Il n'y a rien de comparable à sa maison

“Excitement” just doesn’t cut it. There is no one word to express all the anticipatory emotions of landing in the homeland to see family and friends again. You see, people can have the exact same conversation in person or via FaceTime, but one’s physical presence during the conversation adds such a special dynamic to the moment. My parents and Alissa’s visit proved just that. It was this same special dynamic that I was anticipating for the duration of our visit.

 

Several delays, however, lengthened our anticipation. In San Francisco, the plane just never showed up. In Toronto, a lightning storm prevent our plane from landing and prevented crewman to collect our bags. So 7 hours after the expected arrival time, with hearts racing as we finally walked through the airport arrival doors, Jordan and I were greeted by the smiling faces of his family. Weary, perhaps, and sore from the long wait, but smiling nonetheless. In that moment, the length of delay, the length of wait was insignificant - we were reunited as a family and oh, how good that felt!

Although away from family for 18 months, I was caught off guard by how quickly it felt as if nothing had changed, as if we were only apart for a mere few days. While life situations may have changed, everyone had the same personality, the same comfortability; which seems blatantly obvious, yet it was reassuring to know that “Yes, I belong here; this is family.”

We were in for an incredible two weeks.

 

Family Bonfire:

I can’t help but laugh reminiscing about the bonfire my family organized for our first official night back home. Jordan likes to fit in - who doesn’t really - and he has done a pretty impressive job at quickly adapting to Aussie slang and fashion. I, however, have made my Canadian roots slightly more obvious here is Brisbane.

Let’s take a ferry trip for example.

Jordan and I frequently take the ferry as an easy means to get into the city. As we walk off the ferry, we both thank the crew. Here’s the typical conversation:

Jordan: Cheers mate!

Jen: Thank you very much!

Jordan *eyes rolling*: You sound so Canadian!”

Jen: I am Canadian.

Jordan: We have been living here for a year and a half, and you make us both look like tourists!

 

Although we definitely have both picked up Aussie slang and idioms, “Thank you very much”, “I’m sorry”, and “eh” have still remained strongly accentuated in my everyday language. Jordan can certainly vouch for this, which makes the following story even more humorous:

Jordan and I had an incredible time catching up with all the extended family present at the BBQ. We had the opportunity to catch up with uncles, aunts and cousins from both sides of my family. In the middle of numerous conversations, someone would say, “Jen, is that an Aussie accent I hear?!” and later agree, “Oh yes, I can definitely here the accent when you say that word, Jen!” One individual even began laughing: “I’m sorry, now that I first heard it, your accent sounds so obvious!” I don’t think Jordan was very impressed in these moments of the conversation! In an attempt to give him some Aussie credit, I asked “Don’t you think Jordan sounds more Aus than me?” The reply: “No, I definitely hear an accent with you.”

Sorry babe!

 

Catching Up with Friends

“Good friends are like stars; you don’t always see them, but you know they are always there.” While incredibly true, there is nothing more special than having the opportunity to hang together!

 

 

 

The Wedding

 

My word. I don't even know what to say. There are so many incredible, beautiful memories to share about Jase and Emma's wedding that I don't know where to even begin!

 

From preparing the final details to Lavigne-Stevenson family bonding time; from wedding party prayers to downright hilarious jokes; from brother hugs to mother-daughter 'girl' time; from ceremony tears to reception conversations; from "welcome to the family" to "see you later"; this wedding encapsulated everything a wedding celebration should be.

 

No amount of rain could dampen such tangible love. Jase and Emma showcase the love of God - you can see it in their eyes alone. Matthew 6:22 says that "the eye is the lamp of the body." With Jase and Emma, it is indubitably evident how much the love of God is in them - their eyes can't help but share it!

 

I am so proud to be a part of this family. It is already such a joy to see what God is doing in and through each of their lives. I think it is safe to say that there is an exciting future ahead!

 

 

 

 

Cottage Life

 

 

 

Waves crashing

Birds singing

Leaves whispering

Wood crackling

 

 

 

 

 

The irreplaceable sounds of nature at the cottage are beautifully silencing.

It’s being enveloped by nature; it’s reminiscing past events; it’s stirring the soul to speak.

