Feathers & Faith

Last week we began helping with farm chores. Since staff take care of most of the maintenance and cleaning during the summer, our initiation to farm work will be gradual. On Monday morning, the kids and I put on our rubber boots and raincoats and ventured out early in the morning to meet Millie (our farm hand for the summer), so that she could show me how to feed the animals. As I mentioned last week, we have chickens, turkeys, rabbits, sheep, ducks, cats, and a pig. Millie feeds the animals every morning and mucks out the stalls on Mondays, so I learned how to do both this week. Our family is now responsible for feeding the animals and closing their pens on weekday evenings, since the staff are gone by 5pm. I’m sure this chore will be more onerous in the winter, but right now I’m enjoying it. I like bringing the baby chicks into the barn and listening to the hens cluck softly as they settle in for the night. I get a kick out of how frantically the turkeys peck at their food as I drop it into the trough. I like talking to Maple and Dapple, our sheep, as I coax them into their shed, and hearing Wilbur snort and grunt as he rolls around trying to find a comfy spot to sleep. I do these chores after the kids go to bed, but they were eager to help when Millie was showing me the ropes on Monday morning. Liam was very interested in what food each animal should get and James insisted on helping me push the wheelbarrow of mulch. He clutched one handle with his little fingers, ready to take charge of the whole operation. It was fun to see the two of them stomping around in their boots, learning about animals and wheelbarrow and mulch: one of the farm’s gifts to us.   

We had lots of fun activities again last week, and a great group of cottagers. One family showed us some Inuit games on talent night, showcasing their family heritage. Liam learned Inuit throat singing, and could later be heard throat singing as he played with his cars at home. The father of the family told us that throat singing was originally developed as a way of soothing babies who were worn on their mothers’ backs. The vibrations of the mother’s body as she sang would comfort the baby and help him fall asleep. In the games version of throat singing, the object is for two people to sing face to face without laughing. This is easier said that done!

The theme of the week was Angry Bird. Here's Liam modelling my Angry Bird mask.

Making birdhouses (and colouring)

We got kittens last week! They're a huge hit with the kids!

My favourite day last week was Saturday. The priest who said Mass for us delivered a fantastic homily, which spoke directly to our ministry at Waupoos. He reminded us that we must love always, in all circumstances. He also said that only the wounded heart can bring healing to others, can forgive, can be genuinely compassionate. We are all wounded, and this is not an obstacle to loving, but in fact, allows us to love more deeply. He spoke with great passion and conviction about the truth of the gospel; his message was inspiring and spirit-filled, a testament to what our faith is all about.    

Brendan and James were in New Brunswick for the weekend. Here's Jamesie on his first flight!

And sporting his new kilt from Nana: