Was it morning or still night?  The blackness of the Atlantic sky greeted my eyes as I peeked through the curtains of the dormer bedroom window.  I felt around for my glasses on the end table and grabbed my Bible and journal.  Tiptoeing out of the bedroom, I tried not to disturb my sleeping husband as I turned the 100-year old doorknob.  It scraped as metal rubbed against metal and my stealth departure wasn't so stealth after all!  

Closing the door again, I stepped into the warm hall.  The heat from the woodstove was rising up the stairwell.  Then I slipped into the next bedroom, and settled onto the bed, stealing a few moments for my morning quiet time before we began our day with the Welch's.  I turned to the page where my bookmark saved the spot I was last reading in my Bible.  I read the next Psalm, which seemed so fitting as I set my thoughts on the Lord.  As I glanced out the window, dawn was breaking. Psalm 19:1 "The heavens proclaim the glory of God; the skies display His craftsmanship."

Soon the smell of coffee wafted upstairs and I could hear our hosts in the kitchen.  Walter and I quickly got dressed and went down for breakfast. After a leisurely bowl of oatmeal, we moved into the living room to watch the morning news.  We visited a while and then Gracie suggested we take a walk on the boardwalk.  We bundled up in our parkas and I'm glad we decided to bring our full winter gear!  That Atlantic wind is a different kind of cold.  We drove from the Welch's a few blocks over to the head of the trail.  The four of us walked along the boardwalk, enjoying the sunshine and stopping to read the displays.  There was fauna and flora unique to the region and it was interesting to learn about this area of Canada.  We followed the turns and again found the wind to pierce even our winter coats!  But it was nice to be outside in the fresh air and getting some exercise.  These trips involve a lot of sitting, eating and more sitting...Then we jumped into the warm protection of the truck cab and Phil drove us to the next tourist spot.

We drove past their church, one of the two that Westport boasts, and uphill towards the cemetery.  Then Phil turned left and we were heading along a narrow road with a couple of farms on it.  Hobby farms, actually.  Another mile and we swerved right again, clearly headed for the west shore of the island. Then past some trees, we could see a beautiful red and white lighthouse silhouetted against a pure blue sky.

Walter had brought the drone, of course, and fortunately the wind was not too strong this day.  We wandered around the rocky outcropping where this lighthouse was situated while Walter set up the drone to take some footage.  This was the Bay of Fundy side of the island and it was amazing to think just the day before we had crossed this body of water on a ferry!  

Gracie had lunch planned and I helped prepare the bacon-wrapped scallops as she set out the other items on the menu.  With both Walter and I allergic to fish, we had to specify that we could eat shellfish.  It was delicious!  

After lunch, we hauled in some firewood as some bad weather was due to blow in over the next couple of days.  Phil had a tractor and wagon, so we were just the loading crew!  Then we settled in by the cozy fire and visited and relaxed for the afternoon.

Supper was a roast chicken and all the fixings.  We did up the dishes in time for the 6 pm news. It was nice to visit and hear their many stories of our mission's history and their experiences raising four boys.  Their perspective was much appreciated as we also applied what they learned to our present-day situations.  Our time with the Welch's was rich and restful.

With a full day and full belllies, we slept well.  The next morning, we had to catch the ferry and head back the way we came, to Digby.  And our next stop would be Halifax!

 Walter had booked the ferry the night before so we just had to show up 45 minutes in advance.  Again, we rolled our luggage to the truck in the dark, skipping breakfast at the hotel but grabbing coffee in to-go cups.  The dampness of the Atlantic air chilled us to the bone!  We cranked the truck's heater and joined the early morning traffic of Saint John.

For a Monday morning, we were amazed that the traffic wasn't too heavy.  The signage to the Digby Ferry terminal was easy to find and we were there before we needed to be.  We were second in line!

We sipped our coffee, caught up on emails, watched people as they arrived in vehicles and as walk-on passengers.  The wind was whipping the flags and people were tightening their coats and hats as they dropped off luggage and walked into the terminal to wait for departure time.  I was glad to hunker down in the cab of the truck and not have to brave the winds.

Finally the vehicles revved up and began advancing onto the ferry.  I am amazed at how the orange-vested workers knew which row to call up and make sure the ferry was loaded evenly.  Probably years of experience taught them how to avoid capsizing these sea vessels.  Within minutes we were parked and then exiting our vehicle.  We followed the ferry employees to the stairs/escalators that took us up to the top level.  A gentle rocking made me aware of being on the water; otherwise, it didn't seem like a boat!  The ferry had restaurants and cafes, a TV room, several washrooms and a lounge at both the front and rear of the vessel.  We ventured to the seating at the front of the boat and settled in.

I had brought reading material, a word search book and a couple of granola bars.  We could have bought a full breakfast on board but I thought I'd eat light just in case the ocean was rough.  As we pulled away, it was amazing to see the sun up and shining over the small white caps.  We were crossing the Bay of Fundy to the Digby port, which is in Nova Scotia.  Within a couple of hours, we'd be in another province. 

Noticing a few people stretching out on the cushioned benches, I felt the urge to catch a nap.  I had eaten a granola bar and had some sips of water.  I scrunched up a make-shift pillow and threw my winter coat over me and soon was nodding off.

I woke to the smell of coffee; Walter had found his second cup while I was sleeping soundly.  I jolted awake, hoping to do some reading before we were docking.  But I could already see the opposite shore and couldn't believe I slept through most of the ferry ride!

We hustled to the exits, only to find we had a line up.  Something I noticed was the faint eastern accent most of the folks had as they talked among themselves.  Fun!  I wondered if we would pick up that accent in the two weeks we would be out here.  We rode down the escalator and quickly found our truck.  First on , first off!

I punched in a restaurant on my phone so we could pick up some lunch.  Two choices:  fast food and then keep driving to catch the next ferry.  Or a more leisurely lunch and catch the ferry an hour later.  Mrs. Welch had advised us of when to leave Digby to time the other two ferries.  So we thought we'd grab a quick lunch and keep driving.  It was best to drive in daylight on these new roads and catch the ferries earlier rather than later.

Subway sandwiches, a quick bathroom break and we were on the highway along the Digby Neck.  

What is the Digby Neck?  The peninsula/highway running the length of it that angles southwest along Nova Scotia proper.  We drove along a two-lane winding paved road, whizzing by houses, little communities, catching a glimpse of the ocean or a bay.  Mostly, the highway ran through the middle of the peninsula with trees on both sides.  Within an hour or so, we saw the sign for Tiverton, a name familiar because the Welch's mentioned it in giving us directions to their home.

Suddenly we saw the ferry sign, rounded a sharp s-curve in the road and were quickly descending towards a dock.  Literally, we came to the end of the road and parked along the side behind a couple of vehicles.  We could see the barge/ferry crossing from the island and knew we had timed our arrival just about right.  The wind was still whipping and the white caps even larger along this channel.  I shivered as I thought about how the workers had to ride in the open air all day long, rain or shine, to serve people's transportation needs.  It made me very appreciative.

We loaded up, along with maybe 7 or 8 other vehicles.  The accents of the workers were even stronger and more pronounced as they signalled to the vehicles and called to each other.  Soon, we were pulling away from the dock.  The pitch of the waves was much more noticeable than on the larger ferry.  But the ride was over before we had any inkling to motion sickness.  And then we exited onto Long Island.  Having no idea how long the next portion of the drive was, we kept going.  Within 15 or 20 minutes maybe, we were at the next ferry at Freeport.  

Across that channel, we saw the dock for Westport.  I knew this address as I mail anniversary and birthday cards to the Welch's, It was special to be visiting in person and see where these folks call home.