No matter how many places I may have the opportunity to explore, Muskoka will always remain my number one destination.

 

“What did you enjoy most about your trip home" you ask?  Aside from the most incredible wedding ever, I honestly really appreciated the sense of home, the opportunity to be with family and to partake in our typical family activities.

 

For the Lobbezoo family that looks like family chats in the living room, regular trips to the local ice cream shop, campfires and watersports.

 

For the Lavigne family that looks like hilarious comments and jokes, card games, wave jumping on the SeaDoo, and reading books on the patio. 

 

Before arriving, part of me wanted to take the opportunity to explore some of the local natural areas that I have never explored - thanks to all the #discoverontario Instagrams, but in reality, our time was dedicated to family. And this reality satisfied me more than I could have imagined.

 

Why?

Because there truly is nothing like home.

Il n'y a rien de comparable à sa maison.

 

 

 

Until next time!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where is HOME?

On 27 January, 2015, I woke up with a slew of emotions: excitement, nervousness, unworthiness, anticipation, fear, but most of all, gratitude. This day marked the true beginning of my teaching career, the day where I was privileged to meet the 26 students of 7E that would forever change my world. How I was given this day, that is the story where I discovered complete gratitude. 

For many of you, myself included, the progression of the story is familiar through my regular postings in 2014, yet to me the story is still remarkable. Jordan and I arrived in Australia with little knowledge of the education system here. As a new graduate with no connections, I walked across Brisbane submitting my resume to various primary schools and I somewhat stumbled upon Indooroopilly State High School. I hesitated from quite some time at the entrance of the school: "I am not even qualified to teach all of the high school year levels." "I look the same age as some of these students!" "They have their own Australian teachers to choose from." "They will probably laugh at me after I drop off my resume." Negative self-talk came too easily that day, yet for some reason I thought, "I made it this far, I might as well introduce myself and hand in my resume. What's the worst that can happen?"

The 'worst' that happened was this: I received a call the very next day to supply teach; I continued receiving calls multiple times per week for the entire first semester; I was asked to apply for a teaching position; I was shortlisted for an interview; I received a job offer; I accepted the job offer; I am now teaching at Indooroopilly State High School, the first school to provide me with work, and the last school I expected it from! 

R Block - This building has become my home away from home. 

The entire development of this story from last February til present time is covered by the fingerprints of God. I know this especially because the idea of teaching at a high school once scared me. I do not have great confidence in the power of my presence - or lack thereof - among teenage students, but I do have confidence in my God and what He can do in me and through me despite me!  

Oddly enough, after 5 years of studying education and growing my skills through practicum, I felt, and still do feel, very unprepared and under qualified to take on the overwhelming responsibility to teach 50+ year 7 students. You see, teaching the curriculum in an engaging manner that stirs up creative and critical thinking is hard enough - and ridiculously time-consuming - let alone attempting to care for, minister to, console, wisely direct, and equitably love on each and every student. 

So how does one 24 year old beginning teacher do this?? Certainly not alone, that's for sure!! Sharing resources and wisdom, providing guidance and feedback, speaking encouragement and positivity, fellow colleagues have been absolutely incredible to assist me through my first year.

But this year has been marked by such beautiful encouragement - and confirmation of my practice - from students, parents, and classroom assistants that remind me all the successes in my classroom are beyond me; they are purely gifts from God. It helps to have a great group of kids that bring a smile to my face, but there absolutely have been some challenges along the way requiring wisdom that I do not have. I'm not the wisest of individuals in the world and I often stumble to find the right words at the right time, so I am extremely thankful for a God who works within my weaknesses. There is not an ounce of doubt in my mind that I would not be in this position -  teaching in Australia and receiving such positive feedback - without my incredible Father showering me with blessing upon blessing. 

It's been 6 months, a whole semester, since I began teaching, and gratitude has firmly remained in my posture in the classroom and before God. Do I say it enough? Probably not, but I am so aware and consistently reminded that I am blessed with this incredible job purely because God has these unimaginable plans for my life and those around me! To be honest, teaching is so much more than a job, it's a privileged opportunity to serve. 

