Brevig Mission, Days 2-8

Well, shoot. Just when I'd planned to blog everyday in Brevig Mission, the Internet at the church went down.

About three days later it still wasn't working. Then I found out there was one computer with free Internet at city hall. Which almost always had a line. And the one time I did use it, there was a swarm of children around me asking questions. And I was almost late for Bible school.

So I have no daily blog report to you from Brevig, I'm sad to say. But I do have some closing comments.

Every year is different: different group dynamics, different Bible stories and some different kids. Every year is the same: Brevig folks are eager to welcome us, I notice how the kids have grown, and we build relationships old and new.

This year, almost 80 kids registered for VBS. We had 50-60 most days, though some came and went. We did VBS from 2-4 pm (four days) and this year added Teen Night from 7-9 pm (three nights). This made us busy but increased the "quality time" spent with Brevig people.

The team of folks from Anchorage (and my brother) was just amazing. They made crafts, acted out Bible stories, sang songs, led games and just loved those kids in Brevig. Many hours of free time were spent entertaining the kids. We took turns in groups cooking, cleaning and leading devotions. And we learned to live together even though there were 11 people sharing two empty bedrooms (and some living room floor space).

My highlight this year was truly the teens. I was delighted that they actually came to the teen nights and asked for more time with us. It really wasn't so much about the programming we did. We merely created opportunities and structure for community and the teens used it to engage others and themselves.

One night, we invited two teenaged drummers (Travis and B-Boy) to drum and the girls to dance. (Some boys dance too). It's called "Eskimo Dancing," and the dances connect with traditional activities like building an igloo, ice-fishing, hunting walrus and welcoming friends. Each time I visit, I find a sacred space in the pounding of those drums and their hauntingly beautiful chants. There is poetry in the dancing, those graceful flowing motions that connect thier present reality to their past ancestors.

I met Travis (one of the drummers; he's 18) four years ago when I first came to Brevig. He was so much shorter and so eager. He would follow us around the village, ask a dozen questions, tease us and visit until the wee hours. Now, he's a man and a leader among his peers. I felt a swell of pride to see him dance, drum and chant with authority.

Everything slows down in the village. That's perhaps what I love best. We are there primarily to just be, just be with people and with each other. The mystery of God's spirit unites and sustains us. I don't get as worried or anxious in the village as I do at home. I wonder what this means.

For next year, I have a vision. Based on conversations with Pastor Brian, I'd like to involve Brevig residents (especially the teens) in the planning and leading of VBS. This could be done over email, in a spring visit to Brevig, or in a planning meeting once we arrive and before VBS starts. I'm excited to see this increased ownership and partnership grow.

Enough for now. Thanks for keeping the people of Brevig in your prayers.