News from Canada

May 16, 2010

Hello Friends:

The Ruttens are alive and well on Planet Canada!  The early
morning jet lag sucks, but we're slowly getting better at that. I
think we made it to about 5 am this morning, so that's 'normal' time
for us, when Matthew was in school.

We are watching, listening, observing...learning what makes these
Canadians tick!  I had an ear full of a conversation between two air
hostesses on Air Canada from London to Edmonton...I just enjoyed
hearing what they actually talk about to each other...mostly nonsense,
but I enjoying learning from what is just everyday normal for them.

We have also noticed this is a land of immigrants more than ever.
Sitting in the bank waiting for Leonard to open the church account,
almost all the ladies helping him were of oriental background, with
hard to understand English.  And the few guys that came into the bank
had European/Polish/German sounding accents, so it was quite funny to
see all this mix, trying to understand each other! :)

 One major shock to us as well, is that
everything we've had to register or set up so far, has been
surprisingly cheaper than we expected. Insurance, car, schooling soon
when we register the kids, etc., since we've been out so long we
didn't have any clue what to expect, so that has been a pleasant
surprise/blessing!  Eating out is much more expensive, but I guess
we'll have to just see how that goes with time...guess the cook will
have to put her chef's hat on again!

We think of you all often, pray for you daily...we can only do well,
when our friends in 3Ci are doing well!  You are in our hearts and we
speak of good memories and times as we drive around getting things
done here.


People sound very positive when we talk about planting a church, they
don't even know what we're on about, but they seem to think it's a
good idea and ask what part of the city we'll be starting in.  So from
family mostly but also others, response has been open and positive,
which is great to hear!

I had a strong reassurance from the Lord, that he was actually causing
a deep hunger and thirst for Him, in people's hearts even before we
got here.  Like the open deserts we saw in Israel...he is causing the
deserts in their hearts to hunger and thirst after righteousness.  I
can only believe his reassurance as we walk this walk of faith!

We want to thank you all for your love, support of us emotionally,
financially, in every way!!  Without 3Ci and each one of you, this
would not be happening with such favour and blessing in our lives.  We
love each of you....and hope to see many of you before too long!!

Much love from the Rutten clan in Edmonton,

Lorie, for us all