National Anthem Blitz and Enjoying the Outdoors

Guten Morgen to you! I hope you are all doing well and enjoying the snowy, wintery months of February (unless your climate only offers sand and heat). I recently started snow shoeing again in the trails behind my house, and I have to say – it’s quite fun! Hearing the crunch of the snow underneath, but not sinking to my hips in snow is a wonderful trade. Walking outdoors in the dark with only a headlamp to guide you as you journey into the blackness. What about that crisp, frosty air filling your nostrils?

However…you never came here today to hear about my snow shoeing adventures (or maybe you did) but I do have a nice little treat in store for you. Also I wanted to give a shout out to A. and P., you both know who you are – I dedicate this blog post to you and your interest. Without further ado, have a sip on that hot beverage and enjoy a little treat – it’s time for a blog from The Eason Clan. 

I have a question for you this morning – do you know the words of your national anthem by heart? Well, I sure do –  but it was a bit strange driving home yesterday from work. 

“Why is that, Christian? Was your normal, van ride home full of kids more strange than usual?”

“Why, yes, yes it was. In fact, I felt like I was stuck in a twenty-three minute loophole.”

Let me explain. 

It all started about one hour before our van ride home. We were in school, and all our students were celebrating the opening of the Olympic ceremonies. Classes were designated flags, and we all made our way to the gym for the opening ceremony. There were anthems being sung, with chants and challenges in the halls, and lots of flag swishing. 

My students were calling out, “Swedennnnnnnn”, in a long drawn out Icelandic tone (started by me of course) followed closely by the chants of other classes, “NORWAY! NORWAY” and “Australia!”. The Australia class had one of the coolest chants because my coworker is Australian, and her heart was really in it. So she would shout “Aussie! Aussie! Aussie!” to which the students replied, “Oi! Oi! Oi!” As our classes gathered and the friendly competetion grew, we had the carrying of the Olympic torch, which was lit up and everything (made by a student) and then we went back to class.

I had a feeling. however, that this was just the beginning for myself. 

I gathered my children like a sheppard herding goats, and guided them to the van. It was then that I realized my predicament – they all had their country’s flags: Germany, Norway, and Austria. I manned the drivers seat and prepared myself mentally for a competitive drive home.

“Hey guys! Let’s sing the Canadian anthem, but change the words to include our own countries!” 

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

So it started – the Canadian national anthem, but twisted and mutilated into some melting pot of random countries. If you could picture this in your mind for a moment: the music for O Canada, mixed with random countries. 

Like so…(a little mashup)

“O Germany, our home and native land. True patriot love, in all our sons’ command. From Norway and Germany, we stand on guard for Austria. God keep Norway…” 

Honestly, it was like torture to my soul. And this continued for a full ten minutes (I am still recovering) until I could not handle anymore. 

‘Guys. Guys! Please stop, that’s enough,” I begged. 

They decided to have some Friday mercy on my soul, and instead began talking about how they were going to keep track of the scores at home. 

Shortly after, I finally turned up my driveway. Stepping out of the van, I breathed in the crisp air and faintly whispered out loud, “O Germany…”

OH! COME ON!

Campsite Adventures

Over the past few weeks, my brother and I have been making a campsite in the woods behind my house. It’s been pretty fun! In order to get there, we have to do a short hike, about 500 meters on a gradual incline through a cut trail. Then just before the site itself, you have to go up a steep slope to the spot. The camp area now has multiple wind-break walls, made of logs stacked about 4 ft high, a small fire pit surrounded by rocks for fires and cooking; and the last bit is a long log for sitting on (eventually this will be cut up and made into two-person size benches). Prior to this, there were wind-falls everywhere (trees that had fallen down), new growth scattered throughout, and lots of branches everywhere.

It’s been a great project for us – being able to bond in the outdoors, explore the forest, and make a new camp site for our family to use. Honestly it feels like I have gone back in time to my childhood/teenage years, where I explored all throughout the woods behind our home. The wood is filled with hills and dips, mossy areas and volcanic rocks scattered throughout the landscape, and various types of trees like spruce, fir, birch, alder, and more.. To complete the unique land, there is a mountain there as well (not to be confused with the size of actually “mountains”). Every time I throw my backpack over my shoulders, load up my axe and machete, and take some drinks and food – I feel like a Hobbit going on an adventure.

I say all this this morning to encourage you to get into the outdoors and enjoy it ( if possible). There is something beautiful about keeping the phone away, walking through the trees and exploring. God designed us and charged Adam to “…work the land and take care of it.” (Gen 2:15). There is a reason why he told us to take care of it – it’s worth enjoying in the process and it benefits all life in the process. 

I hope you enjoyed today’s post, and I will see you next time. 

Christian