My day before the event started with a new Wave member, Michelle Radich who dedicated time from her family life to help me shop for the food and supplies and then pack them for the trip for the next morning. The Lord knows how grateful I was to have her help! We really didn’t spend much time talking about other things then what we needed. We got right to work and did our best running around collecting our needs using three flat bed carts. It took a bit longer than planned but all went well and I was grateful for Michelle’s never-ending smile and gratitude to be of service, even though, after a couple of phone calls, she became dependant upon her family to make dinner without her. Thank you Heavenly Father for my First Angel.

Michelle and I met the next morning and commuted in separate vehicles with the supplies. Once we arrived at the encampment we were blessed with four more angels, a Mother and her two children around ten or twelve years of age and a young man in his twenties who stopped by to say hi. They helped us unload our vehicles and then helped us set up our canopy for our supplies. My heart was filled with joy for their unconditional love of service and hard work! A prayer of thanks was immediately said.

As the day continued into the next, there was great Love and affection for each Wave member who arrived. It was like meeting a family member you have not met yet or seen for some length of time. This outward expression carried on through our days together.

Everyone had settled in either their tents, tipis (teepees), covered wagon or indoor dorm room. The meals planned were healthy and tasty as most in attendance shared many times. I give thanks to those who took turns with the food preparation, cooking and clean up and especially to those who chose to make it their job each meal every day! “We all” made it possible and wonderful! 

Though our schedule was off at times, I believe this event was very successful in every aspect. God was teaching us through Mother’s example in the Native way…that everything happens in its own due time as God would have it for his own purpose. As we all were enjoying each others company during free time, food preparation times, meal times, and other scheduled events, our time was often consumed by conversation of questions and learning and sharing. Mother was quite often literally pulled away to tend to someone or in a discussion, being there for many who needed her time for sharing, learning and healing. And as you may reflect back, God was using many of us as a tool for others during our days there. Especially for those who were not apart of our group…like the young boy about 10 years old who was sitting at our campfire gathering with his parents nearby with little ones. He really started listening to our group talk about prayers especially when Mother mentioned how our prayers went up like beams of light. I took a quick glance at his face and saw how he was soaking it all in like a sponge. As the discussion continued, he left but returned with a blanket to wrap him self as he stayed to listen more and shared in our closing prayer. As Mother said many times in the Lakota language, “Lela Wast'a” meaning very good!

Our classes were very successful and through our participation, we learned much from each other. I believe everyone gained a better understanding and knowledge of what an encampment could be about under disastrous situations, and how to interact with people and their differences and fears. 

It was said by many, if you were not at the sunrise service you have missed out and there would be no way to share all that was experienced there. It was a great moment of teaching and learning for all—a time for all to see God's special blessings of inspiration through the drumming, songs and prayers. Besides the sun rising before us and touching us with its golden warm rays, and natures surroundings with heavenly beauty and sounds, God touched us with his spirit through the ceremony in his honor. There was a great sense of peace and serenity and a great Love for all!

As we were preparing for the silent auction display early in the day, there was a young girl about 6 years old named Catherine. She is the daughter of the gal named Kelly who helped run the camp grounds at the main office. Our Wave member Myra and Catherine became endearing friends. Catherine learned what our silent auction was all about down to where the money would go. After a bit, she came back with a Noah’s Ark two-finger puppet that was donated by her and sold at the auction. She personally said to me that she hopes the money that she gets from selling (auctioning) will "really help the people who need the money for help." Bless her little heart—we were blessed with another angel amongst us! 

Sunday evening after Mother received her gift from the Waves, and other Wave members were noted for their participation and help throughout the weekend, it was voted all hands up to have another Waves encampment gathering next year. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their time at the encampment, even those who were not campers. 

Till next time, I send all my Love. May Heavenly Father bless those who desire to come next year with the time and funds to attend and experience another wonderful encampment!

~ Donna Vetter ~

Dear WAVES family,

      I wanted to share some of my experience at the First WAVES Encampment.  Each of us has so much to give and to share with each other.  Each of our lights is needed to encourage and warm each other along this journey called Life.  With each word shared by those who were able to attend the Encampment, my prayer is that all WAVES will feel their important place in the joining of hands and hearts that is our WAVES family.  If you were not able to attend, you were missed.  No other can take your place, and yet, while you may have been absent physically, may your spirit know the truth of your place in the circle that is WAVES. 

From time to time, it is human nature to feel left out, when not able to be where others enjoyed themselves.   However, knowing that Jesus would never desire for any of us to feel left out, my prayer is that each word spoken about the Gathering, will feel as a hand outstretched from one of us to another, that each WAVE may feel lifted and transported to be included in the experience and joy shared on Vashon Island with our dear sister Betty.  Just as Betty carried her experience in heaven back to each of us, through Embraced, each sharing about the Gathering joins our hearts and hands together, allowing each WAVE whose heart desires so, to be an integral part, always, of the love that binds us as a WAVES family. 

