DAY 40, 41 AND 42 JUNE 26, 27 AND 28

June 26. We have settled into a routine here in Fort Yukon. In the morning I go to the Tribal Office for internet access. In the afternoon we go to the grocery, visit with villagers, and see sights. In the evening we go for a walk and enjoy the country. It is a different pace of life from St. Louis, but there is a rhythm and pace which has an appeal to many. Our highlight of the day was visiting with the Deacon of St. Stephens, Theresa Thomas. She helped fill in some of the blanks we have about the people and the area. We are learning more each day. We found out today that we did not miss the barge, that it had come in today. So after supper we went down to the Yukon River and saw the barge. Actually there were two: a fuel barge (jet fuel, unleaded, diesel) and a cargo barge. Barges arrive from Tanana about three times in the summer (while the Yukon is ice free) with all the heavier items that cannot be shipped via airplane.

June 27. I spend the morning preparing for worship tomorrow. I will preach on the Gospel reading, Mark 5:21-43, on the theme "Do not fear, only believe." Took some nice pictures in the afternoon before being driven inside by the mosquitoes. Spent a quiet evening making final preparations for worship.

June 28. There were 26 in worship this morning. We had an organist this morning which added much enthusiasm to the singing. During the announcement I invited everyone to take some of the children's books we had brought with us from CPH. To our delight most of the books were taken by the time we left the church. Thanks to CPH for donating these books to the good people at St. Stephens in Fort Yukon. In the afternoon the deacon and I visited an ailing member of the church. We spoke to our children during the afternoon and evening and reflected on our first full week in Fort Yukon. We have met many good people and enjoyed our time here. At the same time, we will enjoy our trip home (via another route) and appreciate all that we have at home.