September 13 Day 15

We were up early, all packed and ready to go in time for the 10:30 service at Spirit West United Church. The service started with singing. One of the songs, “Grab Another Hand”, I hadn’t sung in years. It’s heaps of fun, and encourages people to mingle and laugh as they sing. A grand beginning for people like Tom and me. The people were friendly which made it fun. My brother-in-law Bob met us at the service, which was special for both Tom and me. Hotdogs and sweetcorn for lunch after the service gave me an opportunity to sell heaps of books and talk with lots of people. Last Friday, God obviously was a part of our choosing Spirit West as our place for Sunday worship.

We went back to Dina and Bob’s to change our clothes and say goodbye. The trip to Jasper this afternoon was amazing. We watched the season of fall gradually appear as more and more of the trees were golden yellow. Rolling hills replaced the flat vistas and big prairies sky. And then…the majestic Rocky Mountains appeared. Canada is awesome. The distances can be overwhelming but there are not enough words to capture the variety and grandeur of the land. Tonight I am singing, “This land is your land. This land is my land…” Wow. I am so grateful to be making this trip, to experience the wonder of God’s creation.

Tonight, we’re in the Athabasca Hotel in Jasper. There’s a picture in the lobby that says it’s been here since 1929. The rooms therefore are small but comfortable. There’s no swimming pool or hot tub but we’re not spending time inside. This evening we walked the town’s streets gazing at the play of light on the mountains as the sun set. Yes, God is with us as always.