No dawdling this fine Saturday morning!
We hurried our breakfast and beauty regimen.  Janet brought a book and Bible so we could share devotions somewhere along our road trip.  Again, the weather was cloudy and could either pour or clear up so we prepared for it all!
Janet steered the mini-van out of their subdivision, winding through another neighbourhood to point out where her oldest son, Chris, lived and worked.  Then we were on the open road, heading some direction that I could not discern.  What did God have in store for us today?
Trees, hills, some larger mountains in the distance...wildflowers in bloom on the roadside.  I was anxious to see some wildlife, too, especially from the safety of a vehicle!  We talked and the miles flew by.
Soon Janet turned off the main highway towards a lake and campground.  Their family had often canoed from this point along the river and she wanted to show me some of these special sights.
As we pulled in to an empty campsite, we could see evidence of recent rain.  I pulled on a windbreaker jacket and was ready to follow Janet on a tour of this lovely spot.
Mmmm... the fresh scent of evergreen, heightened by the wetness of the rain, filled my nostrils.  A waft of campfire drew out the outdoors-woman in me.  Our shoes crunched on the gravel road.  And the blue-green of the river flowing along a valley of picturesque mountains completed this Yukon postcard moment!
To see the joy in Janet's eyes as we shared this experience made me even happier to be here.  Our lives had taken us thousands of miles apart, our families had only spent rare times together and our journeys in ministry had been similar yet quite unique paths.  The Selkes were urban church planters; the Ens' were camping, hiking, discipling and teaching focused.  But to share these few days in Janet's "happy places" was a gift from God.
It was cool and drizzly as we walked a ways down the narrowing road, so we didn't venture too far.  I soaked in the sights, listening to the various stories of Janet and her adventuresome husband and sons on this river.  She explained the history and meaning of the various names of places in the area-I should have taken notes so I could pass the fascinating information on in this blog!  (We were so busy that I didn't actually get to journal too much.)
Then we headed back to the van to carry on to our desired destination:  Haines Junction.  It is a crossroads along the Alaska Highway and the road leading to Skagway, Alaska, I believe.  A significant centre in First Nations trading, gathering and also a beautiful tourist attraction.  So away we went.
The only wildlife we saw were ravens and little bush bunnies (so tiny compared to our beefy jackrabbits in southern Saskatchewan!).  We met a couple cars with kayaks or canoes strapped on their roofs.  It was a pleasant Saturday in June-perfect for such an outing.  Soon, we turned back on the highway and carried on towards Haines Junction.
Soon, a huge patch of purple-magenta wildflowers appeared and Janet was curious to identify them. We both realized we were getting older as both of us loved birds and flowers these days.  Much different than our college-years conversations about homework, assignments, boys and our futures!
Then as we drove up a slight rise, a view of the mountains up ahead nearly took my breath away!  White, snow-capped peaks emerged, with a slight purple hue because of distance and hazy clouds. All these new and spectacular sights were assaulting my senses!  I sat in silence to marvel at the work of God.
And then we arrived in Haines Junction. It was a small community surrounded by huge mountains, with lots of evergreen trees. Many of the buildings were log-constructed and looked very "northern" to me.  Janet pointed out various places: cabins they had stayed in, restaurants they had enjoyed and a new cultural centre that was just opening.  We saw various people on foot around the town, carrying musical instrument cases and Janet remembered there was a folk festival on this weekend.  So we decided to find a place to have lunch before exploring more.
Choosing a cabin-like fast food place called "Frosty's", it at first appeared to only have outdoor tables.  We stepped up to the window and ordered our lunch and they promised to bring our food to our table.  Then we saw the sign for an indoor dining area and thankfully seated ourselves by a window.  It was quaint and warm.  We sipped our hot drinks. A few others came in, a mixture of First Nations folks and tourist-types.  We continued to chat and enjoyed our tasty lunch.
Anxious to check out the place, we hopped back in the van and turned towards the cultural centre.  A big white tent was set up and I assumed it was the folk festival venue.  No, it was a gathering of various dance groups from Alaska, Yukon and even the Northwest Territories to celebrate the opening of this cultural centre.
It felt like a God-moment. Our passion and heart for First Nations people became more alive as we shared our experiences and compared the customs of our respective regions of Canada.  Single drum and hand drums.  Beadwork designs.  Characteristic red and black of the coastal people.  The ribbon shirts of the prairies.
Everyone gathered in one of the outdoor tents, sheltered from the wind and threatening rain, to watch the Grand Entry of the dancers.  The local chief in the Haines Junction area welcomed each guest and then introduced a song written specifically for this event and to welcome or awaken summer.  In repeated phrases and hand drum beats and the pounding of decorated wooden boxes, the dancers moved in synchronized rhythm in front of the audience.  A row of dignitaries stood on the platform as button blanket capes, woven headdresses, "Eskimo" printed summer parkas, and varied regalia on adult and child danced before us. At least seven rows of fifteen or twenty participants stood in the end.  What a beautiful sight as these ones celebrated and enjoyed the event and the gathering!
The speeches of the dignitaries were short and sweet as everyone was becoming chilled outdoors.  Then Janet ran into someone she knew and we talked while.  They invited us to stay for the supper meal.  But we were thinking of heading back to Whitehorse, so I bought an Indian Taco at the canteen, while Janet had bannock and jam.  We both had tea, dipped from a big pot on an open fire.   On our drive back, we made one stop at a Native cemetery, a short hike up a steep hill.  The fenced in area held several graves, each topped with a small house, complete with roof and window.  One grave was fenced with a wire enclosure.  Unique.
We hiked down towards the creek, discovering a tumbledown cabin in the process.  There were so many "Kodak moments".  The sun began to shine through a clearing sky.  It must have been between 8 and 9 pm and felt like 6 pm in Saskatchewan!  We pressed on back to Whitehorse, feeling the fatigue after a stimulating and full day.
Realizing our day had been so full of surprises and blessings we had forgotten to take time for devotions, we quickly changed into our pajamas, made a hot drink and settled into the comfortable furniture for reading and sharing.
That night, we both took a while to fall asleep; the beating drum and swirling fabrics and feathers, the beauty of the scenic drive and images of creeks and cabins filled our minds.  Eventually I succumbed to God's rest.