Feeling that many WAVES who were present will share the highlights of this Gathering in a way that will give a good sense of the experience and allow all to feel a part, I felt inspired to share my own highlights in this manner (below).  Each WAVE at the Encampment exemplified Christ’s love in meaningful ways.  Here are some highlights of how the WAVES present gifted me with their love.

The Light of A Friend, WAVES Encampment 2009
A friend I had never met before greeted me warmly and asked me about myself.
A friend showed me the way on an unfamiliar path.
A friend made me feel welcome, should I need a place to stay.
A friend made my heart happy by asking to bunk with me.
A friend shared their extra bedding with me.
A friend brought me a drink when I was thirsty.
A friend told me that it was great to spend time with me.
A friend thanked me.
A friend walked with me, so I would not be alone.
A friend described an experience I missed, escorting me back in time to share the wonder they felt.
A friend let me know she needed me.
A friend told me what my simple cards had meant to her over the years.
A friend provided an opportunity to reach out with love to those in prison.
A friend ensured an abundance and variety of healthy and nourishing food at every meal.
A friend could always be found in the kitchen, creating meals with love for body, mind and soul.
A friend blessed our food, honoring our Creator’s gifts, commencing our fellowship at each meal.
A friend shared their gift of song, and my spirit soared with each note.
A friend offered healing tones on their handmade native flute.
A friend provided insight on how to acquire skills which can benefit loved ones in emergency situations.
A friend helped me to build a shelter, and we took what could be work and made it fun.
A friend praised my efforts.
A friend led us in honoring our Creator and Mother Earth with a lakeside sunrise service.
A friend and her daughter drummed a native song to honor our Creator.
A friend asked me to keep in touch, and told me that she valued what I had to share.
A friend laughed with me, and what was funny became funnier.
A friend opened his heart, and pointed to my place within it.
A friend blessed me with their presence.
A friend listened to me.
A friend honored what is most special to me.
A friend smiled goodbye, and my heart took a picture.
A friend shared unconditional love with me, and asked me to do the same for others.
A Friend found me in the woods, and smiled at me through the trees, sky, and eyes of every color.
Thank you, friend.  I carry you home in my heart.

With appreciation for each WAVE,
Love & hugs,

      With mostly a “rustic” setting (I say nearly, as one could still hear some sound of traffic in the distance), the very first WAVES Encampment was peaceful, if not restful in every way! Some were comfortable enough in this setting to let go of their past histories of stuff and make a new start in their lives. This kind of liberating experience cannot only lift the spirit in newer levels of hope and love, but also mark the path to living life more abundantly. And that can only bless ones life.

A liberation of sorts also came to me in an unusual way.  During a fireside, I fell and hurt my ribs to the extent of slowing much of my activities right down! Not being one used to assistance, the male WAVES were especially attentive and I was grateful for their brotherly love and affection!  Thank you, fellows, you were so very wonderful and I love you!

My fellow sister WAVES were very busy fixing meals, serving them, cleaning them up and all were in high spirits and showed great love for each other.

We were also blessed to miss the hotter days and that was good for all new campers. My tent was comfortable as I lay, wondering at the lesson of such an accident and the timing of it. One WAVE pointed out to me “Well, you do so much for us, this way we finally get to do something back for you!”

The spirit of the Heavenly Father was there and could be felt by all present. The Pipe Ceremony, for me, was perhaps my very favorite moment in the camp (besides Donna and her Crews cooking, of course! All her food is to die for! Ok, and Tom’s hot dogs were yummy!) For the Ceremony I had the privilege to learn a Native song on my flute. I joined Monique, and her lovely daughter Justin, as they drummed and I played one of my flutes giving thanks to God,  “The Creator’s Song.” I used the Eagle flute that I made for Betty and gifted her with after the song. It was such a beautiful sunrise service, on which I know I will not forget anytime soon! In this peaceful sitting, I found new friends, knowledge and comfort to know the care from loving hands—to  my mind, encampments are a hit, and I pray will be the agenda for our WAVE Gatherings from now on!

      My experience at this first ever WAVES Gathering Encampment is one I will treasure all my life.  It was a blessing to be surrounded by the beauty of Seattle on Vashon Island where nature seemed to be in full bloom.  Getting along with each other seemed to come naturally to all of us and I felt a closeness, respect and fondness for every single person there.