Another quick ferry ride and we were on the last island before the Atlantic Ocean opened wide ahead of us.  The brightly painted homes with white trim, the tall buildings/sheds along the wharf, the cute little shops and white wooden-sided churches gave the town a quaint and maritime feel.  We saw lobster traps and boats and ropes coiled along the road.  Having arrived earlier than anticipated, we decided to drive up and down the few streets that comprised the tiny community.  We counted two churches, a post office, no medical or hospital facilities and a cemetery up the hill.  With no idea as to the location of their home - their mailing address was a box number - I called them for the street address.  

The retired couple was standing in their sunroom that faced the shoreline.  The sun had broken through the clouds and we saw a classic maritime sight.  Phil's grey beard gave him that fisherman look and Gracie's white hair piled up in a bun, a sweater over her shoulders, seemed to me a picture forever snapped in my mind.  They waved, pointing to the driveway on the far side of the house.  We pulled in at the garage, beside their vehicle, and jumped out.  They waited for us at the back door of the marine blue house, white trim, 1 1/2 storey home that epitomized a fishing village dwelling.  This would be our home for the next couple of days.

An aroma of stew greeted us, the blast of heat from a woodstove in the front room.  They immediately gave us hugs and we shrugged out of our coats and footwear.  Gracie gave me some slippers to wear.  And then we were given the tour of their home, which had been Phil's parents' home.  He grew up on this island, amidst fishing and tides and ocean life.  They had done some renovating so that they had their master bedroom and full bath on the main floor.  Upstairs were four bedrooms, with gable windows.  I loved it!  They had raised four boys themselves but hadn't lived here until retirement.  They had served in the eastern field all their missionary life.  I believe they did a stint in an Arctic community or two, among Inuit and Cree.  And they, like the Dana's, had been field directors for a few years.  

It was nice not to rush but to have opportunity to hear their stories, experience life on their island and share in their routine.  After a cup of coffee, we jumped into their truck and they took us on a partial tour of Brier island.  It is 2 miles by 3 miles.  So we were going to see half the island this afternoon.  We drove up some back trails, through some mudholes and across some rock.  And then, we were at the south point that overlooked the Atlantic ocean.  Next stop is Africa, Phil said!

They had a cute little one room cabin with a deck facing a portion of Nova Scotia.  Something reflected across the way and they said that was Yarmouth.  Wow!  I felt like we were in the middle of nowhere but there was the mainland.  We wandered around their getaway space, with a rocky shore, benches, firepit, fishing buoys and nets.  It was such an "other" world here. 

Then the Welch's drove us through town and up the north side, where the coast guard station was located.  There were two main lighthouses on the island but both were decommissioned now.  With GPS, there is no need for lighthouses to guide the ships in or to warn them of danger.  We learned so much in just a two hour tour of the island.

But Gracie suddenly told us it was time to head back for supper.  The sun was already low in the sky.  And Gracie informed us that on the island, people ate at 8 am, noon and 5 pm.  And we needed to watch the news and then at 7:30 pm, Jeopardy was on.  Walter and I exchanged looks and smiled.  So this is what retired life looked like!

This has been a long episode and I will continue the Brier Island visit in the next blog.

The little suite in the camp's lodge was beginning to feel like home.  We slept well there and enjoyed having space to ourselves. But it wouldn't be "home" for long; we had to repack for our travels away the whole next week.

We were too late for the Sunday School hour but arrived at the church in Chipman (about 20 minutes from the camp) in time for the coffee break before the worship service started.  The building was a one level pre-fabricated structure, with a foyer in the middle of the building, a kitchen to the left and the sanctuary to the right.  There were about 25 people either sitting in the sanctuary chairs, or standing in the foyer with coffee cups in hand.  We entered and saw Grant, Elizabeth and their daughters.  They smiled and welcomed us.  The pastor was away; a guest speaker was taking his place so Grant made sure we were welcomed in a pastor-like way!  He introduced us around a bit to the mostly senior-aged folks.

Singing with these folks, who were strangers to us, was like being anywhere in North America in a Baptist church.  We knew the hymns.  There was a familiarity to worship and the order of service and the feel of the place.  And so we lifted our voices from four provinces away from our home and felt the unity of the body of Christ.

We lingered a while after service, but then excused ourselves for the lunch appointment we had about half an hour away.  Quickly sorting and throwing things into our suitcases, we left only our laundry and a couple items in the suite.  

The Cooks live at Young's Cove in a bi-level home they had renovated.  We arrived to the bleating of goats and saw a small shed and penned area surrounding it.  Goats are such funny creatures; God made their voices hilarious and their antics ridiculous!  We knocked on the front door of the house and walked in as Marcus and Kameron were just finished feeding their three boys their lunch.  Their ages ranged from 2 up to 5 1/2 so it was a noisy greeting!  

Marcus had been serving at Arrowhead as maintenance and Kameron had helped with social media and other things around the camp ministry.  With the three boys, their little family was a real asset to the camp and to follow up visits and kids clubs on the surrounding reserves.  But they felt God's leading into other ministry and wanted to talk with us about their plans.

They put the little ones down for naps and then served us lunch.  We had a great visit, catching up, and then got down to the serious topic at hand.  It is part of our role to listen, coach and sometimes give some input into our missionaries' decision making.  Somehow, it doesn't feel that long ago since we were their age, in our early 30's with small children, trying to follow God's leading in our lives.  We were about the age they are now when we started Healing Hearts, so it is exciting for us to relive our dreams through many of these younger missionaries' dreams and plans!

After a couple of hours, giggles and happy sounds were still coming from the boys' room.  Marcus and Kameron didn't seem too concerned.  We smiled and kept on with our conversation.

Who knows what God has in mind for this family?  We had totally enjoyed ourselves, seated around the huge island in the middle of the great room.  Marcus had done an amazing job refinishing the cupboards, designing the island, that served as work space and table.  He had also redone the fireplace in the living room and we admired his handiwork.  Wherever God will lead them, this talented couple will do very well. 

The afternoon was wearing on and we said our good-byes.  We followed Marcus' directions from there to Saint John, NB, our destination for the night.  By my calculations, we made a wrong turn and found ourselves on a pretty rugged sideroad.  So we turned around and tried to rejoin the TransCanada highway.  It was complicated but after a couple clover-leafs, we were again heading for the turnoff to Saint John.  It was getting dark by 5 pm and we drove through the forested areas and into the city that is along the Saint John River and the Bay of Fundy.  

GPS was our trusty guide to arrive at the Best Western on the north side of the city.  We saw tall buildings, drove over a bridge and saw some ships and cranes but it would have been nice to see these things in daylight.  Another time.  I was tired and hungry and eager to settle in to our quarters for the night.  We found the hotel and rolled our luggage to our room.  I had spied a McDonald's a block away so I volunteered to pick up supper while Walter relaxed.

The highlight of the evening was watching the Grey Cup game while eating our fastfood supper and chilling out.  We were texting with our kids as they also watched the game and the half-time entertainment.  It was good to feel connected with our family over the many miles that separated us.

The football championship was such a close game that we stayed up until past 11 pm to watch it!  But the morning would come soon and we had a timeline for the Digby ferry.  Good night!

 I woke up to the sound of rain pattering on the window.  My eyes peered at the digital numbers on the clock, and I wondered where I was.  Oh, right, in New Brunswick at a hotel...this happens to me when we're on the road a while.  I forget where I am!  

