Life in a Northern Town

'Home'  ~ I dare say, the most beautiful church parsonage ever!

view from our back deck... going to miss
this view when we move!!

But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. ~ Philippians 3:20

a beautiful sunset as
seen from our backyard.

I think I will always be
a 'Canadian girl' at heart, no matter where I live. Don't get me wrong...I love living in the USA, but Canada is and always will be home. But no matter what my citizenship may be, I am learning that I am most content when we are living where God wants our family to serve Him.  Ultimately I am a citizen of heaven so that is where I will pledge my allegiance.

Alexandria Bay is located where it says 'Thousand Islands' on the map
I grew up near Cornwall, and Scott grew up in Brantford near Hamilton (southwest of Toronto)
We met while going to Ontario Bible College in Toronto. As you can see on the map, I grew up
not too far from Alexandria Bay ~ my mom is sad to see us move further away :(

Boldt Castle

view from the water ~ our home is in the middle
of the pic, under the water tower.

We have called Alexandria Bay, NY home for almost 4 years. It is situated on the beautiful St Lawrence River in the heart of the Thousand Islands in Northern New York, or the 'North Country' as the locals call it.  Here's a little history for you  if you have never visited (but you really should come & see it for yourself)....  Around the turn of the century wealthy gentlemen purchased islands in the Alexandria Bay area for private use. One gentleman in particular, George Pullman invited General Ulysses Grant to visit his Island home. The press traveling with General Grant wrote articles in the top US newspapers and this sparked interest in the area.  Large homes, and hotels were built, and some of these buildings still remain on the islands today- the most popular probably being Boldt castle (and yes, it really is a castle!). Tourists come by the bus loads to tour the castle and to tour the islands by boat.                                                                        

view from the main dock

Our church - Reformed church of the 1000 Isles

                                                                                             

The church that Scott pastors is the Reformed Church of the 1000 Isles. It is over 150 years old and  it was founded by Rev George Bethune who used to visit the area in the summers. It's probably one of the few Reformed churches that was not established because of a dutch settlement in the area.
I have loved the people in our congregation since the first day I walked through its doors. They welcomed me with open arms and hearts. They will be deeply missed!

Building nearest to the right - is Jublilee Hall (gym). Built onto
the church a little over 10 years ago.