April 13, 2009
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Easter weekend activities
John 20 tells us “ Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb…” and the subsequent return of Simon Peter running and the other disciple who peered in to the tomb uncertain what to expect, finding the linen cloths wrapped up and Jesus’ body gone.
We know the rest of the account from the belief of the other disciple to the sorrow of Mary and appearance of Jesus in the garden.
This has been my first Easter in the arctic and much quieter and different than the normal celebrations of Holy Week which may include the “Outdoor walk of the way “ on Good Friday or services at my local parish.
On Saturday I got out on the skis, a beautiful sunny, clear day and a balmy minus 15oC….made it around to the far side of the hamlet to a large igloo that I have been wanting to explore for a while.
Although I know it past weeks it has been manned, often seeing a ski doo outside, possibly several people gathering for tea, this afternoon it was looking quite abandoned, snow covered including the regular long entrance. Circling once I found a spot on the opposite side 
that had been broken open. Somewhat cautiously, took off the skis and went in side. Evidence of previous activities such as smoke encrusted walls, 
cooking and tea boiling, an ice window 
and blocked main entrance…. these remnants spoke of life and activity.On my return ski I was surprised by a dog team that was out for a run with excited dogs full of energy.
Perhaps not identical to those who approached the tomb with the stone removed but there were some parallels for Easter in the arctic.
As Christians at Easter we celebrate “ Lord of Life and Power, through the resurrection of your Son, you have overcome the old order of sin and death and made all things new in him.”
Around the hamlet being a 4 day weekend there were many getting out on the land,
either camping or in hopes of caribou hunting; on the way walking to church ran into 3 children toting empty Easter baskets but going to see their grandparents, the two hour service at the Anglican Church 
had both the Eucharist, visitors from Taloyoak, in Inuktitut but sermon interpreted thankfully and many “ Happy Easter “ greetings following.
Dinner was quieter but delicious… 
My new roommate Ed had rice, chicken, and cod fish patties, 
all nicely seasoned….many of which reflect his Bajan roots. 
A later visit from Elsa who is teaching the Home care ladies for the new long term facility here….so tea and good conversation, and one of my plants toted to her home as I am getting ready to leave this week and not taking any green with me.
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