On the Doorstep

Greetings Friends, this is EV here. Once again, it's been a while since our last post, but tonight I have gotten an update on something that really spoke to me and I felt like I needed to share.

 One of my older brothers has a giving heart, it is one of his Spiritual Gifts. He is always giving to others and has a very loving heart. It is one of the best things about him. This year, instead of asking for gifts for his birthday he is asking for money to put towards what he has come to call "Helping the Homeless in Windsor, Ont". He does not want any gifts for himself, instead he wants to put together 5 bags for homeless people in his home town. He has put a lot of thought into what will go into such a bag, and came up with some things that could potentially save lives. Items such as coats, balaclava's, mittens, food, gift cards to restaurants, burners, canteens and much more. His original idea was to fill 5 backpacks that are each worth about $250.
 In the 38 days that he has been asking for donations instead of birthday gifts he has gotten over double his original goal, raising over $3000! He has been documenting this journey on Facebook and has had people donating to him that he has never even met!
 Tonight he posted the following to his Facebook page:
"PREFACE: This is going to be a long post.. haha
Up until this point this project of Helping the Homeless in Windsor, ON has been a lot of emails, texts, calls, Facebook statuses, and a ton of encouraging words from family and friends. I have not had to do a lot. I have felt great about the project, but to be honest I have not been too crazy "excited" or, as I like to say, "pumped".
That is, until yesterday.
For the past two days I have had the lucky opportunity to spend some of the money that you guys have donated. And let me tell you. It is one of the best feelings in the world. Eight of this, 32 of that, 48 of this, the list goes on. I absolutely love picking out the items, seeing how many there are, and simply taking out $200 to pay for it.
Today, and yesterday, I spent a total of $1089.11. What did I spend it on, you may ask? Well, let me tell you. There is:
- 8 first aid kits
- 2 toothbrushes, 3 tubes of toothpaste, 22 toothbrush holders
- 4 sticks of women's deodorant, 4 sticks of mens deodorant
- 8 tubes of Blistex (lets be real, no one likes cracked lips
- 8 Mars Bars
- 20 fruits cups
- 32 Clif Bars
- 54 Cans of soup
- 8 can openers
- 8 utensil kits
- 4 medium inner jackets, 4 large inner jackets
- 8 balaclavas
- 9 pairs of socks (23 pairs on the way!)
- 4 back-packs (4 to come!)
- 16 heat pads
(see two pictures!)

So, yeah. HOLY SMOKES. I still have over $2000.00. I ordered the remainder of the items from the Army Surplus store, and will be picking them up in the next two weeks (if someone wants to come with me, to be a part of the experience just let me know!).
This experience has been nothing but beautiful. I have taken so much joy from this, and know it will continue to come. Thank you so much to everyone, for everything you have done. I may have had a cool idea, but YOU are the ones that made it happen.
Because I volunteer at the House Youth Centre (you House of Shalomies out there will understand), I feel the need to attach this experience to a song. And, every time I go to type a message, or a Facebook status, or am on my way to buy the items, I play this song. It is "Who Do You Love" by Marianas Trench. Over and over. It is so beautiful, and speaks about exactly what we are doing with this project on Helping the Homeless in Windsor, ON. One line sticks out more then others, and I think it is relevant to this situation. The song says, "When I get back on my feet, I'll blow this open wide and carry me home in good health". I believe that is what these backpacks have the potential of doing. They have the potential to get someone back on their feet. To help that homeless individual to understand and realize that within Windsor, reaching as far as Ottawa, there are people who wish the best for them and have taken that one step further by giving money, time, and efforts to support them. What if that is all it takes to turn their ENTIRE world around? What if ONE person who receives one of these backpacks is down and out. They have given up. And then someone presents them with this backpack, and they say, "now is my time, its time to take care of myself, get out of this situation, to blow this open wide and carry myself home". Who do we love? The homeless.
So again, thank you guys. Thank you so much.
We ARE changing the world we live in. We ARE the difference that is the difference.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_CbClV_eTU
( here is a link to the song I am talking about!)"

The response he has gotten has astounded everyone. It is truly amazing the impact one idea can have. He is changing lives, and not just those of the homeless in Windsor, but the lives of those who have given to this idea. Many people have given monetary gifts, while so many more have given encouragement, prayers and spread the word on this idea. The post above really spoke to me tonight. Up till now I have supported and encouraged my brother in this idea, but tonight I really see the good that he is doing and it brought tears to my eyes. How can one man have such a big heart. He is the good that many people want to see in the world. (We have our days, but what siblings don't? over-all he is an amazing brother).
 If you think this is interesting and want to learn more, find Micah Vander Vaart on fb and give him a shout via messenger. He'll answer any questions you have. If you have no interest in this what-so-ever and just read this blog post, then I hope that it has helped you believe that there are still people in this world who want to change things; and that they are doing so!

Have a great evening everyone, and remember to be the change you want to see in this world!

A Warm Welcome

Happy Thanksgiving from Double E's Hobbit Hole!

 In my family, thanksgiving is kind of a big deal. For as long as I can remember, Thanksgiving has always been celebrated with my parents, two brothers, my aunt and uncle, and their three kids. Growing up, it was always guaranteed that the 10 of us would be there, usually with a few other people thrown in. (My dad would often find one or two people who were on their own over Thanksgiving and invite them over for coffee/dinner) As we all grew older and started dating, every once in a while there would a significant other at the table; we knew it was getting serious when you brought someone to the Thanksgiving weekend!
 Now that everyone is older, all married except me, and starting to have kids it's been harder to get everyone together. Over the last few years a few of us were out of the province, one out of the country and others on their honeymoon. This year was the first year in about the last 4 that everyone has been able to make it. With husbands, wives, significant others (my boyfriend is the only significant other.. yay for being the only unmarried cousin?) and grandchildren, the total count is up to 17, plus another one due any day now!
 It's always been crazy busy with people during the Thanksgiving weekend, but this year, it was extra crazy with everyone there! It's busy, crazy and full of people coming and going (not to mention crazy amounts of food and snacks!) but none of us would have it any other way. It has gotten to the point where we have to start sleeping at other places. When we were younger it was easier because we only needed 2 bedrooms, and 2 rooms with enough floor space for 3 air mattresses each. Now, however, we need 8 bedrooms and at least a couch or room for an air mattress. This being so, we have expanded to 1 house, 1 apartment and using another family member's house while they are out of town, just to have enough rooms/beds to sleep in!
 Thanksgiving is one of my favourite times of year, and I always get really excited to see everyone. To me, Thanksgiving is almost more of a big deal to have everyone together than Christmas. I love the changing colours on the trees, the cooling temperatures, and the weekend of games, food and fellowship this weekend always brings.
 I am thankful for so much, but I am most thankful to have a wonderful family who is able to put 16 adults and a 2yr old child into a 3 bedroom house for 4 days and still be able to stand each other at the end of it. In that household, and ours, even if you are not a family member by blood or marriage it is always a warm welcome to anyone that walks through the door.
                                                    -- EV

EB is away on her traditional Thanksgiving weekend family camping trip... so I'll get her to write more on the next post. hehe

Flies and Spiders

    There comes a point in everyone's life when you just have to suck it up, and instead of running away to get dad to kill the spider, you have to do it yourself. Same goes for that stupid fly that will not stop buzzing around your head while you attempt to sleep. (How did it even get in here?!) Anyway. The same theory applies to growing up. There comes a point in everyone's life when you have to grow up and adult; doing everything from making your own dinner to booking, and attending, your own doctor's appointments. Though, for certain things, it is still good to have your parents along. Just for the support and extra pair of ears when receiving news.

    Speaking of which. This evening I (EV) had a chiropractors appointment to review x-rays that were done last week. (Thanks to the other Hobbit Hole resident (EB) who has been urging me to go get checked out and has not given up on me! She has been talking to Dr. Mark about me for months, describing my symptoms and telling him various things.) My parents came along as per the doc's request; to learn more about correcting the issues and not just using temporary fixes. After learning a great deal of new things about the spine and the spinal cord and what it all e/affects when not in the proper position. When the 1 hour of general discussion was over, the chiropractor took everyone in individually to go over the x-rays and talk about the options of where to go from here. While in the office with my mom and dad we found out the reason for my severe migraines. Turns our that my neck is not curved back, like it should be, but is actually very straight and my head is pushed forward a few cm's; actually to the point where it is starting to curve the opposite way. Upside? It's completely reversible with the help of Dr. Mark! YAY! With 3 adjustments a week for 3 months then 2 a week for 6weeks until I'm good enough to go once a week until 1 year is up. I am very excited about this! Yes, it sucks majorly that this has happened, but I am overjoyed to have been able to figure this out early enough that no permanent/life changing damage has been done. Yes, it has been 13yrs of doctors telling me to fix posture/drink water and many-a massage therapy sessions, all to no avail. They all helped a bit, but nothing permanent. Dr. Mark is confident that this will fix the health issues that I currently have. I am very thankful for the people in my life *cough*Esther,Mom,Dad*cough* (among others) who have stuck by me and have always tried to help find a way to finally get rid of my migraines! Never put off getting something checked out or going somewhere to improve your health when a friend/family member suggests it. They care for you and want to see you at the best health you can be at. Go to that doctor's appointment, see that nutritionist, take that extra step. You will be happy you did. I promise.
                                                                 --EV


