Canada Diary – Part 2

After a leisurely start drinking much strong coffee and putting the world to rights with Claudette and Walt, my hospitable hosts, I went to join the Messy Fiesta in All Saints, Ladner, the church of Elizabeth, the vicar who has organised this stage of the trip. It was unusual for me, in that Elizabeth and the team held a Messy Church for families while I led a short Fiesta for visitors. We had a fun time – lots of questions and comments (interestingly, the issues are much the same as they are in the UK).
There are several Messy Churches already started. It’s interesting that for one leader, the session was an affirmation of what they had been called to do for families. Another person had only heard of Messy Church three days ago, had discovered I was coming to Canada, to his amazement had found I was coming to Vancouver where he lives – and that the Messy Fiesta fitted neatly in between the two engagements he already had for the day: I think God wanted him there.
Then we all had Communion together with a drumming demo, which went down great guns. Afterwards we had the most amazing Mexican fiesta feast; the children were sent home with goodie bags and smiles on their faces and by 7pm, Elizabeth, Susan and I were down at Sharkey’s Bar downing very welcome drinks and dissecting the day.
I had to check up whether my leg was being pulled by one group at the mealtime who insisted there were urban bears in Vancouver who came and ate trash and household pets. Apparently this is true. As are the coyotes in the garden, bald eagles in the paddock and cougars on Vancouver Island: I am in the midst of danger and expect hourly to be eaten. Apart from this fear, I am struck by the warm welcome, gracious listening and enthusiasm for messiness. It’s great to be part of this worldwide family of faith.