Day 8

  And here we are. This is the final day here in Thunder Bay. We spent the last day here doing a little bit of sightseeing.

First we brought Bethany to the airport so she could get home in time to rest and get ready for Honduras. She will join the Roatan team on Tuesday. (Here is their blog. https://roatanalive.blogspot.com/?m=1)

Today the team went to Fort William Historic park (https://fwhp.ca/). A new adventure we have not done before. Just taking a bit of time to be a tourist and learn some history of the area at the same time. This was a nice adventure as this week they did the Great Rendezvous. From the website: 

Hundreds of re-enactors from across North America converge to re-create the annual summer gathering held at Fort William over 200 years ago when it was the inland headquarters of the North West Company! The historic re-enactment will include artisan workshops and demonstrations, guest speakers, a grand canoe arrival, contests, and more!

This was fun! We managed to get on some touring and saw a variety of events in the Fort. 

Returning to the Cove, we did a final debrief with Bonita. Look at all we did this week!

Do you feel tired just looking at that? I do! We reflected on how we were all feeling. A lot of picture cards to choose from. Mine was a stream with all our things along the side leading to another river with some rapids and then into another lake. We setup, we come with all our own baggage and stuff. We serve and get involved. It gets a bit rocky at times but it all comes together to a bigger picture in the end. 

I met the other team who had to pivot and came to Northwind today because the organization they were with was to go to a community further north but had been evacuated due to the forest fires. So they will serve here. Luckily they can use up some of our food too!

I had a good chat with them about their ministry as well as ministry they are involved with back home. Some of it includes inter-cultural ministry as well. I think we hope to connect in the near future after they finish their work here.  

We will leave Thunder Bay first thing in the morning. Heading to Sault Ste Marie again. Pray for safety and quick travels. We will pack and get going for 8am hopefully!

See you all soon!

Day 7 - work day and farewell dinner

 Today is Friday, July 11.  We have a different schedule today.  Able to allow people to sleep in a bit longer and then get some work accomplished.

Keeping to a simple breakfast (e.g., cereal, oatmeal, fruits) and French Toast! that was a nice addition - although I think we used 20 eggs for that batch!

Today we were to do some work around the Cove.  Tasks to be done included

• Staining of the deck of the 2nd house to protect the wood
• Waterfront clean up - making sure it is clean and safe for kids
• Weeding and plating around the main house
• Weed-whacking around the property
• Planning games for play days 

It was actually quite a warm and hot day today! That can drain a lot out of you when working in the sun. It was good to do some work that was just activity based.  Helping to maintain the property is important for the long run. This allows Bera and Bonita to focus on the work of supporting the people.  Our support helps them focus there. They will have campers or clients up to the Cove and this is a part of their ministry. When cleaning the beach front, there was a lot of goose poop (A family of geese decided to nest there at first, and we saw them during our time here.) As well, there were some deck screws in the sand due to previous construction.  Wanted to make the beach safe for kids!

They often do trail and yard work by weed whacking, but Gabe noticed they had a tractor and a mower. They were trying to get the machinery up and running so that this task would be easier in the future. They managed to get it out of the weeds, but still could not quite figure out how to get it to work. Hopefully Jon and figure this out in the near future (Bonita’s son in law)

Alison and Sandra got to work on the weeding of the area around the house and pulled out a full wheel barrow full of weeds! And that will make it easier to finally plant some nicer plants in the near future.

And the deck is painted (all the spindles and rails, and half the deck itself)

Bethany and Eve worked on getting some more play day games ready for design and building.   That was a very productive morning!

We often say that on mission trips we need to be flexible.  Guess what… pivot!  Another team that was coming up to Thunder Bay Area , with a different missionary, contacted NorthWind.  Apparently the community they were coming in to serve at was being evacuated due to the forest fires in Northern Ontario.  We can tell there are fires nearby as the air is hazy, and the sun and moon appear reddish. So this team is unable to go up to the community. They will now be working with Northwind. This team is from Kitchener area (Mapleview church). They were due to come in tonight (although will instead come in Sat morning). They will use the other two cabins - we swept and checked that they were ready for them. We will live with shared spaces like the dining hall for a day.  As we leave Sunday this will not be a huge issue.

After lunch we took some down time by allowing people to use the lake and water craft (canoes, kayak) or swim and have some free time.  It was nice to just enjoy the nature and the Cove.  We headed in around 4pm to join with the NorthWind Staff a final appreciation dinner.  We ordered in Shawarma and it was a big hit!  Enjoy for 50!!  We are so appreciative of the staff there and allowing us to come into their space for the week.  We have learned so much from them and hope to continue the partnership.