There are many things that stand out to me while camping, like the sacred ceremony at the pond, our evening circle of prayer around the campfire, the drums, saxophone, flute and song, the stories that others shared about their lives and healing, the ‘Build a Survival Shelter in 20 minutes’ competition and much, much more.  Listening to Betty talk and share always is one of my most favorite parts of any WAVES gathering and being in this type of setting made listening to her and being near to her extra special.  

One of the things I treasure and enjoyed most was learning from Donna/WalksTallWomen and bonding with new and old WAVES while on kitchen duty.  Chef Donna is an awesome teacher and I admire her skills, knowing and patience very much.  It was obvious that every item, meal, drink, snack and ‘detail’ was prayerfully planned and put together special for our group.  I never imagined eating healthy and without many of the home amenities we are all use to, would be so energizing, fun and simple.   I will be using the menu ideas to prepare healthy and satisfying meals for my family.  Although it is hard to pick a favorite I would have to say I am craving the Taco Shell Oriental Salad and the mouth watering Vegetable Soup with Breadsticks.  

Betty said “Love includes Preparation”. We all have loved ones that we care about so it only makes sense that we prepare for them and for ourselves. This encampment gathering gave me the opportunity to sleep in a tent and build a shelter. I learned about building fires and ways to find water. It helped me feel much better prepared by way of skill and I can't wait for the next gathering.  

With so much love and gratitude,
Renee’ 

      Every gathering I have been to (all but one), I usually find a theme. For example, one year the message was, "WAVES are an international family." This time, the theme seemed to be "Building Encampment Communities from the Building Blocks Up." And from what we have heard of the possible severe trials the world may face, any Encampment will absolutely need strong, cohesive, efficient, and well-organized communities!

My understanding of the 2007 Everett gathering is that it was a very close-knit, wonderful experience. This time around, people were more spread out and less clustered. However, I witnessed several cases of people getting to know each other, or know each other better, or even working out past issues, in very small groups of two or three.  The smallest unit of "social" life is two people. My thought is that this gathering included many personal breakthroughs at that basic level, the building blocks of society.

A tape I bought years ago gave me a new way of thinking about communities. First, people start off dependent: children are dependent on parents. In becoming an adult, people become INdependent; each person can stand on their own and take care of themselves. Lastly, people become INTERdependent. In my view, this is where we realize that we can do so much more together, as we work together to create something greater than the sums of the parts.

Many examples of interdependence and teamwork occurred at the Encampment. For example, some of us forgot to bring a couple of items, but were able to borrow from others. Another example was an accidental injury; we discussed how people in such situations may need others to offer help (reminder: Betty wants us to take first aid courses!). And of course, throughout the Encampment we had wonderful hot meals, plentiful drinks and supplies, traditional Ojibwe music, informative discussions, warm fires, and a lovely place to live—all because people were willing to sacrifice and work for the good of all. Yes, most of us were capable of fending for ourselves, but how much better it was to have that teamwork that made all the best things possible!

Lastly, the topic of leadership seemed to resonate strongly this year when I brought it up at a discussion. In my opinion, leadership is absolutely key for any community, and I believe three very important jobs of a leader are as follows:

1. A good leader helps make every person feel welcome and needed by the rest of the group. A good leader makes sure there are no stragglers and no people feeling left out without a job to do. This also brings new blessings to the group when new skills are contributed.

2. A good leader builds up every person and helps them grow into their endless potential, helping people become confident in their skills and contributions, and helping nurture the spirit of teamwork and interdependence.

3. To do all these things, a good leader must get to know people, sometimes one on one, to learn each person's strengths and weaknesses, and to find what gives that person joy and enthusiasm.

Hmm, sounds like how to build a community to me!

So, it all seemed to tie together: "Building Encampment Communities from the Building Blocks Up"!

      Believe me... I was touched by the Event in more ways than one! What I want to do is praise those who worked so hard to make this gathering so wonderful.

Praise God for you, Betty! I love you with all my heart. You are the eighth wonder of the world to me, a true force of nature—not just because you have loved me all these years, but I marvel at how you always find the time to make each and every WAVE/person feel valuable and loved, something we can all learn from. This is better than any form of sightseeing, better than anything I could ever stumble upon or arrange. With you I am your Godson. Thank you!! Your Trust is very healing.

The pipe ceremony was transcending, so bonding for all who were there. I was utterly spellbound as I watched Betty summon Generations of Native heritage from her cellular memory to enhance the experience. As she made offerings to the Creator for our planet and for all of us, what came to mind for me was to officially offer myself and seal it with a kiss. Your prayer, Betty, was like a christening to me.

Thank you, Tom Eadie, for being a Brother, for sharing your heart and goodwill with me. You know I dislike my job at the facility I work, but it would be pleasure to serve under you in the same capacity. You are a man of character and your closing prayer was moving and legendary!!

