It was an exciting weekend and I am so glad Walter and I could watch all the games Daniel curled in this event in Regina.  It is a rare treat for us to watch our son compete in the Men's division.  Back in his juveniles and junior days, we were at almost ALL his games because we were his ride!  I still get just as nervous for the games and just as disappointed at losses...
Like this weekend.  They made it to the playoffs with a chance to get a berth in the provincial championship in Melville, SK.  So Monday (Remembrance Day) at 9 am we cruise over to the curling rink and settle in our seats.  The competition is intense and the first end we get 3 points!  That's huge at this level. 
But in a few ends, the momentum shifts and the opposition gets a 3-ender.  And then a couple ends later we lose 4 rocks to "picks" - which means the rocks lose direction and either spin the wrong way or slow down and stop too early!  Heart-breaking!  Rocks that will count or guard are now a waste of a throw!  It was so frustrating for the team - and the fans!
The score would have been close against this particular team, but with the picked rocks, it was not close anymore. 
Sadly, Team Howard wasn't able to seal a win and so they were out of the running.
For now.
There will be other events and opportunities to qualify for the Tankard.  And we play to be there when they compete in Melville!
As for our life going on, we will be going with Caylea to her 2 year oncologist check up with Dr. Iqbal.  We are so glad for her health and journey so far.  But we always feel a level of trepidation when we know a check up is near.  We pray that God has completely healed her and that this will be another "all clear"!
Then Wednesday we will drive up to Prince Albert to the NCEM headquarters.  Thursday we have a day-long Executive meeting.  I participate and take minutes for these meetings.  We also have a possible phone interview for folks interested in serving in First Nations ministry.  This gets us excited and motivates us to do the four hour drive and carry on with leadership!  "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few" so we continue to pray, recruit and trust God's leading as people apply to serve.
In the meantime, after the thrill of the curling event and the letdown of a loss, I have the joy of practical ministry.  You know, laundry, food preparation and emails!
God bless you all as the week unfolds!

Daniel and Russ Howard (on the right) deliberating a shot.  The score was tied at this point!  Daniel said, it dawned on him driving home that this weekend would be one he would remember for the rest of his life - curling with Russ Howard as skip and Daniel playing third.  A highlight and an honour.  It was fun to curl and have the on-ice/on-the-job coaching opportunity to learn and excel.  Daniel made some excellent shots throughout the event and felt good physically (after his shoulder surgery back in March, 2019).  He had very nice teammates and we thoroughly enjoyed the comradery with the team families watching along with us!