The night before John's job interview and two nights before I led the prayer group at Elaine's.
I read a short article of some new fancy idea of esquestrian community to be built in the States where people can go to work on their horses. A cute idea. But would it work?
I had a hard time falling asleep. I was afraid it would be one of those night when I can count the sheep till day break. So I rolled over and said to myself that if I couldn't sleep I could at least sit at Jesus' feet and see what he has to say. I tried hard to concentrate on him. Then I couldn't remember anymore.
The next thing I knew I was riding on a beautiful horse with soft white and brown hair. Not only that, we were both on a tram swaying back and forth gently by the motion of the tram. There was an empty seat beside us. I thought to myself, I shouldn't waste the seat, so I try to sit on it with my horse. But that seemed to be a bit awkward. Neither of us was quite satisfied after a few tries. Finally, I found another seat where I could seat myself and my lovely horse could lay at my feet with his head on my lap. It was a warm and fuzzy feeling to stroke his mane while we continue on our ride.
I woke up, it was morning already. I still had the soft, warm feeling of the pony on my skin.
For the rest of the day, I was trying to figure out what Jesus was trying to say to me.
I might be subconsciouly carrying two burdens in my heart that night. Instead of preaching to me. Jesus gave me the deep slumber that I so desired, plus, he sends me two different means to carry the burdens for me to get me through those two days and to let me know I had nothing to worry. And so it was. Thank you gentle sheperd!


.

I missed the first volunteers' day for A Rocha in Feb. because of rain. So here I was for March.
There must be 25 others all eager to dip their hands into the dirt. We were divided to do different jobs. Some turning sod into flower bed, some plant. I opted for transplanting baby native plants into pots. Fun to work in fresh air, soon the sun also come out. At my table was a single lady around my age telling us about her trip to Mexico to some quiet places where she could enjoy the locals than the big fancy resort. There were also a Chinese young couple, the husband is studying at Regent College. They had been shut in for nearly half a year. To-day is the most they saw of Vancouver besides the campus, so I point them to White Rock beach and Crescent beach. For lunch, the Director's wife, Leah, made lentil soup and we had donated Cob Bread, then home made cookies. Mmmmmmmm......so good. At the table, I met a young father of two or three sweet little girls. He had been in different country for A Rocha in the past years, now he is resettling in Canada. He has also been working as a postman for a year. I asked him how was his training and present job (thinking what a bad time they gave Jo). He said he does not need to carry any mail in his bag over 50 lb. As a matter of fact, one can refuse to do it
and they cannot fire you. As for the big boxes, they have special people to handle the route.
Oh well, it probably is not meant for Jo. Then I met a nice young man who travels to different countries to do recruits for FSU. Bless his heart, of all the place he could have gone to for his free time, he chose A Rocha. They sure can use his muscles. Then there was Galaw. She goes to our church. After talking to her for 10 minutes, I still didn't know I met her before because she was dorned in her workman's outfit and wore a cap. All in all, it was a fun day.