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Undoubtedly, there have been learning curves to manage and obstacles to overcome this year, yet the visit of my dear friend, Alissa, during term break was exactly the perspective shifter I needed! Let me be clear: Alissa is one of the most genuine, generous, and selfless people I know. Her career, patients, friends and family are blessed with her loyalty, and the reality that she is also my best friend is an absolute blessing. 

Having Alissa in my presence can only mean one thing: adventure. :)

Noosa Beach Board Walks

My absolute favourite, the Bunyan Fig

We really could spend all day relaxing with these guys!

A trip is no trip without some camping!

Mount Warning. Yes, we climbed this guy ... at 4 am, in the dark ...
to watch the sunrise from above. Our best adventure yet!

Good morning to you too!

Climbing down - thorough enjoyment!

Alissa + Me + Southbank. A favourite combination!

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As I write, I am surrounded by mostly-packed suitcases, ready to depart for a visit home. I have been using the phrase, "going home" quite frequently in sharing the exciting news of our trip. Part of me, however, feels uncomfortable with that phrase. They say, "Home is where the heart is", and my heart is here in Australia. Jordan and I have built a home here, forming incredible friendships, serving in an incredible church, and studying and working with incredible people. When Alissa was exploring Brisbane, she encountered things different from home. "That's weird," she'd say.  I used to make the same comments not so long ago, but something in me has shifted since last year. Rather than agreeing with her and recognising the difference from Ontario, I became internally defensive. "This isn't weird, it's home," I thought. "It's my normal, it's my world."  

You see, the phrase "going home" has become somewhat difficult to say because Australia has become home. Yet it simultaneously feels so wrong to say, "going to Toronto", because Toronto is more than a city. It's where we grew up, where (most of) our family and friends live, where experiences took place and memories formed. My heart, and therefore home, is also in Canada. 

For Jordan and I, we are home, but we are excited to return home. Today especially I can't help but wonder what emotions and feelings we will experience when we visit our homeland. Are relationships with family and friends going to seem like we never left? Or will the reality of 18 months apart create tension in trying to belong? 

Is our heart divided in two or are we twice as full? I would like to believe the latter. 

See you soon, folks!

As always, thanks for your prayers and support. 

We are looking forward to reuniting with you shortly!!

Presence

What an incredible start to 2015!!

January 1 - Jordan and I woke up rested and ready to take on 2015.
January 7 - Mom and Dad arrived in our new homeland!!
January 20 - My first day of school (albeit a student-free week)
January 27 - Jordan and I officially begin a new school year!

Seven days into the new year, Jordan and I were graced with the presence of Mom and Dad. I emphasize 'presence' for two primary reasons:

1. It's my word of the year.

On the first Sunday of 2015, a pastor at Citipointe asked us to record a word to describe our 2015. Feeling challenged previously by this word and wanting to intentionally change my habitudes, I chose the word 'presence'.

2015: The Year of Presence.

The year of pursuing the presence of God; the year to be intentional in private prayer, to know and experience more of who God is; to year to discover the power of his presence in everyday interactions.

The year of being present with others; the year to set aside personal desires for the sake of others, to show love and be a light to everyone I encounter; the year to really focus on the needs of other and determining how I can be used to meet them.

Presence.











2. The experience of it is powerful.

In preparation for Mom and Dad's visit, we Skyped and Face-Timed quite frequently; I saw their faces regularly, so, to be honest, I was not quite sure what it would feel like seeing them in person. I still knew what Mom and Dad looked like and sounded like, and I kept up to date with what was going on in the family. I wasn't going to be in for any surprises when they would walk through the arrival gates, so what would their presence feel like?

While I was mentally undecided about the significance of their arrival, my emotional response to truly 'seeing' Mom and Dad for the first time in a year dictated my true feelings.

At the Brisbane airport, Jordan and I were simultaneously watching the crowd flood through the arrival gates and watching the television monitor showing those who were still internally approaching the gates. Twenty minutes later, I spotted Mom and Dad on the monitor and walked towards to gate to greet them. I cannot quite explain what was rushing through my head in those few seconds, but the moment I hugged Mom, then Dad, unexpected tears flooded my eyes.

Presence is powerful. It is unknowingly overwhelming in absence, and beautifully calming in existence.

Leaving the airport with Momma in tow!