Final task was adult street outreach that evening.  A team off 7 adults went out in two groups with staff and volunteers to serve the people on the street.  The youth were brought back to the camp to just relax and also begin packing and cleaning.  The team returned around 10pm. They met many on the street; seems that there are many more people on the street who are using drugs, addicted to various things, or in prostitution. It is so unfortunate to see people who have to do these things - many times it is to cope with the traumas in their lives. It is unfortunate but Jesus did say we would always have the poor.  We can live our lives to help and support as much as possible.

Tomorrow we will take some time to see the area of Thunder Bay. Last day - always hard to say good bye.

We leave Sunday morning for the 2 day drive back home.

Day 6 bonus

 Trips always hold many new experiences and challenges, but our team has not shyed away from anything that has come our way, and today was no different. 

Today we faced a big challenge from some of the most vital members of our team - our lineup of instapots. These cookers have been a saving grace for our food prep team this week, but today we had a massive challenge... Figuring out which pot belonged to each cooker. 

Many would back down when faced with such a puzzle, but luckily our strongest agent took the challenge head on. Alice was determined and ready.

She lined up the pots, looked each one over. Compared them side by side. No detail was missed by her detective eye. She was confident, but it wasn't easy. 

To an untrained eye, they seemed exactly the same. But no. Several minutes of careful examination passed and we couldn't leave our teammate to face this challenge alone, we work together.

So soon Gabe joined, then Allison, then Donny, then we called in our fearless leader, Kevin. My role? Laughing hysterically in the corner, of course. 

Each person had a different technique, each person had some wise words to share, and each person brought their own life experience. And after about 10 minutes, the team was confident the puzzle had been solved. We headed out confidently to the cookers... Where we again questioned everything. 

But then, like Cinderella's glass slipper, sliding perfectly on, each pot fit perfectly, each owner smiled wide - and just like Cinderella attending the ball, there was much rejoicing! 

There was dancing and shouts of glee, tears of happiness and big bear hugs. Okay... Everyone just kinda smiled and laughed, but still, those instapots never stood a chance! There may have been some big challenges that were overcome this week, but this may be out greatest feat. This is teamwork!

lol

By the way… where do we cook? In the office of course!

Day 6 - Academy

 Hello.  Day 6 of our trip and almost done. It is hard to believe that we are almost finished this mission trip to Thunder Bay. This trip has been more tiring than in years past. I think when I look around, many things have changed here in Thunder Bay with respect to the community and services available, as well as the people themselves. So many people are here trying to do good things to support the families and people in need. But there seem to be more in need than in the past. Services seem to be less, yet the needs are more. 

Thursday is our last day for play days.  The weather has cleared and the rain in the forecast seems to be diminished or gone!  People are tired and so we have started a little bit later than usual with breakfast at 7:30 with a departure of 8:30

OK… it is getting harder to remember each day and what we did, the feelings that go along with it etc. But we were looking forward to Next Steps where Sandra and Donny would share their testimonies and Kevin would share some music.  At Next Steps there are now public health nurses who come alongside and support the team there. I witnessed two individuals who came in and sat down and fell asleep. Staff check in on them to make sure that they’re ok.  It’s one thing to be sleeping, but want to make sure they are not in distress. It was a busy morning - I don’t have an exact count, but likely about 50 or so people came in through the doors looking for some coffee, bannock, and a safe place to be. Some stayed to talk, do some colouring pages or word searches, meet with friends and be part of the community that has formed here. It is nice to see that they have met others and feel safe with them - but not everyone is in that same boat. Some just come and leave, perhaps not feeling like they fit in or want to hang around with people. 

At the end, for the last hour we shared some music and testimony with the crowd gathered there. We sung a few songs - my theme was to simply express God’s love for us all, and that we have a place with him in relationship.  Sang “Here I am to Worship,” “Made to Worship,” “Lifesong,” and “The Blessing.” Donny shared his story about his growing up, his relationship and connection to God that sustained him. He included his own journey and where he is now.  Sandra shared about how she has a “Martha” attitude in doing so much and has learned to be still and present with God. This reminds me of the line from “The Chosen” TV show where Matthew talks with Gaius - he says to Gaius that even though he wakes up and begins to think on and is worried by many things, he then remembers that he only has one thing to do each day and that is “Follow [Jesus]” and then everything falls into place. That is what God calls us to. For my own sharing through song, one of my favourite songs is “Lifesong” by Casting Crowns. It’s one of those songs that defines me.  You know how sometimes you hear a song and it can express what you are thinking or feeling at a given time and in certain circumstances? This is one of those for me. It reminds me that I need to stay true in all that I do to God. That if my actions do not align with my faith then I sing in vain. 

