Sunday morning dawned calm and beautiful.  The smell of fresh coffee greeted us as we entered the cathedral-ceiling, olive green dining hall.  Breakfast foods were set up for self-serve and we helped ourselves to bagels, cereal, fruit and yoghurt.  A few early-risers were already eating and a few stragglers wandered in at the last minute.  That pattern didn't change for the next three weeks of training - the morning people and night hawks were definitely identified!

We all gathered in the chapel below the dining room - the Pine Ridge Bible Camp staff joined our candidates and leaders for a time of worship and a special preacher, Walter!  Corrie and I led some worship music from songbooks she had made.  Gazing out the windows facing the lake made for an inspiring view.  It wasn't difficult to praise the God who created such beauty.  Walter preached his heart out from John 6, the "Feeding of the Five Thousand."  How was the Lord going to provide for us in the next weeks?  If He could feed a huge crowd of people on the hillside of Israel, He could meet our needs as missionaries preparing to serve in His harvest field.

The afternoon was lovely for walks and napping.  But at 4 pm, we all gathered again for an orientation and introduction time.  A few participants were still missing but we played our icebreaker game - everyone mingling and asking questions to get to know each other.  A quick run-through of the schedule and basics about the camp property and facilities and then we met again upstairs for more delicious food.

That night, with the ice beginning to deteriorate and water appearing along the shore, a couple of interns and young staff did a polar swim!  We "mature" folk watched and shook our heads in amazement!  Even though it was late April, the sun set around 8:30 pm and twilight lingered until past 10.  The north is a world all its own!

Walter and I slept fitfully as our minds whirled with thoughts of the next day's events.  We woke before our alarm at 7 am and got ready for Monday, Day 1.  As everyone found seats around the u-shaped tables, Corrie and I led in an opening song.  Each morning we would have a song and then dismiss the children with the childcare workers.  They shyly followed the workers outside and met in the room provided for their activities.  Janelle had craft supplies, games and fun planned for the next few weeks.  

On this first day, Walter shared his testimony.  Each one of us would take a turn telling our story of growing up and coming to faith in Christ.  It's a tremendous way of getting to know each other and practice public speaking in a safe and non-threatening environment.  Following testimony time, class would begin.

Walter taught the first session on NCEM History and Thought.  He gave a brief history on the beginning of the mission back in 1946.  The founders, Stan & Evelyn Collie, Art & Martha Tarry, and early missionaries like Cliff & Ingeborg McComb were brave and faithful followers of Jesus.  They obeyed a crazy call to go north and leave their livelihoods to share the Gospel among First Nations people of Canada.  The impact of hearing how God moved in hearts 75+ years ago brought a fresh calling to all of us!  The needs of people and the lack of Bible-believing churches in Canada's north is still as urgent as ever.

After lunch, I was up!  With notes in hand, I jotted a few points on a whiteboard and then perched on a stool as the participants sat down for the afternoon session.  I opened with the analogy of a football team and the importance of all the players, coaches and staff.  But my focus was not on the people on the field but those in the stands!  I was teaching the new missionary recruits how to invite our "fans" or supporters to join the team.  We brainstormed on how to write interesting and catchy newsletters and the importance of writing "thank you" cards.  We discussed other ways of communicating to those who pray for us and give financially.  

Then Walter challenged the class on preparing a 1-2 minute "elevator pitch" and demonstrating a sample.  Amidst a few groans and some questions about how and when, the class was dismissed for the day.

We all survived Day 1 and everyone was in bed early that night!

 I wonder if we will see any bears on this trip...will the ice be still on the lake?  Will everyone show up for the training  - including the teachers and childcare workers?  Did I pack enough warm clothes?

As we drove further and further north in my beloved province of Saskatchewan, I mentally went over my checklist.  Suitcases.  Guitar.  Teaching handouts.  Toys. Rubber boots.  The truck cab and bed were jam-packed with all the supplies we would need for the next three weeks of Candidate Orientation & Training!  

This would be our fifth year of coordinating the training for our newest missionaries of Northern Canada Evangelical Mission.  Some years we have 5 or 6 new recruits.  One year we had 10+ of both full time missionaries and interns!  We spend the entire three weeks with the participants and provide some overall leadership and mentorship. It is both exhausting and rewarding.