I had no idea how much I had missed the presence of my parents until I was able to hug them for the first time again. The two weeks we spent together were precious. The moments we shared reminded me of Mom's beautiful servant heart and Dad's golden love for family. The laughs; the conversations; the experiences; they will always be treasured.















Here are some of the great highlights of our time together:

Noosa Heads, Sunshine Coast

Jordan and Dad challenging the waves.
They became surprisingly strong ... Dad definitely outlasted us all! 

Boiling Point Lookout

Paddle boarding along the Noosa River

Brisbane:

Dinner Menu: Kangaroo Steak with Steamed Vegetables.
Kangaroo is one of the best meats I have tasted!

Mount-Cootha Lookout

Ice Cream at SouthBank: one of our many ice cream stops.
Ice cream every day. Actually. 

 Gold Coast:

Exploring the Queensland rainforest

Thanks to Mom discovering this spot,
the Elephant Point Surf Life Saving Club,
we feasted on the most delectable calamari!
Irreplaceable. 

Kangaroos are always a highlight!!
They love company ... thankfully, they leave boxing to the wild ones. 

A cloudy day at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
worked to our advantage: the usually lazy koalas
were active - moving and eating for all observers
to "ooooooh" and "awwwww".  Myself included. 

Gold Coast Getaway!

The waves at this beach were frightening, although fun! 

Day 2: Poolside seemed a better option: calmer waters and less salt!

 Mom and Dad's visit was an incredible one. It provided the opportunity to catch up, to enjoy each others' presence, and to travel. Jordan and I cannot believe that we have been away from the family, friends, and country we love for over a year!! Mom and Dad literally arrived in Brisbane 365 days from the day we left Canada. A great way to celebrate a year gone by!!

That being said, we are inexplicably grateful for all the love and support you have given to us. You have encouraged us, inspired us, and reminded us of the bigger picture and plan in store.

Here's to an incredible 2015!!

Cheers!

A Time to Celebrate

Let me just say, God provides!

On Sunday, the last Sunday of 2014, I had the beautiful privilege of sharing a testimony at church of a situation where God's hand was evidently at work.  Although somewhat nervous to speak on stage in front of everyone at Citipointe, the opportunity led me to purposefully reflect on our entire first year in Australia.

Jordan and I honestly cannot believe we have nearly been in Brisbane for an entire year! The time has absolutely flown by since we first landed in the Sunshine State on January 9, 2014.

From our first day in beautiful Brisbane to the last day of the year; 

From staying with a generous stranger to finding a home near UQ and ISHS; 

From feeling like a stranger in the land to sharing life with incredible people of God; 

From crying with initial lack of work to rejoicing over an amazing provision of jobs;

From questioning our steps to receiving God's continual faithfulness; 

From stressing over studies to celebrating academic success;

From worrying about income to dancing about inexplicable provision;

From the very beginning to this very moment,

GOD PROVIDES!

There is by far more than just a situation where Jordan and I have seen God at work in our lives this year. There are tens of big moments and hundreds of little moments where God has shown His faithfulness to us. How could I choose just one of which to testify? 

We certainly don't deserve His love and blessings, so the fact that we have is completely humbling. 

If I am honest with you, the teaching job I have received for 2015 is ALL the work of God. Let's be serious. I am a brand new teacher with little to no experience; I have no awards and fancy qualifications; I look nearly the same age as the senior high school students; so the fact that the deputy principal asked me to apply for a teaching position and then subsequently awarded me with the job is an incredible reminder that God is working on my behalf. From the very beginning of the year it seems, if not before, God had this job being crafted for me in His throne-room. Wow.

God provides. It's not a fairy-tale, a distant wish, or a blind hope; it's absolute truth. "And my God will supply every need of yours according to the riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). God has certainly supplied for more than just our needs this year; He blessed us beyond measure. We have what we need to live, with a little extra for an occasional night out; we have become ridiculously close to each other, with a reason to laugh every day; we have grown deeper in our walk with God, with a greater level of dependence on and trust in Him.  "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen" (Ephesians 3:20). For everything this year, God receives all our praise!

In response to this incredible year, it appears beautifully accurate to end the year with celebration.

Celebrating Jordan's Birthday

With a night out to see the Lion King, gifts shipped from home, and multiple birthday celebrations with friends and peers, 'twas a great 25th birthday indeed.