Yawn!  Stretch!
Open my eyes to check the time...8:30?
Where am I?
Oh yeah, Whitehorse!  Still seems surreal somehow.
I tip-toe to the bathroom so as not to wake Janet.
I guess she didn't want to wake me either, so was quietly reading in her room.
We had a whole day ahead of us so I didn't rush in getting ready.  Pulling up the window shade, I gaze out at the amazing view of mountains and the serene lake behind the house.  Giving thanks to my God was not difficult when I saw His handiwork and felt His blessings on my life. I sneak down the stairs to find the fixings for coffee (couldn't find coffee filters so fashioned paper towel in the basket to hold the grounds).  A few minutes later, I am armed with a steaming mug and sneak back up to my room.
I take the usual opportunity to begin my day in God's Word and prayer. And then I hear Janet rattling around down in the kitchen, so I make my bed, tidy up the room and join her.
It was lovely to enjoy a leisurely breakfast of baked oatmeal, yogurt and fruit.  The day looked to be pleasant outside, but a few clouds were scattered in the June sky.
Rather than rushing off, we decided to spend some time sharing some of the things we had been reading lately and take time to pray together.  What a rich time!  How often do missionary wives, with children, have the freedom to lounge around and simply fellowship with dear friends?  The next thing we know, it is lunch time!
We made a quick sandwich and headed out to the MacBride Museum in downtown Whitehorse.  Janet wound around the new traffic circle near the subdivision and drove into the city.  We passed several  businesses, made a turn or two and then found the museum located on a main street near the Yukon River.  Inside the main building, we looked at some First Nations bead work and other artifacts of the area. The next section had stuffed animals native to the Yukon:  bears, coyotes, various birds and I think even an albino moose!  In the background was the call of an owl.  No matter where we went in that section, the owl hooted.  Yep, kind of annoying!
We headed out a door to see a boat commonly used on the river in days gone by.  The cabin of "Sam McGee", made famous by the poet Robert Service and various gold rush items were outside in this fenced area. Then back inside to find another whole area in the basement of the old building.  There was a display of Jim Robb paintings - whose perspectives of cabins and people always leaned in an exaggerated style!  We both took our time appreciating the artwork and reading about other artists and personalities of the Yukon Territory.  The north certainly attracted colourful characters!
By this time, my head was swimming with names, faces, and facts about this interesting part of Canada.  And we were only half way done!  We went upstairs and then found another outdoor section with more items from the railroad, gold rush and history of the region.  Another door led us into a whole new area showing typical homes, developments in the city and more write-ups on famous people.  As we neared the end of this winding maze, we realized we had done that entire tour backwards!  Laughing with humour and some embarassment, we made our way to the gift shop and then to the exit.
It was almost 6 pm - where did the day go?  We jumped into the van and headed towards home.  Janet slowed down along that main street as a pedestrian with a pet on a leash crossed in front of us.  We were both busy talking and didn't notice immediately how slow and wandering this pet was making its way across the street.
"That's quite an overweight dog!"  Janet commented as we waited.
"Dog?  I think that's a pig!"  I exclaimed.
Incredulously, we watched and laughed at the pot belly pig on a leash!
Janet had prepared food for our supper and we stopped by her house to pick it up.  We checked in on her family and then carried on to our own place.
Not only was I somewhat lost and disoriented as to what directions we were driving, but with it being somewhat cloudy and overcast, I couldn't tell the time of day either.  I felt hungry, so it must be mealtime.  But everything seemed "off" to me!
Supper was delicious.  We cleaned up our accumulation of dishes and then decided to have a movie night.  Changing into our p.j.'s in what seemed to still be early evening - it was already 9 pm or so - we settled into the comfortable sofa and put on "Mom's Night Out".  A perfect flick for two middle-aged women who could totally relate to that desperate need for busy women/moms to have some fun! Janet fixed us some hot cocoa/chai tea mixture and taco chips and salsa for our snacking pleasure.  We laughed until our sides ached.
Again, we chatted until the wee hours and finally said good night about midnight.  We needed our rest for tomorrow's adventures...