Driving to Beauval, SK took us through Saskatoon, Shellbrook, Big River and Green Lake.  Have any of you been to these places?  It takes just over 7 hours but we spent a night at Big River to say HI to our daughter and break up the trip.  The further north we traveled, away from the wide open prairies, took us to bush and then forests.  Lakes, rivers, trees...lots of trees!  The north has a raw beauty that this prairie girl enjoys - at least for a time.  

We arrived at Pine Ridge Bible Camp, situated on the Cunnings Lake which is on crown land.  No other cabins or roads have access to this pristine lake and it is lovely.  As we drove the windy, sandy road that took us up the ridge, we saw the main house named Tamarack and then took a turn to see the quonset/workshop.  Another turn revealed Aspen and Birch, two houses used for staff and interns who work at the camp.  And then the piece de resistance, the new dining hall and chapel!  During COVID lockdowns, there was no camp programming and so the camp was able to begin the construction on a brand new dining hall, kitchen, offices and chapel in the walk-out basement.  It boasts a spectacular view of Cunnings Lake and some awesome sunsets!

We unloaded our very full truck, some items going to the chapel where our classes would be held, and some items to the basement of Birch, where we would stay for the next two weeks.  A few minutes behind us was the new German family who just arrived in Canada less than 14 days before the training.  They pulled up and their three kids ran along the sandy trails up and down the ridge.  They drove their van to their assigned cabin and moved their luggage and bedding in the rustic accommodations.

One single man drove onto the camp with his cousin in the passenger seat.  He is an MK (missionary kids) whose parents and grandparents have served with NCEM over the years.  His cousin, also an MK, was doing the childcare for all three weeks, and she needed to unload her craft supplies and toys in the basement of Aspen.  Excitement was building as everyone arrived and settled in.

The bell on the old dining hall - now a craft shack - rang several times to call everyone for supper.  That's when we saw the other family with three kids, aged 11 months to 6 years.  The children looked a bit shy and their parents were also more on the quiet, reserved side.  Three more participants were to arrive the next day.

Our co-leader, Corrie, was en route from Three Hills, AB, but decided not to drive in the dark.  Too much wildlife to worry about!  Corrie let us know she'd spend the night in Meadow Lake, about 1 1/2 hours from the camp.  She'd arrive in the morning, in time for our worship service at 10:30 am.

I love the remote feeling, the fresh air and smell of pines.  From the deck of the dining hall, Walter flew the drone from Tribal Trails to capture the glorious sunset as some of our new missionaries were canoeing on the lake. A peaceful and serene beginning to our training.

p.s. - we saw 3 bears on our way to Pine Ridge!

The soft flakes of snow drifted and swirled outside my window.  I sat in the comfort of my dining room with a hot cup of coffee, curling my hands around the warmth. Only a couple of days ago the winds were creating a white-out and we couldn't see the powerlines just a hundred metres from our backyard!  Today the gently falling snow had a calming effect on my spirit.

I gazed at the smooth blanket of white, spread like icing on a slightly lumpy cake.  The sun began to appear in the sky, the blue breaking through the clouds.  And then on the creamy surface, sunlight created glitter, like diamonds on the snow.

A single sparrow, grey and brown, constrasted against the pure white background.  The small bird, common and ordinary, alighted on the dark brown wicker patio chair.  Perched on the back of the partially buried chair, it cocked its head, hopped over and allowed another sparrow to join.  Always moving, they soon flew over to the birdfeeder hanging from our tamarack tree.  The long clear plastic feeder swayed with the weight of the birds, swinging them as they pecked at the seeds.   

Just as quickly, the birds startled and flew away.  I felt sad, my little friends leaving an emptiness.  I longed for spring when the geese would return, honking their arrival. The robins would sing their mating songs and search our yard for nest-building materials.  Blackbirds, grackles and sometimes yellow finches would make their appearance for a drink or a bath in our pond.

For now, I would marvel at the wintry wonders.  My heart perceived the glory of God through His beautiful creation: His gentleness in the soft snowflakes, His might through the storm earlier in the week,  His delight in the little creatures, His attention to detail to provide for their needs. 

Thank You, Lord, for revealing Yourself in the simple things.

 My eyes were bleary as I slowly woke up.  I gradually gained consciousness, recognizing the pale blue walls of the camp's basement suite bedroom.  It was nice to realize we didn't have to rush anywhere today.  We could pack and tidy up the little apartment, have our quiet time and make our way across the road.  The Fawcetts were expecting us late morning for a visit and then lunch together.

