. I saw no way around it. Each section is short and to the point but there is much else that has been left out. Some great news we received this Summer is that our charitable status was approved by Canada Revenue Agency! This a huge hurdle that we are grateful to have surpassed! It means that we can directly issue tax receipts to all our generous donors!
Thanks for listening!
Please feel free to comment or ask questions on our blog! It helps keep things alive and well!
-Heather
SUMMER SLIDE SHOW
It felt amazing to be back. When we left last May, I did not expect that it would be more than a year before I returned. Greg and Lloyd were there in February but I stayed home in Canada on that visit.