   Three years ago I was fresh out of college, I was actively searching for a job in my field, and at the peak of optimal health. At least, that's what I thought. I was temporarily working for my dad in the construction industry as an employee in his siding business. The job wasn't too physically demanding, I was usually situated on the brake, the machine used to bend the aluminum into fascia; and cutting up the soffit and siding for installation. I had always had back issues, but never really thought of them as anything but normal for a girl who got her growth spurt rather fast in 10th grade. I would go to lie in bed and immediately have the painful sensation of my spine stretching out. This happened nearly every night after work, and I almost always went to sleep with a heating pack under my lower back.
One day at work I was carrying sheets of plywood around the site and lifted an 8 footer. the moment I put it down I knew something had gone funny in my back. I couldn't return to work the next day, or the next. and finally I got to the point where I realized this was not just a slow healing pulled muscle. We asked around our church community and heard the name Dr. Mark, Chiropractor.
Now I am usually the last person to suggest going to a doctor. I have my dad's aversion to the medical fields, but this seemed different. Within a month I was going to bed with the heating pack only once a week. I had less pain in my legs from what I called "Growing pains" (even though I had stopped growing at 5'9") and in six months I had only had maybe 3 migraines.
It's been three years since I sucked it up, faced my doctor fear (its less scary than my fear of spiders ok), and I wouldn't have it any other way. I still help my dad now and again on the job sites, and heavy lifting is much less of a challenge. I'm able to do things now that three years ago I had accepted as being "unfit for my body type" (meaning too skinny and weak). Dr. Mark helped me on the path to achieve my goals and without him I never would have reached my real optimal health.

EB

Queer Lodgings

 Tomorrow marks the day that the women of the Hobbit Hole embark on a weeklong vacation with Jessica. (Esther’s older sister) This will be the first time that we are going on a vacation together and I can guarantee that it will be quite the adventure. Sure, we’ve gone to Sudbury to visit our dear friend Kim, and we’ve adventured to Ottawa to visit Shannen, but we have as of yet to do anything longer than a weekend. Well, now we will.

 While planning for this trip I have come to realize that this will be the first time I have ever gone on a vacation on my own.. I mean, I’ve gone on plenty of vacations with my parents and even a few with just my dad to the Dominican; but growing up the vacations were always planned, and usually paid for, by my parents. When my dad and I went to the Dominican it was for a mission’s trip, so it wasn’t really considered a vacation. What I mean is that this is the first time I am planning, paying and executing a vacation all on my own. (Well, with Esther and Jessica, but people my age) It’s weird, but also exciting and gratifying. I am adult-ing and it’s pretty awesome. It’s gratifying in the sense that I have worked for this money, have been able to set it aside, and am now able to spend it on something that will be a great experience, not just some materialistic thing that may be forgotten about down the road, or worn out from wear.

 This vacation should be pretty fun, though we may have some queer lodgings, it is nothing that we can’t handle. . What I mean by queer lodgings is that we have 3 full-grown women who are all sharing a two bed room for a week. I’m sure it will all get figured out, and if not? Well, I am sure we will be too tired to even care after all of our village visiting, antiquing, spa-ing, nature exploring-beach days.

 With that being said… I think that it is time I go pack and have a chat with Esther about the plan for tomorrow, considering we do leave for our trip in under 12hours. Until next time, keep calm and drink tea.

                        ~EV (with EB's approval)

Out of the Frying Pan... Into the Fire

  Yes, we know.. It's been a while since our last post. Whoops. Better late than never!!

