The CSS took to the air recently to travel to Chicago for their Thanksgiving weekend and the kick-off of the Christmas season which represents an increase in services to the poor and fund-raising for The Army. It was great to see Wendy go off in her role as the executive officer. I would have loved to have been in attendance but I stayed home to look after duties here.
This photo is from Chicago. Wendy is sporting the festival tunic of the group.
I was trying to think of the last time Jason and Philip were together – just the two of them. It is probably more than a decade – maybe even back when they were teenagers. You must know that as teenagers these two didn’t exactly act like best friends – not even like friends. Most of the time, it seemed to me at least, they were annoying one another, picking fights, hurling verbal stones at each other. Dinner time and Christmas day were the times they were best behaved but rarely would you have seen them going off together to do something.
Times are changing and of course, they are grown men with their own families, so it was a real delight on our part to see them together for the past few days. Jason had a conference in nearby Banff and Phil was remarkably off work. So they had a chance to actually spend time together.
I wasn’t along for the ride – but the pictures would indicate they did enjoy being together.
Jason’s on his way here today as he makes his way home so it will be nice to see him for a few hours too.
What a great surprise. I got to fly off to NL for the weekend on business matters so I phoned Jason to see if Chez Waters was open for business. Sure enough, there was room for Grandpa for two nights! It wasn’t a long visit and part of the weekend was out on the road but that was great to just have a few hours with these guys. We played with the Brio railroad, a little game Rachel called “restaurant” which comprised in sitting down while she came and took our order for an imagined meal….and then, of course, served with her rather proper manners. We also had a game of what I knew as snakes and ladders but this featured Minions! We had a blast.
Sunday I was in Carbonear for the morning service and a funeral. The CSM welcomed me and announced that it was my father who had dedicated the Carbonear Corps building when it opened. Sure enough just inside the front door was this plaque. So that too was a wonderful moment and reminder of his influence all across this country.
Of course, there was early morning cuddles and lots of hugs! I had to be on my way home Monday morning but did so thanking the LORD for this brief but excellent visit.
Not sure when we’ll be back, but then I didn’t expect this visit so one never knows what is just around the corner.
