Well, thank you for following along. We come to the end of our mission trip to Northwind Family Ministries in Thunder Bay for 2023. We are truly thankful that you took the time to read and follow, to pray and support us in this journey.
Today is Saturday and we depart Sunday. Please pray for
- team safety as we fly out on two different flights
- 2 people fly out on Tuesday with some time to explore Northern Ontario
- 3 people are driving back, starting Sunday
Today we took some time to tour the city and take in the scenery. We went to the Terry Fox memorial, and Sleeping Giant. Had a picnic lunch at the Giant and spent the afternoon at the beach or taking a hike. With a group this large it's always difficult to get around - but we managed! We were separated at the park once as one group went one way and the others went to a different area. We did manage to find each other eventually though!
After a couple hours we had to make our way back to the city. We wanted a team dinner and to invite the staff who have been serving us all week to enjoy a dinner with us - so we were able to see the offices and space of NWFM in Thunder Bay. We ate dinner at the space where they hold the Gathering, and also Next Steps. NWFM is well known in the area - and when we arrived, those who were street adjacent nearby stopped to see if something was going on. Unfortunately not, but we did let them know about The Gathering which happens Sunday nights.
After dinner we did a quick trip to Kakabeka Falls - it is pretty impressive! One thing I have reflected upon all week is the idea that we come out to nature and we admire the beauty of it all. We did not create it. We did nothing to make it like that - God made all that we see and enjoy. We look for ways to get out of the city and get out to nature. Isn't that amazing.
When through the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze:
Then sings my soul my Saviour God to Thee
How Great Thou Art!
I learned something new today. First, Fort Hope, which is known as Eabametoong First Nation is twinned with Markham! You can read about it here. What I do not know is what does that actually mean or do for them? This is the community that was evacuated due to their water plant having been damaged in a fire (arson) and the community has no clean water. Imagine if that happened back home. The outcry! The demand for immediate action! Yet the community did not get evacuated for at least 4 days after. They are still moving people now, even after 2 weeks. They are moving people as far away as Niagara Falls! It does not make any sense. If we have a partnership, then what tangible support is happening between the two? How can we as the city of Markham help and support? I'm not sure - but it is something to ponder.
We end with thanksgiving for the work done, and want to remember all that has transpired. We want to pray for each of the children and hope that Northwind is able to be supported by other teams and that these children grow and thrive.
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| Team Photo atop Terry Fox Monument |
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