Donna - You were the backbone to this event. We wouldn’t have made it off the ground if not for you and those who helped. You kept us fed and energized. You taught all your assistants to walk tall and proud. I look up to all of you!

This encampment was a Field of Dreams. I'm sure the angels were rejoicing with the love that resonated. Yes, it was a wonderful event and the best so far! 

 

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The Connections We Make Bless Us
By Tom Racanelli

     I find that the connections we make and strengthen enrich my life. Also, the knowledge I gain - both new and reinforcement of that which I already understand, enriches and advances my spiritual life and faith in the Almighty. At the encampment I found it wise to make relationships with others because they may just have what you are missing!

I also learned individual characteristics about myself, such as to honestly assert my needs. Each WAVE fulfills a different and unique purpose. Some, of course, are strong posters on the WAVES Board and carry the good news of God's love and essence out to the ether. Others may be more passive, and fulfill different and unique requirements and obligations which may exist, like service through prayer.

I also noticed that each of us are different flavors, yet as WAVES, are all cut from the same spiritual cloth, which provides a base flavor of goodness to compliment our individual spice and flare!

Om Namah Shivaya - I honor the God in you.

Love, Tom

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God's Every-Day Signs
By Dave Colelli

        The sunrise service during the WAVES Encampment held a very special meaning to me. While sitting by the waters edge waiting for the ceremony to begin, I began to think of how Betty was blessed to be shown the beauty of the heavens and to have all of her questions answered by Jesus. I thought of how wonderful it would be for me to have the same opportunity to ask Jesus any questions I wanted and be filled with complete knowledge and truth. It would be so much easier if Jesus would show me the effect of my good deeds and how my thoughts and prayers made a difference. I then began to understand with that experience comes great responsibility, one that I may not be ready to accept at this point in time. I just wish God would show me if we as WAVES were truly making a difference!  

I began to take notice of the water and all of the activity and life that took place. Small insects moved about on the still pond causing infrequent ripples every now and then. A thought came into my head suggesting not to look at the pond as a body of water but to visualize it as a map of the earth. I could now see the various continents and countries that make up our fragile planet and visualized all of the people that inhabit its borders.

Suddenly, the ripples began to increase slowly spreading in large circles throughout the pond. The ripples increased at a rapid pace now starting to touch each other as they expanded. I began to think that this is the effect we as WAVES will have on our planet showing unconditional love to each person we encounter in our daily lives. All at once, there was an explosion of activity on the water’s surface causing a tidal wave of ripples to cover the entire surface of the pond. It is at this point that I felt that God was answering my question as to the effect my good deeds and love would play on my fellow man.

    I now understood that God will answer many of our questions in the most simple, every day signs. In the beauty of a flower, the laughter of a child and the setting of the sun lay many of God’s answers to our most pressing questions. We just need to be willing to listen with an open heart.

Dave Colelli

 

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Being Open to God's Gifts
By Lonnie Leach

      

      Never having been to a WAVES gathering I wasn't entirely sure what to expect from this weekend.  So, I decided not to expect anything in particular and just go prayerfully with an open mind and heart.  Looking back, I have to say that the one, single, outstanding characteristic of the event was the fellow WAVES who had come.  Betty is, of course, a very special lady and my spirit is still sending her a big Migwech ("Thank you" in Ojibwe -- I hope) for the many ways in which she blessed me.  But every single person who came had a very loving spirit and each one brought their unique gifts and talents to the whole group.  It was like a puzzle in which every piece is different in shape, color and texture, but each one is needed to make the big picture complete and beautiful.  

It is this way with ALL WAVES whether present at the gathering or not:  each are special, loved by God and their fellow WAVES. And as each of us brings our piece of the love to the entire group, the big picture is beautiful beyond description, as well as a sacred vessel through which God is blessing the whole earth and its inhabitants!

I did not know this when I went into it, but this Encampment experience was to be a very special one for me personally.  Spirit spoke to me in a powerful and unmistakable way that still leaves me in awe.  I was given a very special gift while there and a very important message as to how I was to use this gift to bless others.  It was totally unexpected, which is one way I know that it was totally from God and not from my own desires.  It is not something I would have ever thought to want for myself.  But now that it has been given I am deeply thankful and praying that God helps me to shoulder well the responsibility that goes with it. 

I wanted to share this part of my experience because I wanted to remind all WAVES of the importance of being open to the gifts God has for us.  He has bigger plans for each person than we can possibly imagine on our own.  We don't have to attend an encampment or gathering to receive them -- although I do think I was more receptive in that environment than I would have been elsewhere.  God can give us His gifts in such odd times and places that we will never see them coming!  Like any parent He loves to surprise us with good and unexpected things. If our hands are full of too many other things, there will be nowhere for Him to put His perfect gifts for each of us and we will miss out. I encourage all of us to make room in our lives, our homes, our hearts and our schedules for our Father's blessings.