After a light breakfast, I took some time for my morning devotions and then we packed up to head for our next visit.  The hotel was just off the highway and in a few minutes we were on our way.  Soon we saw the signs to turn off onto a side road that led to the Dana's home in the country.  We learned we were mere kilometres from the Maine border.  Mark Dana is from the Penobscot tribe located primarily in the state of Maine and he married Ruth Anna, having met I believe at Three Hills, AB!  God has a way of leading people from anywhere on the globe to meet, marry and serve in His Kingdom's work.

We pulled in to the lovely acreage surrounded by trees, and noted the new house, garage and landscaping.  Five years before, we had visited here when only the foundation and framing had been completed on an unfinished yard.  The Dana's were living in their RV that summer until their house was ready for occupation. When they welcomed us in, we saw the fruit of their labours as we entered the open kitchen, living room and dining area.  A cozy wood stove stood against a wall and beyond that were the two bedrooms and bathroom.  It was a simple floor plan that Ruth Anna had designed and was very functional on one floor, no stairs, and lots of windows.

The Dana's had served in various locations, all in eastern Canada.  They also had been directors of the eastern field of NCEM, and had started the day camp/mobile camp known as Kwayotage in Quebec.  It was great to visit with them and hear the stories of their years of ministry.  We feel overwhelmed at times with the privilege of serving among such faithful missionaries, who have seen their share of challenges in ministry, who have raised their children in communities where they were not always accepted and their message of Christ's Gospel was not always well-received.  Currently, Mark is serving as chaplain for a local prison and they do visitation on local reserves.  With their family all grown and married with children of their own, they also consider "grandparenting" part of their ministry.  It was fun sharing in that new role ourselves as we are now grandparents, as well.

While eating moose meatballs, rice and veggies, and some Christmas baking for dessert, we shared in fellowship and updated them on some NCEM news, as well.  Sometimes the missionaries that live farther away from the main office can feel a bit isolated and far from the action.  We try to bring them news and information and updates on the other areas of the mission family and hopefully help them feel more connected.

Ruth Anna had a funeral to attend, and we spent some of the afternoon alone with Mark.  We reviewed his job description, talked more mission business and enjoyed the warmth of the woodstove while the rain continued.

By late afternoon, Ruth Anna returned and we visited a bit more before heading back to Fredericton.  What was the rush?  Venus and Merrill were hosting a soup and bannock supper with some of their young adults bible study group and we were invited. Although we knew it wouldn't be the end of the world to be a bit late, we didn't want to drive much in the dark. It was no fun driving through rain and meeting traffic headlights that look like stars!  Both Walter and I must be getting cataracts or something as night driving is becoming more difficult.

Back to the soup and bannock night...we arrived at Venus' apartment on the reserve and Merrill and a young Maliseet man named Niko were already there.  Right off, we noticed how different the culture of Maliseet were from the Cree or Saulteaux of the prairies. Niko stood and extended his hand, introducing himself and shaking our hands firmly.  We were used to young people being more quiet, shy, gentler hand shakes and no eye contact.  Niko seemed very outgoing and confident.  

Then three young ladies knocked and walked into Venus' place.  One was clearly the leader and did most of the talking.  One was quite shy, even by prairie standards and the third was friendly and responded to our questions.  We had fun as we shared the hamburger soup and fresh baked bannock, joking around as is the universal Indigenous language in Canada!  We could tell by looks on Venus and Merrill's faces that they felt real proud of their young people and so pleased that we could meet them.  It was pure joy to connect with the ones that our mission is all about.  

Alas, before the table was cleared and the board games were pulled out, Walter and I bid our farewells, and headed back for Arrowhead Native Bible Centre.  The next day we saw Facebook posts about them going to church together, then pictures at a local restaurant for lunch afterward.  How encouraging to us and to our missionaries to see young people wanting to fellowship together and worship the Lord!

We fell into bed that night, tired but happy with the connections we had made that day.  And the next day, Sunday, would be just as full!

 Winding through the narrow, tree-lined highway, we were beginning to recognize certain landmarks and specific turns in the road.  There were several country churches, painted white with black trim and shingled roofs, along the way that led to the TransCanada highway.  Setting our GPS to Merrill's address, we found our way into a new area of the city of Fredericton. More modern buildings and larger houses appeared as we navigated away from the main drag and downtown.  Some classic Victorian homes had been built over one hundred years ago along the Saint John River, with large sprawling lawns and mature trees.  Although the grass was green, the trees and shrubs were bare of leaves at this time of year. 

The computer-generated voice told us we had arrived at our destination - a multi-floor tiny apartment complex.  We pulled in to visitor parking, strode to the main doors and found Merrill's suite number in the directory.  He was down to greet us in no time and showed us around the common area.  Then he invited us up to check out his living space, having made extra effort to clean it just in case we wanted a tour!

On the second floor, we entered the door and could look straight out the sliding glass patio window.  I'm not good at measurements and dimensions, but it would be about 20 feet by 16 feet maybe?  The bathroom was through a door on the right, a small kitchen also to the right with small appliances and single sink.  A round table with two chairs was opposite the kitchen area on the left, with a couch and end table also on that wall.  Further down on the right was a wall with a desk, chair and TV mounted above that.  Then we were almost to the patio/balcony area, where an opaque floor to ceiling glass partition separated a queen sized bed.  Across from the bed was some built-in storage/closet unit.  By the time we followed Merrill around and turned back, less than two minutes had passed!

But it was just right for a bachelor and would be easy to keep clean and tidy.  We oo'd and aww'd as he had made mention of his housekeeping tasks that morning!

Then we jumped in to the truck to take Merrill out for the promised lunch.  Just as Venus, the First Nations woman wanted to get off the reserve to go out for a meal, Merrill took us back over that bridge to St. Mary's to the main complex.  Several vehicles were parked there and we walked in to a spacious building with casino/vlt's and some other administrative offices, besides a large licensed restaurant.  We were seated by a local waitress and offered beverages.  Then we opened the menus.

I wanted to be a bit adventurous so I ordered bison burger sliders.  And tea.  I don't remember what the guys ordered and that's okay - its not really about them lol!  The waitress brought our drinks and took our orders, while others began filling up the tables and booths.  A popular place!

We had a great visit with Merrill, finding out about his life and ministry in the Maritimes.  He started out volunteering at Arrowhead Native Bible Centre, then did a one year internship there.  Towards the end of his internship, he felt God nudging him to apply to be a full time missionary with NCEM!  More recently, he had moved to Fredericton to be closer to the reserve and help out with the kids, youth and young adults.  He works closely with Venus and the local believers at St. Mary's, helping them get some paperwork and other details together to open an official church.  As the Roman Catholic is the primary existing church there, those who would follow protestant beliefs wanted to establish something for the children and young people of the community.  And then it naturally led to the families being impacted by the ministry and a fellowship group meeting in homes.  Merrill helped give that extra push to formalize a church.

Sipping my tea from the glass carafe (shaped like a lightbulb with black plastic on the neck), I hadn't bothered to ask for a cup.  "Hey, Merrill, do I just drink out of the glass thingy?"  Merrill shrugged and said, "I guess so."  He and Walter were absorbed in their dialogue and I kept on sipping the King Cole brand tea (we usually have Red Rose or Tetley out west).  

The waitress brought our food and asked if we needed anything else.  She noticed I was drinking straight from the tea carafe and apologized profusely!  "I'm so sorry!  I forgot to bring you a cup.  My apologies!"  And she hustled away to bring me a mug.  Merrill, Walter and I about busted a gut!  It became a running joke during our visit.

Following lunch, Merrill directed us around the reserve, which we were getting somewhat familiar with, but it was different to see things through a young, new missionary who grew up very caucasian.  He pointed out where certain youth and families lived that he reached out to.  He shared some of the stories - many tragic - but some of how Jesus was making a difference in some lives.  