Back in the spring of 1988, my roommate, Janet and myself were making plans.  We were young and single (dating handsome young Bible College grads like ourselves) and dreaming of adventure.  Our plans were not elaborate but they were taking shape and I actually went so far as to make a couple of phone calls.  I had a place to park my car and had inquired about the train schedule...
Janet and I were going to drive to Thompson, Manitoba, leave my car at a local missionaries' home and hop an overnight train to traverse the miles of tundra and muskeg to Churchill!
Alas, Janet's beau took the plunge and proposed to my travel partner.  So the jar she had labelled "Churchill Fund" suddenly became "Wedding Fund"...and our adventure faded as I, too, became engaged and began making wedding plans.
Fast-forward twenty-seven years, as Janet and I drive off in her mini-van to unload luggage and bedding and a few groceries at her friend's home (she was house-sitting so we could have an actual girls' get-away).  Oh, don't underestimate the potential fun and mischief two 40-something women can get into!  We had some lunch and visited before making some casual plans for the afternoon.
First stop, "Farmer's Market" where we wandered from booth to booth.  I was amazed and impressed with the local artists, selling wares ranging from painting, woodwork, jewelry, to home made preserves and baked goods! The weather had been rainy and we stepped around a few puddles.  Under one awning, as we were checking out some antler-earrings, I suddenly felt a cold chill down my back.  Rainwater streamed from the awning down the collar of my jacket!  We broke out in giggles and sidestepped further trickles. I didn't want to leave the market empty-handed, so I chose a container of assorted mini-cupcakes for a snack later.
The day was cool, cloudy and windy so we opted to check out the local library and cultural centre. As both of us have spent the past 25 years in First Nations ministry, we enjoyed the displays about the local Native tribes and clans and customs.  We wandered and talked about the history of Whitehorse and before we knew it, the centre was closing.
We jumped back into the mini-van and headed to Janet's house, where we were going to have supper.  It would be great to see her husband and whichever sons were home.  Their four boys range from 18-25 years old, with the youngest three living with them.  The oldest, Chris is out on his own in a neighbouring subdivision of Whitehorse.  It was great to see Tony and be given the grand tour of their new home.  Back in 1997 when Walter and I and our 3 young children had last visited them, they lived in the community of Pelly, Yukon and we stayed a night with them.  So it was wonderful to once again see their family in their home environment and be blessed by their hospitality!
After a delicious BBQ chicken supper with Brett and Elijah, two of the boys, Elijah offered to take us out to Miles Canyon along the Yukon River.  I was up for an outing.  It was later than it felt, with the sun being still quite high in the sky at 8 pm.  I felt energized and so Janet and I scooted in the front seat while Elijah drove us out to the canyon in his brother, Chris' Vista Cruiser!  We were feeling pretty cool as we cruised in this loud and obnoxious station wagon (like the one in the TV sitcom "That 70's Show").
We took a couple pictures beside the car with a view of some spectacular mountains behind.  Then we carried on down the road to the river's edge.  We parked and walked a short distance to a bridge that spanned the river.  Elijah thought it would be fun to swing the bridge a bit-me, not so much!  He stopped when his mother reprimanded him for my sake.  Thank you, Janet!  The high rock walls along the swift river was absolutely beautiful.  We crossed the bridge, then walked along the edge of those steep walls.  I took a route farther from the edge, while Elijah chose to skip and cavort much nearer!  Once, he actually disappeared over the side, landing on a ledge that was not visible from my position inland and I nearly had a heart attack!  Janet just laughed with amused acceptance at her youngest son's antics.  Raising four boys made her quite used to this behaviour!  Our two boys and even our daughter were not nearly the risk-takers that these northern missionary kids seemed to be!
Who knows how long we were down at Miles Canyon?  Time seemed to stand still.  Elijah graciously drove us back to our accommodations where Janet and I settled in for a cup of tea and our tiny cupcakes.
After being awake since 4 am, a day of three flights and then several hours of activity, I had to call it a night around 11 pm (midnight Saskatchewan time).  Janet had a couple of options for Friday's itinerary, depending on the weather, so we said good-night.  I pulled down the black-out blinds to shut out the twilight, read my devotional book and fell asleep in an instant.

