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Easter SATURDAY as they call it, begins Makkovik's winter games on the harbor; skidoo races, pulling-by-hand skidoos, running races, 3-legged soccer game, piggy back rides, a barefoot running race across the harbor - and all this takes place on the 10+ ft of ice and snow in the harbor. These people are tough!
Of course they had their annual Easter dog sled race - drawing names out of a hat to see who gets to go as a passenger. I won as a rider, and was joyed to go!
I was given a mountain of appropriate clothing that I needed; 2 coats - one a goosedown, the other a silapuk that is protection from the wind and has the fur that protects your face - long fur gloves with another pair on the inside, a facemask, sunglasses/goggles, 2 prs of socks, my big boots, a hat. I used my thermal handwarmers from the Sunday School class, and of course, all the necessary undergarment layers I typically wear.
I layed on the komatik on a caribou skin; the driver ahead of me sitting up. The skin was absolutely warm. We were in white out conditions yesterday, so they marked the trail for the race w/ pine trees stuck up in the ice. Visibility was 1/4 mile, yet the skill of the driver and the dogs is amazing. I'm sure the driver could cook a meal on the komatik if he wanted to all while the dogs were running.
It's like an extra long sled ride - bumpy at times with the beautiful dogs pulling you; working hard. The dogs listen to his every breath, noise. When the ride is smooth, all you hear is the slide of the komatik. There was a crust on the top of the snow due to the bit of thawing that took place last week.
The race was followed by a lovefeast; simple yet full of unmoveable tradition, as was all of last week.
Interestingly enough, each coastal community is allowed one polar bear a year. Anyone interested in hunting one, has to register w/ the govt., and then they schedule 3 days of hunting for each hunter. if they don't get one, the next hunter gets to try for 3 days & so on. This bear was a young one as is evidenced by his big head, smaller body. The bear was about 9-10 ft. stretched out. The hunter, should he choose to, will get approx. $3,000. for the pelt. Peace.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
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Labrador Handchime Project 2-Octaves of Malmark Chimes
Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary,
Praise him in his mighty firmament!
Praise him for his mighty deeds;
Praise him according to his surpassing greatness!
Praise him with trumpet sound;
Praise him with lute and harp!
Praise him with tambourine and dance;
Praise him with strings and pipe!
Praise him with clanging cymbals;
Praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord! Ps.150
The psalmist here was praising God because of his mighty excellence in all of his works and was calling upon all [in the sanctuary] to praise God with whatever they had within their possession; a trumpet, a harp, a tambourine, dancing, even ones voice. Everything! And the book of Psalms appropriately ends with a Hallelujah!
It is with that joy that I find myself returning to Labrador in early 2009 and would like to share my handbell and chime experience with the Labrador youth. The Labrador Moravians have a rich history of music ministry which was so evident in the first Music Workshop this past summer. Not only do the youth have a noticeable passion to learn, but the congregations are hungry to play whenever the opportunity arises. The youth of the summer youth camp also took every advantage to participate in handchime ensembles thanks to the loaning of a set of handchimes by New Philadelphia Moravian Church.
Handchimes are the perfect percussive instrument to learn when few instruments are to be had as they lend themselves to all levels of musical skill and players can quickly succeed. They are affordable and produce some of the most heavenly sounds that can be created.
You, your congregation, or your Sunday School class have the opportunity to prayerfully sponsor an individual chime at $50./ each (including shipping) for which a 2-Octave Malmark set will be purchased and carried to Labrador in January. They will be introduced to all the communities I visit and eventually find their permanent home there.
Checks should be made out to “Board of World Mission"with “Labrador Handchimes” written on the lower line, and sent to 1021 Center St., POBox 1245, Bethlehem, PA. 18016-1245. In addition, you can keep up with your investment/support by viewing my ministry blog right here, hear all the most up-to-date news of this unfolding ministry, and stay in touch.
Prayerfully consider your PARTNERSHIP in this musical ministry, engaging the Labrador Moravians in a gift of praise to the Lord in their sanctuaries. Hallelujah!
Moravian Labrador History
In 1752, Moravians first explored Labrador lands. From Nisbet Harbour, the present communities of Nain(1771), Hopedale(1782), Makkovik(1896), Happy Valley(1950s) exist with the help of the local Inuit and German Moravians. Music & education were important along with fishing, hunting, and lumber trading. Labradorans are gracious and loving people to this day and welcome and share the love of Christ each day. Today's Inuit (Eskimos) in the Arctic have been devastatingly affected by the impact of Western culture. Current Moravian news...
http://labradormoravian.blogspot.com/
Links to more info on Labrador Moravians
- http://www.heritage.nf.ca/society/music.html
- http://www.labradorvirtualmuseum.ca/wem/Moravian.html
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