Rawdon Waterfall

Isabelle recommended we visit this park in the village of Rawdon where they live. It is a roaring waterfall now, but they tell us it gets even better. Last winter the Young's home was buried in snow most of the winter. Isabelle said they had to constantly tell the kids not to play on the roof! When the snow begins to run off in the spring, this waterfall gets even more intense! You see street signs everywhere that indicate a "snowmobile crossing". I just can't imagine that much snow. We regretfully had to leave the great fellowship at the Young's home to continue our trip to Montreal, what they call "the city".

A French/American Thanksgiving Service

We were in Canada for their Thanksgiving! Who knew? We attended the church service on a unique day for this church. Ron and Isabelle's English speaking church shares the building with a French speaking Mennonite Church. On this Thanksgiving day, both churches combined to share the special day as one. Ron delivered a wonderful sermon to both congregations using an interpreter, followed by a pot-luck Thanksgiving dinner. In one of these pictures, you see Ron speaking to the children before they go to their classes. The final picture is of Isabelle with their three girls. They also have a boy who is not pictured. It was a really great morning and a unique experience to be in this french environment.

A Five Love Langauage Night

Ted and I have been offering a seminar based on the book by Gary Chapman called The Five Languages of Love for years. We were delighted to be able to do it for Renaissance Bible Church Saturday night. Isabelle did a lovely job decorating the church for the couples. They each had their own linen covered table with a place setting for the dessert bar, a candle, mints, and a personalized place card. The lights were low and it was a wonderful group of people. What a blessing for us this was!

The Pastor's Home

We have good friends in Atlanta, Cliff and Denise Young, who are always updating us on his brother's ministry in Canada. Recently we were able to have dinner with Ron and Isabelle in Atlanta where we learned that we were travelling close to their town. Our favorite thing to do is get in communities and meet the people. What better way than to stay in the local pastor's yard!

Boarder Crossing

We had heard stories about how difficult it can be to to cross the Canadian boarder. Rumors of searches for guns, and extensive paperwork demands proved to be false, at least for us. They were very nice and only asked for our passports and to see each of us personally. Once we crossed the boarder it was if we had landed in Europe! All signage was in French and their highway system is a little different. Thank goodness for our GPS!

Moose Hunt

OK. We're riding through Vermont and Canada and see "Moose Crossing" and "Bear Crossing" signs everywhere. We have yet to see either! This was taken at the Vermont welcome center, very close to the Canadian boarder. We're still looking...

An Evening in Vermont

As we travelled through Vermont, we were delighted to see the land ablaze with color as the fall foliage was in it's peak. This quiet, off-the-beaten-path RV park offered us a taste of simple, rural Vermont. We were only about 1 1/2 hours from the Canadian Boarder. What a treat!

Lobster in Maine

How can you be in Maine and not have Live Maine Lobster? Ok, Connor is the only one who actually had the lobster. Two different people suggested Warrens in Kittery, Maine. It was really wonderful! We have discovered that this trip has been a culinary adventure like none other.
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When I look at these pictures I think of Carla and Gillian and all of those at home who were planning Jay's funeral. Throughout this lunch I stepped out numerous times to talk to people as the story of Jay's death unfolded. This will always be an emotional time as we look back on our travels.

A Tragedy in the Family

James Gaston Baker, Jr.
Born: Saturday May 16, 1959 Died: Friday October 10, 2008

Two days ago, on October 10th, 48 year old Jay Baker went to bed, just like every other night, and did not wake up. Jay left his wife Carla, and 12 year old daughter Gillian.

I (Kris) am the product of two only children. This means I have no 1st cousins, aunts or uncles. Carla's father is the youngest child of the same large family in which my grandfather was almost the oldest. This makes Carla my second cousin, and the closest thing I have to a sister or cousin. Because our family is so small and my parents and brother are all in the Duluth/Cumming area, Carla's family decided to relocate to Cumming. In order to enroll Gillian in school, Carla and Gillian moved in with us in August to begin looking for a home. They moved out only last week. Jay stayed at their home in Lawrenceville to prepare their home for sale. Carla's brother, Todd, just moved to town and has been living with Jay to help him in Carla's absence.

The medical examiner did not find anything wrong during the autopsy. The official cause of death was heart failure. I fully believe that Jay lived all the days God had appointed for him. He has a loving wife and wonderful daughter who will remember his love of his gun collection, his cat, the Georgia Defense Corp, on which he faithfully served, and the 3rd Armored Division through which he performed World War II Reenactments.

Although I tried many different scenarios that would get me home, it has proven to be very difficult because of business and ministry commitments we have out here. Carla encouraged me to stay with my family for the duration of our trip. My heart will ache tomorrow as the funeral proceeds without me. I am so grateful for the body of Christ who never fail to provide in times of need. Our former Sunday School class at Peachtree Corners Baptist Church has jumped in and helped in every way. Thank you. To the kind people at Grace Fellowship who barely know Carla, but have offered so many times to help, I am grateful. This is when we become the hands and feet of Jesus. The road ahead is long for Carla and Gillian. It is a privilege to be by their side along their journey.

I struggled with what to do with this blog. After much thought, I have decided to proceed. It is important to the children. Events like this only punctuate the fact that each day is a gift. Every goodbye may be the last. God instructs us to put our faith in Him and not worry about tomorrow. We should seize the day, always aware that there is an even better life to live beyond this one to those who make Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior. I am grateful for the Christian home in which Jay was raised and that he did love Jesus.

Know that Carla and Gillian remain a constant presence in our minds as we travel. Please continue to keep them in your prayers.