A New Chapter

  Chris & Jenelle Walter This lovely couple bought a house this past year in Hanover, ON - the town Chris grew up in! They have both put so much time and energy into making that little spot their warm cozy home. They both continue to invest into the community up there and desire to be used wherever needed!  We sure do love having them around again! Aaron & Hannah Toman This lovely couple also continues to invest heavily into the community in which they live (Westmount, Kitchener) and are reaching many people! Aaron continues to work at Toman Services Electrical & Plumbing and is thriving. Hannah loves her students and invests so much time and energy into each and every one! Exciting new move coming up for this couple soon! Rachel & Benjamin This picture right here sums up more than I can possibly write! Benjamin has been such an anchor for me over this past year through many different up and downs! He has supported me and encouraged me... ...

2017 was an incredible year filled with MANY changes and experiences I never imagined would befall this little country 'gal. January - Started off with by returning to school (full-time) . In pursuit of me following my life long dream of becoming a Paramedic I needed to take Biology, Chemistry, and Math credits as it had been 6+ years since I last took any of the sciences. The Pre-Health  program at Conestoga seemed to be the best option, as I wanted to get my accreditation for  Paramedicine   at Conestoga College. Returning to school was quite the adjustment as I had not been in full time school for 6+ years, but it quickly grew on me as I got to know my colleagues and schedule. It took me awhile to re-teach myself how to study... it's different as an adult! February - Within the first week I found out that as a mature student, using my grades from the "Pre-Health" program (instead of my highschool transcript) they would NOT even look at my application for Param...

I am getting worse and worse at making sure I'm capturing memories through pictures. My actual blogging isn't doing the best either, but I am going to try and be better this year ( this is me nonchalantly admitting that I just confessed one of my new years resolutions) .  As I mentioned in my previous post I haven't been home for December for a very long time - so this Christmas was really special for me! I was able to make our traditional Christmas wreaths with my grandma ( a recipe passed down from many generations ago), and help with a lot of the Christmas prep, which was super special for me.  Christmas morning started the same as usual, MOM BEST EVER brunch! Her brunch always consists of fruit salad, egg casserole, and Christmas wreath... PLUS all the other extras she always adds, but they ALWAYS vary! Almost everyone was able to make it out for the entire day which made it super special  Mamma's always got time for her kids - we played a lot of ...

2017 seemed to be a year full of new adventures and "firsts"! I hadn't been home for all the hustle and bustle of Christmas for 5 years and boy did I ever miss it! Starbucks and studying for finals filled my December Experiencing and practicing out skills out in the "field" - preparing us for our final practical Something I've really missed doing - hanging the Christmas lights out at the farm! This year Ben helped James and I - a great night filled with music, laughter, and cookies (thanks Jo-Jo)  "Festival of Lights" - OWEN SOUND  It was a very wet/rainy night, but it was PERFECT! Ben and I had so much fun walking around Owen Sound talking, laughing, and experiencing the beginning of many new Christmas things together! The firework display was incredible, just in case anyone is thinking of checking it out next year - GO!!! They also did a great job at displaying many different set ups of Christmas lights!  Oh, and what better ...

Usually this occurs around Mother's Day, as you might remember. Not sure what happened this past year! I really need to get back to blogging on a regular basis!  Chris & Jenelle Chris and Jenelle moved back from Swaziland  January 2017 and we were all thrilled to have them closer to us. Chris had no problem finding a job as a mover - which is what he was doing between trips home before. Jenelle has been working at McDonalds as they start back up their life together here in Canada. It has been an adjustment for them, but I am sure glad they're back! Aaron & Hannah Aaron is working at Toman Services and is finishing up his apprenticeship as an electrician.  Hannah continues her work at the office as well as teaching piano and violin privately.  They are both really involved in their church and spend a lot of time hosting and giving back to the community! Rachel (me) - OCHT - Paramedic Student This year has brought so many changes! I am ...

My journey into the Paramedic world didn't happen the way I thought it would, but looking back over the past year I wouldn't change a thing about it! I had intended on going to Conestoga to get my diploma in Paramedicine, however sometimes things are out of our control, and I'm so thankful!  May 1st, 2017 I started school at OCHT.  OCHT is a privately owned school that I was told about through my cousin (supervisor Paramedic at NEMS). He told me that I needed focus 100% on getting in at OCHT as their reputation was so well respected in the EMS circles. I will admit I was skeptical, but once I met the Dean and toured the school, I knew this is where I wanted to attend. I had very little notice as I was finishing up a certificate course at Conestoga. My final exam was April 27th, 2017 and classes started May 1st, 2017, but that didn't seem to hold me back!  First semester was a lot of learning and stretching of character. It was a busy first semester that proved to...