September 2024: North, South, West and Places In Between

September started with a trip to the mountains as we met family near Banff for a family gathering. The mountains are always a special place for me and it was good to be there with my wife Lynne and other family members. Thanks to my mom and to Clay for planning and hosting the event. Here's some pics...




Our LAMP pilot Andrew and I wasted no time after the long weekend, flying up to Flin Flon, Manitoba. We were grounded one day due to weather but still managed to visit the remote communities of Wollaston Lake, Tadoule Lake, and Lac Brochet. We had a wonderful visit with Father Joji, the Catholic priest in Wollaston. Andrew and I took a picture in front of the new church there. We had a great visit with the principal of the school in Tadoule Lake. We haven't been able to send a LAMP team there for a couple of years now and they are excited to hear that we might be back soon. We also had a wonderful visit with the chief and a band counselor at Lac Brochet. The LAMP team that goes there is very much loved and appreciated. Here's some pics...the Catholic church in Wollaston, the "door" to adventures, and Tadoule Lake International Airport. 




We headed back home after our trip thankful for good weather and good visits! Andrew and his wife are now at home, welcoming a brand new baby boy named Silas.

Back home, I had the chance to enjoy a wonderful visit with my good friend Neil. Neil and I have had many, many adventures on many, many mission trips in northern Canada, Mexico, and even Africa. We met at the wonderful Mandolin Books for coffee. The only sad note...Mandolin will not be open for too much longer...such a great place for coffee and such a temptation for used book lovers like me.



My next adventure was a trip to Nashville for the Americana Fest music festival. I've been hoping to go for many years (and attended online during COVID) but this was my first time being there in person. It was great to attend some music industry sessions, some showcase concerts, and even the annual awards show. It was awesome to be back to the Station Inn (a personal favourite), to be at the EXIT/IN, and several other venues. I must admit that the BBQ and the Nashville Hot Chicken was a tasty treat.
 






My Nashville trip served as a short holiday for me and was enjoyed very much!

Back home, I got busy with meetings and a planning retreat for Camp Kuriakos (I am currently on the Board for the camp) as well as a meeting for the RMMC (the Western Region Mission and Ministry Council). On the last day of September, I headed to BC for the BC Church Workers Conference. I had worked in BC many years ago and attended the conference way back when (27 years!!). It was fun to represent LAMP at the event and visit with friends old and new. A special treat was the fact that Nathan Schultz, fellow LAMP missionary, was able to attend. We were both featured on a panel with our Regional Pastor (formerly District President) talking about LAMP and asking questions. The main sessions of the event featured Rev. Dr. John Hellwege and Deacon Lisa Olding. They led us in some very informative presentations / conversations about the new categories of sexual and gender expressions today. Fun fact...Lisa was in the first youth group I first worked with 31 years ago. I'm very proud of the person (follower of Jesus, wife, mother, teacher, professor, presenter) that she is today. Yay, Lisa! Some more pics...










Home again now, I look forward to being a little close to home during October. Very thankful for safe travels and good times with friends and colleagues in various places!!

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