Updatessssssss

I can't believe it's been 10 days since I last posted... lots has happened since then!

I have found a job, and by found, I really mean that I have taken advantage of my dad's connections in the city. I am the new receptionist for the Canadian Native Friendship Centre, and so far I am really enjoying being here. I am meeting lots of well known, extensively educated leaders in the Aboriginal community, and getting a chance to get involved. Everyone here seems to enjoy my company and appreciates the work that is being done here. I mean, it's not back breaking work by any means. I'm working right now as I sit here typing up a blog...

Last Saturday I went to a native prayer sweat lodge. It was one of the most intense spiritual and physical experiences. Physically, it feels like a sauna that has been cranked to unimagineable temperatures in complete darkness. It represents what it must've felt like to be in your mother's womb. It is supposed to be the safest place where nothing can hurt you, and as far as I know, no one has ever been hurt while in a sweat.

It lasted about 4 hours altogether, taking time between the rounds of heat to eat something and listen to the Elders deliver like a semi-sermon. During a round, there are native songs and chants being sung in the Cree language - which I am taking classes to learn, but can only catch every 15th word or so - and intense moments of prayer. A sweat is a challenge for your body (to see how long you can last in the heat) and a challenge for your mind to stay focused. There is such a sense of community when your in the sweat lodge, each person sharing some of the most vulnerable parts of themselves. Much of a prayer sweat is to cleanse and purify your body and spirit through prayer.

When the sweat was over and you leave the lodge it really does feel like a rebirth in many ways. Because of the heat and steam and sweat (not to mention the way you're crouched down sitting in the same position for so long) your breathing is different. Your lungs are functioning in a way that feels like you're breathing for the first time. You can feel the spiritual cleansing in a way that makes you see your surroudings in a different light.

And, like any enjoyable get together is ended, it's finished off by a community potluck. I highly recommend being open to this experience.

My dad and I are getting along really well, and taking advantage of every minute we have together. I am getting to know him and learning to love him better with each visit. I mentioned earlier that I am taking Cree language classes. My father teaches these classes and as he's teaching he reveals pieces of his past and childhood that allows me to get closer to him. Not to mention learning what it is to grow in a Metis community, learning what it means to be Aboriginal. The more I learn, the more proud I am to be Metis.

As far as the rest of my family goes... well, every other day there is some kind of situation or incident. Please... pray for the lost. My heart is breaking for every drug addict and alcoholic and abusive spouse in my family.

I'm still living at my Auntie Ida's for now, but the longer I am there the more I realize I want to move from there. I want to live with other believers here. My heart is for community living as the early Church did.

I've been praying that God would lead me to whichever school He wills me to be at. This weekend I am going to check out the PAOC Bible College here called Vanguard. I am very interested in the missions programs they offer, not to mention, my Master's credits are transferrable. I am excited to meet students there and go to the classes and talk to the profs... it should be a great experience. That starts tonight and runs until Saturday morning.

AND... I met some of my friend Dana's friends this week. I'm loving meeting other Christians here and getting to know other people in general. Not to mention, Dana is awesome - we can talk like we've been friends for years and I have so much fun with her! (Thanks Beth) <3

And... that's it for the updates... I think. I'll post to talk about my weekend at Vanguard.

Oh - and I love Bethany Nichols and think she should come visit me and Dana in Edmonton.

That's all.