FROM THE EDITOR
Dear Alberta Conference Family and Friends:
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OVID-19. Think back with me one year ago. What were you doing? With whom did you live or spend the majority of your time? Where did you work? What was important in your life? What plans were you making for this year and your future? Were you happy or fulfilled? Compare that with today. What has changed? Has your answer to any of these questions changed? For most of you reading this article, I would assume a mixture of things have either changed or stayed the same in your life. When I look back a year ago, I see a few things that were the same as last year on my calendar. There are a few items that haven't changed too much from last year. I think
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Alberta Adventist News
of some of the long-term goals for which I have been aiming at home, work, and in my personal life. Many of those seem to be on track. However, significant disruption has occurred to several short-term goals and plans in my life. Annual travel plans experienced total annihilation for my family and me. COVID-19 has made it difficult to visit family living in the United States and return without mandatory isolation. Even travelling around to the different churches in the Conference and preaching has all been disrupted. The people with whom I live have changed. Last year, our household consisted of my wife, daughter, and me. This year, we have added
OCTOBER 2020
our niece and nephew (ages 4 and 5, respectively). They both came to stay with us in February, right before COVID-19 hit. Due to COVID-19 and the US/ Canada border restrictions and some other factors, both children are still with us. Numerous other short-term plans and goals experienced radical disruption and delay. Some of them have caused awkward circumstances and placed tremendous pressure on our family — my wife and me individually. Maybe some of you have also experienced some severe, life-altering changes since COVID-19 hit. COVID-19 and all its attending circumstances on our world and lives have helped me realize, in a new way, what I want in life. It has helped peel away
