More to catch you up

There have been three funerals at Eden Valley during the last few weeks, Joel spent four days at an Native Youth Conference (see the upcoming newsletter for more details), and we were blessed with some overnight guests, one couple traveling back from Alaska, and one man heading to Alaska. With the long days and sunshine it is easy to go, go, go and never stop for a break. Joel and I have been experiencing various people’s deaths lately, from those at Eden Valley, to a young friend and supporter who died of cancer, to loosing Amanda’s mom’s brother to a sudden heart attack. It has brought some tears and grieving, and yet what a blessed hope we have when we know Jesus. Two of the deaths at Eden Valley were people we hadn’t ever met and to our knowledge weren’t trusting Christ (we attended the funerals b/c we knew at least one family member of the deceased, and to observe cultural practices). However, one of the three woman who died, was a solid Christian, who loved and served her community. The funeral was a beautiful celebration of her life on earth, and her future in heaven. There is such a contrast in how one views death depending on if they know Jesus or not. It is a good reminder of what Christ has done for us

on the cross, and the eternal perspective we need to walk through this life with.

We have been enjoying warm weather, lots of spring rain, and the “green up”. We will soon need to mow our lawn, and friends are putting in gardens. It’s branding season, and we have been able to attend a few of those as well. It seems with all the activities of summer it makes it even more difficult to stay focused on our goals for language and culture study. Please pray that we can have wisdom on our daily activities and remain true to our course. We sense more and more how much we need the Lord’s strength for all that is to be done, and we are so thankful for the role each of you play in keeping us here. We would love to hear from you, and please be patient when it takes us a while to get a personal note back to you. It is hard to find time to write the old-fashion way, but we do wish to stay connected with you in this way! Enjoy Summer; Amanda, for the Sewell Family

some shots from Native Youth Conference..