A permanent grin was on my face as we taxied up the Dryden Airport runway.  Bundled in our snow pants, heavy jackets, winter boots and multiple layers underneath, we rose above the -38 plus windchill factors on the earth beneath us in a Cessna Caravan.  Our pilot, Norm Miller, had never flown up the east side of the Hudson's Bay, but had done all he knew to prepare the way for safe flight, fuel stops and the comfort of his passengers.  I could hardly believe I was on my way to Puvirnituq, Quebec!  In January!
Thirty-three years ago, I spent a summer in northern Manitoba, experiencing cross-cultural missionary life for six weeks.  Although we drove by paved road most of the way to the small Metis community of Young's Point, I had the opportunity to fly with our missionary supervisor, Gary Brown, over the community and the lakes nearby where the NCEM aviation base was located in those days.  So apart from a twenty-minute flight in a 172 twin float plane, my small aircraft experience was nil.
I imagined committing myself to serving as a single missionary to a remote place in Canada's north when I sensed God's call on my life.  Living in a humble, rustic cabin, hauling water and burning wood was the reality I expected.  Learning a language and reaching people with the Gospel was what I envisioned my future to be.
Fast-forward to 2018, I have already served as a missionary but not in a village setting.  We have spent all our career in the urban environment, church-planting and now directing missionaries scattered across Canada.  I have raised three kids to adulthood and have become quite accustomed to running water, internet and moderate winter conditions (between my warm house and my remote-start vehicle!).  I thought my dreams of traveling and experiencing the "true north" would not be realized.
Sitting in this nine-passenger plane, soaring high above vast woodlands of Ontario with lakes and rivers winding through it to the snow-covered tundra of northern Quebec, I grinned ridiculously as this dream was coming true for me!  I would be landing in PUV, land of the Inuit and home to a single missionary woman who has served there for over twenty years.  She was living my dream, but in God's providence, I would see and hear what life was like for her and somehow bless and serve her through our visit to her home and beloved village. 
God is so good!

With the tree put away for the year - it's nice to have the new pre-lit artificial variety now - and life returning to normal after the holidays, we are home to regroup for a few days.  I have enjoyed a little baking, reading, working on my dollhouse and even exercising at Curves!  But soon we will embark on the first adventure of the new year:  flying to Puvirnituq, PQ along the coast of the Hudson Bay!
Thirty plus years ago, I dreamed of moving to a northern, remote community to serve the Lord as a missionary.  I was willing to chop wood, haul water, live off the land (well, I probably  hadn't really thought that one all the way through!) and learn a Native language.  When Walter and I took our missionary training, we spent five weeks in a northern community and I think we could have done well long term in such an environment.  God had other plans.  We never left the urban centre of Regina for most of our career.  I've become quite comfortable with my internet, natural gas furnace and any number of grocery store options within ten minutes of our home.
Our transition to more travel-based ministry was all preparation for this phase of our lives, to visit all the missionaries serving with NCEM across northern Canada.  As my friend texted me this evening, "Just over a year ago, heading up to the eastern arctic was probably not on your to do list."  Understatement of the year!
I am not overwhelmed with anxiety as I have experienced in the past.  I am a little nervous with the unknown, but God has carried me -us-through so much in the last year and a half, why should I fear?  He is ordaining each and every trip we take and I have to trust Him for the details and the purposes of His heart.
We do feel the battle in the heavenly realms touch us here.  Walter has had some bizarre spiritual attacks in dreams.  Difficulties come up and we feel frustrated or at a loss as to how to resolve them.  As much as we try to rest and prepare ourselves for the next adventure, sometimes the warfare exhausts us.  I guess this also reminds us that we must rely on God alone.  We cannot do anything in our own strength or with our own wisdom.
In the midst of the trials, I have seen God in several ways.  The day I went to Curves, I stopped in at the Co-op grocery store after my work-out for a few items.  At the check-out counter, I recognized the older couple behind me.  As we chatted, I was so blessed to share how we were doing and to catch up with their lives.  They knew about our ministry changes and Caylea's cancer journey.  They promised to continue to pray for us! 
As I have read the Bible this week, I was reading through Malachi.  The verses kept bringing to mind passages from Revelation.  The hope of Jesus' return, of His bringing justice and full redemption to make all things new lifted my heart.  Our concerns with current world governments and the future of the church and potential for persecution for us in North America weighs heavy on our minds.  But we have hope!  Jesus is coming soon!  He promised.  And He will establish His Kingdom finally and fully.
Tonight as I sat down to blog, my friend sent the text above.  She encouraged me by caring for my schedule and promising to pray.  That just means so much.  God knew to prompt her to message me...and His love and care envelops me!
Tomorrow afternoon, Caylea has an appointment with the plastic surgeon who excised the tissue around the mole that was removed.  He will outline the options for another surgery that can help repair the scarring and hopefully smooth out her skin.  She wanted us to come with her so I am glad we can be here for that appointment.  Then we leave Thursday morning for Dryden to begin Operation PUV...stay tuned.  I am sure there will be pictures and much to say about this trip!

It is 9 pm and my husband is already in bed.  The cold that began to show itself on Christmas Eve became full-blown throughout the week.  Walter was unable to enjoy the spa in Moose Jaw while our family enjoyed a soak in the pool and supper out together.  On New Years' Day, I went to church and then drove to Weyburn to spend some time with my Mom, Grandma, sister and some extended family on the Rasmussen side.  Walter was just not up to any socializing or celebrating!
He was able to get into the walk-in clinic this morning and the doctor reluctantly prescribed some antibiotics.  (She recommended that he should wait until he was sick for 2 weeks but the pain was unbearable the past two nights with no relief). Hopefully these drugs will begin to take effect and Walter can return to the land of the living. 
As the festivities have ended, I feel a little sad.  It is always so much fun (and work!) to anticipate the meals and fun together.  When it is all over, I usually feel that let-down.  This year is more pronounced as my best friend has been suffering with this cold/sinus infection.  We usually have more activity and social engagements during the holidays.  Even the kids had their own plans so it was very quiet around our home.
This down-time has given me opportunities to meditate on the Lord.  I enjoy sitting in the rocking chair, with the stove warming the dining room and the Christmas tree lights creating a cozy atmosphere to think, read, pray and reflect.  I can't say that I learned or discovered anything new or profound.  But sometimes it is just nice to spend time communing and not necessarily need to have fireworks or deep spiritual revelations.  I played my guitar some today, praise songs. 
Refreshing.
Before all the kids had dispersed last weekend, I had Mark help me bring in my dollhouse from the garage.  Since our adventures with NCEM started last March, we haven't had time to finish the little details like the shingles, stairs and final touches on decorating.  I ordered more furniture and a family to live in the house so they should arrive by the end of this week!  Amy and I arranged the pieces I did have and it looks adorable!  
Probably the one thing I have realized over these holidays is that I needed to rest.  I don't always like to admit it but I do run out of steam!  It took me a while to wind down after the rush of being in PA, attending a wedding, having just one day to prepare before Christmas...then I found it difficult to enjoy that quiet!  But I am learning, slowly, that the Lord knows our needs and often sets the seasons for us to rest even when we do not!  Illness is one way to slow us down; another is just the quietness of cold weather and being forced to stay in if cars don't start!
So as this new year begins, I find myself thankful and contemplative.
Wishing you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR!