Tell me the Old, Old, Story of Jesus and His Love.

The following is an excerpt from the novel Angel Harp by Michael Phillips.  As often happens, we can discover the beliefs of Christian authors through the conversations and thoughts of their characters.  In this case, the main character, Marie, is visiting Scotland.  She finds herself drawn to Scarnose, a seaside village. There she meets the vicar of the small village Presbyterian church.  Although she has been an active church member in her past, she no longer considers herself a "church" person, having become disillusioned by the judgmental "Christians" in her past (after the death of her husband).

It is as though God has brought her to this place so that she would encounter Him without the "church".  The vicar is totally devoid of all judgment of others, and this fascinates her.  After several encounters with other characters, and a sermon on the prodigal son, she finally has a enlightened moment and the following dialogue of her thoughts:

   Suddenly for the first time in my life I wondered what it was Jesus saved us from.  I knew the stock answer ought to be sin.  But now it dawned on me that what I had actually thought down inside, without saying it, was that Jesus saved us from God - from God's wrath and punishment.
   All at once-how could I have never seen it before!-I saw how little sense that made.  How could there be a division between Jesus and God?  How could one save us from the other when they were supposed to be one?
   It was very confusing.  Today's sermon had set my brain to spinning with possibilities that blew my mind.
   Suddenly I heard Jesus' words, Come follow me, being spoken in the midst of the prodigal son parable. Suddenly the picture came into my mind of Jesus going to the prodigal as he sat with the pigs, stooping down and taking his hand, and saying, Come, follow me...I will lead you home.  I will take you back to your father.  He is waiting for you.
   It was completely new image.  It wasn't Jesus as protector from wrath, it was Jesus leading us home!
   It was Jesus leading us to the Father's open arms, to the Father's love.
   He came to lead us home to God...home to his Father!
   All this raced through my brain as I listened to Iain talk about the prodigal, and what it meant to be reconciled to God.  It was a completely new image of what Christianity meant.

I have heard people talk of sermons that "scare the hell out of people" and they surrender because they are brought to understand they are escaping the wrath of an angry God.  But how much more inviting is the loving Father waiting, always watching for Jesus to bring someone else "home" to be loved by and changed through that love.  Although I knew He loved me, I was taught as a young child that God was always watching to punish me if I "messed up", so there has been some fear in our relationship.  But to realize that He cannot wait from me to abide with Him - He even runs to meet me when I "mess up" - so that He can again shower on me His love.  I have no problem obeying one who loves me that much!

The Dilemma

Last year when I finished reading the book Radical - Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream by David Platt, I made several decisions.  One of those was to visit a country that reflected how much of the rest of the world lives life.  About the same time, I received an offer from Compassion International to visit the child that we sponsor in Guatemala.

I began to discuss the ramifications of making a decision to travel outside the U.S. with my husband.  It is a costly trip - would it not be better to send that money to Compassion and let them use it to meet the needs of children and families?  It was then that I remembered a statement from Platt's book: "...God chose to bring salvation to you and me, he did not send gold or silver, cash or check.  He sent himself -the Son.  I was convicted for even considering that I should give money instead of actually coming to Sudan.  How will I ever show the gospel to the world if all I send is my money?  Was I really so shallow as to think that my money is the answer to the needs in the world?"  This statement led me to decide that I needed to give of myself if I really wanted to share His love with the world.

As a result, we visited the Ixil mountain area of Guatemala on January 19-26, 2013.  I so clearly saw a truth while there:  "God's blessings have been poured out on America for only one reason - to use us to bless the rest of the world and glorify God in doing so."  Unfortunately, I believe many of us thought it was only for our comfort and for the "stuff" we can buy.  When our nation reaches a point where it hoards more of our riches than we use to bless others, I believe it will be taken from us.  We hear repeated warning of a coming financial collapse.  Will it come because God is no longer being glorified in the blessing of those in need?  I realize there are legitimate organizations who are touching lives in the name of Christ - Compassion International and Samaritan's Purse are a couple with which I am acquainted.  But I believe we may be hanging in the balance as a nation. Which way will the pendulum swing? And will our Lord return before the collapse?  

Isaiah 37

In reading Isaiah 37, I am impressed to comment on the attitude of much of the world with regard to Israel.  To set the scene, Sennacherib, king of Assyria, has sent his representative to Israel's king, Hezekiah, to make threats against them and blaspheme God.  He uses the age-old weapons of Satan by trying to plant doubts in the King and the hearts of people by questioning the power of their God.

