What do you do without a vehicle in Cantwell? Ride a snowmachine!

Our family has had an interesting past 9 days, due to the fact that our truck stopped running and wouldn't start again just over a week ago. Long story short, we had it towed up to a shop in Healy and discovered that it has a short in the fuel heater. It will be replaced and ready for us to pick up in the next day or two.

But God has really used this "inconvenience" for our good... Rob and Samantha were able to enjoy some father-daughter time on the snowmachine riding home from school three days last week. We experienced the love of our congregation as around six housholds offered the use of a vehicle to us. And I was able to have some very good conversations with the bus driver while riding to and from school on the three days I was substitute teaching!

Praise God for everything!

Sewing Lessons

Samantha showed some interest in my sewing maching a few weeks ago, so yesterday we set it up at the table and had her first lesson. First, I taught her about the machine, how to use the guides when threading the machine/needle, why we need a bobbin thread, how to raise and lower the foot, and how to push the knob in for reverse stitches. We practiced on a scrap piece of fabric for a while, and then made a simple pillow with hand stitches to close the hole. It was pretty fun, and she's already looking forward to another project.

Connor wanted to try it also, so he had a few minutes of pushing the pedal and guiding the fabric as well.

Cold Temperatures in Cantwell!

The last two days have been the coldest of the winter so far in Cantwell. Our thermometer has read between -30 and -40 degrees. (And here's the photo to prove it...)

We tried to take a picture of Rob in his t-shirt while I stood just inside the back door, but the steam from the heat indoors surrounded him! I had to step outside and actually close the door to get the clear picture above on the next evening.

Cinder has been coming indoors on a rug at night for quite a while now, but with temperatures this low even during the day, it doesn't take too much coaxing for her to come inside! You know it's getting cold outside when the inside of your windows are covered with ice!

Cantwell Martial Arts Club

Connor and Samantha have been able to participate in a new activity in Cantwell available to school-aged children. The Cantwell Martial Arts Club began a few weeks ago, and they have really been enjoying it. They have been starting out with break falls, basic foot work, roundhouse and front kicks, low-mid-high punches, and low-mid-high blocks.

Connor actually had a little bit of experience from taking a Tae-Kwon-Do class for 3 months in Sandy last year, so he is feeling pretty confident. Samantha is doing well also, and as the youngest student, gets in a lot more practice as she makes her way across the mat, due to her smaller steps!

James Bible Study

Last week, we wrapped up our Heaven book study, and this week we started a study in the book of James. We decided to work through this section of Scripture using the inductive Bible study method (observation, interpretation, application), so we will be using the same questions every week as we progress through James. "What is the passage about?" "What do I learn from this passage?" "How can I apply what I've learned to my life?" "Write a brief sentence summarizing this passage."

James 1:1-18 instructed us to utilize trials in our life to form godly character (patience, endurance, praying in faith without ever doubting God...) and reminded us how Very Good God is. He does not tempt us, is the giver of every good thing, is the source of wisdom, is unchanging, and has given us the word of truth!

Eight adults joined Rob and I in our home for this time of learning and growing. Please keep us in your prayers as we continue this study for the next 7 Tuesdays from 7-8pm (Alaska Time!).