My Grandparents

On Monday when I arrived in Port Alberni for a visit, I went out to my sisters property. It is the five acres that was my grandparents, that my mom inherited and just finalized a sale this last week to my sister and her fiance. While I was visiting the property for the first time since it has started getting makeover, my mom told me a bit of history of our family. Aparrantly many years ago, on of my granpa's work buddies won a piece of land in a poker game. Because it was so far out of town though (only a 10 minute drive now, but back then transportation was more difficult) he was complaining about it. My grandpa (having some foresight) said he would trade him straight up for my granpa and grandma's house in town. He agreed. My grandparents lived in a little house while they built a better one. While he was doing that (building the house with his own two hands) he talked to a guy that owned more land, and bought 10 more acres. My grandpa proceeded to build a couple more houses on the area of land. (he was a logger by proffession, but I guess he knew some carpentry as well). he sold off some of the land and houses but kept five acres. This is the land my mom grew up in. Since my grandfather died 16 years ago, the land has sat empty. A small forest had grown over everything. When my grandmother passed away last summer, my mom inherited the property. My sisters fiance is a logger, so it is only fitting that they purchased the property and fix it up. The amazing thing is that the house still stand on that land, and seems relatively sturdy (although definately not liveable). The old barn and outhouse feel down with relative ease. The whole family is quite excited that something is happening with the property, and the neighbours (many of which were around or are descendants of those around in my grandparents age) have shown an interest and stopped by to visit. Anyways I just wanted to share a bit about my family history...it is neat for me to learn these things. Mom, if you read this and anything is innacurate (which is very well might be in the details) just let me know...
Later all, have fun,
Jer

Port Alberni

I spent some time today in Port Alberni just looking around, seeing if I saw anybody I knew, and then I started thinking and reflecting, which, of course, is always dangerous. As I stood on the dock at the Harbour Quay (which is positioned facing the Alberni Inlet) I was watching the waves come crashing in. It was a windy day, so the water was a little rough. I started noticing my surroundings and even watched the seagulls for a little bit. As I was marveling at how they are so smooth while they are sailing into the wind I noticed the statue of a seaman, leaning on the rails of the dock looking as though he was calling in the barges to wind down a hard days work. History has always intrigued me, and when I was looking at that well-beaten statue, I began thinking of the good ol' days in Port Alberni. Back then, at the turn of the century, it seems, all there was, was fishing, and logging. Two jobs that take very strong, and hard-working men and women. I couldn't help but think of the people that built this city, that is now stricken with a sense of poverty, and how the lifestyle was back in the day.
I used to work at a National Historic site in Port Alberni, called McLean Mill. http://www.alberniheritage.com/mill.shtml It was a steam-powered saw mill operation that had many single men (as well as small families) living out at camp. The men would work all week, and then go into town on the weekends to romance the ladies at the 'Goat Ranch' (or so the local bourlesque was referred to back then). In 1969 or so the Mill shut down, locked it's gates and left everything sitting for years to come. I guess I'm just trying to demonstrate that these people had rough lives, so when I complain about how much I'm working, it is unwarranted.
As I was reflecting on Port Alberni, I noticed again how simple of a town it is. Someone told me that it was, in fact, rated the worst place to live in Canada based on the poverty level, lack of jobs and lack of available housing (I have not confirmed this but I wouldn't doubt it if it ranked up there). Yet, the peace I find in this town is the simplicity of it. One of the things I remember everyone complaining about growing up is that there is nothing to do. With nothing to do there must be much time to get to know other people, and spend time on things that are important, rather than going to the mall and spending money you don't have (if you've been to the PA Mall, you would know why it isn't exactly the place to hang out). Nothing to do is peaceful, and simple. There is no pressure in this city to look a certain way, or to drive the best cars, or any or that. I really do think, and perhaps wrongfully so, that a city like this is relatively free from materialism. I know that no city in North America is free from this awful addiction, but compared to a place like Kelowna, there is no need for it because there are only a few that have. I like it.
Port Alberni has a small city feel and I just find it peaceful and relaxing...I would move back here some day in a heart beat if there was an opportunity to do so.
Well I apologize for the scattered thoughts, but my fingers can't keep up with my head so here you have it. Yesterday I learned about some of the history of my grandparents and I will share some of that with you tomorrow. I find it neat the differences of living between generation to generation.
Jer

Relaxing

Well friends, here I am...after two people mentioned that I haven't blogged in awhile (you know who you are) I am back at blogging. I am actually in my parents house in Port Alberni. I took a week off from work and am now able to relax for a bit...so exciting, although I still can't sleep in. I slept till 8 this morning and still felt tired, but still got up and started moving. I guess it's good, but my plan is to sleep at least until 10 one day this week. I definately have some plans this holiday, as far as plotting out somewhat of a plan to help me grow spiritually. This means practicing some of the disciplines, and commiting to regularity in living a spiritual life. Since going to Kelowna I haven't been so good at that, and it's sucks cause I know that i need it more now than ever. My work is with Street people, the people that God so preciously loves, and yet here I am trying to do work on my own...no wonder I often feel lost and lonely in it. I think Spiritual accountability is important, and at the moment I haven't anyone in my life that really keeps me accountable, and although I can only really blame myself for my lack of discipline it is more fruitful to have people to talk to about things of the Lord...Anyways I just wanted to say hi, and I guess ask for prayer that I would go back to Kelowna refreshed and not in my own strength, otherwise burnout will come quicker than a flaming plastic flamingo would melt (like that analogy...just thought of it now) Love ya'll.
Jer