It's Monday! Today is the first day of Play Days! These are held in government subsidized housing complexes around Thunder Bay. Why are we here? Many / most of those who live in these subsidized housing homes are Indigenous peoples. When many come from the northern indigenous communities; sometimes for school, employment, or other reasons. However many do not have any way to afford housing and end up living in these complexes. These units are their homes. Northwind throughout the year spends the time meeting them, talking with them, getting to know their needs and building the trust and relationship necessary to be able to provide a next step and to come alongside and to share the message of Jesus with them. We learned today that many of the elders in the communities do not have a problem with the message of Jesus; rather it was the messengers who came before and distorted it, causing harm and destruction along the way. The pain of residential school is real and lingers. inflicted upon parents, grand parents, and children. This has caused many to turn to drugs and alcohol. Children who grew up did not know how to parent their children as that community had been ripped away from them. Parents who had children torn from them grieved their losses. Stories and learning that had been passed from generation to generation was lost.
Northwind has been invited by the elders to some Northern Communities, and to the communities around Thunder Bay, to minister to and help in the healing and counselling so desperately needed.
Our day began with breakfast and a devotional shared by Bonita - a story about how people have stepped forward IN FAITH to what God has called them to. A story of tragedy and disappointment as about 10 years ago they learned about how the organization they served in was closing their ministry to Indigenous peoples and then selling the camps/land that was used. A story of faithful perseverance and moving forward despite the setbacks and pain felt. And a story of REDEMPTION when God returned to them the land of Eagle's Cove.
After lunch we packed up the play day gear, games, prizes and headed out to Limbrick. This is the largest of the housing complexes and they said around 80 kids may come out. We had a large gathering of children and adults come to play, get a hot dog and drink, and/or a snow cone! It seemed like everyone was having a good time. We saw several children who were at the summer overnight camp last year and we were able to chat with some and catch up! They remembered us and the camp; we were glad to see them!
They were polite and kind. They took their turns and played the games, winning little prizes along the way! Some of the adults came by for hot dogs we were cooking, taking them back to their homes for kids that they said were too shy to come out, or didn't want to. Yes, there may have been some struggle by some to afford food and so this was a small break in that. Yes, some may have been struggling with mental health concerns and anxiety and so did not want to come out. We were there to serve and not judge. Provide a small snack or meal and meet a need.
The team did an amazing job of setting up and playing with the kids. Our kids on the team played with them and interacted with many who came out. At the end of the play day, a story was shared. Our theme for the summer talks about trees planted by streams of water. Psalm 1:1-3. All the youth participated in a skit where they acted out a large tree, a small tree, and people and animals who may come in contact with the trees.
After play days we gathered all the games and returned them to the office. We had dinner, which had been prepared mostly earlier in the day by our cooking team. Here's Andrew demonstrating how to load and wrap your own burrito/taco
But when we wrapped it all up, we remember the provision that God had for Northwind. He redeemed something that was difficult and returned it to them. This is a mystery and a challenge all in one. All we can do is trust IN FAITH and keep moving forward. See you tomorrow!
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