August 20, 2006

I decided to visit church tonight. It was a real blessing and a great opportunity for me to become acquainted with the locals. It lasted over two hours, however I was not bored. It was mostly music. They have two guitars and a banjo also one fellow plays harmonica. There were several people who sung solos or duets. Their faith in Jesus was very evident in their songs, prayers, and music. It gave me time to reflect on the people here and how I have always wanted to see this area and to meet the Eskimos. I have read so much and now to come here and to be among the people is a great joy for me. I can hardly believe that I am actually here and that I have this opportunity.

Many of the songs were sung in Inupiat also the scriptures were read in both English and Inupiat. One lady said she was surprised to see me. I guess that I was meant to visit this little church tonight.

This afternoon I went for a walk to the dump. It was pretty cold but I was dressed warm and had a great walk. I picked some salmon ( aukpik) berries while I was out. It was quite a job cleaning them, but I have them done now. I had a bowl of them for dinner with cream. I also had ground caribou in my hamburger helper. The meat is a little strong, but was good. It is very lean.