VIEW FROM MY WINDOW

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The Co-op Taxi Cab pulled up in my driveway at precisely 4:30 am.  My hands were already looped into the handles of my carry-on bag and the other piece of luggage hung over my shoulder.  I quickly slipped out the front door and shut it silently behind me.  And off I was on my adventure…

After some light conversation with the cabbie-I was not feeling conversational and he was going off-shift after he dropped me off at the airport-I entered the automatic doors under the sign reading “Departures”.  I walked by other sleepy travellers lined up at the WestJet kiosks and rode up the escalator to the second floor of YQR.  I purchased a pack of gum for the flight and carried on to the security line-up. 

Soon, I was through security and sitting at my designated gate. 

I don’t remember much of my flight to Calgary because I dozed through most of it!  Soon, the captain was announcing our descent into Calgary and I shook the sleepies off to prepare for our landing.  I grabbed my luggage and found my way to the Tim Horton’s.  Our airplane bound for Vancouver was needing some mechanical work so I had time to relax with my coffee and bagel – it was only 7 am!

The next leg of my journey I had my earphones in and was surfing through the TV channels.  I settled on the Canadian series “Heartland” – my daughter Caylea’s favourite show!  We landed in Vancouver before the episode was over but I didn’t care.  I was getting closer to my destination and excitement was building.

I sent Walter a picture from the Vancouver airport – two cool blue-water totem poles in the centre of the concourse.  It was now almost 9 am so I felt it safe to let Walter know where I was and how it was going.  He was up and about for the day and replied right away.  Half-way there.

I wandered around through some construction and scaffolding and closed food stands.  All that was open was an expensive dress shop and a convenience store that carried over-priced word puzzle books, junk food and souvenirs!  So I chose to seat myself and my luggage-whose idea was it to do only carry-on bags?????  I settled in to read my Kindle and gaze around at the various people also waiting for flights.  Soon, I felt some slight pangs of hunger and decided to check out some snack options at the convenience store.  The next flight would be over two hours long and a tiny package of cookies or pretzels would not carry me through! 

And then the blessed announcement for boarding the final flight of my morning.  I breathed a sigh and prepared myself with my boarding pass and passport.  The flight was surprisingly full, with a couple families with children preparing to board, as well.  I walked down the closed walk-way to the airplane and located my seat.  A window seat!  I was awake and excited to see the mountains and the Pacific Ocean from this heavenly vantage point. 

Have you ever found yourself in a circumstance that seems surreal?  The feeling of “what am I doing here” or “am I really here”?  Those questions were running through my mind as the plane lifted at that odd angle and pressed me back into my seat.  I closed my eyes and breathed a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord for this opportunity and for His presence to go before me. Then I relaxed for the next couple of hours, occupying myself with reading, enjoying tea and cookies, and surprisingly picking up the “Heartland” episode right where it had left off 2 hours ago!  I caught glimpses of the snow-capped mountains, the shoreline along the grey-blue ocean and then the clouds obscured my view.  Amazing to think how the hand of the Lord was carrying me north to the Yukon at about 40,000 feet above the ground! 

“Look, Daddy, it’th Mount Thima!  I can thee Mount Thima!”  A little boy seated behind me lisped enthusiastically. 

“Yep, buddy!  It’s Mount Sima.  The ski hill.  We’re home!”  The father affirmed his son’s observation.

I grinned.  I was excited to see the beautiful mountains and a turquoise-blue river emerge through the cloud cover.  My heart began to pound as the tarmac seemed to rise to greet us and soon that frightening/assuring thump of the wheels touching earth confirmed I was really here!  Whitehorse, Yukon!

As soon as I could, I sent a text message to my dear friend, and former roommate, Janet, to let her know I arrived.  I retrieved my carry-on from the storage space above and slid down the aisle to exit the plane for the last time.  12:30 pm and we had most of a day to spend together!  I had no idea what Janet had in mind for our next few days but it didn’t really matter.  My priorities were to visit and catch up on our lives, our families, our journeys with the Lord over the past years…

We spotted each other in the small airport and hugged tightly as only good friends can do!  Both talking at once, we began the adventure we had planned over 25 years ago but could only now make happen.