Merrill also took us to the "rez mall" where a grocery store and other businesses operated.  We entered a lovely gift store and I wanted to buy lots of items there that might be suitable for Christmas gifts.  But I refrained, knowing we had limited space in our luggage.  There was jewelry and crafts, mugs and t-shirts and lovely aboriginal print fleece blankets and jackets.  Very tough to resist temptation!

Then we drove to the Greens, which Merrill wasn't aware of, and we tried to do an interview with him, like we had done with Venus.  Again, cool and windy by the river, so we sat in the camp truck.  Very special for us to hear what God is doing across Canada and how different the missionaries and their approaches to ministry can be.  By late afternoon, we dropped Merrill off as he had other plans for the evening.  He teaches Introduction to Greek and some other seminary classes at two different Christian colleges in the area, as well a doing ministry.  

Before it got dark, we drove west and north towards Woodstock, NB, where we had booked a hotel for the night.  We had a visit with a veteran missionary couple and thought it wise not to backtrack to the camp just to go past Fredericton and beyond.  It was good to relax and get a good night's sleep.  Believe it or not, traveling, sitting and visiting is tiring work!  People ministry does drain a person's emotional and mental resources, so we wanted to pace ourselves.  

It was rainy so perfect for curling up in a cozy hotel room and sleep!

 

 Only our second morning and we were mostly adjusted to the Atlantic time zone - which is two hours different from Saskatchewan.  So we were up and at 'em in plenty of time to join the Fawcett family setting up for their Christmas event and fundraiser for Arrowhead Native Bible Centre.  Elizabeth and her 3 young daughters walked over from their home across the road.  They had baking and other sale items in their wagon and we helped bring the parcels and packages into the camp's dining hall/lodge.  Grant and other volunteers had set up long tables in three rows, ready for the dozen or so vendors who would sell their wares on Saturday.

One of the girls was selling some Avon at her table; the other girl had baked cookies to sell.  The youngest, who is three years old, was mostly there to play and taste test cookies when needed! Elizabeth and I were going to prepare the turkey for soup and "Christmas Poutine", both which sounded delicious!  So I got busy peeling, chopping and slicing, while Walter was deboning the cooked turkeys.  Soon, the aroma of the soup was making us hungry!

After a lunch break, the girls decorated some gingerbread cookies while a Veggie Tales video played in the background.  Then Walter entertained them with his drone antics outdoors.  Elizabeth and I did dishes and cleaned up while the soup continued to simmer.  

The next project was to decorate the tree and the dining room.  Walter and the oldest girl got creative in decorating the fresh evergreen tree chosen from a friend's Christmas tree farm.  Soon giggling could be heard and we peeked out from the kitchen to see what was so funny!  The decorating crew had strung tinsel and hung a huge red ornament on the nose of the stuffed deer head!  Rudolph was all set for Saturday!

In the meantime, Grant had gone to pick up his mother, who was lending a hand for the craft sale on the weekend.  When Grandma arrived, Walter was no longer the star of the show! Grant had picked up some food for supper (stuffed peppers and salad from Costco) and we were allowed to sample some of the cookies!  

The Fawcett family retired to their home and Walter and I went downstairs in the lodge to our little suite.  We were exhausted from being on our feet all day and interacting with little ones who were super fun!  It was a productive day but we needed to be ready for the next day's visit with Merrill Greene in Fredericton.

 

 The GPS guided us through Fredericton, New Brunswick, and towards the Saint John River. We were headed decidedly downhill to the river's edge and as we followed the verbal directions, suddenly we found ourselves along a riverside road that led to a major bridge. On the other side of the bridge looked like more of the city, and we again, followed the voice of our trusty GPS!  There was no specific sign or noticeable change in scenery or neighbourhood - but soon we were on First Nation land.

Venus Cote lives on St. Mary's Reserve - a Maliseet First Nation that is basically part of the city of Fredericton.  As we pulled in front of the address, a two story house with Christmas decorations and a nativity scene already in place, we stepped out onto the sidewalk.  We knew from our visit five years ago, Venus lived above the garage in an apartment.  We wound our way among vehicles and a hockey net to the side entrance of the garage and rang the buzzer.  As in most First Nations homes, you often just knock and walk in, calling in the greetings as you go!  Sure enough, the door was open and we heard Venus telling us to come in.

Hugs and greetings ensued, and I assumed we would be heading out right away to have lunch.  Venus was already in her warm jacket and hat, purse slung across her shoulders, but she plunked herself onto the couch and said "Business first!"  So we seated ourselves and got down to business.

It was good to hear Venus' heart, giving her ample opportunity to share her burdens, her vision for the eastern field work of NCEM.  Venus graduated from the Bible school our mission had run for many years, Key-Way-Tin Bible Institute, and then joined as a full time missionary back in the mid-1980's.  She served in the Maritimes since then, working at Arrowhead and serving in the community where she now resides.  Her heart for children, youth and adults means this Saulteaux woman from the prairies is kept busy sharing the Lord Jesus with everyone she meets!

After over an hour of talking about her concerns and her joys, my stomach was growling pretty aggressively!  We descended the stairs and got into the camp truck to drive back over the bridge to the city.  Venus pointed out various buildings, the school and band office, homes of some of her friends and then just as suddenly, we were on the bridge and off the reserve.

One change we noticed in five years was that there was a "pot shop" on every corner it seemed!  Since the legalization of marijuana, many First Nations opened dispensaries and stores and St. Mary's had several.  On the upside, we saw some construction of much-needed housing, and the person Venus rents the apartment from was one of the local men working with the crews.  It was good to see positive things happening.

Over our pasta and salads at East Side Mario's, we continued our conversation and learned what new developments were happening in the ministry.  Another NCEM missionary was helping the small group of believers set up an official church on the reserve.  Two main families serve as pastors and Venus and the other single young man, Merrill, help with children and youth ministries each week.  The weekly Bible study group will soon begin worship services once a building can be secured for Sunday mornings.  Very exciting!

The waitress continued to offer us coffee and water while we occupied a booth most of the afternoon.  By 3:30 the sun was already dipping down. Walter wanted to interview Venus and take some drone shots of the river and the reserve so she directed us to "The Greens", a park along the Saint John River.  It was too cold and breezy there to interview outside, so we sat in the truck and Walter asked Venus about her testimony of coming to Christ and the journey that led her to becoming a missionary.

Venus came from a very traumatic past and has taken years to heal and overcome what she experienced in her childhood.  Hearing her testimony, we marveled at God's work of grace and her faithfulness in following and serving Him. (Venus has been a guest on Tribal Trails so you can look her up at tribaltrails.org).  As the sun set over the river, we sensed the presence of the Lord with us and we left our time encouraged and inspired.

We drove back to the camp in the dark - arriving by 6 pm - and rummaged in the kitchen of the suite for a light supper.  The next day didn't involve any travel; we were going to spend it at the camp helping the Fawcetts prepare for the big annual craft sale.  Our Maritime adventure continues...

 The wind whipping off the ocean left a salty taste on our lips.  Gentle waves lifted the ferry up and down, not enough to make me seasick but to give a little butterfly sensation in the tummy!  Walter and I sat looking out the front of the ferry's lounge area, pointing out other ships and noting the sea birds dipping and diving for their breakfast.