Respectfully and Lovingly Submitted by
Lonnie
Daughter of Light

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My First WAVES Gathering
By Bill Leach

       Attending the gathering is a blessing I want to share and am sending a copy of Embraced By The Light to my uncle in California, who I think would fit in well! I am definitely planning on attending the next one!

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What Was Your Revelation?
By Myra Adams

      

It was not until I returned home to Florida, and my husband asked me what revelation I had received during the retreat, that I even realized I'd had a revelation. (Which proves its always good to have a husband around who assumes you've had a revelation before you knew you had one.)

The revelation was quite simple as God's messages often are.
It was:
" I am with you. I know are not happy at the moment with what is going on in your life but I am with you during this time. You are doing what you need to be doing. Focus on all your blessings."

So why did I have to travel to Vashon Island to hear that message?  The Lord sometimes speaks to me (and others) when we are away from our usual surroundings and especially in a natural setting. That lovely setting coupled with the opportunity to meet some new WAVES and to be re-acquainted with some familiar faces was a true blessing and has had some positive, lasting effects, such as trying to integrate God's message from the retreat into my daily life.

I now know with great clarity that it's not about me. It's about HIM.  HE is always trying to teach us, mold us, and shape us into what he needs us to be, so we can better glorify HIM.
I am still not pleased with some of my life's circumstances at the moment. HE knows that. But through these circumstances I will grow and learn what I am supposed to learn, and as a result grow closer to HIM.

I told my husband now as a result of this retreat, I would stop complaining about how much I hate Florida.  I would stop complaining about how my Mother's recent paralyzing stroke and my new role as her daily caregiver is driving me over the edge. I would stop complaining about how my business has suffered due to the economic downturn. I would stop complaining about how much I miss my former social life, my house, and my friends in Washington, DC.

So now as a result of this retreat, I have a new perspective. HE is with me.  Count your blessings!

Thank you all for making this WAVES gathering a blessed one.
I hope and pray that after reading this message, each of you can honestly answer the question my husband asked me.    What was your revelation?

On a more earthly plane, thanks to Donna and Tom for all their hard work planning and implementing. And of course, many, many thanks to Betty for giving her all to ALL of us, 24 hours a day for 3 days.

Wishing you much Love in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
HE IS WITH US ALL. COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS!
Myra Adams

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Standing In My Strength
By Juan-Marie James

      This WAVE's gathering came at the right time in my life. It started off like most of my trips this summer, prayer for safety and guidance, opportunities to spread God’s love and bless others. I was welcomed with open arms and received lots of encouragement to shine my light for others to see. My soul opened up!

On Saturday morning as we sat and shared, Betty and I spoke openly about an incident that occurred five years ago that needed to be healed. I stood in awe of what God did. Although I wanted to pull back in fear, I reminded myself that it was important to trust God in this process and allow both of us to speak openly without fear.

Throughout this sharing I felt the love of God surrounding me and Betty. My healing journey with Betty began that moment but continued that evening. We were able to clean the bridge from any residual hurts between us.

That night I openly shared with WAVEs about my healing journey. From the first time I wrote Betty and was secretly planning to take my life, to our first meeting where she spiritually called out to me at a speaking engagement and found me in a crowd of over 500 plus people—I shared about how Betty claimed my soul, attaching a spiritual umbilical cord to me and fed me unconditional love. Throughout the years, Betty taught me about God’s love, sharing, giving, receiving and blessing others with my life. She encouraged me to heal from my childhood abuse and to seek God’s purpose for my life.

I learned to stand in my strength.  

That night left a footprint on my heart.

To stand in strength means that we must step out in faith. Faith requires us to step out trusting God, not man. Man does not give us faith, it is God. Strength today is a gift, but the strength tomorrow requires faith. The faith that everything will be okay and will work out according to God’s will.

This gathering solidified the message God has spoke into me to stand in my strength and fully let go of my past. This means that the things from my past can no long hold me back from walking into my future.

I made an important decision this past weekend. I will stand strong spiritually as I walk in all the areas in my life. I have chosen to walk in respect without walls or barriers. My heart must be free to be all that God wants me to be.

There is a phrase that says,

“Watch your thoughts for they become your words.
Choose your words for they become your actions.
Understand your actions for they become habits.
Study your habits for they become characters.
Develop your character for it becomes your destiny!”

During this gathering I learned that my thoughts of wanting life created words that seek life. My words pushed my actions forward. My actions grew and became a habit and desire. My desire blossomed into character and through this I stood up, opened up and shone like a shining star!

