Last Monday was Canada’s Thanksgiving. It is not as big a deal here as it is back in the US. Turkey is really expensive, and some people actually go down to the states to buy it. But it really isn’t much more than a 3-day weekend holiday. We invited the young elders over for a home cooked pot roast and a sugar pie that I found at the local grocer. We all agreed that Pumpkin pie is better. We have already been invited to a member’s home for an American Thanksgiving in November. They are going to the states to get a turkey, but they have never roasted a turkey before. I think I am being recruited to cook for them. That should be fun.
We have enjoyed getting to know a Chinese couple in our ward, the Wongs. They took us to Dim Sum last Saturday. He is a retired engineer, born in Canada, and she is from Hong Cong. They are an amazing couple and are wonderful hosts. We have been to their home for dinner before and found the food and the conversation absolutely incredible. I was able to share with Sis. Wong about our new Taiwanese friend, Lucy. The next day at church I introduced them, and they both immediately began speaking in Mandarin like they were long lost friends. She even shared a printed copy of a church talk in Mandarin to Lucy. That evening she called to let us know she would be coming to church every Sunday and that her son, whom she lives with, committed to drive her. What a blessing. All she needed was to feel welcomed and to make a friendship. This is our first missionary success story. I am hoping that we can continue to watch her progress in the gospel and hopefully to see her in the temple someday. Our other friend who is struggling with her testimony surprised us by showing up to church last Sunday also. She didn’t stay for the second hour, but that was progress for her. We continue to pray for her and invite her to our FHE lessons and to activities.
Speaking of activities, we have been asked by our bishop to chair the Ward Christmas program in December. We are putting together a committee to help. The challenge is to get a lot of member participation. Tonight, we are attending a Chili Cook Off that the Bishop’s wife organized. I understand that if there is food, people will come, but sometimes they run out of food. I will be taking mental notes on how it goes. And, I am bringing a pot of Chili.
I’m including some more autumn photos of our spectacular leaf color. I have to enjoy this as much as possible as winter could be long here. I think this must be the peak week of fall color. So beautiful! Some of these were taken at the Chinese garden in Montreal’s famous Botanical garden.