Hezekiah is shaking in his boots, so he sends word to the prophet Isaiah of the threats and asks him to pray. Isaiah's response assures him (verse 6) with an often repeated verse in Scripture: "Do not be afraid...."  Soon a threatening letter arrives to Hezekiah from king of Assyria's servant.  This time, Hezekiah goes to the House of the Lord, spreads out the letter and begins to pray.  He concludes his prayer with these words, "And now, O Lord our God, deliver us from his hand that all kingdoms of the earth may know that Thou alone, Lord, are God."  (I believe God will always answer this prayer because that is His purpose - to display His power so that all men will be drawn to Him.)
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Isaiah's response intrigues me with regard to what is happening in America today.  In verse 23, he records God's response:
"Whom have you reproached and blasphemed?
And against whom have you raised your voice,
And haughtily lifted up your eyes?
Against the Holy One of Israel!"
Continuing in verses 28 & 29:
"But I know your sitting down,
And your going out and your coming in,
And your raging against Me.
Because of your raging against Me,
And because your arrogance has come up to my ears,
Therefore I will put My hook in your nose,
And My bridle in your lips,
And I will turn you back by the way which you came."

Take warning Muslim nations who are threatening Israel; to America and its leadership who are speaking against God Almighty and the people who are His chosen ones!  To the haughty ones who "think" they are in charge, God will not continued to be mocked.

To Christians who are praying - remember it is not for our own comfort that we pray (so we can continue in prosperity and a life of ease), but that God will show Himself mighty so that all kingdoms of the earth may know that He is God!  Remember in this election time, God is our deliverer - never a man who tells you what he can do.

At a meeting last evening, we discussed the growing population of Muslims in the U.S. cities.  We had recently read a e-mail quoting a European gentlemen warning America to avoid the plight of his countries that are now overrun by the Muslim peoples. At their present growth, they will soon take control of much of Europe.  We then joined hands to pray for our country - and I was asked to lead the prayer.  As I voiced our concerns, God seemed to show me that we have a mission field in our midst.  I was led to pray that we would share the gospel with these hopeless people who are settling all over our nation.

If Satan can keep us viewing them as a threat, and incite fear in our hearts that we will be overrun by them, we will miss the opportunity that He has set before us.  Tolerance and appeasement do not work - we know  to them that is a sign of weakness.  But the gospel will work because God has commanded that we take the gospel to all people.  When we obey, He works.  We have no power to change anyone, but we do have the power to pray for wisdom and the knowledge to obey His command, which then empowers Him to work.

God, I pray for the Muslim people inside the boundaries of this country which was founded on your Word.  I pray that you will raise up strong witnesses to the hope that you give to the hopeless.  I pray for the many women and children who are enslaved within the Muslim communities by the evil one.  Send into their midst missionaries with a heart for these lost people.  May you bring them to you, one at a time as you open doors and penetrate the darkness of their lives.  May you be glorified in all the answers to this prayer.  I ask these things in the precious name of your Son, my Savior.

Romans 12:3 "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given me."   A reminder this morning by the precious Holy Spirit brought back the memory of a haughty attitude.  Our newspaper delivery has grown very sporadic.  I called to tell them we had not received a paper...again!  Now when they think of the person living at this address, they will not remember a pleasant, courteous voice, but an abrupt and frustrated customer.  My whole purpose changed when I accepted the Savior's offer of His life.  It is now to reflect only HIM...never me, because He paid a high price for me.  Father, please continue to remind me of that truth.  I keep wanting to take the throne that is rightfully yours.

Radical Experiment

I just finished reading one of the most awesome books - Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream by David Platt.  As a result, I am committing myself to the radical experiment that he suggests over the next year:

1. I will pray for the entire world using www.operationworld.org as my source.
2. I will read through the entire Word over next year (beginning today June 11, 2012).
3. Sacrifice my money for something that is gospel centered to meet a specific tangible need.
4. I will spend time in another country to give of myself to share the gospel.
5. I will commit my life to share the gospel and make disciples of those who are part of His body locally.

I am excited to offer my life to glorify God with whatever years remain for me.  Glorifying Him is reflecting Him to all with whom I come in contact so that they, too, may become His chosen.

