I'm writing this at the end of the summer, so I can look back and say it was an overall wonderful opportunity -- not only to get to know family members better as I lived and connected with them in their environments, but the chance to occasionally interject a helping hand in their daily routines. I'm also thankful for the occasional visits with extended family and friends at familiar locations... not to mention, at my new favorite coffee spot.
Besides the many opportunities to connect with each member of my family as never before, there were many other highlights to my time in Guelph, including:
- Meeting the members of Joel's men's group
- Spending time with extended family at faspa
- Eating cuisine not available in Thailand, such as Swiss Chalet, Chick-fil-A and Harvey's among other favorites
- Backyard and Victoria Park BBQs
- Spending evenings in local parks
- Heading to the movies
- Remembering Canada Day on July 1st, or what was formerly known as Dominion Day
- Driving on the 'right side' of the road for a change, as opposed to driving on the left in Thailand
- Visiting with friends at different venues
- Playing relaxing table games in the evenings
- And even being there to welcome the Crawford's latest addition to their family, an 8 week old pup that they later named Gracie