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Feeling Inspired to Prepare
By Bonnie Gamborsky

      

      Walking into camp was a wonderful experience. Seeing friendly faces of those I have not seen in 2 years warmed my soul.  I also enjoyed getting to know those I have not met before, although you never seem to have as much time with every person that you would like.  New to the gathering or seasoned veteran, it did not seem to matter.  It felt like being amongst loving family members.  I loved the laughter and enjoyed the companionship.

I have never had the pleasure to experience a pipe ceremony or listen to the native drums and flute.  I can still hear the drums and songs that were played that early morning at sunrise.  It is something I will always treasure, along with Betty sharing about how she was gifted with her pipe and about the native ways.  I also very much enjoyed sleeping in a teepee for the first time.  It seemed to bring me closer to the native way which I find very fascinating.

As much as I would like to say that I have my 72 hour preparedness kit ready, that is not the case.  But after listening to the preparedness presentation it has given me a renewed interest in finishing this kit once and for all.  For those of you who are not as prepared as you should be, may you also feel inspired to do just this. 

Thanking the Lord for this precious time together and looking forward to the possibility of being present at the next gathering.

Lots of love always,
With whispers of peace,
Bonnie

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Grace Like Rain Falls Down On Me
By Denise Valdez

      This was my husband, Larry and my first WAVES meeting, and the first time we had a hug from Betty and the WAVES.  What an experience from Friday through Monday, it felt like only 24 hours.  The peacefulness of Vashon Island was a perfect pick, indeed.  So many memories that are deserving of attention, sharing just a few of our favorites would be only fitting.

Beginning gathering in the big room, Juan-Marie was teaching piano lessons to Justine, Monique White Bear’s daughter. I stood next to the piano to hear and experience more closely.  Juan-Marie then began to sing a song, but not just any song, the song: “Hallelujah, Grace like Rain Falls down on Me.” The words: “When we’ve been there 10,000 years, bright shining as the sun, we’ve no less time to sing God’s praise, then when we first begun.”  Ah, not being able to resist I joined in …and soon others joined. Betty came over to the piano, Eri and Sonia Rae joined in the chorus, as did angels unaware…were smiling at our praise and worship as they too must have joined in.

So many beautiful relationships were formed as a result!  Memories flood my mind like having conversations with Eri about pi (not the kind you eat), getting to know Tom (a mutual kindred soul who loves taking care of the elderly) and has a fabulous tune on his saxophone.   The favorite of all was when he played the Pink Panther; we all expected a cartoon to come out of the woods to join in the fun! LOL…  Tom’s sister, Donna, WOW… what a daughter Betty has! Donna kept the "ice on the meat" and the "cooking sweet" and the program on the ball. Her organization skills, mixed with her sweet and tender heart, are quite a winner! 

Then there were survival skills when we learned how to take a large piece of plastic with string to make a “tent” within 20 minutes (is that right)?  No wonder…the heat was on, three groups doing their best to make a tent. Personally, I was wondering if we would have to test it out for a night with the five others in our group.  Well, no doubt the group that made the tent in a make-shift fort (that was already there) had everyone’s envy; they had a fire pit inside and a 2 story balcony! Then there was the tent that was the expert in wilderness survival, who tied to trees with the string using a pine cone to anchor it…the group was praying and singing Kumbaya!!! Well, Sonia Rae was the leader of my group and I talked her into throwing the plastic over a picnic table and anchoring it with the cement blocks…fine, but what about breathing in there?  What about pregnant Monique White Bear, well, she could sleep on top LOL…just kidding…what do you expect in 20 minutes?  What a relief we didn’t have to sleep in them!

The best of times took place at the Fisherman’s pond.   Oh, how amazing to behold the lily pads blowing in the wind, which looked like they were dancing on the water.  For the SUNday morning service, we gathered at the break of dawn to honor our Creator, have quiet time to reflect our lives, the earth and the Creator that gave all this precious love to us.  What unity and what love were present during this very special quiet time.  We all saw a side to Betty that closely resembled Jesus washing the feet of His devoted disciples; Betty did this cleansing with sage and her special eagle feather.  What a feeling of cleansing of the spirit, soul and body.  Then the music from the beating of  Monique White Bear and her daughter on the drums, slowly, meticulously, then the melody of mother/daughter voices singing hymns in Native language, oh it gives chills to think about how anointed and holy that time was…the pipe ceremony and the special blessings over people and things…Thank you Betty! 

Then Vicki Kathleen with her sweet voice began singing The Impossible Dream. Then blessed us all with her knowledge of flute making, Lonnie bought the first pipe Vicki made from the silent auction; and during the Sunday morning ceremony Vicki Kathleen presented Betty with another (3rd pipe) pipe that had an eagle carved on it, so precious, so beautiful, given to Betty with so much love.

The unity of God’s people, gathered to learn and grow, experience love for each other, all while working at an Encampment (so close to Betty’s written vision) blessed all of us so much!

