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!