The second week is what I call a
typical week serving with LAMP. It started by Shelly Ree’s (team leader from Barrhead, AB) flight
being cancelled and rescheduled for the following day. The group from my home
church arrive on Sunday, and we headed to the Airbnb house, which was farther than
we liked...by 20 minutes! But, the views and
the house was well worth it.
Later that evening, the group was
treated to a Gitsanimx class, because I had been attending class with Dr.Jane
who is also an active member at the Salvation Army Church. The group did better at picking up the
language with one team member even surprising the grocery store clerk by saying, “Hamiyaa” which means
thank-you.
The next day we scrambled to get
everything ready since I had to get
Shelly at the airport. We hurried back to the
church where the group finalized plans for the VBS afternoon program at the Fire Church in New Hazelton. Although Christopher was the only child in attendance, he quickly
bonded with one of the team members who shared a Harry Potter interest. Two days later, we doubled attendance when his cousin came, who also had a great time with a 3.3 adult
ratio to students. The grandmother was very glad Christopher and Emma could
attend, since her son doesn’t allow ‘religion’ in his house. We’re praying Christopher will be around in the summer when the
group returns.
Originally, evenings in Gitanyow were going to
be Tribal games for each of the clans. We were planning to hold VBS for the
kids in the drop-in center while the adults played on Monday – Thursday. But,
when I contacted the youth workers the night before, they had already started
the games on Sunday and asked if we could join them. Hence, several of us and
my young thirty-year-old self played several games of basketball most of the
night.
Later that evening, we offered a ride home to a
person staying in the neighboring community. He opened up about being sober for
five weeks, how he wanted to be a better dad for his two kids and an example to
others in his community. Just before we dropped him off, we prayed with him and
thanked him for sharing.
The next morning my body was reminded of my true
age (45). However, it had been a great
night. It was good to see so many
familiar faces coming together for fun around being active.
Next evening, we helped with a feast intended to
teach the youth and us the “guest”. What a treat and a very good time of “but
wait, there’s more” experiences. Most people may never experience a feast in
their time in the communities. Afterwards, a talent show was held, where one of
our members sang a song, and we helped judge the different age groups. Although
a late drive back, we were excited to share in the events. The next evening, we
returned to hold a one day VBS since the tribal games were over. We had over a
dozen kids and youth! After the program
and clean up, it took us awhile to say our goodbyes.
Our final evening of week two of Spring Fling
was a youth game night at the Salvation Army Church in Hazelton. (As stated
earlier, I met with Alex during my Gitsanimx class regarding us attending
this). When we arrived, Alex and his wife Adrian were waiting for us. There was
a table of refreshments and many board games stacked up.
Since most of the Gitanyow team are former youth
at Christ the Vine, this brought back memories of my times with them in high
school and youth group…maybe that’s why I haven’t been sleeping well lately.
One of the youth who showed up was the Penner’s grandson.
The rest of the evening was filled with
laughter, teasing and competitive spirits from both sides of the board. We
prayed together, and Alex offered to help us get into Gitsegukla if interested
in sending a VBS team there. Alex also assists at the Salvation Army camp in
Houston, B.C. and holds some programs in Gitsegukla.
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