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God’s Mysterious Ways Reach the Lost
By Larry Valdez

      

I could relate to a story of Betty’s about how God uses what is, sometimes using the things of the world to accomplish his purposes. For years I had a street ministry organization taking runaway children off the streets. At the same time, I had a truck route that went through the heart of the city where all the runaways congregated.  My problem was that I was a liquor delivery driver and I had a hard time reconciling doing this job along with my ministry.  I was thinking of quitting but had no other means of support. I was also hesitant to quit because this particular job kept me in the heart of the troubled area where the runaways lived. 

One day I was delivering to a store when a lady approached me while I waited for a purchase order to be signed. She started a conversation and I began discussing my ministry with her.  I confessed my uneasiness about my ministry and delivering liquor at the same time.  She told me that she saw absolutely no problem doing both, that the liquor would be delivered anyway whether it was delivered by me or someone else.  She felt God would not hold it against me because of the work I was doing to help others.  I felt a great comfort and peace after she told me this. Next, my purchase order was signed and when I turned around she was gone! Only seconds and the woman was completely gone!  I inquired the store owner if he had seen her, he said, “yes I saw her in the aisle.” When I asked where she went, he said, “She just disappeared!”  I searched all over because I wanted to talk to her some more, but she was nowhere to be found. 

From that day on I had peace about what I was doing. I ended up taking several children off the streets, rehabilitating them, and then reconnecting them with their appreciative families. Watching them turn their lives around was such a blessing well worth the risk I took daily.  I would not have been able to do this effective work, if I was not on the liquor delivery truck route.  So, yes, God sometimes does use the foolish things of this world to work in mysterious ways to reach the lost… all to His glory!   

 

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We Worked Well Together
By Monique and Justine Beaupre

      We anxiously awaited the time of the encampment and the flight went well. At the airport Justine and I we're promptly picked up by Michelle and dropped off at the ferry to Vashon Island where Donna and Michelle came to pick us up. The transitions went very well, we were very impressed. 
 
At the encampment, there was Sonia! She was sitting on the bench watching out for incoming WAVEs. What a welcome that was! Then we met Vicki. It was so beautiful there, hot and sunny. The setting of the camp was rustic and most beautiful!
 
The food was great, delicious, and healthy! It's no wonder, because we had Donna as our chef who carefully planned all the meals and beverages. Justine and I greatly appreciated everything that was served to us. Donna even made sure there was apple sauce and yogurt for me to have in between meals (as I was 7 months along).
 
Sleeping arrangements were also well planned. Justine and I slept in the eagle tipi. It was very cool that first night on Thursday night, but we were all warm and snug in our sleeping bags.
 
We went with Betty for hikes in the back trails to the pond. I recognized the beautiful trees in the Seattle area as it was on the front cover in one of her books. Betty found us some walking sticks just off the trail. And there were no mosquitoes or black flies to bother us like in Northern Ontario! But we did notice a lot of dragonflies of different colors! There was a nice canopy and bench by the pond as we sat and rested awhile before heading back to the encampment. We shared small talk about things and it was very relaxing.
 
The time went all too fast, and the next thing we knew it was 5:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, only 30 minutes to be to the side of the pond. I was surprised that most of the WAVEs were there already! There were about twenty of us altogether.
 
Betty and I have not taken our sacred items and used in a while, yet we worked well together. We began with a smudge to remove all negativity, and cleansed our spirits and soul. Betty taught us about the pipe and how the White Buffalo Woman brought it to the Lakota people who were near starvation. It is to be used as a tool to remain focused when in prayer with the Creator.
 
Justine and I sang drum songs as we were led by the Spirit to sing the songs. For example, we sang the White Buffalo Woman song after Betty's teaching, and the Creator song as we finished the sunrise ceremony. Betty did not know any of the songs that Justine and I sang but it was as if it was all perfectly planned and remained in sync together. Betty raised her pipe for it to be blessed by the Creator facing the eastern direction. She held it up for quite a while and then lowered the pipe as the song was coming to an end. That's the first time I have ever witnessed that kind of closure to a ceremony. We should do this all the time to get our pipe blessed and to honor Creator when we finish ceremonies. Again, this ceremony was beautiful.
 
The next thing we knew, it was time to leave Seattle (all too early for some of us leaving at 4:45 a.m.). Again, the transition from one point to the next went very well. I felt in my heart that these plans were well prayed over. It was much appreciated, and we all felt loved immensely! Thank you Betty and family for making the encampment a special event. We will remember this in our mind and in our hearts forever!
 
