Heels, Lanterns and Mojitos!

Although our days had been fairly chill (well, except for constant job searching), our evenings seemed to fill up pretty quickly. We played soccer mid-week for mixed sport, that left a bit of a mark on a few of us - scabs and scars included. The following night was our weekly Lenten Share Group and Adoration, so much goodness.

Friday rolled around and we discovered a friend of ours, Michaela, was preforming in a singing competition, so a couple of us went to watch at the RSL (The Returned and Services League). It was my first time attending an RSL, and probably my last... Once we arrived, a very large, attempting-to-be-intimidating man was checking ID's, but not only ID's, also footwear and clothing. Apparently you will be denied entry into an RSL if you are wearing flip flops. I found this out the hard way. He double checked with someone over the radio saying "there is a group of 4 ladies, one of whom is wearing thongs... RUBBER thongs..." we could hardly keep a straight face! He said I would not be allowed entry unless I changed my shoes, which I definitely didn't have. Luckily for me, Michaela happened to have an extra pair! She brought out size 7 stilettos that were a solid 3 - 4 inches tall. I am a size 9. Let's just say, with them, the big scary man let me in.  Though he was sure to say "you HAVE to keep them on the whole time, you CAN NOT, under any circumstances, take them off once you are upstairs." Not a second after we had sorted out the whole shoe dilemma, Jennine realized she forgot her wallet at home. We thought after all that, we'd have to leave, but Michaela mentioned even minors are allowed in, you just have to become a League Member. And so, Maegan signed up as a League Member (complete with a membership card, including a photo!) so Jennine would be allowed in. So, an eternity later, he finally let us all through. I hobbled to the elevator and over to the table where Michaela and Co. were sitting, I could hardly feel my feet at that point, they were so cramped! Finally! I sat down and immediately kicked the heals off. And kept them off the entire night, there was no way I was keeping them on. Praise God for thongs. Rubber thongs. 

The competition was full on, everyone was so good! It was particularly thrilling watching Michaela belt out the tunes, I had heard her sing once before, but I am constantly amazed by the power in her voice! What a firecracker! So happy we were able to be there to support her. 

How pretty, eh! 

 After about an hour and a half in transit to get back home, it was nearly midnight - best time for baking! I made cinnamon roll monkey bread for Chloe's birthday party the next day! Partially because I wanted everyone to try it (Cinnamon Buns aren't super popular here. I know. It's a tragedy), but mostly cause I miss the taste of heaven in my mouth. 

Decorating with Chloe and Jennine.

The birthday bash was held at a nearby park with gazebo, perfect location for an outdoor party! I arrived early to help decorate! We had mason jars with flowers in them on the steps of the gazebo, hanging lanterns and a few others banners. It all came together really well, I was quite impressed!
The 'Soiree' was a blast! We played some ulti and soccer (you'd think I was planning the activities, eh?), but had lotsa low key hangout time too, fully equipped with quality conversation. I found out a friend of ours from the area, Naomi, got accepted to NET Canada! How EXCITING! 

What a beautiful day with lots of laughs, delicious food and few casualties (Jess' toe took a beating). 

Chloe and Simone!

Photo Credit: Jess Laundy

We wrapped up in the mid-afternoon, cleaned up and had a nice chill time at the girls house afterwards.

Chris and Jess had us over for dinner, what an honour! Jess was the bartender for the evening, she makes a real good mojito! During dinner they took turns telling us their story, how they met and everything in between. The pure love for God and each other is so evident in each of them.
A little later they then started brainstorming more epic places they could take us. Valley of the Fireflies came up, apparently it's a pretty intense hike, starting at the top of a canyon and climbing down to the bottom. And Boom. Just like that, our next adventure was planned. 

Stay tuned. 

This ones a gooder.