Sometimes we get asked “why should I go” or “what can God do with me” on mission trips.  Well the answer is that we just don’t really know. However during these times we see exactly why God did bring each person here. During the Next step program many of our people connected with the participants there. Perhaps they have altered some thinking, provided encouragement, or simply planted or watered seeds. Kids have connected with other kids to bring some fun and enjoyment in a day for a few children.

At each play day, and especially today at Academy, the children just played together.Running and laughing, playing games, going up and down the slide.  It was so fun and amazing to see. Some families signed up to come to Northwind’s Family Days at the Cove later in July. Kids were asking when we would be back - pray for the team in early August that is coming up as they will be running play days again and the kids are looking forward to it.

We came back to the office to enjoy a meal cooked by our team of spaghetti with a cream sauce and chicken. Some cooked veggies or a salad.  (We thought we could boil water in the Dutch oven to get things going faster… but you can’t get it to boiling!  So that took a while longer to do.  Oh well, we all had a good time and just took some time to relax before eating.

So you might ask what’s up next?  Well we will do some work at the Cove and do a thank you or hosting us dinner with Northwind staff Friday night. (You’ll have to guess to see what we bring for dinner!)  

So stay tuned and we will share ore tomorrow!

Day 5 - Limbrick

 Hello online world! Reporting to you from Thunder Bay.  We are now past the half way point and doing well.  Someone just commented that we are fortunate that no one is sick and we are all doing well.  Energy is good and participation is high.

I would say that people are still tired, but getting out for play days is still energizing. 

Today’s schedule was breakfast at 7am, depart for the city 8am. Prayer walk 9-10am. Next Steps (adults only) 10-12:30 with play days and lunch prep from 10-12:30 as well.

Limbrick complex was the largest one and it was the busiest!  We had been told in the past that it is also one of the hardest play days to do.

Finishing after we had dinner and a debrief and then back to the Cove.

Now for the details :)

While tired, people still made it on time for breakfast! Everyone is doing well with this - kids included. We had a treat for bacon this morning (with eggs)… although I will say that clean up is not fun. (Too much grease!)

We headed into the city to do a prayer walk.  We started with a time of “sing-spiration” and then we went out for a short prayer walk around the offfice.

We walked near the water and railway. There is a tent city there. What was new is the installation of two porta-potties and an injection/sharps box.

There are many more people there in the park than in years past. seems to be double from what I remember. I think that the area seems to be in flux. There seem to be more in need and hurting but at the same time things are different.  We heard that any indigenous peoples have been given a large sum of money as a part of reconciliation - however cannot manage their money well and so are back where they started or worse. It is good that there are other organizations that support those struggling. We prayed for those organizations through our walk today.

I would say that looking back over the years, the city is struggling more and more. Services cannot keep up with the needs and demands.

We went to the play days after lunch (oh that was chili by the way…and we forgot the tomato sauce so it was a little watery…)

We went to Limbrick today. This was the largest and more difficult complex. Kids were happy to play - but many parents did not want to be bothered to fill out the registration form for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately there were many families you could tell were struggling. Some try to work their way out of poverty but it is difficult. Kids don’t know any different. They are happy to play. But this complex always feels more difficult to me when I come. The design of the houses reminds me of sad faces. There seems to be more graffiti, more garbage, and kids in a worse state of cleanliness.

There are a few social services in the complex itself - and they work out of a couple units in the homes. It is good that there are others there to support and serve the people from public health and also indigenous services.

I feel that it is more tiring than it has in the past. Much to think about… and much to support. 

Tomorrow we will finish at Academy complex. In the morning we will have Next Steps one last time ; I will be sharing music and Donny & Sandra will be sharing testimonies. pray for our impact.

We hope to do a prayer walk (street outreach) Friday evening and also a dinner with the Northwind staff to bless them.  Saturday will be a day of rest and then we will return home starting Sunday  

For our debrief tonight, Justin (leader for Northwind) shared these cards with us.  We were to think about how this fit into our lives. Was it an impact this week? Perhaps a connection.  Read these over and let me know what you think too

As I looked at these I thought of my own life and situation.  How each little thing has led me to be able to support others or lead because I had experienced something in the past. Like Lego, each experience represented an event, and one builds upon another, interlocking to form one large sculpture. 

Like a newspaper, I would like to say that I am proud of each participant for how they have interacted this week. All the kids would connect with the kids at the play days. Each adult stepped into something different, and something out of their comfort zone. Everyone has stepped up and been a part of this trip so far. Some people have questions like “why did God lead me to this trip” or “how am I contributing.” We all have a reason to be here, and that may also be to support someone else who is here who God needs to talk to, and this would not have been possible without their participation.  

We will see what God has in store for us.  Until tomorrow.  Good night.

