Kalispell, Montana – Airway Heights, Washington
We left Montana’s Big Sky, changed time zones one last time, drove briefly through northwest Idaho’s slender chimney, and called it a day near Spokane, WA. None of these states claim Paul Bunyan, so he must have finally settled down in Minnesota. Now we have Sasquatch (Bigfoot), supposedly hiding out in the woods, but more commonly sighted in backyards, store fronts, and parking lots along Route 2. This guy belongs to a commune of hippie artists in Sandpoint, ID. Recognize the lovebeads? And, yes, they have a VW camper.
Today’s scenery was gorgeous, especially on our hike to Kootenai Falls near Libby, MT.
Nothing, however, inspired us as much as First Presbyterian Church of Kalispell. In 2012, FPC began sponsoring a ministry to some of the 300+ Kalispell skateboarders by putting up portable ramps all over town. These kids, the town’s most marginalized youth, are also terrific athletes. “Special JuJu” now meets in an urban warehouse; skaters and their friends show up right after school and stay until midnight, some skating in from towns as far as 13 miles away; dinner is served, and bags of food are sent home; and church members often offer their homes to those who are in need of shelter. This year JuJu youth skated in the town’s 4th of July parade, after which they hosted a community dinner and skate night on Main Street. FPC has recently hired a part-time Community Pastor to oversee this ministry and assist the congregation in providing a safe and loving environment for these special kids.
Oh, and, by the way, after constantly being told throughout our journey (especially in Native American villages) that certain structures and areas are “haunted,” we’re finally convinced.
On the Road Again 