Substitute Missionaries

The Hanthorns left for a conference about 10 days ago in Whitehorse. It felt lonely without everyone around but we're looking forward to their return tonight or tomorrow.

We certainly had large shoes to fill in their absence. I'm not complaining, just explaining because I thought people would like to know what missionaries do or what a typical week looks like. We actually enjoyed the challenges and task and we've been left with this question: How do they do it? They've done this for the past 18 years! A very dynamic and hard working family who are great embassadors for God.

Here's what we did while they were away:

1- Looked after 3 dogs; two small and one large. The small ones were really adept at locating mud puddles despite frozen ground. I wipped up their muddy tracks several times and Ruth and I even gave one of these little critters a bath. These little characters are highly esteemed by Ruth who kept trying to sneak special doggy treats to them even though we advised her not to. The large dog was easy, but difficult to find the chain link in the dark of the morning to secure him because a chain link kept falling off.

2- We fed someone elses dog in the community who was away in Yellowknife and I really felt good about myself for doing these good deeds until I found out that someone else was feeding as well. No wonder the dog didn't seem hungry:)

3- Someone called and asked if I would take a prayer request regarding a very difficult situation. I said yes, thinking I could do this later but then they said "Please go ahead now over the phone" I did so precariously, mainly because it took me off guard.

4- I installed curtains for someone else who called this week; felt like I was making a difference.

5- We took purchase orders by some local people and passed the message on to Hanthorn's to pick up while they were in Whitehorse. The prices are much better in Whitehorse; many do their shopping there.

6- We answered many other calls for the Hanthorn's as well - very popular family and held in high esteem here!

7- I drove a lady and her mother to "8 mile", which is a place located 8 miles away from Ft. McPherson. It's a ferry crossing that also has a small number of camps on this side of the river. The posted photo shows the 92 year old elder and her daughter at the camp. The elder was going to stay there for the week and I was told there's much less chance of catching a flu bug when out on the land or at a camp. Makes sense.

8- A man dropped by and explained he was terminally ill and wanted to return some money he borrowed. He said he didn't want prayer to Heather but received some anyhow.

9- We enjoyed making fires in the wood stove even though Grace was very concerned about a house fire.







We look forward to their return; Ruth loves their children.