The 4th of July

It was a great fourth of July in the northwest arctic! It all began at noon with a parade that went all through the center of town. When we heard the noise, Jennifer and I jumped on out 4-wheeler and joined in. The picture here is a picture of all of the kids in town riding on the city fire truck, which they had to jumpstart before the parade began. I hope our house doesn't catch on fire, Ha, Ha, Ha! After the parade we all went downtown and played games. Jennifer and I were able to be judges for the "atikluk" contest. Atikluk's are the dress clothes you see in the second picture. The atikluk is a traditional Eskimo dress and still to this day people will wear these as dress clothing to weddings, funerals, etc. We played games in town for about five hours and then everyone went to the sand bar to swim and play around. Jennifer and I decided to be brave and swim as well, and let me tell you it was a little chilli in the Kobuk on the 4th. Jennnifer had goose-bumps that would literally poke your eye out if you got too close. After about four to five more hours of swimming and playing football we went back to the house to pack it in for the evening. As you know there wasn't any firework show since it doesnt get dark here this time of year. We missed our family but we know that we are where the Lord has us. Praise God for the opportunity to serve Hm in Alaska! We love everyone very much and look forward to sitting down with everyone when we get back.