Sunday, June 7, 2015
Weather Conditions:
High – 91
Low – 73
Skies – Partly cloudy
Winds – Light and variable
Thankful and blessed! I almost posted only those two words because that is how I am feeling today as I contemplate today, our time in Helena, and the last nine weeks. I feel like a broken record as I continue to write about how overwhelmed I am by the acts of kindness people have extended to us during this trip. Our time in Helena has not been an exception.
We arrived in Helena on Friday in order to pick up our next food parcel package from the post office. We decided to stay in Helena three nights instead of heading back to the river on Saturday for a couple of reasons. One – we were blessed with a safe place to camp with easy access to the river. (Unforeseen blessing – this place to camp evolved into indoor camping at Quapaw Canoe Company.) So thankful to John Ruskey, owner, and his Helena manager, Mad Dog for their hospitality. (See Instagram @Separateboats) Not only did Mad Dog provide us with transportation for our boats and to Wal-Mart, and laundromat, he also spent some philosophying with us over a couple of cups of coffee yesterday morning and again this morning. Thankful for a new friend.
The second reason we decided to stay more than just one night here was to attend church. Since we were blessed with safe storage for our boats and we were within walking distance of several churches, we decided to take advantage of these blessings and attend church for the third time since we began our journey. We chose to attend First Baptist Church. We are so glad we did. The congregation was very welcoming and the sermon from Hebrews 11:5 about Enoch’s faithful walk with God made me contemplate my own walk with God. One of the first people to welcome us was Patty Smith. She proved to be a not only blessing to us, but also a new friend. (See Instagram @Separateboats) She invited us to lunch at her home and then drove us on the low road, showing us the Cyprus swamps and providing us with some history of Helena. (See Instagram @Separateboats) Patty photographs birds and nature – she shared some of her favorite spots with us. I am thankful Patty introduced herself to us in church.
Tomorrow we leave Helena. We will leave civilization, air conditioning, and our new normal. We will return to the wilderness, heat, and a new normal. However, we will take part of Helena with us in our hearts. I am blessed and thankful.
Thanks for following our adventure. For photos and videos of the events mentioned in this daily journal, check us out on Instagram @ separateboats.
Also, please continue to pray for and support our charity, The Fortress. Check out our “Charity Page” – you can donate using the Pay Pal button. Thank you.
John/Lanae,
Prayers for continuous safe and smooth travels…..
Becky
Thank you Becky. We certainly appreciate them.
We have really enjoyed following your blog and this journey you are on. You may not know us but we go to FMC and Jerry and Dan run the senior church bus on Sunday’s . Dan is such a kind caring person. Blessings and prayers to you as you continue this amazing trip.