Liz was making lunch preparations while the three girls were at the kitchen table working on their school projects and workboooks.  The small three-bedroom mobile home was a tight squeeze for three growing girls and a homeschool venue, as well! The housing situation was one of the items to talk about today as we spent time with the Fawcett family.  We enjoyed a second cup of coffee, with Walter and Grant visiting in the living room and I joining the ladies in the kitchen.

Over 30 years ago, some of the NCEM missionaries started the Arrowhead Native Bible Centre with the vision for Bible camp and hosting other retreats and events.  The Fawcetts had grown the Centre with a renovated dining hall basement space (50's diner theme!) and a new chapel.  Many volunteers and other NCEM missionaries helped build and paint and clean and cook as these projects happened.  We had toured earlier in our visit, so it was nice just to sit and visit and talk about the future of ANBC.

After lunch, we sat around the table, while the girls either played or sat and visited, as well.  The time flew and just as we were getting into more nitty-gritty details about a new home or an addition, we realized we had to leave for the airport in Moncton.

Hurried good-byes were followed by jumping into the mission truck, with Grant behind the wheel.  We wound our way back through the now-familiar roads that led to the TransCanada highway.  Light snow flurries were beginning to fly.  Grant apologized as he worried we would be late to the airport.  The traffic had slowed and was backed up at the turnoff to the airport road.  We looked at the time and felt the pressure.  Our flight was to leave at 6 pm.  We didn't want to miss our connection in Calgary - yes, we were backtracking exactly the flights back to Winnipeg.  Finally, Grant pulled up at the departures door and we retrieved our bags from the back of the truck.  A quick picture and we jogged to the automatic doors.  There was one person ahead of us in the line up and it seemed an eternity before the clerk was free!  

"Why are you so late?  You will have to hurry to get to the gate!"  The lady took our luggage and shooed us towards security.  My heart was racing as I really didn't want to miss our flight.  Once my brain had switched from visiting and seeing the sights of the Maritimes, I really was eager to get home.  

Glancing out the windows of the Moncton airport, the flurries had almost produced a whiteout!  My concern was if the airplane would be able to take off in this weather.  When we finally made it through security, lined up to board and then were sitting in our seats, I could breathe a sigh of relief.  Away we go!

The flight was uneventful.  We had our complimentary snacks and beverages, read, watched some free TV shows.  Finally, after almost 5 hours in the air, we landed in Calgary.  A quick turnaround and we boarded a plane for Winnipeg...and long-awaited sleep at the Best Western Airport Hotel.

Next day...a quick visit with our little granddaughter, Kaira!

 "And don't worry about breakfast for us," Walter and I had conveyed our wishes to Cathy.  But she insisted on coffee and some pastries and fruit.  Carroll and Cathy were up and waiting for us as we made our way to the breakfast table.  The coffee tasted great and I put a few small items on my plate. We had a nice visit - watching the clock as Cathy had an appointment in Sussex at 10 o'clock.  

We packed our bags and again carried a few gifts that they insisted on giving us.  Carroll is an amazing artist and paints on canvas, antlers and wood slices from fallen trees.  We took the small Christmas scenes and candle holders, wondering how we would fit everything in our luggage!

Our next visit would be lots of fun!  Jane Ness lives in Sussex, so our trip was only about 20 minutes to her place.  It was grey and cloudy.  Small droplets of rain dotted our windshield.  We pulled into the guest parking near Jane's address.  Before we arrived on her doorstep, Jane had swung the door open and greeted us exuberantly!  "Come on in!  Welcome, Selkes!"  She embraced us in huge bear hugs and then let us in her small one-bedroom apartment suite.

Jane had completed the candidate training that our new missionaries take when they join NCEM last spring.  She had explored missions back in the mid-1980's, participating in the Northern Missionary Training Camp in La Loche, SK.  Then after that summer, she volunteered at Arrowhead Native Bible Centre for many years.  Her journey took her to work with children and she also took in foster kids.  After struggling with some health issues, Jane was finally able to pursue her dream of being a missionary.  So she applied to serve part time with NCEM, her heart being burdened for the First Nation community of Big Cove in New Brunswick.  

We had built a bond with Jane during the missionary training weeks and she was beyond excited to have us in her home.  She served us an amazing brunch of steak and potatoes, homemade biscuits and slices of tomato, plus coffee that could raise the dead! When I couldn't eat another bite, she brought out cinnamon buns!  We said we would enjoy them more later on so we moved into her cozy living room with our coffees to relax.

