Sunday in Alaska

7-19-09 : Sunday morning took us to St. David's for a fabulous breakfast and inspiring morning services. Thank you gifts were presented to Father Paul Klitzke, Deacon Ann, and other members of the church by Cathy Brown, Stephanie Nicholson, and Ilia Donner. The church then provided some lunch which allowed us more time to get to know the parishioners of St. David's. Our mission team met with key members of the church to further discuss their vision for how we can help them complete projects that have been in the works. We have already learned so much in our exchange with their congregation.

ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE - A List of What We Are Thankful for Today

1. Hot running water and an afternoon nap

2. Breakfast and the nice people at St. David's

3. Communication

4. For our safe travel in the state of Alaska

5. Laughter

6. The lake and friends

7. How easy it was to develop relationships with the people of St. David's as we worshiped and ate meals together

8. The Klitzke Family invited us for a true Alaskan meal at their home. Delicious!

9. We met Wayne Curtis, Iditarod musher and his dog, Grissom.

10. The people of St. David's thanked us for helping them and that made us feel good.

11. Thankful that the Red Team didn't have to cook today!

QUOTE FOR THE DAY

Our mission is not one of building a church of walls but instead building relationships in our hearts for all. We are mending and rebuilding with our enthusiasm.

John, Sally, Dave and Bette meet with Ralph from St. David's.

We visited to the Iditarod Headquarters in Wasilla.

Nastia and Ilia chat with Iditarod racer Wayne Curtis at

Rev. Paul Klitzke's home. Wayne and Paul are friends.

We meet Grissom, Wayne's lead dog for the Iditarod.

We also met Cim Smyth briefly at Paul's house.

Cim Smyth finished 5th in the Iditarod this year!