It is with great sadness that I announce that my Father, Bob Cottrill (Robert Edward William Cottrill) passed away early on the 31st of August 2019. He went to be with his Saviour, Jesus Christ, after a short illness. My Mom and I were with him when he went home to be with the Lord.
Thank you to so many who have been praying! Although we are of course sad, we are also very thankful for so much that the Lord has done for us through this time.
How in the world do I choose a photo from August 2009? Ten years ago this month we were touring around Ontario, Canada. We had the privilege of seeing so many people – family and friends – — I thought about making a huge grid of them all, but surely I would leave people out. We are really looking forward to visiting Ontario again – Lord willing He will provide a way!
Anyway, I finally decided on a very Canadian picture. So – 10 years ago today we were in Moose Factory, in a teepee. That’s correct.
Here’s a map showing where Moose Factory is:
Anyway, outside the teepee a painted sign said,”FRESH BANNOCK ON A STICK PLAIN OR RAISIN $3.00 EACH”. Well, who can resist fresh bannock? So in we went – very smokey place, but of course that just adds to the flavour.
Well, it was sometime between 1 and 2 am when we finally got to bed last night. But it was all worth it, because we were bringing Hannah home from the airport!
She wasn’t really supposed to be that late, but the plane was just about to take off when someone noticed a problem with the motor. So we’re very glad that they stopped to check it out, even though it meant Hannah waiting for an hour and a half on the tarmac.
But at least our van worked this time, which wasn’t the case the last time she came home!
Anyway, she arrives on a busy weekend – more on that later. But the short story is, we’re happy to have Hannah home for the summer!
Well, midsummer (summer solstice) has arrived here in the northern hemisphere. Since I haven’t had much of an opportunity to write lately, I’m taking a moment to look backward and forward to catch you up on what’s happening.
The last Two Weeks
Daryl and my Dad check out the new shed we assembled.
I just finished a brief trip to Canada, to help my parents move. They just moved a few blocks away – within the same town – but if any of you have tried such a thing, you know how challenging it can be!
Thanks to Daryl and Iwona, and many from the local churches, who helped so much (and are still helping as my parents finish up the move!).
I also had a chance to see Hannah, and Shari’s parents, and many others in Three Hills before I took off back to Mexico.
During my absence from Mexico, lots was happening as usual! You’ll want to check out Rod’s post about the team that he and Mayra took down to Oaxaca – A Wonderful Week in Oaxaca.
“Regular” ministry continues, as I get ready for Sunday’s continuing teaching on the Ten Commandments, and of course Hebrews.
At the beginning of July, Hannah will be coming home for the summer! Yes, we tried to time it so that we could both come back together, but it didn’t quite work out. So, as Hannah finishes her exams, we will prepare for her arrival!
On the side of practical matters, Avant and Camino Global are rushing toward unification as one mission. There are a thousand details to talk about and work through. The official date of launch is the 1st of July.
If you receive our newsletter, and if I have your email address, I will try to get some information out to you on or before that date. Otherwise, hopefully you’ll be seeing some changes here on our website shortly with more information, and we’ll get a letter to you by snail mail next month.
So, yes, a lot is happening right now! But it’s the longest day of the year – I should be able to get something done, right? 😀
Thanks so much for your encouragement and prayers. I’ll try to keep you up to date as I’m able.
This past weekend was Nathanael’s 15th birthday party. No, no fancy clothes and massive parties for the boys, as there are for the girls. However, we did want to do something special.
So – the detective theme was born. As the invitation said, “A criminal genius and an absent master detective . . . Can you solve the mystery and celebrate a birthday at the same time?”
And so, after some hot dogs and burgers, Nathanael and his friends went into the “mystery room” – a kind of home-made escape room (though no one was actually locked in), where the group had to figure out the name of the criminal, where he had hid the bomb, and how to diffuse it. In 60 minutes.
They did quite well, unlocking and unscrewing, reading invisible ink, solving puzzles and even working something called a “cassette player”, to discover the truth. Hannah even got to help with a clue via telephone! Here you can see the first few minutes (in a few seconds!) of their search for clues…
And here they are, with the photo of the criminal genius after solving the mystery:
Of course, after all that hard work, a cake was needed. And thanks to Shari, it did not disappoint…
We also enjoyed the company (and help!) of the group that was visiting from Still Water Community Church, along with Rod (and his BBQ – thanks, Rod!). I admit we were a bit distracted, but it seems like they enjoyed their visit, and we did have a bit of conversation in the midst of the chaos!
As we did with Hannah, we also made Nathanael a “Heritage Book”, with stories and pictures from the men in the family back many generations, and personal letters from many of the men in the family who he has known growing up. Thanks to all those who helped!
And now, the house is more or less back in order, and all the 15th birthday parties are over. The mystery is – where in the world did all those years go?!
