So Day 6 continued...

It was raining at Esperanza off and on.  The main mode of transportation around the property is golf cart.  We finished our delicious supper and visited with some of the volunteers who were there working on various projects.  Then our hosts, the Lewises, offered us a ride back to their home at the farthest point from the dining hall.  In minutes, we had avoided the rain and most of the puddles!  We had a nice cup of tea and a visit with Dave and Dianne.  Around 10 pm, we said good night and went to the guest room.  

Being on the shores of the inlet, the Lewises home overlooks the water.  It was dark so we didn't get to appreciate the view until morning.  It rained all night and the pitter-patter on the tin roof lulled us into a  deep slumber!  When I got up and peeked out through the curtains, it almost took my breath away!  The calm ocean water shimmered in the rare sunshine.  Beautiful evergreens stood proudly on the mountains across the channel. I can see why so many people we met felt such peace and blessing at Esperanza.

Breakfast was delicious at the dining hall at 7 am - I tell myself it is 8 am in SK so I can get up and eat at that hour!  The cooks (Michael & April) came and sat with us. They shared their testimonies of faith while we drank our second cup of coffee.  It was special to hear what God has done in others' lives and share a bit of our stories, too.

We had a tour of the property next with our NCEM missionary who is spending a year at the camp/retreat centre.  From the staff houses, kids' cabins and counselling centre and suites to the old post office and original office buildings, we heard the history and ongoing development happening.  Walter was especially fascinated in the hydro power generators (powered by a creek) that supplies power for the entire compound.  The centre had been established by a Christian doctor who started a hospital.  Many in the area were able to access medical care and even dental services.  A few people we met at the Bible study at Ehattis First Nation had been born there!  

Part of the reason we came to visit was to see the place and meet with staff to get an idea of what it is all about.  The next day we would meet with the chairman of the Board and see how our organization could partner with theirs to get Esperanza up and running to its capacity once again!

We did meet with our NCEM couple who is there for a year and enjoyed the fun of their five kids, 10 and under!  They seem to be settling in and finding their roles.  The kids are homeschooled so they are just continuing on as they had back in Saskatchewan.  

After lunch, we boarded a bigger boat, "The Skipper", and we were retracing our trek to Campbell River and Courtenay and eventually Nanaimo. Within three hours we were back in what seemed like civilization and I felt sad to leave the more remote area, and especially the people we met, behind.

Now, here is where our formal plans ended for the day and we still had some time to connect with folks we know on the island.  I sent a message to a couple who had volunteered with NCEM last summer who live in their RV and winter near Campbell River.  They were available for supper.  We met at the "Driftwood Restaurant" which is a Chinese buffet.  Highly recommend it!  We had a wonderful visit and caught up on life.  While we were enjoying our evening, another friend who is a NAIM missionary, connected and also met us at the restaurant.  He had to catch a ferry to Quadra Island where he lives, so our visit was about 20 minutes.  So we all said our good-byes and went our ways.

The drive along the oceanside was a scenic and peaceful experience. We wound our way among some agricultural areas and ocean views.  We arrived at Courtenay for the night.