Valemount

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities -- his eternal power and divine nature -- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse."
Romans 1:20

Well, I have now been further west than Jasper, Alberta. This past weekend, I went to Valemount, British Columbia. Oh why didn't I have a camera??? Honestly, Valemount is perhaps one of the most beautiful places I've been. It is a little community -- someone told me the population is about 1200 -- that is truly nestled in the mountains. It is truly interesting to be studying this passage in Romans at the same time as driving through God's beautiful creation.

A friend of mine has friends there -- Norm & Sybil Walker -- who pastor a church there. They are getting ready to leave that church and go on some missions work to the Phillipines, and then from there, who knows? Anyway, I had not experienced small town living in quite a while.

We arrived Saturday evening to the lovely smells of a potluck going away dinner. Let me tell you, these people know how to cook!!! I've not been to quite such a good one since my days of organizing them in Washington, D.C. Anyway, Norm & Sybil were honoured and a great time was had by all. I appreciated Pastor Norm talking about the many places he & Sybil have moved to and from, as well as being open about some of the struggles they had. It is so much more real to me when people share their hearts openly.

We stayed at the Holiday Inn there -- great place. The following day, we drove around Valemount a bit, then went to church. Norm preached a great sermon on the Holy Spirit being evident in us in so many ways. In particular, he taught us about the spiritual gifts. It was a communion service. I learned alot about the heart of a pastor on this trip. Norm has always worked a regular job and his pastoring has been above and beyond that. When people were honouring him, many spoke about how much they appreciated a pastor who works with his hands. I was impressed.

After the service, we chit-chatted in the lobby with some people. We met a lady named Anna, who is 87 years old, is German, and has lived here since after the 2nd World War. Oh, would I love the opportunity to talk with her for a while. She was in AMAZING shape, walking around easily with her tiny little frame.

We went to Terry & Sharon's house for lunch after the service. Floyd & Verlie Halcrow were there -- good friends of my friend Carla and wonderful people. And Pastor Norm & Sybil came, too. Terry lives on several acres just outside of Valemount. He build the house we went to from timber on the property -- it was a beautiful, beautiful log home. The upstairs is a big open area with windows looking out to the mountains. There is a bedroom, bath and sewing room, as well. Downstairs is a fully completed basement with a living area, 3 bedrooms and 1 or 2 bathrooms. It has a walkout, and is just stunning.

We had a great lunch of sausages, mini-shishkebobs, rolls, mustards, sauerkraut, beets, other veggies, delicious desserts -- I know I am forgetting something! Anyway, the meal was great. Terry & Sharon's daughter, Bethany took me outside to introduce me to their cat and then, her cow -- Lucy. What an awesome time of fresh air & fellowship. We hiked around the property a bit, saw cranberry patches, blueberry patches, and I got some fresh dill to take home.

And then, back to Edmonton. What a trip.