Trick or Treat!

Being brand new to our community, we weren't sure what to do about Halloween. So, we decided to ask around and try to get a feel for what might be appropriate and effective for meeting people in our community. It became obvious to us, through checking the local media and asking around that trick-or-treat is a big deal in our area. I mean BIG deal. So, we decided to dig into the closets and find some inexpensive costume ideas and then hit the streets.

We're so glad we did! The custom here is to start with the shops, which gave out candy from 3:30-5:30 and then move to the residential area when the sun goes down. We had a great time visiting many of the local shops along with hundreds of other families. After that, we went to a couple of residential streets around our house before heading home to give out candy ourselves. The doorbell rang pretty steady until 8:00 or so, and that's when the fireworks began. We were too wiped out to head down to the local school to watch them (not to mention we're southerners who were still thawing out from our earlier walk!) But, we had the opportunity to listen to fireworks well into the night! Who knew that Canadian Halloween was a bit like our 4th of July?

Here they are... a pizza delivery guy, a nurse, a fairy, a housewife, and a construction worker.

I don't love this photo, but can you see the writing on the glass? This is normal where we are.

The only thing we've found that is cheaper (and yummier) than back home, the produce! Ryan took this while the kids were getting candy at the produce stand.

Those heavy tools were pulling his pants down!

In line at the barber shop

Friendly firemen giving out chocolate!

Notice ALL of the people and cars? Welcome to my new world!

My favorite picture of the evening.

This is Isaac with "Papa Joe." Papa Joe is actually named Hussan (sp?) He is a Kenyan who serves Indian food at a restaurant called Papa Joe's Pizza. Confused yet? Anyway, Ryan and I ate at his restaurant on the day that we prayer-walked our 7x7 and we have a bit of a heart for him. So, after we finished collecting candy, Isaac and Ryan went to thank him for giving us the pizza box that Isaac used for his costume. They asked if they could take his picture with Isaac and Papa Joe even had Isaac put on his company jacket for the photo. The boys plan to have one printed and then go have lunch and take it to Papa Joe next week. Please pray that they have an opportunity to share the Good News with him!