   As the weather starts to warm up, the urge and desire to spend every waking moment outside  becomes stronger.. well, in most of us it does. Anyway. Yesterday was the annual "Made In Dundas" event and it went over splendidly, though a tad bit warmer than I had hoped. Esther and I always enjoy dressing up for events, so, naturally, we dressed up for the day. Esther in a 1770's lower class English outfit while I was in a 1760's Scottish peasant outfit (all 9yards of kilt/Arisaid and all). It was wonderful and as we started setting up and were in the sun it became apparent that maybe 9yards of wool on top of a full-length cotton skirt and top may not have been the best idea. However, the many compliments and enthusiasm from many people at the event made it worth while. Rest assured that much water was consumed as well as much time spent in the shade; though a bedtime of 8:30 and asleep by 9 was my night)
   Today I woke up with a weird kink in my neck and still a bit tired from yesterdays excitement when I suddenly had the urge to be outside yet again. The sun was shining bright and beautiful and I could almost hear the great outdoors calling my name. An hour or so after this grand urge overtook me, Esther and I were on our way to a hiking trail near Dundas called The Bruce Trail. (BEAUTIFUL trail!) We started at Sherman falls and walked the 1.5ish km to Tiffany falls down a path and through many an inchworm threads. When we had started our hike it was quite warm out and by the time we got half a km from Sherman falls it was very clear that today was a rather warm day to be outside. Though, while by the falls, there was a nice breeze and cool water to play in. While walking down the path between the falls the temperature was different around our ankles than the temperature above our knees; by at least a few degrees. It was rather odd, yet neat at the same time. The wild flowers and small trickling streams gave pause to our hike. Such beauty and variety of colours deserves a moment of fascination and wonderment. We came across quite a few beautiful butterflies on our hike and I am reminded of the goodness of our God. While hiking through the cooler trail I was reminded of the creativity and love that went into everything from great cliffs and waterfalls to even the smallest of wildflowers.
   On the way back from Tiffany's falls the ups and downs of the trail got a bit daunting as the heat was getting to us and we had failed to bring any water with us. As we came out from the cover of the trees into the sun beating down on the black pavement it was like coming out of the frying pan and into the fire. The breeze through the car as we drove down the road with the windows open was wonderful. Over all, a wonderful weekend spent in the great outdoors as well as in our nice cold Hobbit Hole. I can only imagine what kind of heat the summer has to offer this year! I am sure many more hikes in this unforeseen heat are yet to be had; all the better to get back into shape!
                                                  ~EV

Riddles in the Dark

 When we first moved into the Hobbit Hole there were some things we needed to figure out. Things like; were we going to get a tv, and if so, where from and what size? What internet provider will we use? Can we hang stuff up on the walls, and if so, what do we use to hang it? Where would we put everything? We were in the dark about a lot of things, but slowly we figured it out.
 For the first 3-ish weeks living at The Hobbit Hole we didn't have internet. For a while we were deciding who to go with, and then it was actually getting someone to come and install it. "Three whole weeks with no internet?! What did you do to entertain yourselves?!"- you may ask. Well, it helps that we both own a good amount of movies/tv shows, as well as having some on our hard drives. Esther introduced me to this wonderful show called Horrible Histories. Our days were filled with work and using the wi-fi there while our evenings were filled with crafts, Horrible Histories, and the occasional movie.
 Every time I move it's always a bit of a hassle to get everything organized and figured out. This time it was a bit easier as I have a great flatmate and live in a great (albeit a bit small) apartment. Many things are hung on the walls, crafting supplies are everywhere (organized chaos), and we actually bought a tv so that we could give back the loaner one we had. The Hobbit Hole is a great place, and if you ever have a chance to visit, c'mon over! The only thing is that to enter, you may need to answer a riddle.
 So if you are planning to move, in the middle of a move, or are just settling in and everything isn't quite the way it is supposed to be, just remember "[W]ithout the dark, we'd never see the stars." -Unkown

                                                   EB + EV

Over Hill and Under Hill

I don't yet consider myself a well-traveled person. At least, not yet. I've been to the wet coast of Canada when I was 9, the east coast at 13, and down to the states various times, the furthest south being North Carolina. and when I was 17, my parents took my sisters and I on a "heritage trip" to see where our grandparents and great-grandparents had come from. We traveled through England, Scotland, and finally the Netherlands.
Now, I can't tell you which of these big trips first awakened the desire to travel within me...maybe it was none of them, maybe it was the yearly camping trips we always took up north or down to upstate New York. Either way, I found I was always happiest when out in the wild world. I even loved the trip to Scotland so much that I returned for my final placement in college and lived and worked there for a semester. Not a day goes by where I don't miss my time there or the friends I made, where I wish I could go back and just breath the Atlantic sea air in again. As much as I know I want to go back, I also know there are so many other adventures I want to go on before I re-do one for the third time.
I don't know about you, But I have two travel bucket lists: One I know I can fulfill, like visiting a major American Revolutionary War reenactment at Fort Ticonderoga or Williamsburg, Virginia, or roadtripping out to Newfoundland and seeing the Viking settlement at L'anse aux Meadows. The other is filled with the ones that are more "if I won the lottery" or "when I'm rich and famous" type, like backpacking up to Mount Thor and Mount Asgard on Baffin Island or driving cross-country for as long as I want and stopping at every "Welcome to _________!" sign I see.
Your travel bucket list is going to be different. Everybody's is. the point of a travel bucket list is to wish and dream, without those you just spend your days working and never seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. So whether you're an over the hill or under the hill kind of person, always keep those dreams in sight!
                                                                   -EB

What she ^ said.. I'm to busy daydreaming about my next big adventure to think about writing a blog post right now.
                                                                     -EV