To be continued…

GOD allows us to experience challenges bigger than ourselves to stretch us, to mold us, to humble us, to grow us.
I feel like I am a slow learner.
In my Christian life, I have had to be different in order to follow Christ.  I was the first in my family to go to Bible School and go into ministry as a full-time vocation.  I have gone into homes and social situations that were beyond myself and even beyond my education and training.  I have had to face my personal fears and weaknesses in order to keep going in my spiritual journey.
Yet, I am still surprised and caught off-guard when I find myself facing a challenge.
I shouldn't be shocked when we are preparing to go on a trip and I feel ill, or I question why I am going, or I feel unusually frustrated with my husband.  These are not new strategies the enemy is trying against me.  Sometimes he uses the same old ones, maybe because they have hindered me before.  Worry about our children, anxiety over travel, stress over details...Satan has used those tactics as well, to distract me from focusing on Jesus and the ministry ahead.
So in the past couple of weeks, I have experienced all of the above prior to our trips to Melfort, Loon Lake, Swift Current, Caronport and Creston!  You would think I'd catch on and use my armour and weapon of prayer against these challenges...
In reading Job recently, I found myself realizing just how much spiritual warfare was against God's faithful servant.  The enemy used all manner of attack against Job: taking his children, destroying his livelihood, alienating his wife, cursing him with painful sores.  This was evil, meant to steal, kill and destroy.  Satan has not changed his purposes against God's beloved ones.
But God only permitted the devil to try Job to a specific degree.
God had not lost control nor withdrew His favour from Job.
God seemed to believe in Job to the point that He entrusted the trial of suffering,
I know God has allowed me to experience the challenges that were mostly against my mind, but also touched my physical health, because He wanted me to keep on my knees in prayer.  What kind of ministry, what quality of spiritual impact can I have if I am coasting along and not relying fully on God's ability and power?
Besides the need for me to be reminded to depend on the Lord, I need to be showing forth His nature and character in everything wherever we are.  If I am coasting along, it will be "Cindy" who begins to strive for attention and look for credit and compliments.  When I am experiencing a challenge, I will be hard-pressed into prayer, perseverance, faith, love, self-examination and much more open to the Spirit of Christ living in and through me.
Lord, don't allow me to coast.  I thank You for the challenges!
"Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on me;
Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me...
Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on me."

