Brevig Mission: departure date, July 13. I just have a few minutes to write a quick reflection before we boat across Port Clarence to Teller, then drive the gravel road to Nome. We fly to Anchorage tomorrow morning. I just drove a few loads of luggage down to the beach and helped Brian load the boat and the first round of people went across to Teller. Of all the things we've seen here this week, now there's one more: fire damage in Teller from a blaze last night.
Yesterday morning we awoke to huge billowing smoke from Teller. I thought it was a garbage fire but a man I met while running yesterday said it was way too big for that. Turns out, some kids were playing around and set off a fire that destroyed three buildings and the city's loader tractor. Teller doesn't have water and sewer, except at the washeteria and school. Apparently, there was some pumping equipment to put out fires, but who knows where that is or how it's been re-appropriated. We heard the fire was tackled by locals with a bucket brigade of sea water.
Then the Nome fire department showed up, but by then the three buildings, at least one historic, was gone. The Catholic and Lutheran churches were saved. No one was injured. That's about all we know.
Yesterday was also the big finale for VBS. We had a bigger class yesterday, then a VBS program and community meal. Usually we serve hot dogs and invite the whole village. This time, we still invited the whole village but we served spaghetti. Well, apparently that was a hit, because we ran through at least 200 plates, ran out of noodles several times and had to scramble. I think we literally fed more than half the town. People were so gracious and I saw many familiar faces. One highlight was that elder Daisy Rock helped me lead the Doxology in Inupiat, because Brian wasn't back from Teller yet.
When he did return, we did our VBS program, the kids singing with gusto. Then, we had a wedding! Brian and I shared officiant duties. Well, it wasn't exactly a wedding but it sure was exciting. Here's the story: Chris and Bruce were married hastily in a courthouse 10 years ago because he was sick. They never had a church wedding. So they decided to do it here. They put on kuspuks and a man from the village walked Chris down the aisle. Brian did the sermon, I did the prayers and the vows. We all sang "Surely Goodness and Mercy," and Bruce gave his bride a big kiss. Brian talked about how marriage is about helping each other, no matter what. The kids were rapt with attention and hooted when Bruce kissed his bride.
After the wedding, we cleaned up and headed over to the traditional office for some Eskimo dancing. The crowd was small but the dancers and drummers are so talented. I've seen it many times but the music still enters my heart and captivates my attention in a very special way.
Better get down to the beach with some more loads of luggage. Brian will be back with the boat soon and we'll be on our way.
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