Although the official date has not yet arrived and I would like to deny it; I do believe Fall is here!
August in Naknek almost seemed like Summer was long gone. Not necessarily because of the weather, but where’s all the people!? As you know, (or if you don’t, where have you been?!), we live in a big fishing community. In May and early June, everybody plus some, head on up to Bristol Bay to fish, fish, fish and fish. (sometimes you throw eating in there and occasionally sleep) It’s fun to have so many from all over the world here. At the very beginning of the season when people have just arrived, you get lots of visitors in church. That is a fun blessing! One Sunday, before fishing had started, the church was packed. There were some people from Africa, Europe, Mexico and all over the US. It was neat to hear some testimonies for different individuals. One man had quite a story on how he got up here from Mexico trying to get through Immigration, sleeping in the airport and Seattle, etc. But he didn’t to make a living somehow.
In June, Jeremy, Malachi and I went down to Minnesota for our church groups Annual Conference in Thief River Falls. It was wonderful to be able to connect with seminary friends, Pastor friends, and Jeremy’s mom and step-dad were there. The first part of the trip was HOT…even for the Minnesotans. It was fun to bring Malachi there for the first time!
July was definitely the busiest, most exciting month this Summer. We had two teams come up to build a garage/shop here at radio station! They did fantastic, speedy work! When the first group from Dalton and Fergus Falls, MN got here there was nothing but dirt and when they left there were walls, a roof, beginning of garage doors, windows in, etc. At one point, we had 17 people here at the station! What fun. Thankfully, they sent and brought all their food up here! And fed us! Sharon Tungseth and I were doing the cooking. Malachi was such a trooper throughout the whole thing and loved all the extra attention!
That same week was also Vacation Bible School. In the morning, we had VBS here in Naknek and then a few would come back, grab a quick lunch and fly over to South Naknek in the Cherokee 6. The theme this year was “Jesus is our Hope” which brought much opportunity to talk about…guess who? J Wednesday was about Jesus’ death and resurrection and a few kids prayed to receive Christ! It was a smaller number this Summer for some reason, but it was still a blessing to have some many kids come who wouldn’t normally go to church.
Last month seemed to fly by with some quieter activity. Malachi and I went with Jeremy to Ekwok one Sunday to hold a service. We usually don’t have the opportunity to go with him, because then Malachi misses a nap. The weather was nice in August, so gave some more opportunities for walks, an evening stroll on the beach and M’s first 4-wheeler ride! He loved it.
We are all doing well and staying healthy. We are looking forward to visiting my parents in October in Florida! And going to Disney World! I have been showing Malachi pictures of Mickey and the gang. :) We’ll also stop in Anchorage on the way back for a few days for food shopping. Looking forward to being out for a bit as it’s been a while. Before we go, we’ll be helping with an area youth retreat that brings opportunity for outreach. It’s also fun to see kids from area villages that are flown in.
Thank you all for your prayers! Here are a few pictures…LOTS more on face book.
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