We left Regina on Sunday, November 12 and drove as far as Brandon the first night.  With going to church, packing and all that goes with being away from home for a couple of weeks, we decided not to push the first day.  Monday morning we got an oil change in Brandon, then drove the one hour to Gladstone, MB (well, to Mark and Amy's country home).  Kaira had grown in the two weeks since we had last seen her!  So glad we could see her and Amy - Mark was still working some hours as the weather was mild enough for concrete pouring.  After some wonderful snuggles with baby Kaira and a nice visit with Amy, we reluctantly left for Winnipeg.

Best Western has been our hotel of choice and we are Diamond members now!  So we drove to the hotel and made arrangements for leaving our vehicle there for the duration of our trip.  They offer a deal for parking and a night's stay which is definitely cheaper than leaving the vehicle at the airport Park N Fly.  After a decent supper at the restaurant, we relaxed in the suite before getting to bed early.  The 4 am alarm/wake-up call would come way too soon...

Standing in the dark, chilly, pre-dawn hours waiting for the shuttle to the airport made me wish for the warm and comfy bed again!  But we endured the cold, thankful for the comforts of modern travel.  By that evening, we would be sleeping in a warm bed at Arrowhead Native Bible Centre in New Brunswick.  

The first leg of our journey went from Winnipeg to Calgary.  What????? Yes, you read that correctly!  We flew to Calgary, with a short layover, then a direct flight to Moncton, NB.  The flights were both smooth and uneventful.  Since we hadn't flown since February, 2020, we wondered how the airlines and connections would work out.  Thankfully, we had no issues and all our luggage arrived.  

Grant Fawcett greeted us in the Moncton airport, and drove us to the camp (Arrowhead) which is about an hour and a half.  We stopped first at the Irving restaurant (in Salisbury, NB) on the way back as we were good and hungry!  Grant gave us the keys for the camp truck - a Dodge Laramie - that would be for our use during the next couple weeks.  After settling us in the suite in the camp's lodge, we turned in early for a good night's sleep.

The Fawcett family have been directing the camp and bible centre ministry for 11 or 12 years, I believe.  Their three young daughters are sweet and love to be involved in camp life, as well.  They had just completed a chapel building project that they were able to use this past summer.  We arrived just as they were preparing for the annual "Christmas Craft Sale" to be held on the Saturday.  More about that later.

On Wednesday, November 15, we had a lunch meeting with our first missionary, Venus Cote.  By the time we got up, had our showers and coffee, it was time to drive the hour or so to Fredericton.  Venus lives on the St. Mary's Reserve (Wolastoqiyik - Maliseet nation).  She is a Saulteaux woman from Cote's First Nation near Kamsack, SK.  Stay tuned for our adventures with Venus!

 I had a busy day.

So what's new about that?  Walter and I are planning a trip to the Maritimes to visit our NCEM staff serving there.  We will visit every province except PEI this time...we are so blessed to have such opportunities.  We'll take planes, ferries and trucks on our travels.  And I hope we can enjoy fresh seafood!

I spent a few hours coordinating about a dozen missionaries, figuring out distances from Arrowhead Native Bible Centre in New Brunswick to each of the locations we will visit.  So stay tuned for the blog entries as I have time to write and record our adventures!

Another new thing around home is...SNOW! I'm never quite ready for winter, but once the snow arrives and I get acclimatized to the cold temperatures, it is enjoyable.  The cool, crisp air, the fresh white snow cover and the cozy sweaters are wonderful winter blessings!  

I had to run an errand today and consumer Christmas assaulted me.  The stores are decorated, displays of gifts, puzzles, onesie pajamas and much, much more made me feel the panic that I'm not ready for the season yet!  By the time we are back from Eastern Canada, I will have to get serious about Christmas preparations.  Should be enough time - 25 days!

We delivered some cookies this afternoon to our friends.  A family member is in palliative care and we wanted to support and bless them during this difficult time.  When we left an hour or so later, we felt loved and cared for!  It's funny how with some friends, you go with the intention of ministering to them and you leave the richer because they think of others before themselves.

And now our evening has been quiet.   A returned phone call to confirm another connection for our trip east, Amazon Prime and cup of tea.  A text of our little granddaughter while she's awake!  My she's growing quickly.

And that's a day in the life of the Selkes!

 

 Calendar pages riffle and fly away as time passes.  A whirl of activity makes the days, weeks and months feel like mere minutes.  Appointments, meetings, trips, events...very rarely do I get the opportunity for boredom!

Two weeks ago we were in Prince Albert for our monthly meetings.  I was arranging some meals for the upcoming Board meetings and felt things were well in hand.  Then we got a text from our son, Mark...they were in Brandon at the hospital and the doctors were talking about inducing Amy or preparing for a C-section!  Walter and I were absolutely distracted and unable to stay focused on our office duties.  We left mid-afternoon to do some food preparations and get ready for guests for supper.  

We were staying at a wonderful Air B and B located on the north side of the North Saskatchewan River.  Lovely!  We have a full kitchen plus a spacious living room and very comfortable bedroom that overlooks the river.  As we busied ourselves, we kept checking our phones for an update from Mark.  Nothing.  Walter finally sent a message and Mark replied.  Things were progressing labour-wise so maybe in 3 to 4 hours the baby would be born.

Their little one was not due for another 3 weeks but the ultrasound showed low amniotic fluid and this baby needed to be born sooner rather than later.  

Our company arrived and we had a wonderful supper.  We visited.  We discussed things about the ministry and other family news.  But our company couldn't help but notice how we discreetly tried to check our phones for any news.  

Around 8:30 pm our friends bid us good night and wished us well.  I had just finished tidying up the kitchen when the call finally came through on Walter's phone.  Baby girl arrived just before 8 pm - over 24 hour ordeal of inducing and finally having to suction baby at the last as she went into distress!  But Amy was doing fine and was on speaker phone with Mark when they called to give us the news.  Amy sounded quite chipper actually; Mark sounded hoarse and very tired.  I guess she got the good drugs and they didn't provide anything for the new Daddy!

Then we were up for another hour texting or phoning our own parents and family.  It is impossible to hold in such exciting news!

Although arriving 3 weeks before the due date, Kaira Mattie Selke weighed 7 lbs 5 oz and was 21 1/2 inches long.  No concerns except that she would need some coaxing to eat and would require plenty of sleep.  Mark, Amy and baby Kaira went home two days later and then we received a few more precious pictures to cherish.

By the weekend, when the Board members were arriving for their two day meetings, Walter and I were still beaming and showing off the pictures of the cutest little granddaughter ever!  Yes, we've become those grandparents who shamelessly bore people with stories and cell phone photos!

On Sunday, we were finally back home in Regina and we were excited to make plans to head to Manitoba and meet little Kaira!  Although very tired, we were suddenly filled with energy to drive out and spend a couple of days holding this new little life and celebrating with our son and daughter-in-law.

A trip to Costco and Walmart and then we were there.  More pictures, sweet cuddles and just relishing in the precious moments with this perfect gift from God.  

This new season in our lives is one we have looked forward to and can't get enough of!

 Two family reunions in one week - Whew!

What do I mean by two family reunions?  Walter and I helped plan and organize the gathering of the staff of Northern Canada Evangelical Mission.  This is the family of God that we give leadership to as missionaries. About 180 adults registered and 35 kids! We spent three days together at Wilderness Edge in Pinawa, MB, which is a lovely retreat centre in a resort community in the Whiteshell Park.  Lovely walking paths, opportunities for canoeing, tubing, hot tubbing and much more!

We also had workshops, a special speaker each night and wonderful worship through music and prayer.  We enjoyed delicious meals together and fellowship around the tables.  It was a noisy, busy time with much-needed encouragement after four years of not being able to meet as a whole mission body.

