Year one

One year ago, on a plane from London to Montreal, we flew into a new country that would be our home for the next two years. One year ago, on that very same plane, we discovered the existence of our newest family member, growing inside Elise. One year ago, high above the Atlantic, our lives were changing and we were starting a new adventure ! In some ways it feels like yesterday, in others it seems that we have been here forever. How much one year can bring !

Here are some bullet-point highlights from our first year in Quebec:

March: First time participating in the "Connect" ministry for local youth groups

March-June: David co-led the Principles of Child and Youth Ministry school, while Elise participated as staff/student

April: Moved into our apartment !

June: First made contact with the food bank/thrift store ministry Provision Compassion; first time singing at the Petite Cuillère café ministry

June-August: Elise gave English lessons to landlord's daughter

July: Made an official commitment with Provision Compassion; worked with the King's Kids Minnesota staff and the LifeRice ministry at a Korean youth camp in New Jersey; renovated the King's Kids Lanaudière office

August: Visits from Switzerland ! Trip to Minnesota

September: Staff retreat and vision-casting time for King's Kids Lanaudière.

October: Started helping with homework at the Native American center. Jude Elliott joins the family !!

November: Visit from family (Swiss and American); Discipleship Training School students came to work with King's Kids Lanaudière; "Connect" ministry event #2

December: Therisod family participates in Christmas theater production at the church; Large Christmas food distribution at Provision Compassion; "Chez Daveli" restaurant ministry officially begins with our first guest couple !; Christmas in Minnesota

January: "Entre Filles" preteen girl's ministry event; First King's Kids Family Day !

February: Friends visit from Switzerland !; Chez Daveli ministry continues !

March: Second Family Day event ! Visits from MN !

David and I have faced many challenges together in this past year that have brought us closer to one another and to the Lord, and have helped us grow in the areas of humility, selflessness, thankfulness, theology, and communication.

We have been blown away by the generosity shown us by the Canadian people as we furnished our apartment and prepared to welcome a baby, and this has given us a new understanding of the grace of God. We feel unworthy and very grateful.

We have appreciated the opportunities we have had to minister through the art of music together, as we felt from the start that this was a part of God's plan for us as a couple.

We have needed all your prayers as we have embarked on this journey of parenthood, and we are learning a million things each day !

We continue to be amazed at the gift of our friends, family and supporters who make it possible for us to persevere in the work God has for us in Canada ! As we encounter the various challenges that full-time ministry brings (emotional, financial, physical, relational, etc.), we are encouraged when we remember the people who are behind us, praying for us, and believing in us. Thank you for your prayers and your support (be it moral, spiritual or financial).

We have seen God's faithfulness at every turn in this year.

Time for round two !