Canoe Trip!

Paddles digging into the water, waves crashing against canoes, voices singing out multitudes of songs.  These are but some of the sounds and sights experienced on the three night canoe trip we went on.  Our site was split into two fearless groups of 15 students who paddled through many waters.  Group A was the sightseeing travelling group and went exploring into the abandoned gold mines around Shoal Lake and paddled through various lakes, while Group B powered through 65+ km of canoeing.

On day one a canoe overturned in the waters, causing wet items and people.  However our fearless trip leaders rescued and encouraged us all.  We paddled through giant headwinds and larger waves than most of us had ever been through.  But we decided to work smart and not hard, when the wind was with us we rigged a sail and flew down four kilometers of water instead of having to paddle. While some of us had colds and leaky canoes, nothing could stop us from singing out many a song on the water.

The trip was an incredible opportunity for us to just relax and be natural.  We left our watches, deodorant, toothbrushes, and makeup (for the girls) behind.  Waking and sleeping when it felt natural we made the most of our nature experience.  Each and every day we saw the beauty of God's creation, on the sunny and overcast days.  Our meals were delicious, with dirt gracefully added to the mix; the additional protein was always appreciated.

Beauty was certainly seen on these canoe trips, as was the brokenness our trip leaders pointed out.  Beauty in the brokenness is what life is all about. Our adventures will continue long after these canoe trips, just maybe now with cleaner forks and dryer clothes.

- Raymond

Group A with trip leader, Troy. (Clara absent from photo)

Group B with trip leaders, Dantz and Steph.