With regard to my service on the Search Committee for a new pastor, I was given insight this morning as I studied the lesson from a study of Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar demanded that his “wise” men tell him his dream and then interpret it for him – an impossible feat for mortal man. However, because God’s spirit was so strong in Daniel, He was able to give Daniel the details of the dream and its interpretation. We will know the man that God has prepared for us – not through intellectual thinking – but by His Spirit!

Our committee looks at the outward appearance (photos of the prospective pastors and their families) much as Samuel looked at the outward appearance of the sons of Jesse in search of a King for Israel. God responded to Samuel that he was looking on the outward appearance while God looks upon the heart. We weigh their experience and their educations as though intellectually these things will tell us whom to choose. We rely upon the ideas of the corporate world choosing an employee. I have been in that position, and I know how flawed that tactic can be. My prayer is that we will rely upon our God to choose the servant of our Shepherd to oversee us in His behalf.

So how do we determine the heart of the man we are seeking? First, we ask God for the wisdom and insight to be impressed upon our Spirit. We rely upon God to infill us with His knowledge, and we listen for Him to reveal it to us as a body of believers. Then we pray that as we listen to words spoken by these men, we will hear with our Spirits, not analyzing every word, but waiting for the Spirit of God to reveal the truth. At the end of our search when we have all of the information, if we are truly directed by God’s Spirit, we should be able to do a secret ballot among the seven of us and the man will be chosen. God’s Spirit can bring about that kind of unity.

Update 6/11/12:  Our church voted to call David Henneke with a vote of 93 to 1 on 6/10/12.  As we reviewed the process, we could observe God's hand in this choice all along the journey.  He is an awesome God!  And all praise is His!

Sermon time

It is sermon time! In way of explanation, for some unknown reason, God has sent to our Wednesday night church dinners, a flood of teenagers (of every hue). They are sometimes rowdy and loud. They do not act like "normal" church kids. I emphasize the word "sent" because there is no other explanation. We did not go out and invite or "round them up".

I suspect many Christians have the idea that if those of the world would just come to church, then we could really minister to them. However, I observe that is not true. Only if they behave like we want them to behave, do we feel comfortable with them. Three times in the last two weeks, I have heard statements that indicate "we are not taking care of our own youth because they are afraid and don't get anything out of it with all the rowdiness". My reply was "our youth" are from Christian homes, they should be getting the teaching there. Those who are coming are getting little to no spiritual instruction in their homes.

However, after much thought, I am going to tell it like it really is. If we decided to plan a mission trip to the slums of Mexico (we have done that in the past), parents and youth of our members would get on board to see that they had money to go. Is there danger in Mexico? You bet! Do those people need ministering? Most definitely. But isn't it ironic that we have our own mission field IN THE CHURCH BUILDING, and all we can do it make excuses for why "our" kids have dropped out.

Frankly, I told God I would be a missionary as a young person...then life sidetracked me. I have come to the realization that the mission field looked glamorous. But I think God is showing me I am a missionary wherever I am. I am cooking for kids who enjoy a good meal, who like the fellowship of their friends, and who stay for a Bible study and worship time. Several of us have been walking through our church on Wednesday afternoon, begging God to do a mighty work in this group of young people...and we get excited when He does.

Would you believe that the New Years night lock-in had 60(SIXTY!) youth show up? And after a message given at midnight, 20 (TWENTY!) young people were at the altar (with not enough adults present to counsel them).

Kids, you want to be a missionary? Come and rub elbows with kids you may not see as "cool" but who need a Savior. Get to know them. Hear them confess, "I really don't want to be a troublemaker and use curse words". They are not outcasts. They are human beings God created, died for on a cross, and He is wooing and calling them to Himself. If you get to know them, then you can speak to them at school, and set an example both at school and at church - one that says, "You are worth my time, so maybe your Jesus is also worth knowing".

If you really don't want to come on Wednesday night, why are you not at youth activities on Sunday afternoon, or Sunday School on Sunday morning. Both of those are available without a large crowd with which to contend. Parents, let's get real about this. Quit making excuses for your kids, and quit swallowing their excuses. If you want to check it out, come with your kids for the Wednesday night meal, and volunteer to help with the activities in either youth or children's department on Wednesday evening.

Don't like my comments? I am so glad it is a free country, and it is my blog. If you want to comment, go ahead. We can disagree and still be agreeable because God died for all of us and we are all precious in his sight.

