My Final Update - The Adventure Ends

Hi there guys,

Thanks for your patience in waiting to hear the latest update. It feels very bizarre to be writing my last blog a couple of months earlier that I intended to!

As many of you will know, the decision was made between myself and the two other Soul Edge leaders, Josh and Kiri, to fly home early for a few reasons; 1) to rest 2) to see my doctor back here in the UK. I was suffering from full on exhaustion; mentally, physically and emotionally. So begrudgingly, I left Canada on Saturday 13th March. That said, I know now that it was definitely the right decision.

I automatically felt more relaxed at home, which is no indication on Canada I was treated amazingly, and swiftly organised an appointment with my Doctor to ask about the options regarding Kenya and my treatment. I had been praying hard that any advice would be definitive either way, and thankfully it was. The Dr (and the Orthopods I have seen consequently) categorically have said Kenya would be to risky for me in my current physical state and that I could do some serious long term damage, and if you have seen the X-ray on Facebook, you will see I need to get used to my new Bionic collarbone! It is of course disappointing to not be going with the guys to Kenya, but I don't believe it is the end of the world, I believe he has a lot more in store for me!

The most important thing I want to iterate is that this wasn't a decision made lightly. I made this decision with heavenly guidance, Doctors, Emily, Parents, Soul Edge, Family and of course, with the boys in mind. I have been privileged enough to help lead this small group of 5 guys on what is an amazing journey. It is my duty as a leader to make choices regarding the group and their welfare, I believe that Kenya will be tough enough for them without having to carry my kit and a grumpy Laurence who hasn't slept/is in pain. I really believe they are going to do some amazing things out there and I cannot wait to hear their stories and see the change. I know they are fully prepared for bringing the kingdom. I am just glad I could influence their preparation, even if only in the smallest way.

Of course this journey has had it's disappointments for me, I never expected after five years of waiting that I would have to pull out, however I know it is for the 'greater good'. I still experienced, learnt and loved so much during my time in Herbert, SK. I have been fortunate enough to find some life long friends out there who I cannot wait to see again.

The boys return to the UK this Sunday (27th) and are really looking forward to spending time with their families and friends, I will join them on Thursday in Watford as they prepare to leave for Kenya. I can't wait to spend some time with them again.

Thank you for following my blog, I really hope it has given you an insight into a way of life that is different from our own and an amazing opportunity I was glad to indulge in.

I will try and post updates from the guys when I get them!

Enjoy having them back,

Love,

Laurence x

Surgery update.

Very sorry for the delay in this blog, I thought it had updated but aparently not. Surgery was Weds 24th Feb.

So here I am, back in 'comfortable surroundings' after my operation. It was a bit of an ordeal all round to be honest; we shall start from the beginning.

After whizzing up to Saskatoon last Friday, and seeing the surgeon on call, we were told I should be in for Surgery on Monday or Tuesday. This did not materialise and after hours of badgering the whole the Saskatoon orthopedic Filofax. I was told to come up for surgery on Wednsesday.

Polly and Richard kindly drove me up on Wednesday and waited with me all day (ending up in a hotel) as surgery didn't materialise until 830pm at which point they decided I should be admitted.

Before the operation itself, one of Canada's best (yet decidedly grumpy) surgeons questioned whether I should have surgery, when I explained that six weeks of excruciating pain and sliding bones had proceeded this very conversation, he submitted that this was the best option with the trip to Kenya in mind.

This was fully vindicated when on his arrival at my bed side @ 730am, he told me he had required to put in 7 pins rather than the usual two or three! My blood pressure also remains high which is a slight concern and something I shall have to keep an eye on.

A return trip to him in three weeks is on the cards along with wearing an immobilising sling for at least eight weeks! I was treated very well by the nurses and the Erb family were  brilliant while the boys where in Banff.

Emily and I had a lovely week together and she was fantastically supportive and helpful with looking after me, it was a shame her trip was so short. She really enjoyed her time here. My wound is healing, there is a small area of infection, but we are keeping a close on it when we change the dressings every 36-48 hours. Its very bizarre being able to feel the metal work, pain (therefore BP) is still high but will hopefully subside soon.

Love,

Laurence x

P.S. last pic is a drawing by the nurse!

Recent shenanigans!

Hi guys! Sorry again for a delayed post. February so far has been a manic, yet fun month! I know also have a fantastic application on my tab so I can update my blog on the go.

