Broken Walls News
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Anvik, 2014
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Jonathan recently travelled to Anvik, Alaska to present a drum-making seminar to the young people of the community.
Jonathan shares: “The flight over here was truly amazing. The way the land looked without snow is so beautiful. I probably saw 50 moose on the way there. I was the only passenger in a very small plane flying at about 1200 feet for about 40 minutes. The ground was quite a sight.
I met a lady named Donna who is a linguist for the language and it was cool to hear the young people working with her.
I spent most of my time in the wood shop with the youth making flutes and drums for the school I love these kids and the community. I did a solo concert in the evening and the class room was full. I was able to share songs and words from my heart and I know that I will return some day.
After working on flutes and drums all day, my hands were tired and for the first time ever, I got this wicked cramp in my hand in the middle of a song. I tried to keep going but had to stop for a minute. I used that moment for a good joke and it worked.
At the end of the evening, a young couple came up to me with their little baby. They said: “She goes to sleep every night listening to your music and when she cries, it’s the only thing that will calm her down.” I am blessed!
Before leaving, I was able to finish some flutes and remade a beautiful drum from local materials. I felt sad leaving but I know that I was able to leave good things behind. Please pray for the young people in our remote communities that mentors will be raised up among them and that they will be encouragers to one another. This is a wonderful community with great potential. I would love to do this type of seminar in other communities.”