PSALM 23 PARAPHRASED

1. My God is my provider and security, and I am content in His care.
2. He makes me feel safe and protected; He causes me to feel calm and peaceful.
3. He helps me to regain strength by refreshing me; He keeps me on a safe path because of who He is.
4. He walks with me through the dangerous, dark paths where He has gone before, so I am not afraid; I am comforted both by His protection and guidance.
5. He goes before me and prepares my daily needs wherever I might be; He heals my pain; I am truly blessed.
6. He will remain with me all the days of my life and I will dwell with Him forever.

Escaping the "Church Bubble"

I am reading a book by Dan Kimball entitled They Like Jesus but Not the Church. He describes how Christian people become so immersed in the church family, that they lose all touch with those in the world who are lost and on their way to hell. I clearly see myself in this description. Now, how do I break out? Jesus prayed for the disciples in John 17:15 "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." He was in the world, but not of the world. His life was immersed in those who were hurting, outcasts (by religious standards), rich and poor alike. It was there that He ministered. He did set aside time to teach His disciples, so the church does have a place. But I believe we are also to be "in the world". Do we not hide our lights when we are always among the other light bearers? When does anyone outside my Christian friends ever get a taste of my "salt" and see my "light"? My prayer: Lord, show me how I can find a place in our community where I can touch the lives of those who are turned off by church and Christians. This is the mission field where you have placed me.

Freeing a Friend from Captivity

From Intercessory Prayer Dutch Sheets: "A form of intercession that releases the creative energy of the Holy Spirit into a situation to produce, create or give birth to something."

My prayer for a friend: I, now through travailing prayer, call you to send your Holy Spirit to hover over, surround the physical body of this one to create new life in her spirit which has been taken captive by her past. Like a pig returns to its wallow, she returns to her past to roll in the mud even though Christ provided total cleansing from all of the muck on the Cross. He can remove the guilt that plagues her conscience and move her focus from her own "poor self" to the radiance of a Savior who holds out hope and future to her. The words that issue from her mouth reflect the corruption and captivity of the evil one. God cause your Holy Spirit to release this captive from the demon's grip. Free her, Lord Jesus, by your might Spirit as He even now hovers over her. I claim the gift of grace for her for which Christ has already paid the price! I praise you for the life you are about to create in her. You are mighty and greatly to be praised!

Heaven or Earth?

My sister suffered butchering at the hands of the medical establishment. Although, they did the best they could as human beings with limited knowledge and abilities, she still suffered the consequences of their actions.

In light of what was inflicted upon her (which began with undetected cancer), she knew she could never return to life as it had been. She loved her life as a hairdresser, her precious children and grandchildren, her husband of over forty years. At some point, the new body promised by her Savior looked better than what she would have had if she had remained on this earth. It may not have been a conscious decision, but I believe her spirit began to long for her real home. Paul writes in 2 Cor. 5:8 - "We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord."

Hoppin' John - Traditional New Year's Meal

Although I don't believe in things bringing you luck, I still prepare this traditional dish each New Years because it is good eating, especially with cornbread.

Hoppin’ John (Black-eyed Pea Soup)

3 cups black-eyed peas

ham bone with lots of ham

3 qts water

Boil peas (no need to pre-soak) and ham bone, in water until peas are tender. Discard the bone. Add the following finely-chopped vegetables:

1 large onion

2 cups celery

2 cups carrots

2 cups potatoes

1 can Rotel tomatoes & green chili’s (for milder, use Italian diced tomatoes)

Cook another hour. Salt & pepper to taste. Can be served over cooked white rice, or eaten as soup. Best served with cornbread.

Goodbye 2010

Looking back at this past year leaves me with mixed feelings. The loss of my sister left me the only survivor of my birth family. Some days, I feel the loneliness of that role, especially when I want to pick up the phone and share a joy or a sorrow.

The joy I experience in volunteer cooking at our church leaves me feeling God still has a purpose for my life. The month in Alaska was like a vacation from the everyday cares of living life. The peace of God was so evident there. I pray that I will be able to do something similar in 2011.

Our family experienced the joy of being together this Christmas. However, because of the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis, there was an undercurrent of grief always present.