It was great to talk about the people we knew in common, and then find out more about her next trip planned for Big Cove.  We had a special time, especially as we closed our visit with prayer.  

As we left Jane's - with armfuls of Christmas ornaments she had leftover from the craft sale at Arrowhead - the rain had turned to mist.  We drove away with Jane waving goodbye through her front room window, tears flowing even though she smiled. It would be a few months until we saw each other again.

The drive back to Cumberland Bay was quiet as Walter and I processed the last couple of interactions with the Hills and Jane.  We had supper plans at the Strouts that evening, our last full day in the Maritimes.  First, we stopped at the camp to unload our luggage. Then we drove the ten minutes to Kevin and Marcia's place.  Their home was nicely decorated for Christmas and the smell of something tasty filled the house.  

The Strouts had just acquired a new puppy and their two teen aged sons were busy keeping track of the wiggling little thing!  (They also have two daughters who are away at college.)  So the six of us had an entertaining time watching the puppy's antics and making small talk.

Supper was a delicious turkey pot pie and butternut squash.  So good!  I actually turned down dessert as we had done nothing active all day to wear off the big meals we had consumed.  It was good to visit with the Strouts and reminisce about the week they spent in Regina with us ten or more years ago.  As part of their missionary training, they could choose a week on wilderness trails or a week in an urban trails program.  They chose Regina and we hosted their family along with some others in learning about urban ministry and inner city outreach.

By 9 o'clock, we were about done in.  We said our good-byes and felt we had learned a lot about their ministry and their family.  God had surely blessed us with faithful and diligent workers.

Needless to say, we were exhausted and still had some sorting to do of our clothes and souvenirs.  But that could wait until the morning!  We crashed hard, thankful we didn't need an alarm to wake us.

 True friends are willing to get up hours before daylight to drive to the airport!  Carl and Laura were both up and ready to go when we came upstairs from the guest room.  The cold Labrador morning was brisk and refreshing.  It was bittersweet to say good bye after only a couple days with these folks.  The early mornings, the quick visits, seeing our missionaries and valuing them enough to make the long trip is what we do and why we love our job!

We entered the small terminal before  6 am and realized the only staff there were the maintenance people and the airline employees!  So we sat and waited until the security staff arrived and I wished we could have slept longer.

Once through security, we again waited.  It seemed like it would be a fairly empty flight but by the first boarding call, the little waiting room was packed.  We had to walk out on the tarmack to board the small plane.  The direct flight to Halifax was smooth and uneventful.  Walter and I both could grab a few winks of sleep almost anywhere by this point.  Just over 2 hours later, we were on the ground at Halifax airport and the surreal feelings of travel hit me.  How could we have covered so many miles in only 48 hours?  And be back in Nova Scotia only to be in New Brunswick for the night?  

No time for musings - time to find the Arrowhead camp truck, find some breakfast.  We ate on the way, driving along the highway from Halifax to Moncton and then to Smiths Creek.  We had hours to cover only 4 hours worth of travel so we relaxed as we listened to an audiobook and enjoyed the beautiful Nova Scotian landscape.  Bits of the song "Farewell to Nova Scotia" drifted through my memory.  We reminisced about our other friends, the Matthews, who had ministered in Nova Scotia as drove by Truro and Indian Brook.  

Just outside Moncton, we noticed a sign, just a simple sandwich board, advertising a Christmas Craft Sale.  Walter took the next exit off the highway and we drove into the little town, following more arrows and signs.  About the time we were wondering if this was a wild goose chase, we saw several vehicles and then some flea market type antiques and treasures displayed outdoors.  It was a sunny day, and a few folks were out and about.

We pulled up and entered the long, narrow building.  The unique aroma of leather, wood and dust assaulted our senses.  Our eyes were drawn to old metal toys, oak washstands, china, coins and all manner of knick-knacks and collectibles. Walter was drawn to some Volkswagen items.  I knew he'd be a while so I wandered among the crowded rows to see what caught my eye.  Always conscious that we had limited space for souvenirs, I was looking for something little, something representative of our travels.  Nothing grabbed my attention.  As I returned to the vendor where Walter was still negotiating, I found that he was waiting for the vendor's nephew to run home and get some more VW cars and vans that Walter may be interested in.  So we decided to wander through the hall together.  At the very back, we heard some male voices and laughter.  Thinking there may be a coffee shop or something, we peeked into the room.  About four or five Maritime men sat around a board playing a game that was a cross between crokinole and air hockey.  We couldn't understand the game nor some of the lingo they used in a heavy Maritime accent.  It was a fun moment that made us feel like tourists!