Walter and I drove west to Prince Albert once leaving the James Smith First Nation.
Normally, I like to know exactly where we are heading and what accommodations are arranged...but this time we didn't know how long the memorial barbecue would last so we left our evening plans open-ended.  The day was pleasant for travelling and so we figured we could get as far as Meadow Lake and find a hotel.
Grace had suggested the Super 8 in Meadow Lake, so after a Tim Horton's stop in P.A., we headed northwest.  The area around Melfort/James Smith was bush and farmland.  Somewhere between Melfort and P.A., a transition happens and the landscape becomes evergreen forest.  Beautiful!
Driving through the tall, dark evergreens and the light, spring-green of the deciduous trees, was like a bit of heaven.  Even though after a while I as a southern Saskatchewan prairie girl began to feel claustrophobic in the shadow of the trees, Walter was in his glory; he loves the bush and forest landscapes.
Our next connection on this weekend tour was in Loon Lake to meet Joni-our Healing Hearts missionary, and her new fiance!  As we made our way to Meadow Lake, we texted Joni to set up our schedule for Monday.  It was the long weekend, Victoria Day, and she did not have to work at her usual mail run for Canada Post, so she and Greg would meet us in Meadow Lake for lunch.  Sounded perfect.
We drove into Meadow Lake through the First Nation reserve right next to the town, and felt very much like we were in the north!  Pedestrians were walking along the highway, a couple of dogs wandered and sniffed the ditches for tasty morsels.  It was a lazy Sunday evening and the sun was not even setting yet as we rolled in around 9 pm.
The Super 8 was on the other highway coming into town from the south, so we eventually found it and checked in to a room.  We collapsed on the beds, Walter reaching for the remote and me thinking about eating.  The barbecued bologna had worn off and I wanted a snack and a drink.
Its funny to think that Meadow Lake has a McDonalds, but I guess civilization has pushed north in Canada.  Sixty years ago, this had been the headquarters for Northern Canada Evangelical Mission, only accessible by dirt or gravel road.  The many missionaries would be sent from this point into even more remote, often fly-in or winter-road only, communities to share the Gospel.  Now, I strolled across the paved highway at a pedestrian crossing to order fast-food to eat in front of cable television back in an air-conditioned hotel room.
The next morning, we checked out at 11 am but had an hour to kill before Greg and Joni arrived for our lunch date.  We drove around, finding a couple churches, schools and various businesses in the downtown main street.  Even though it was a holiday, the "Door of Hope" drop-in centre was open and apparently serving lunch.  Joni texted us to say the restaurant they had suggested was actually closed so where should we eat?  Walter laughed and said the drop-in centre and just then Joni texted with the same idea!  Missionaries have a weird sense of humour!
We had a great time visiting and getting to know Joni's fiance, then made plans to drive to Greg's family farm to check out some old cars.  Apparently Greg's dad collected cars, boats, buses, machinery of all kinds...40 minutes later we were wandering the rutted lanes of their salvage yard, just outside Loon Lake.
Our plans that evening were to tag along with them to a barbecue celebrating Melissa's bible college graduation.  Melissa interned through another mission organization, Interact, in the Native Fellowship there.  I helped Joni bake and ice some cupcakes for the meal and got to hear how things were going in ministry and her recent exciting personal life!  She had been one of the most natural and effective missionaries, growing up in Loon Lake and knowing the culture and most of the families on the reserve.  It is always a treat to hang out with Joni and hear her heart for the people.