Our friend and coworker, Cynthia, helped with most of the coordinating of room assignments, schedule and gift bags.  She also got door prizes that were a lot of fun to draw for!  We appreciated Cynthia's energy and ideas to make the conference fun!

One of the honours I had was to award service pins for our missionaries.  From 5 years of service to 70 years, we gave out pins to acknowledge our faithful workers in the harvest field.  Such a legacy we have in NCEM!

The good-byes were sad and yet joyful as we closed our conference with a communion service. Folks grabbed water bottles and snacks as they headed to their vehicles and drove home.  From Whitehorse, YT and Fort McPherson, NT to Goose Bay, Labrador and many points in between, our missionary family dispersed to their places of ministry for another year.  Our next General Conference where everyone meets again will be 2-3 years from now.

We drove back the seven hours to Regina, with one of our childcare volunteers catching a ride.  This dear woman helped teach and minister to our MK's ages 4-12.  She was quite excited and talked for a while about the different kids and her helpers.  We grabbed a bite to eat in Winnipeg and hit the TransCanada highway.  The next three hours we didn't hear a peep from her - napping all the way until Virden where we got out for a bathroom stop!  

By 7 pm we had arrived at home and within minutes, our daughter and her boyfriend, Eric, came in.  We had ordered pizza and thus began our Selke Family Extravaganza weekend!  On Friday, we slowly repacked and headed to our cabin at Katepwa Lake.  It was a lovely calm afternoon/evening so we weren't able to take out the sailboat.  But we enjoyed a campfire and supper which consisted of "bush pies" (bread and pizza toppings cooked in irons over the fire).  Then Saturday morning, our two sons and their wives arrived and provided brunch fixings.  

It was a hot windy day - too windy for the sailboat - and so we packed up for a day at the beach.  At 31 degrees Celsius, we all enjoyed the shade, the water and lots of cool drinks!  Supper back at the cabin and more campfire and hanging out together finished off our day.

Sunday morning we again enjoyed brunch, then after dishes were cleared away, we gathered around the campfire circle for worship.  I played some favourite worship songs on my guitar.  Then Walter shared some scriptures and some of the journey we have been on in the past year.  Walter wanted to encourage our family to continue to persevere in the faith, to support one another as we all face challenges and to trust God in everything.  We closed in prayer around the circle and what a special time that was!

Then we looked at the time and had a hurried dash to pack up and head back to Regina.  We had tickets to the Rider game and needed to shower and change and catch the shuttle bus!  We made it with time to spare and enjoyed the Rider victory over the Winnipeg Bluebombers in overtime.

By Labour Day Monday, our family was scattering to their homes or further on personal vacation trips.  With all our kids living away from Regina, our times to reunite are rare and special.  As the last one left, the house seems strangely empty and quiet.

But the memories are wonderful and I wouldn't trade the crazy schedule of the last week for anything!

 What a journey these past two months have been!

From candidate orientation & training to leadership changes to summer schedule, Walter and I haven't had much time to do anything but what is on the calendar one day at a time!

Today I want to do some writing.  It's a shame when the whole summer has whizzed by and I haven't enjoyed much down time.  So here are some thoughts to get my creative writing juices flowing...

I've been listening to the late Charles Stanley's podcasts as archived online.  This morning I enjoyed parts 1 and 2 of "Sanctification: The Process" as recorded in sermon form.  Such a good reminder of what I've learned years ago but needed a refresher!

Sanctification:  the process of change, transformation into something holy and set apart for sacred purpose

1.  FAITH - How does this process start?  Becoming holy and set apart for God's use begins with becoming born again, giving our lives to Jesus Christ and starting the spiritual journey.  As the Apostle Paul expressed it to the Corinthian church, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:  The old has gone, the new is here!" (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV) The very exact moment we become a follower of Christ, the old nature no longer rules and the new nature takes over.  That is a positional reality, an identity change!  We acquire a new name, a new family and a new future by faith in Jesus Christ.

2.  LIFELONG TRANSFORMATION - The next steps are a lifelong process of gradual transformation.  We are being sanctified daily and it continues for our entire earthly existence.  Even though our old nature is not in charge any more, it still has influence and can be influenced by the world and by the devil.  So the progress we make in sanctification must be influenced by something/someone  even greater than our own flesh, our old nature and its tendency to allow peer pressure and the devil's lies to impact us.

Something Charles Stanley included in his sermon was the fact that it is God's will that we undergo this sanctification process.  1 Thessalonians 4:3 says, "For this is the will of God, your sanctification..."  God doesn't want us to be saved only, but to become more like His Son, Jesus.  He isn't willing that we stay the same, living in addictions, bondage, fear, sinful ways.  He wants us to live abundantly and joyfully.  "The thief comes to kill, steal and destroy.  I have come that they might have life and have it more abundantly."  (John 10:10)  Jesus came to reverse the devil's plans and schemes against humanity.  He came to give life, to restore what Satan stole and to rebuild.  But all that process of sanctification comes with some effort on our part, as well.

To continue what Paul wrote to the Thessalonian church, "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honour..For God has not called us for impurity but in holiness."  (1 Thessalonians 4:3,4 & 7)  Our part is to abstain from immoral and impure activities.  Our part is to use self-control over our bodies - which also means controlling our thoughts, words and attitudes.  One of the evidences or abilities that the Holy Spirit gives us once we are Christians is self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).  Another way of defining or explaining sanctification is the work of letting the Holy Spirit clean out our old nature and bring in the new nature.  That is the only way we can overcome sinful and unholy ways - by the Holy Spirit replacing them with His character and holiness.

3.  DEATH - This may seem morbid but the reality is that we will never attain perfection until we have died. While in our earthly bodies and functioning with our earthly minds, we are always in the process of sanctification.  But, when we experience death and then the promised and glorious resurrection, we will be absolutely pure and holy and complete.  1 John 3:2&3 was written to believers of the early church who were struggling with sanctification and with being persecuted for being Christ-followers.  Here is what the Apostle John had to say:  "Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known.  But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like Him for we shall see Him as He is.  All who have this hope in Him purify themselves, just as He is pure."  For now, we don't know what we will become and cannot be made whole and holy on this side.  But when we see Jesus face to face -  whether we are taken up when He returns or must go through death and be raised up on resurrection day - then we will be perfect as He is.  

The  hope of seeing Jesus our Lord and being completely relieved of our earthly bodies and the struggles that we constantly battle in the flesh, motivates us to purify ourselves.  Do we want to see Jesus covered in our filth and caught in sin when He comes?  Or to die in shameful ways that we had a choice to avoid?  As Jesus spoke a parable to His disciples about the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25, we all are to be ready for the Bridegroom's arrival.  We don't know when He will return to take us home; we also don't know when our days on earth will be over.  So having our spiritual lamps full of oil can be symbolized by our lives being filled with the oil of the Holy Spirit!  

How awesome that we will one day be transformed into the person God had intended us to be!  Although I don't look forward to death, I know it will be worth going through in order to experience the complete work of sanctification.  A verse that has helped me through some very exasperating times is Philippians 1:6 "...being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."  That is my ultimate hope and motivation to persevere: God WILL finish the good work He started in me.

HAVE A GOOD DAY, MY FRIENDS!  God's not finished with you yet!

 

 Each entry in this blog is an intentional message.  It may be my heart crying out to express what I have just seen or experienced; it may be God wanting to speak to those who read it to let the reader know they are loved and valued by Him!  Whatever YOUR reason for reading, may you understand that my purpose is to share something meaningful, something worth taking the time to read.

Two huge events have impacted my life since May 1, 2023.

