#6 The Christmas Edition



Friday morning found us at the Baptist Church here in Wheatley to listen to a Mennonite Choir. We arrived about 9:20 as it was supposed to start at 9:30.


Oh my gosh, the church was almost empty. Where are all of the people? Where is the audience??? 


As a teacher, there are very few things that can get you fired. One of them is being late so I'm always a few minutes early so at 9:30 I realize this show is not going to get going on time. 9:35 no movement. 9:20 they start putting up mikes and testing. "Ray, I give them until 10 and then I'm out of here!" The other couple are the only people on our side of the church. 

 
At sometime before 10 , I know that because I was still there, the choir walks in, little ones first followed by the bigger ones and take their positions. When they started singing, it was like a choir of angels. Absolutely beautiful. The church should have been packed!!!


The little guy on the right stood with his father through the whole concert. No wiggling. No whining. It made me really realize that if this had of been a non-Mennonite Choir this wee guy would have been given something to "do" not expecting him to stand with his Dad for an hour. There were people in the choir who didn't sing. Maybe they couldn't but they were included. Inclusion. This is what it looks like in the Mennonite society. 


The sopranos were outstanding but I have a personal bias there. I realized that I know very little about this group of people. In January, I'm off to the library in Wheatley to get a book on it. I have so many questions. I think I might even go to the school to visit. 
If you live in the Wheatley area, please do not miss this choir if you hear them advertised anywhere in the area. You will be delighted as I was.


Now this little guy was missing music appreciation and I thought to myself that if he were a Mennonite child he wouldn't be acting like this. Has society gone to too far in one direction and somewhere in the middle is where we actually need to be? 


We left Wheatley and headed into Kingsville to one of our favourite places - Dutch Boys Chocolate. What a treat!!!




Around the corner to Miller's Bakery. I wanted a box of their Christmas cookies but they were all sold out but we managed to fill two boxes with other goodies. Their brie and apple croissant is a favourite for lunch.
 



Finally to Lil's for a bowl of soup. It was clam chowder. First time I've seen it on board and it didn't disappoint!!! Lil's tree is just like mine but 4 times the size!!!


One more nautical sign of this being a fishing community.

And there on the wall by the Shell, very hidden and faded is the official word that this actually is the world's largest fresh water commercial fishery in the world. Again, from a little fishing village in Mexico we have come to a little fishing village in Ontrio.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a fantastic New Year with all of your dreams to be fulfilled. 

I can't help but think of some sadness in 2023 with the passing of Marilyn MacKay. When we went to get the key for the cabin on Rain Lake, I always insisted that Tehya came to the door as I knew Marilyn would have a new story for us. Such an outstanding woman. 

Just last week my friend Gina Newhall passed. An energizer bunny of running around doing good  in the community. Oh how I miss knowing she is here. Again, another outstanding woman who I have had the privilege to have in my life. 

On that happy little note.......again, have a great week and I'll see you back here next Monday!!! Blessing to you!!! Count them. Acknowledge them and be thankful!!! Not for the loot from presents today but for the people in your life that you have been blessed with.....

 

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