The misunderstandings in relationships often brings tears and regrets. Why I cannot express love without attempting to control is a mystery. Certainly, I am not God, nor do I know what he is doing in the lives of those I love. I caught a glimpse of Him recently - a glimpse of His love. If He really loves my family that much, can I not trust Him to do what is best for them? I believe if there is true love, then there will be trust. My prayer for 2011 is that I will learn to pray, believing God, not doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:6-7

My daughter made my very favorite cake for my birthday. I love coconut.

Ugly Duckling Cake

Beat together:

1 box yellow cake mix

1-(3 ½ oz) box instant lemon pudding

1 c coconut, flaked

1-16oz can fruit cocktail w/juice

4 eggs

¼ c. vegetable oil

Pour in 9x13 greased baking pan, sprinkle with ½ c. brown sugar & ½ c. chopped nuts.

Bake at 325 for about 45 minutes or until done (do not underbake). Cool 15 minutes then pour hot glaze over cake.

Glaze: Bring following to boil in pan and boil for 2 minutes, then spoon over warm cake.

½ c. margarine

½ c. sugar

½ c. evaporated milk

1 ½ c. coconut

The Curse of Eden

This grandma's heart carries of load of heaviness today. As I search for answers to why a beloved grandchild has inherited a gene that carries a serious threat to life, I want to blame God or Satan. The child did nothing to bring this on himself, except to be born to a sinful world. From the time that Eve chose the lie of the serpent over the truth of the loving creator, sorrow and pain became a part of this world.

So, I can blame Eve and Adam, right? But, alas, I looked in my own heart this morning. What I saw was the reflection of "Eve". If I believed my Lord and my God, I would start nothing in the morning without first reading the Word that reveals who they are, then spending time fellowshipping with them. I believe a lie - that what I do with my hands is more important than what I do in my spirit. I do not trust the Creator with my grandchild enough to spend time before Him seeking answers to the hard questions. Instead I quake in fear of the prognosis.

Jesus said, "In the world, you will have troubles" - he never promised we would not face these hard times. But then He added, "But I have overcome the world". What does His overcoming mean in light of a diagnosis of CF for my grandchild? That is what I must learn in the days ahead.

Father, please help me to accept my weak, human nature, but also realize that you have adopted me as your child. As your child, I need fellowship with you and your Word to survive this fallen world and the heartache it brings into our lives.

The Unveiling

Since last Friday, we have awakened each morning to the patter of rain on the roof and clouds and fog hid everything back of the tree line from view. It has been muddy and gloomy. Since lunch, a brilliant blue sky with warm, drying sunshine has broken through on the bay outside the dining hall window. The distant mountains are beginning to peak through puffy clouds, as though they are being unveiled by our Maker, again revealing the majesty of His creations.

But there is another unveiling that occurs here. Each week, a new family of volunteers arrives. We weep at the parting of old friends we have made in the few days we spent together. But soon, the unveiling of the lives of new friends begins, and we begin to bond in the friendship that will reach far beyond this earth. Someday, there will be a great reunion in a more perfect place than this...a place where perfect love will mean no parting, no tears, no illness. When we part, we can say with certainty, "We will meet again!" What a wonderful hope Jesus planted within each believer. What a gift! My heart fills with wonder and praise at that great gift of hope.

Incredible Week

This week has been an incredible week at Port Alsworth. We had about three days of weather that was so gorgeous, it took my breath away. How anyone could visit this place and not acknowledge the glory of God would be beyond me. The temperature topped out in the lower 70's, but is back down to the more typical 50's today. The mosquitoes have awakened from their slumber and have been voraciously attacking every warm body.

The singing group of young people who perform under the name "Flyleaf" spent two days and helped out by working on various projects, as well as some time fishing and relaxing. I did not hear them perform, and my grandchildren said I probably would not care for their music, but I did enjoy having them here and getting to feed them good food. They shared in our morning devotions on Tuesday a.m., and I was impressed with their desire to honor God with their lives and their music. They are now headed for Canada for Rock the City Crusade with Franklin Graham and other groups.

Loons have arrived on the bay and I have watched them from the dining room window last evening and again this morning. It appears to be a family of four. They are beautiful cruising and diving in the water, but most beautiful when in site. We heard them call last evening, but it was not the mournful cry, but more of a quack.