Almost immediately after my last post, we headed on a 7 hour drive (via subway) to Kananaskis country. A really beautiful part of the world. Remote, with mind-blowing views. Day one and the lads went out on their big, day-long scramble. I decided to miss out as I wouldn't manage it with my collarbone. They can back pretty exhausted but were blessed with very nice weather. After a relaxed evening we set up for the real adventure; snow camping. I decided to join the guys on this one, after missing so many other outings, and go at a slower more careful rate, kindly accompanied by Kiri and Sam who carried my gear like a true hero. I'm so glad I went. The views were astonishing and almost ironically, going slowly really allowed me to appreciate the views and surroundings. The only down side was that my new medicine really affected mg breathing and heart rate by slowing them down, so towards the end it was a real struggle. Also, after getting the guys into great shape, I was a long way behind their fitness levels ;) We set up camp by building shelter and a monumentous fire, we enjoyed games, hot chocolates and spooning under the stars.

After a long journey back (via Subway again of course) we all unwound exhausted at the Soul Edge house. The week consisted of the usual Soul Edge schedule and the usual social activities of Films, Board Games and quizzes. A few of the guys have really got into their horse-riding so they have been practicing at the ranch.
The weekend consisted of a lovely sweetheart night at the church where the Soul Edge team were recruited as waiters/sous-chefs for some magnificent desserts.

As for any other news, all the beards (mine and Sam's especially) are coming on nicely. Unfortunately Justin had an accident in the most recent snow-boarding trip (we have footage!) and broke his Radius quite badly. Fortunately there was a bright side to this. He had to go to Saskatoon to see a surgeon, which meant I could tag along and see one myself in regards to my collarbone. Now Justin fortunately doesn't need surgery as they acted very quickly and rectified it. I however do, they didn't act so quickly. Six weeks on and I am still in an immense amount of pain and not sleeping. So surgery is being done to rectify this hopefully! The down side is I will miss most of the Bannf trip. However needs must and I will still be there to pick up Emily from the airport which is very exciting.

That's it for now. Ill pop up a surgery update for you all with some nice photos.

Laurence

Week 3/4 done!

Hello!

First off, sorry it has taken me so long to write this blog, it's been a bit of a hectic couple of weeks so I hope you haven't been waiting too long ;)

I have now completed my first two talks to the guys which have gone down very well, and I'm really happy to see them responding positively and pressing in with a desire to learn! They are also doing incredibly well with their physical program and I'm really happy to say we are seeing the efforts pay off, the guys are starting to look slimmer, faster and stronger.

Since I last posted lot of adventures have been happening, so I will try and give you a quick run-down.
A couple of Saturday's ago we went shooting and hunting; due to my collarbone and had to lie down with the rifle on a hay bail, but straight away 3 from 3. So very happy with that! The guys had some fun shooting some clay pigeons with the shotgun but I didn't fancy re-breaking my collarbone from the re-coil! We were fortunate enough to have Marlowe from church come out with us and bring his hand guns, now this I could really get stuck in to. I was fortunate enough to shoot a Ruger .22 and a .357 revolver. I had the opportunity to shoot a .44 Magnum but after seeing Tom almost go off his feet firing it I decided against it. The weight and size of these guns is incredible, and as much as I am not a killer they are fantastic feats of engineering and really quite fascinating how they work. In the afternoon we went Coyote hunting, Joel managed to hit one, though after 3 hours of trekking over 5 miles in deep snow the three pursuers couldn't find him, so a lovely dinner with nice home baking warmed us all up!

Later on in the week, after more fantastic sessions within the Soul Edge house, Kids club and youth group we were fortunate enough to go Horse Riding. They have six horses at the ranch, I was put on the oldest, slowest and calmest horse they had, Molly, to reduce impact. I couldn't ride as such because of my shoulder, so Josh led Molly and I around which was a great experience, they really are majestic creatures and I can't wait to have a proper go at Horse Riding when I'm in better shape!

The boys had another lovely snowboarding trip in blizzard like conditions, which I reluctantly watched from the Cafe. They are really getting the hang of it now, and I am just looking forward to Banff at the end of February! Other areas of note for the past couple of weeks include; the invention of a new game 'Slapball', the coldest day since we arrived (-45c) and more and more beards for the boys. Mine is taking full flow which is rather warming in this cold weather!

I am really excited that Emily is coming out three weeks on Saturday and I can't wait for her to experience some of the fun we are all having. I am really missing her. So it will be a nice chance to enjoy a fun break!

Tomorrow we are going on a four day expedition to Kay country. Lots of hiking and camping. Unfortuantely, I won't be able to join in. I'm sure it will be fun whatever.

I hope you are all well and you have coped with another 'cold' snap in the UK.

Take care,

Laurence x


P.S. More photos soon!