Walter held his bag full of miniature model VW treasures as we walked back to our vehicle.  Winding our way back through the little town, I noted another sign that was actually the Christmas Craft Sale!  So Walter obliged me and pulled in.  We were the only ones there.  Everything was set up in a two-car garage, which appeared to be a year-round sale.  Most items were Christmas decorations and ornaments, but there were a few whimsical plaques and souvenir type things.  I found a little white porcelain bell with a blue flower and "Labrador" written in gold lettering.  Perfect!  Tiny and representative of our trip!  So I made my purchase and chatted a little with the woman who took my toonie.  We loved the friendliness of these easterners!

Moncton was our next stop and we found ourselves feeling hungry.  A sign for St. Hubert's, a local chicken restaurant chain, drew us and we pulled in.  It was past any lunch rush so we were almost alone in the restaurant.  We sat in a booth and ordered a chicken poutine to share and a salad.  It was nice to have a bit of downtime before our visit with the Hills.

It was a short drive to Smiths Creek.  Sunshine and green grass in the ditches made it seem like early fall, not nearly winter.  We drove by Sussex, home of "Covered Bridge" potato chips!  A tasty treat.  A few turns and we arrived at Carroll and Cathy Hill's country home.  They have been with NCEM for about 60 years, serving in the Maritimes primarily and also as General Director and Candidate Secretary when we were just starting out as missionaries!  We were now taking on the roles they had 35 years ago.  

The Hills had built the house they were currently living in when they retired.  Their son is a carpenter and they had designed the floor plan themselves.  We enjoyed the delicious meal and a cup of tea with dessert.  Just like with the Welch's, we heard lots of stories from the early days of NCEM.  Sitting in the front room with a woodfire and the twinkle of Christmas tree lights, the long day was catching up with us.  Fortunately, the Hills also called it a night by 9 pm.

And that was Sunday!

Darkness made it difficult to make me believe it was actually morning.  Our packing routine had become very streamlined and we were dressed, wheeling our luggage and checking out of the hotel in half an hour.  Skipping the breakfast buffet, we chose instead to join the throng of early morning commuters.  Traffic wasn't too heavy as we followed the GPS instructions to the airport north of Halifax.  Half an hour or so had us at the airport.

A lonely employee of the Park 'N Fly stood in the lot to direct us to an open parking space.  We had repacked to have overnight bags only for our two-day stay in Happy Valley.  The shuttle was waiting for us with only one other passenger sitting near the driver.  We placed our bags on the luggage rack and sat on the other side of the bus.  Away we went about a mile or more to the actual terminal.  The airport was not busy but we still had to get through security and find our departure gate.  By this time in the journey, I was not nearly as stressed about flights or travel.  We were settling in to the pace.  Today marked the half-way point in our two week Maritime adventure.

We were plenty early for our flight so I took the opportunity to have my devotions.  It is kind of distracting with various people milling about, having random conversations and the announcements being broadcast throughout the waiting area.  But I sat in a wooden rocking chair - an unusual piece of furniture in an airport - and faced the eastern sky.  As the dawn broke, I felt overwhelmed by the beauty of the miracle of sunrise.  God's faithfulness to bring evening and morning, summer and winter reminded me that He is faithful to me, to us.  I wrote a few notes in my journal, read a small passage of Scripture and prayed through my daily list.  On Fridays, I pray specifically for our Bible camps, Tribal Trails and Generation Hope (a new initiative on YouTube for First Nations youth) besides my regular prayers for my husband and family.  By the time we were being called to board, I felt relaxed and ready to go.  

It was beautiful rising in the early morning sky, seeing the sunlight reflect off the Atlantic Ocean below.  We saw shoreline, some farms and roadways as we flew over Nova Scotia.  Soon, I was dozing as I listened to music on my phone through earbuds.  Next thing I knew, they were serving refreshments and I had water and some pretzels.  We would have a layover at our next stop so we would have time to grab coffee and food then. 

And then we landed at Saint John's, Newfoundland!  We have now been to every province and territory in Canada except Nunavut.  I was quite excited to land here - if only to spend our time in the airport - but it was fun all the same.  We walked to the seats at our next gate and settled in to wait for our next flight.  I offered to get coffee and breakfast for us at the Tim Horton's so walked back down the corridor.  I noted a couple of gift shops and planned to do some shopping for souvenirs before we left.  After eating, I wandered around and took pictures of the airport, since that's all we would see on this trip of Newfoundland.  They had puffins painted on the walls and a play area with other ocean critters in cartoon form.  I snapped a few more shots, including a selfie, and then headed to the gift shops.  

