Well, I've no photo's to show in this blog even though I went out this morning with Erik to hike a trail near Missoula. We spent time praying and talking. Not long after we started along the trail we were passed by a couple of women riding horses, and also walking a dog, and so Erik and I had some time talking with them before they rode off.
Erik and I walked for a while marveling at how new growth was emerging from what was a forest fire. Many of the trees had blackened trunks and were obviously dying. On the way back to the car, we hiked a different trail where there were many fallen trees which we had to climb over. I was carrying my video camera which made it somewhat harder, but I made it back to car without any major problems.
While Erik worked on his trail bike I played 'baseball' with Lindsay and Kera. They had a pink baseball glove so I decided that there was no way that I would wear it. Even the ball had pink panels on it. What was important here was for me to spend time with the girls. We also had fun with jigsaw puzzles.
Over lunch, Kera asked when teacher appreciation day was going to be, and it made me realise how important it is for us to appreciate the good in each other which is what I shared about when I did the welcome at church later in the day.
Erik and I left for church to meet up witht the men leaders before the service started. It was so encouraging to meet up with Alan, Parm, Sean, Mike, Mike, Derrick and Chad. To say that most of them were surprised to see me would be a bit of an understatement! Alan and Parm did a great lesson on health and healthy eating and used scripture to back up what they were sharing. Although I'm far from overweight I still feel that I could change my eating habits to improve my health.
After the meeting was over it was time for some fellowship, and then some! There were the kids, students, singles and marrieds. There were faces familiar and unfamiliar (mostly familiar). There was an atmosphere of encouragement and excitement. I felt totally at home. The previous day in Missoula there was a homecoming parade for the University of Montana's football team - The Grizzlies - so I shared how grateful I was that Missoula had put this parade on for my benefit! That had the congregation laughing. More importantly, I shared about how much I appreciated every one of them for their warmth, hospitality and encouragement, which is how the family of God should be: faith with action.
My class from last year was so excited to see me that they wanted me to come into the class with them for their lesson - how could I refuse!
After the service, I tried to fellowship with as many people as possible but I didn't get to speak with everyone, so I'll make the effort to get time with them during the week.
I agreed to drive back to Erik and Kendra's with the girls, but when I got in the car I sat in the passenger seat in the front, which would be the driver's side in the UK, and it was several seconds before I realised that I had no steering wheel or controls on my side of the car. Erik had noticed this small slip up but didn't say anything!
Tomorrow is another day; I'm not sure what I will do during the day time but I'm looking forward to having dinner with the MacDonalds.
No comments:
Post a Comment