Week 2 - Routine,

So Week Two has been very fun too, though definately different. The guys have had to settle into their routines, which they have done so with great aplomb. This routine includes;

• Early up 730
• Meditation time
• Breakfast
• Morning session
• 2.5 Mile Run
• Gym
• Lunch
• Afternoon Session
• House tidy/Ranch Duties
• Dinner
• Youth Group/Kids Club/Chillout

So although great fun, hard work and long days. The guys have taken to the course really well and seem keen to learn. It's been a week of a lot of adaptation and they have done well!

So on tuesday we had our first cell group at the house, which is a youth scheme Soul Edge runs in Correlation with the local church. Tom and Josh led the worship and did very well. On Wednesday we had Kids Club at the church which was a very bizarre experience! Very hyper kids, must be all the snow! Thursday and Friday were normal teaching days.

We have eat very well as usual, this week we have had a mix of home made burgers, home made chilli, home made pizza, lentil and chicken stir fry and pasta amongst many others. We have also made our way through many classic films such as Rocky, Jurassic Park as well as the more modern films like The Prestige, Wall Street II and Iron Man 2, have also worked them very hard in the Gym and I think they are now starting to see the benefits of it, minus the blisters!

In terms of my health I hope I am doing slightly better, the collarbone is still very painful but I am moving it better, though I think thats to do with the new medicine (oramorph) as much as anything! Lets keep hoping and praying for a quick recovery! On Saturday the boys went snowboarding while I watched on from the cafe and worked on some talks of mine (I gave my first one on Monday and it went well I think) Then on Sunday we were fortunate enough to tag along Cayote hunting. Joel just missed so we were unfortunate to come back empty handed!

This week we have Gun Orientation to expect which will be fun, then a hunt at the weekend. Below are some photos for you to enjoy (finally!)

I hope you are all well and look forward to hearing from you as always!

P.S. The beard is coming on nicely!

This is the first video update from our youtube page.

Week 1: Done!

Well what an eventful week it has been! Since my last blog all kinds of things have happened! To start with, on Monday we went snowboarding. IT WAS IMMENSE. I was lucky and somehow got the hang of it and I'm now addicted. Cannot wait to go again! It was a lovely day with some stunning views at the top, so I will get those posted to you soon!


Tuesday was a day of prep, tidying the house, setting up the boys room, doing a phenomenally large food shop and discovery of 'Liquidation World'. A phenomenal shopping experience where companies who go bust sell all their stock on disgustingly cheap! Then we had a nice relaxed evening at the Ranch for Jennie's final evening in CA.


Wednesday was the beginning of an epic drive to Calgary to drop Jennie at the Airport and pick the boys up, after a while of waiting we located them all and they all seem like a lovely group and excited to tackle the challenges. We were then fortunate enough to stay with some friends, The Ungas. They have a phenomenal custom built house in the foothills of the rockies with some fantastic trophy kills on the walls; Cougar, Moose, Elk, Antelope. All hunted with bow which is apparently where all the skill lies! We had Elk chili con carne, which was again so so so nice, very lean and very tender, exactly what was needed! We then played about sledding for a while then a nice Early night before the mini hike we took on in the morning! This took us to the top of the foothills and gave us a phenomenal view! Then we had to do some kit shopping for some of the boys in Calgary, then a nice big subway and back to Herbert! Driving in CA is fun, its just a lot of straight roads and spectacular views! We have also invented a silly game called 'yellow bus' which is making the long road journeys a little more interesting!


On Thursday evening we just let the boys settle into their rooms and the house and they hit the hay. Friday was briefing day, so we started to get into our usual routine. Up early, then a morning session, then a run followed by gym work, then lunch. In the afternoon we went to the ranch to do more tubing which was fantastic fun for the guys, until the quadbike tipped and I broke my collarbone badly, one bone sliding under the other, and chipping bits on the way! A very short and painful ride to the clinic followed, where they confirmed it was a bad break and gave me a specialist support which I have to tighten to straighten my shoulders out! It was a really gut-wrenching moment. However, I'm happy its not worse, or my neck, or my legs. And it gives me a chance to really focus on other areas of my leadership rather than rely on my stronger areas (physicality).


Saturday, the boys went on a big hike while I stayed at the ranch with the family. Was really gutted I couldnt go with them, until I heard about the - 20 snowstorm they got caught in. As ever though, they made it through with smiles on their faces and slept contently after nachos, meatballs and a bit of 'Rocky'!


This week will be the start of the programme officially with all the reading and teachings as well as attachments in the community such as kids club etc, which I know we are all excited to get stuck in to! Weather is taking a turn for the worse and we are expecting minus 20C all week!


Hope all is well with you guys and that first weeks back at work were not too painful!


Stay in touch!


Love,


Laurence