Birthday lunch with Jordan's PBL/Clinical Coaching
group.

Gifts from home!

 Celebrating Friendships

Friendships take intentional time and effort to develop. One of the hardest transitions to make this year has been coffee dates. Truly. The nights where I can go to a cafe with a friend to have deep conversations about life or the days where I wander aimlessly on a group hike getting lost in the laughter. To get there takes time. Some friendships have been growing since I was 10, yet this year I felt like I had to start from scratch. New land, new people.

Thankfully, God has surrounded us with some incredible people of God. Conversations with them often seem natural and fluid and their genuine hearts are evident. It's been an absolute honour to get to know of these people in a deeper way.

Exploring the Bunyan Figs with the most genuine person I
know, Suzanne, before heading off on her new adventure. 

First visit to the Eat Street Markets with Alex and Kat

Celebrating the End of the School Year

Jordan has finished his first year of medicine!! Let's be real, it wasn't just a finish, but a smashing success! Throughout the dedicated studying and being faithful to maintaining a relatively balanced life, God really blessed Jordan with success academically and impressionably. Over the summer/Christmas break, Jordan has had an incredible opportunity to work with paediatric surgeons and is even beginning his first research project. 

While Jordan studied diligently, God surprised the both of us with a change of visa restrictions. At the end of Term 3, I had nearly reached my limit of 100 teaching days and was beginning to worry how I would receive any income for the last couple months of the year. 

Thanks to Kat, I received great advice for Christmas casual retail positions and began applying to numerous jobs. Although I had no retail experience, I ended up receiving numerous offers that I had turn some down! I never imagined that would be the case! Late October, I started my first retail positions at Skechers and Lululemon! 

Days later, I received two amazing pieces of news! 

1. Milpera asked me to teach part-time for Term 4.
2. The immigration department extended my available working hours from 100 total teaching days to 100 teaching days at each school.

I have absolutely no idea how this even happened! I did not request an extension (I don't know if that is even possible), I did not make any inquiries, yet somehow God made a way - it was exactly what we needed to make ends meet!

Teaching at Milpera for Term 4 was a steep learning curve. From teaching Math and PE for Senior English students to teaching English and Math to Junior Beginner English students - literally beginners - was not a change I was comfortable with. The teaching staff offered great support and the students were absolutely beautiful! It was a great way to end the school year. 

Surf Life Saving lessons at the Gold Coast

Milpera's 1st Swimming Carnival.
I, along with two other teachers, facilitated the yellow house.
The level of team/school spirit was beautiful to see!

 Celebrating Christmas

When the weather is warm and the sun is shining, Christmas sneaks up on you. Carols like "Let It Snow" or "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" being sung in Queensland are like the Canadian World Junior team losing a game - it just doesn't make sense!

Needless to say, Jordan and I have had a wonderful Christmas. Our friends, church community, and work colleagues certainly knew how to make our first Aussi Christmas a special one!

Jordan playing the drums for "Drummer Boy" at Citipointe's
Christmas Lights Family Concert. 

Jordan and I singing in the choir for the Christmas concert.

Our Life Group's Thanksgiving/Christmas dinner.
I made my first turkey; we played the traditional
Lobbezoo gift exchange game; we ate outdoors
in our swimsuits; we shared many laughs -
a successful night indeed!

Lululemon Christmas breakfast

Celebrating Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at the
Malan's residence in Ninderry, Sunshine Coast

We were treated to an Aussi/South African Christmas feast.
Here are some appetizers: Prawns and Moretan Bay Bugs

Christmas Day at the beach!
Wave-riding and a cricket/baseball game - not a bad way to spend Christmas :) 

Needless to say, Jordan and I have had an incredible end of the year, being reminded of what is important in life: serving in the church, spending time with family and friends, praising God simply for who He is.

Thank you to everyone who prayed for us - we would not be in the same place without you sincerely lifting us up before God. While the beginning of 2015 will mark the beginning of our second year in Australia, I dare to be greedy for your continued prayers, particularly as I begin my official first year of my teaching career. I undoubtedly am going to need God's help to get through it successfully!

You are wonderful. Thank you. Jordan and I wish you all a year of blessing and growth in God.

Happy New Year!!