First Stop Before Next Mission Trip: Canada to get passport renewed

Well, some blunders don't bear remembering, let along repeating. Like the way my un-mom sent off for her new Canadian passport in plenty of time before the mission trip - only to discover that she'd forgotten to fill in some key information. Oh yes, she included the photographs (had to be taken by a professional due to size specifications), and two references signed off that she was a sane person, etc. But the packet got bounced back to the States and then back up to Canada again; all the while without contact from a real live person. Finally, after many calls, it was discovered that Marijke got so excited about getting the aforementioned information together, that she forgot to fill in the form - especially her new address! So, at this point, in order to expedite the matter quickly, it was necessary for her to show up in PERSON - at an office in Canada. Hello air flight and visit with family. Totally unplanned but relished in spite of the added stress.

Good news was that the kind lady in the Kitchener, Ontario office was able to make it happen in one day - totally unheard of according to John and Cherri! They checked the internet and found out that I was in for a wait of at least a few days, maybe a week! All I can say is: Someone must have been praying, eh?!!

By the way, thanks for putting up with me for those lovely two nights, J&C! Just a warning, I'll be staying longer next time - with my un-dad, Ken. It was certainly not enough time to visit with Mom and Dad and naturally I missed seeing a few other relatives, too (like John, Jr., Christine and family, Magda, Nancy, Jordan, etc., etc.!! (Besides, I didn't get a good picture of SANDRA!)

Luv, Teddy