Day 4 - John St play day

 It is Tuesday.  We are actually at the half way point for the work we are doing. The team I can see is getting tired. It is harder for the young ones to get up in the morning, and it is a bit slower getting going.  However that did not stop us from the work that was done today. 

These trips are about building relationships. We connect with the staff of Northwind, and we connect with their clients.. The goodwill that they have developed with the people over the days, months, and years is loaned to us while we are here. 

The day started with breakfast. Simple breakfast and then we head out to the city at 8am Today the team will connect with clients at Next Steps, and John St. Housing. 

At Next Steps they now have a nurse who does wound care and can support clients for their medical needs. They support people who want to come in and this is a low barrier entry. Only the adults will attend, while the youth will support getting ready for play days. Today those who went to Next Steps met with many adults who came in and they connected with them; as simple as sharing a cup of coffee, some bannock, and conversation if they wanted. Someone reflected that in their own lives, it could have been just one choice in their history that would have changed their own trajectory and possibly ended up in similar situations. 

Play days today were at John St housing complexes. To help make the event look more engaging, the youth created posters and display boards and did a great job with it!

 Things have changed from the past; people we had met before had moved. Some back to the northern communities, others to housing that was more suited to their needs. In talking to some, they indicated that the community had changed over the past year. Not as safe and not as inviting; there were not as many kids out. Those who did come were engaging with us, and seemed to have a good time. While maybe they don’t have a lot, they seemed happy and fairly content. They were well behaved and joined in our games. 

3 questions the team is asked to consider are

1. Where did you see God working today? Whether in the people, places, programs?

2. How has God spoken to you (personally) today?

3. What do you hope to see God do in the next few days?

The food team has been shifting, trying to use up all the food we have.  Bringing our Instant Pots has been very beneficial to the team! We are still needing to buy a few things along the way but we have more than an abundance of food!

Some of the people we work with at Canada Summer Job Grant students. It is interesting to hear their plans for the future.  One is coming to Toronto to study at George Brown to become a chef. Another plans to come to York U (Markham) to study business and finance. They are passionate and very helpful here in Thunder Bay. We pray that they will be successful and God will grant the desires of their hearts! Who knows… maybe they’ll drop in to Cornerstone one day too!

Day 3 - start of PLAYDAYS!

 Hello! It is a chilly start here on Monday.  

Woke up to a temperature of 9C.  Good thing is that there are few to no mosquitos around right now. You can see the mist on the lake as the temperature slowly begins to rise.

The food team began at 6am - meaning wake up around 5-5:30am to start preping food for the day.  Breakfast, lunch and dinner all need to be made before we leave the camp.  Menu for the day was:

Breakfast - scrambled eggs and toast (we did 4 dozen eggs)

Lunch - turkey sandwiches (had to wash the lettuce, and brought tomatoes to slice, bring the cold cuts and cheese as well as cucumbers

Dinner - Spaghetti and either meat sauce or meatballs. The meats were saute’d at the camp and brought in instant pots (from home) I believe we had some 6 jars/cans of spaghetti sauce added with the meat and veggies.  Spaghetti to be cooked in the city along with garlic bread.  We had so much food… and that is a blessing.

Not one.. but TWO full pots!

We were able to join the Northwind staff for their staff meeting, and met some new faces and said hello to some familiar ones. 

 We went through some intercultural ministry training, looking at a picture that we zoom in and in and in on.  You get to think about your place in the large puzzle. Sometimes you are not quite sure where your picture fits, until someone makes a connection with you and you feel you belong. Think about your own life and situation. Do you feel sometimes you just don’t fit? What do you do? How did you join? What about those we meet - in your work places, on the street, at church; can we help them to feel welcome where we are? I think about this in my many roles in life and how can I help others to be a part and not feel like or be treated as an outsider?

After our hearty lunch (really we have too much food!) we packed for play days to Windsor St.  This was a smaller set which also allowed us to work through the newness of doing play days, not only for us as a team but also summer students (through Canada Summer Grants). Here we had some carnival like games (e.g., bean bag toss, frisbee toss, plinko, frog leap…) and the team along with coach Gabe ended up doing some games/drills with many of the residents there. We also had hot dogs and snow cones.  We forgot a few things, but made do.  At the end the team told the story of creation - dramatized in actions and how we are redeemed cleansed because of Jesus and the cross.

We have to do some adjusting for the next few days; orientation for Next Steps for new people, arranging who will do play days prep, food prep, join next steps, and just getting organized for all the work to be done the next few days

Continue praying for team unity along with working with the staff. It might rain tomorrow and we hope that it clears up so we can go to do play days. Next Steps is also starting tomorrow and pray for our connections and interactions with the clients there.  Don’t know what it is? You’ll have to check in tomorrow to see (and if you can’t wait, dig back in our old blog posts!)