The construction is moving along...speeding up to try to get as much done before freezing weather arrives. Those coming in as volunteers included two young men from Colorado. One was an expert in staining and helped finish that job. The other is by trade a designer of outdoor living spaces. He is working hard to layout and start the plans for new decks on each of the cabins. God seems to provide what is needed exactly when it is needed. The other three who came in on Monday are from California. These five will be leaving on Monday and we have eight new ones arriving.

I love all the cooking and baking - baking lots of bread and desserts. I certainly feel blessed to be a part of this opportunity.

Week Two in Alaska

We are starting our second week in Alaska. Four of the ones who arrived with us last Monday returned to their homes yesterday. They were missed last night. It is amazing how quickly friendships develop among those who have the same Savior. However, we are now getting acquainted with a Mennonite couple from Pennsylvania, and a gentlemen from Georgia.

After a good drying wind over the weekend, the rains and resulting mud returned today. The temperatures are very comfortable so far. Cooking is one of those never-ending jobs, but we are getting a handle on it so that we can take a break in the afternoon. Last week, we were putting in a 12 to 14 hour days, plus trying to adjust to the time difference.

Bill and I are both doing better this week. He did not tell me that he had a little mishap on one of the four-wheelers last week. That was probably much of the problem with his knees and back. The weekend of rest seems to have revived both of us. We are hoping to do some hiking this next weekend. There is a beautiful falls about 2 miles away (much of it uphill). We would like to go when we have lots of time. We were told by a hunting guide that there is a black bear on the mountain just across the cove from the dining hall. We are wishing for some binoculars so we can observe him.

Thought I would share what a day of cooking is like here at Port Alsworth. For breakfast, we had scrambled eggs, hash browns, bacon, toast, and mixed fresh fruit bowl. For lunch we had bratwurst with sauerkraut, creamed spinach soup, some leftover potato salad, leftover sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onion, potato chips, fresh cherries, and leftover four-layer dessert from last night's meal. For the evening meal, we will have grilled steaks, baked potatoes, steamed cauliflower, tossed green salad, garlic toasted bread, and blueberry buckle for dessert. As you can see we stay pretty busy. We have a local girl who comes in about 11:00 and does dishes for both lunch and dinner. She will only be here until the end of August, then she leaves for school.

It is time to get back to the kitchen.

Life in Alaska

Hello again from "up north to Alaska". Maybe we are beginning to become accustomed to being four hours later than home in Kansas. I was able to stay up past 9:00 last night and still get up at 5:00 this morning...however, it did take Bill calling me six times to get me awake. We are going to try out a new alarm next week to see if that helps.

It has been interesting working here. We are both pretty exhausted at the end of the work day and do our "senior toddle" back to the cabin. After a hot shower, we feel a little bit better, then a good night's sleep helps, too. For the most part, we are on our feet a good part of the day. A young college girl comes in and helps with dishes, cleaning floors, laundry, etc. around 11:00. We have to do the breakfast dishes, then begin to prepare for lunch. Usually, we try to do some kind of sandwich and soup for lunch. We had tacos and ham & bean soup yesterday; grilled hamburgers and zucchini soup today. As soon as lunch is over, we begin the evening meal which is the main meal of the day. We will take turns working Saturday and Sunday to have a little break.

Yesterday, Susan took me on the four-wheeler for a tour of the area. I was mistaken in my initial understanding of where we would be. The Tanalian Bible Camp is to our north (I think). Samaritan's Purse purchased a hunting/fishing lodge next to the Bible Camp. They are remodeling it and will make it handicap accessible to be used by wounded veterans and their families. The photos I have posted cannot capture the beauty of the area.

It is hard to grasp how people live in this area when you consider that everything arrives by plane. They have to call in or send by e-mail their shopping list and then the plane brings it in. All building supplies, fuel, etc. must come in on a plane. They just brought in some insulated windows today and in order to preserve the seal on the windows, they had to come through the pass - could not go over a certain altitude.

Yesterday, the fuel tanker plane came in and landed about 50 foot from our kitchen. It was a huge plane for the gravel airstrip that SP has built here. Susan and I were about to take cover under the work table because it was so loud and came down so hard when it landed. There is lots of traffic on the inlet cove out the large windows at the end of the dining hall. Both sea planes and boats can be seen throughout the day.

Well, I need to get back to work on another side dish for our evening meal. Pray that our bodies will hold up through the weeks ahead. We have met some neat people, and I am sure there will be others in the next crew that comes in on Monday.