1.  CANDIDATE ORIENTATION & TRAINING - Each year, Walter and I spend 3 weeks with the newest candidates to NCEM, to teach and equip them for serving as missionaries to the Indigenous peoples of Canada.  Connecting with each of the latest recruits energizes us!  We have often met, interviewed and then welcomed them to the mission family through email or Zoom/Facetime. At Candidate O & T, we get to share life with them in close quarters for 3 full weeks!

Walter teaches sessions on NCEM History and Thought, Dependency Issues in Ministry, Spiritual Warfare and Vicarious Trauma.  This year, he added a session on "Suicide Prevention and Intervention."  When one of our guest instructors was sick and had to cancel, Walter stepped in with a couple of sessions last minute and I'm so thankful he has that gift of "winging it!"

I also help with instruction on raising support or "Building Our Support Teams."  Using a booklet I wrote of short articles on fundraising principles and practical tips, as well as other resources by mission agencies, I share how to begin the journey of living by faith for our financial and prayer needs.  Walter coaches the new candidates on how to give one-minute, five-minute and 20-30 minute presentations to churches and groups and even individuals.  The group critiques each others' presentations and we give tips on improving their content and delivery.

Another session I teach is on "Abuse Issues."  When we started out in ministry in the inner city of Regina, I felt very unprepared for the many stories and disclosures of abuse that I heard, and had no skills or tools to help people deal with their trauma and wounds.  Through reading, seminars and workshops, Walter and I both have become equipped to reach out to those who have lived through abuse or are dealing with current life situations that are unsafe and dangerous.  This is a topic near and dear to my heart.  Even some of our candidates have experienced abuse and we take the time to talk to them in private if they need support and help.  The training we give is very introductory and we encourage our new missionaries to further equip themselves if they find their ministries involve a lot of counseling/supporting roles in their communities.

Besides the classroom setting, we hang out with the group of 12-15 candidates, including 6 kids aged 9 and under!  It was fun, exhausting and rewarding to get to know our new staff and their families so intimately. We spent the first two weeks at Big River Bible Camp.  The final week we drove two hours to Pine Ridge Bible Camp and finished our training time there.  The folks expressed how they enjoyed seeing both of our SK camp facilities and meet more of the NCEM staff that way.

2.  CHANGES IN OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM - Unexpectedly, two of Walter's Executive team members have stepped down from their leadership roles.  This all happened during or right after the Candidate O & T, so we jumped right into extra responsibilities!  Walter and I are still processing these changes and are actively pursuing others to step up into becoming part of the leadership of NCEM.  The challenge is that in mission organizations, you don't simply advertise your need and hire from a pool of mission leaders.  Most often, leaders arise from within, and preferably they have been preparing and training for their roles over a period of time. 

We were hired from another mission organization, but had spent our first 10 years of ministry under the NCEM banner.  So we were not entirely strangers to the mission family and were familiar with how NCEM operated and the culture of their organization.  But we find ourselves now praying and wondering:  who will God raise up to fill the vacant spots and where will they come from?

This has been impacting us greatly, coming off three weeks of intense candidate training and then immediately finding more responsibilities on our plates before we could rest and regroup!  

I like to write fiction.  My favourite stories have happy endings.  Even when I blog, I like to tie up loose ends and have a positive moral to the story.  

Not today.  

We are waiting on God.  We are taking this week to rest.  We are praying for God to make a way.

 A new hobby!

Walter jokes around that his hobby is collecting hobbies.  I am beginning to believe this is a true statement.  So what are some of the interests Walter has pursued since I've known him?

Photography, scroll saw, Cricut, RC planes, curling, walking/hiking, Frisbee golf, VW Beetles, and now...repairing and restoring gramophones!

Me?  I enjoy curling, bowling, mini-golf, music, writing, walking, shopping, baking and the Roughriders!  My husband bought me a lovely dollhouse for my 50th birthday and I have not quite finished it.  It is a hobby, but at the moment, I moved it from our dining room where it was in the open to be worked on and now it is tucked away in a spare bedroom.  But I will pull it out again and continue to decorate and set it up.  I am stuck on the flooring and windows stage and now have most of the supplies I need.

Walter likes hobbies that challenge him.  He loves to learn, explore and understand something in order to conquer it!

Me?  I like hobbies that are relaxing, often repetitive, have some instant results or are social events.  So sometimes our hobbies are compatible and we can enjoy them together.  And other times we each enjoy our alone time with our separate projects or activities.

Now the gramophone is one of those crossover hobbies:  he can challenge himself with fixing and restoring, while I can enjoy the music aspect.  I will have to acquire an enjoyment for the style of music that was recorded on 78's, I guess!  It certainly is from a different era!

And that's my little blurb on hobbies.

What hobbies do you all enjoy?

 Family Day.

Some of our provinces are taking this day to give families a mid-winter break.  Students are off all week; some businesses are closed or have modified hours of service.  It is a nice touch for those of us who can take time for rest and recreation.

For Walter and I, school schedules don't really affect us.  Our children are all grown and gone from home.  We do work in an office setting part of the time and our mission's administrative office is closed for the day.  But we are home in Regina after a full week of meetings and administrative work in Prince Albert.  Walter spoke in a church on Sunday and then we drove the four hour commute in the afternoon.

So, here we are.  Home.  Together.  On Family Day.

Our family is also enjoying an extra day off:  

Daniel is going into his final week of first year apprenticeship course for air conditioning/HVAC up in Saskatoon.  He will be driving the four-hour journey from Weyburn sometime today, but at least he was able to have one more day in his own home with his lovely wife, Michaela.  We are proud of Daniel's dedication to training and accreditation in his trade.  We have prayed for them as it must be difficult to be apart for these past eight weeks.  They are troopers!

Mark and Amy are able to enjoy their day off together...Amy does not teach her music students on Mondays and Mark is in the off-season for his concrete work.  They both work hard and are constantly making improvements on their home.  This year they will celebrate their tenth anniversary with a special trip together.  Time flies!

Caylea has a wonderful week ahead.  Last fall she had her name drawn for a free retreat at Kerith Pines.  She will enjoy a modern suite, with fireplace and luxurious jet tub, plus all meals cooked and served for seven days.  The retreat includes up to seven other people, all folks serving in ministry.  The setting is in a lovely pine forest with groomed hiking trail, located in the Whiteshell Park in eastern Manitoba.  Our daughter has been serving for five full years with NCEM, and we are so glad she can enjoy this lovely getaway.  I bet the first thing she will do is find the hottub!

And what are Walter and I doing today?  Not much.  Less than that if possible!  We are eating whatever we want, whenever we want.  We are watching the Scotties Women's curling championship.  (I confess I have laundry on the go, and Walter picked up a new project to pursue - more details to follow!)  I am working on a 2,000 piece puzzle.  We may nap between curling draws.  After such a busy week, we are so ready for this restful day.

God is such a good heavenly Father!  We are living a blessed life - not without its challenges - but today I am mindful of this day off as a gift from the Lord.

Enjoy your day, whatever you are doing this February 20, 2023!

 "For here we have no lasting city but we seek the city that is to come."  Hebrews 13:14

I remember my first apartment.  It was a two-bedroom place on the third floor.  Nothing special but it was clean and adequate.  I shared the space with a roommate and both of us were making just enough income to cover rent, put gas in our cars and afford simple meals.  

It was no mansion!  Our second-hand furniture was functional but definitely reflected styles from the 1960's and '70's.  And this was in 1987!

I drive by that apartment block occasionally.  The stucco finish is the same drab beige; the windows and main door are probably the same as thirty-plus years ago.  The basement is likely deteriorating, as most foundations in the city of Regina do!  This humble yet serviceable building was special to me because it was the first home I chose for myself and prepared as my dwelling.

