It's been amazing to see our team serve together.  They have so much energy and excitement in their interactions with the people of Ahousaht.  The children of the town are continuously around them and even though the teenagers could get overwhelmed by their constant demands, they lovingly play with them until darkness final makes it impossible.

Last night the town had a Salmon bake to celebrate Canada Day ( a little late).  Our team went to meet the people and we arrived just as they were beginning to sing some of their traditional songs.  As we sat in the bleachers of the high school gym we were able to interact with many of the people.  I spoke with a woman who was my age.  She told me of the terrible years her cousin spent in residential schools after he was "stolen from his parents by the government" in the 1960's.  Her only experience with the church had been in relation to the United Church that ran the school that had "imprisoned" her cousin (and thousands of other first nation children).  The abuses at the schools were varied and terrible.  The children were beaten if they spoke their native language and they were given new "western" names as they lived totally detached from their families.  It was an atrocity and the church has suffered with this reputation among the first nation people for more than 50 years now.

When the chief asked out team to sing...we were honored (and scared).  We sang a simple praise song and received a hearty applause.  Then the dancing started and we were invited to dance the "sparrow dance (a dance of trust and friendship)" with the people.  It was an great opportunity for our team to bridge the gap and make some huge steps towards healing.  I was so proud of the way the team jumped right in and danced...it was an amazing sight!

Please continue to pray that we will experience God's protection and provision.  So, far, it is hard to imagine anything else he could have done for and through us...it has been an beautiful adventure!

In His grip,
Tim