I selected several postcards, a puffin Christmas card and decided on a coral/pink coloured t-shirt with Saint John's NFLD on the front!  Then I returned to our seats while Walter took a stroll.  He needs to move about and keep the circulation going as 30+ years ago he had blood clots and could still have the risk of DVT's (deep vein thrombosis) from prolonged sitting.  Our flight was delayed about 30 minutes but there isn't much you can do by worrying about it.  We would get there when we got there!

The next flight was less than an hour - making a quick stop at Gander to drop off five passengers and taking on about the same.  Many people were military or miners on these flights.  The final leg of this journey was just around an hour long, so we enjoyed our complimentary beverage and snack and read or played games on our phones.  I was getting tired and it was only early afternoon!  How would I be able to visit with our next missionary couple and have any energy for engaging?

But somehow, the excitement of seeing our friends, Carl and Laura, and the adrenaline of landing and disembarking the plane gives that extra boost.  With our carry on luggage over our shoulders, we walked straight out and saw our friends waiting for us.  Hugs and hellos followed by stepping out into the fresh air woke me right up!

The sun was low in the afternoon sky.  Being late November, sunset would be about 4:30 pm.  So we had a very short drive from the airport in Goose Bay to the missionaries' home in Happy Valley.  They seem like one big community but they are separate.  We passed the airbase, some businesses, a Tim Horton's and the local highschool before turning in to a residential area.  We had been here to visit Carl and Laura back in 2018 but there had been snowbanks six feet tall that winter!  This year the snow was only six inches.  It was lovely to enter their home, put our bags in the guest room and sit in the kitchen with a hot drink while Laura prepared supper.

We had taken our missionary training back in 1990 with this newlywed couple.  They had served in the Maritimes all their career, raising a son and daughter.  Carl shared about his ministry in the local prison and the programs developed to help inmates adjust and be successful on the outside.  Laura and I talked about our children and family topics.  This is where Walter and I feel our sweet spot is in ministry: visiting, listening, sharing and building relationships.  Having a history with this couple helped make the conversation flow.  Carl brought out some old pictures and we laughed at how young we all looked back in our missionary training days!  

Saturday morning we slept as long as we wanted, made our own coffee and ate muffins and fruit that Laura had left out.  By mid-morning, we all met in the kitchen again for a second cup and to plot our day.  After a bowl of homemade soup for lunch, we set out for a drive.  Carl and Laura pointed out people's homes that they knew, lookout spots over the river and a port where goods came in to the community by ship back in the day.  Now that roads and highways have improved, they felt less isolated from the rest of the world.

Walter had brought his drone along, hoping to get some cool footage of this area.  But being in proximity to the airbase, we would have to drive an hour outside the area before we could use the drone.  With daylight being so short this time of year, it just didn't work out.  So we settled for a couple of pictures on our cell phones.  

We had offered to take our friends out for supper, so we could spend more time visiting and touring.  Laura was fine with that!  So they took us to the Moravian church where Carl preaches regularly and they consider their home church.  The Moravian missionaries who came from Germany back in the 1500's or so brought the Gospel to the Newfoundland/Labrador region before the Anglican or Roman Catholic churches arrived on Canadian soil.  Carl said the Moravian church would be considered the Indigenous church of Newfoundland/Labrador.  The simple beauty and reverence of the building with an old pump organ and hymnbooks in the Inuktitut language impacted us with the rich sense of history.  A tradition at Christmas is to have a Moravian Star decoration on the Christmas tree.  So Carl and Laura purchased one for us - sold by the church - in a small version that would fit in our luggage!  We felt very honoured to receive such a special souvenir.

As the sun was setting, we drove outside of town to a spot where the view would be lovely over the river. We enjoyed a brief sunset, then headed back to town.  They chose a favourite restaurant and we continued to visit and fellowship over our meals.  

Then back at their house, we watched the movie "Jesus Revolution" and had an encouraging discussion afterwards.  How we long for such a move of God in our day and especially among the First Nations people of Canada!  To see Jesus bring hope and life to so many who live in depression, fear and at best apathy to the Bible and the Church.  We need a revival!

Morning would come early as we caught a flight back to Halifax.  We said good night and set our alarms for 5:30 am.