The barbecue was at the home of some of the youth Joni and Melissa spend a lot of time with.  We brought out our lawn chairs and shared in the festivities.  The youth girls had a gift and card for Melissa and made a small presentation of it.  The evening was a wonderful time of visiting and just being part of the celebration.  It was neat to see how Melissa had become friends of this family and a special part of their lives in just a few short months.
Joni dragged us away from the bbq to see the awesome sunset at Jumbo Beach.  It was absolutely breathtaking over the glassy lake.  We even saw an otter swimming back and forth in front of the beach.  Walter took some amazing photographs.
The next morning, Joni had to go on her mail run, so Walter and I walked around Loon Lake.  Honestly, it didn't take long, but we enjoyed the exercise in the warm May sunshine.  I forgot to tell you about our accommodations in Loon Lake: a senior's nursing home guest suite!  Actually, Joni rents a suite there, as well as Melissa.  If the senior's home becomes full, they would have to move out and give priority to real seniors!  So we had a little kitchen and fixed our own coffee and breakfast before venturing out on our walk.
After Joni was back from work, about mid-afternoon, she drove us around the neighbouring Makwa Sageigan First Nation.  We drove around the town site, the school and band office, even a new building which housed a work-out facility.  The houses were built along rutted roads, in a village formation.  Some of the homes were more spread out and typical of reservation-style planning but we didn't go that far.  Then we toured the "new town site" where newer homes and slightly less-rutted roads had been developed.  It was encouraging to see some development and improvements on the reservation.  The current chief was someone Joni knew from highschool days, so a younger and somewhat progressive man in leadership.
On our way back into town, Joni pulled over to show us the "Canyon", a fairly deep creek bed that wound around through the reserve.  The water flow was low, as earlier in the spring, a beaver dam had backed things up and it was blasted open.  The spring run-off flowed through earlier so now it was low and not quite as spectacular as usual.  Still a cool highlight of our tour!
We headed back to Joni's to prepare food for a Christian music band that was ministering in the town Rec Centre this evening.  A local church was sponsoring the band as an outreach to youth, so Joni was to prepare a meal for them.  We cut up meat, made a sweet and sour sauce, prepared a salad and husked corn.  Others were at the Rec Centre setting up and listening to the band's sound check.  Quite the excitement for a small town!
It was a Christian rock concert complete with fog machine, lights and loud volume!  Walter and I felt our age but were so encouraged to see some local youth and a few Christians from the churches in the community.  Hanging out with Joni is never dull!
The next morning, we took Joni & Melissa out for breakfast at the Golf Course, just opened for the season.  The missionary with Interact, Dick, was there with some of the First Nations members of their fellowship and we joined them.  It was sweet to share in the ministry and seek to encourage them in their faithfulness to the Lord.
We hugged good-bye in the parking lot, assuring Joni of our prayers and our commitment to her and Greg as a mission family.  Another chapter in the adventures of ministry with Walter and Cindy...