But it didn't last.  My roommate moved to Saskatoon; I had to find another affordable place.  It was only a temporary home.  And the next one also was temporary.  I eventually got married and we moved in to a simple two-bedroom apartment in a fairly poor neighbourhood.  Gradually we have upgraded to a nice area of the city, into a three-bedroom house with 2 3/4 bathrooms and a huge addition built on the back.  Our latest home has been ours for almost 25 years.

Still, this house is not our permanent home.

I am looking forward to my permanent home.  Jesus promised to His disciples a permanent, eternal and glorious home in His Father's house!  John 14:2 says, "In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you."  (NKJV)  Other versions of the Bible may describe it as "rooms" but I prefer the New King James Version that uses the word "mansions."  My imagination goes wild as I consider what Jesus means and what He is preparing for us!

The Bible continues to give a glimpse as to our future mansion!  Actually, John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, received the revelation of this new, eternal home.  It is to be a city, called the New Jerusalem.  In Revelation 21:1-4, John saw and heard what Jesus is preparing for us who believe.  

    Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.  And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.  He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.  He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.'

Wow!  So many images come to my mind as I envision what John must have seen.  Heaven and earth are new.  No more pollution, adverse weather, natural disasters, nor effects of humanity's sin impacting the beauty God created.  This new holy city will descend from heaven and be absolutely radiant, as a bride adorned on her wedding day.  Pure, dazzling beauty.  What ensures this city to be a permanent and perfectly suitable place to dwell is the Landlord, the Master of this home is God Himself.  He will not only look after and protect this dwelling place, but will live with us.  We are not tenants; we are family!

Being His family, the promises of this heavenly city include our Father's love, comfort and healing from sorrow and pain.  Don't we all long for His loving embrace and His complete healing for our bodies and souls?

Further in chapter 21 of Revelation, John gives a more physical description of this city.  The design is like the cities of biblical times, with a high wall and gates to enter. It will be secure and safe.  The layout will be a lot like Jerusalem in Israel, with very Jewish elements that were included in the Temples for worship of God Most High.  The gates were named for the twelve sons of Israel (the twelve tribes) and the foundations for the city walls are named for the twelve apostles of the Lamb.  

The size was measured in stadia and cubits - it is huge!  It is also beautiful, adorned with every kind of jewel.  And yes, the streets are made of gold!

    And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.  By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, and its gates will never be shut by day - and there will be no night there.  They will bring into it the glory and the honour of the nations.

No power or electric bills.  No locksmiths.  This new and permanent home will be filled with light.  No fear of the dark, no dread of crime or home invasions.  The gates will never need to be shut because there is no night when fearful and covert things tend to happen.

And the beauty of peace and perfect harmony among the nations.  The glory of the nations, the best of what God created and intended for the nations living together and worshiping the King of kings will be finally realized.  All that we hoped for will be fulfilled according to God's purpose.

Chapter 22 of Revelation goes on to describe more of this awesome city of God.  The throne of God with the river of life flowing from it through the city.  The tree of life with twelve kinds of fruit, whose leaves "were for the healing of the nations." (verse 2b)  Nothing unclean or accursed will be allowed in this heavenly city.  Only those redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb, whose names are written in His book of life.  "...and they will reign forever and ever."  (verse 5b)  

There will be no more competition, conflict, war.  We all will be princes, or princesses, and we will have authority to reign along with our Lord.  But that's not the best part...

"They will see His face..." (Revelation 22:4a)  Nothing will separate us from our Father, our Holy God!  We will see Him in person, no veil, no cloud, no shame to hid His lovely face from us.  As John also wrote in his letter of 1 John chapter 3, "Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when He appears we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is."  All that we have longed for, to become holy like our Father, will be realized when we see Him.  We will be perfected and finally leave the shell of our earthly bodies and be free from our sinful natures.  1 Corinthians 15:52 gives us the hope of our final transformation: "...in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.  For the trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed."

Many of us have watched home renovation or house-hunter programs on TV.  Our sights become set on grand and unattainable mansions that truly are beautiful by earthly standards.  And yet they cannot compare to the "city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God...they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one...for He has prepared for them a city."  (Hebrews 11:10 & 16)  

Our Father is preparing us a mansion, a home that will never deteriorate, depreciate or be destroyed.  More than that, He is preparing US for our eternal home, to be able to enjoy and engage in heavenly worship and service to our Lord and Saviour!

"When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be! When we all see Jesus, we'll sing and shout the victory!"  

 My son, Mark, is a hard worker.  He gets up early, travels to the job site and sweats under the hot sun!  His labour is physical.  He and the concrete crew often race the clock, or the weather, to finish a concrete pour and complete the necessary steps before sundown or before the snow flies!

Some folks have jobs that are time-sensitive and must manage their tasks within a certain time-frame.  Others of us work with people, giving leadership and overseeing the big picture, so our roles do not require as much hurry.  But the enormity of that type of responsibility carries a different load and still requires time and deadlines.

At the end of the day, both types of labour can leave us very tired, drained and done.

"Give us this day our daily bread..." Matthew 6:11

Every day, we need to rely on God for our needs.  Literally, we have physical need for food (and water).  Back in biblical times, labourers were often paid daily; therefore this prayer was a reality for daily provision.  Just as we have hunger and thirst, we also have emotional and spiritual needs.  Those needs can't be filled only on a weekly basis, or monthly or annually!  We need the strength and wisdom and ongoing ability to live and work and raise our families EVERY DAY! 

I think of the Scripture in Lamentations, written by Jeremiah the prophet, to the grieving Israelites.  They were a defeated nation, sent to live in a foreign country in exile. Their present circumstances looked hopeless; their future looked bleak.  In the midst of this darkness and sorrow, Jeremiah writes to God's people:  "The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."  Lamentations 3:22-23 

As we rise every morning, we can be sure that God's steadfast love, mercy and faithfulness will be there to greet us.  We are never alone to figure out our problems or challenges.  God promises to be with us and to give us what we need EVERY DAY.

As Jesus continued His teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, where He taught the Lord's Prayer, He gives another truth for us to apply.  "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.  Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."  Matthew 6:34  Yes, each day does seem to present trouble and challenge.  But worrying about it ahead of time is pointless.  Jesus emphasizes that tomorrow will be another day and what did He promise?  He would be with us in the future, as well as right now.  Such a comfort!

Looking back to the Old Testament, the provision of daily bread began in the time of Moses and the fleeing Hebrew slaves.  When the people began to complain of hunger, God gave Moses this information:  "Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day, that I may test them..." Exodus 16:4  God would provide the bread, the people would gather it and only enough for that day.  (On the day before the Sabbath, God would send double the amount so they could gather for the day of rest and not work on that day.)  Maybe we do not have that exact provision; in a land of extreme weather and harsh winters, we must prepare ahead for our food and heat supplies.  But the principle is that we need God and His presence each and every day.  If we ask for our daily needs from Him and rely on Him, we will not lack.  And just as importantly, we need to acknowledge and give Him thanks for providing!  Being ungrateful is as bad as not asking for our daily supply from the Father.  If we think WE are the ones who work hard and earn our own way, we are in danger of independence from the Lord, and risk alienating ourselves from Him.

I just finished putting together a puzzle.  Starting with the outer edges, I built the framework of the project, then began to piece together the rest.  Each piece needed to be placed in order, one piece at a time.  Just as each day must be lived in order, not rushing ahead to the future, or being stuck in the past, we must focus on TODAY.  

May God show Himself today as your Provider and Father.  He is faithful and will meet your needs, whatever they may be.