Lovingly,
Monique and Justine

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Mary or Martha?
By Michelle Radich

      Mary or Martha? This was a question I posed to myself a few times before Sonia came into the kitchen and voiced it out loud. Working in the kitchen while missing some of the valuable discussions taking place outside might have been a sacrifice for some, but for me, it was exactly what I needed. Some of the greatest discussions can take place working shoulder to shoulder in the familiarity of the kitchen, and it gave me the opportunity to get to know some of our WAVE family members more closely. We had beautiful discussions of blessings, family, health care, service work, the future, healthy food and eating habits—as well as Betty’s books and music (which I had never heard to that point) and many other interesting subjects.

The wonderful thing about a WAVE encampment is that every participant is so well studied, spirit-filled and knowledgeable that each conversation had Christed intention, and was a gift. The added benefit of being in service to my new friends was a bonus. I could not be more grateful for each and every one of my new family members, and I am a better person for having met you all. Hugs to all!

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The People I Met
By Juana Miranda

      What stood out for me the most was the people I met. I was able to experience a bit of their life journey and knowledge. I felt that I learned to connect with spirituality more deeply, as well as a special connection to Mother Nature. I loved the great time learning new things. I loved everyone I spoke to. I especially love the gatherings around the fire and the sharing.

 

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Encampment Vision
By Betty J. Eadie

A detailed account of the "Encampment Vision" given to me in 1995.

      I saw a stretch of road which led northward through a huge forest of trees. The forest and valley which stretched below it were filled with plants of every kind—bushes, trees, grasses, ferns and flowers.

To the right of the road (east), the trees had been cleared for a parking lot which at first seemed out of place in all this beauty. However, great thought had been taken to preserve the natural feel of the surroundings and to preserve the environment. The lot was arranged pleasingly and was planted with stands of trees for privacy. Many vacation vehicles such as RVs and campers were parked here. Interspersed throughout this lot and in the trees surrounding it were many camping spots with pop-up campers or tents of all sizes. People went quietly about, setting up and tending to their camps and visiting with one another. I sensed their spirits were happy and serene.

I continued along the road until I came to another lot, also to my right. This was full of pickups, vans, SUVs and cars. It too felt peaceful and serene. People here were gathering belongings from their vehicles and walking across the road. The trees and undergrowth were thick and uninterrupted except for a wide path which led westward into the forest. I turned and followed some people along this path until we came to two beautifully carved totem poles standing tall on either side of the path. These could not be seen from the road and marked the formal entrance to the Encampment itself. A sign read: "Hushed voices only please. You are entering sacred ground."

Beyond the entrance the main path continued ahead with many side paths leading off into the trees. These led to clearings, small and large, where traditional Native tipis (teepees) had been erected. Some camps held single tipis, others, family groups. Each camp was nestled into the forest in such a way as to provide a cozy and private living area.

I continued westward along the main path until I arrived at the center of the Encampment where several long houses were arranged around a central clearing or commons area. Built of logs, split and framed in traditional fashion, these served various purposes. One long house contained administration offices and medical facilities. Others held sleeping quarters for those not wishing to camp outdoors. On the south side stood the Great Long House, a community center for meetings, guest speakers and for instructional classes in survival skills and basic handcrafts. It also held indoor and outdoor cooking facilities where all meals were prepared for the permanent residents of the Encampment as well as year-round seasonal visitors. Communal meals were served buffet style outside in the central clearing or, on rainy days, inside the Great Long House.

All other areas of the Encampment had been positioned outward, surrounding this central hub of buildings and were accessed by paths leading to all compass points like spokes on a wheel.

To the north lay barns and fenced areas for raising animals such as chickens, goats, sheep, cattle and hogs. Nearby stood feed sheds and a slaughter house. The animals provided meat and dairy products. Their hides would be used in all the traditional ways, for clothing, moccasins, shelter coverings, and to make many other useful items.

To the northwest the forest had been cleared to provide several acres for growing edible plants and crops. I saw vegetables and fruits of every variety, berries, nuts and grains, food for the farm animals as well as kitchen herbs, medicinal plants, and flowers. The gardens and orchards were beautifully arranged and, because manure from the animals was put to good use here, they appeared lush and green and vibrant. Each kind of crop was planted in its time so that, year round, fresh seasonal produce could be harvested and used.

On the west side of the Encampment stood facilities for preserving and storing food. There was a smoke house and some drying sheds. Bunkers had been dug into the ground as root cellars and for food preserved in bottles and earthenware pots. Though there was a river nearby, a well had been dug to provide fresh drinking water.

With these storage facilities, seasonal gardens and orchards, and the farm animals, there would be plenty of food to keep the Encampment going year round and to feed upwards of a thousand people at any one time. I had seen perhaps a thousand people in my "tour" of this Encampment. A smaller percent of them were year-round residents. These were the caretakers and the teachers, each with his or her specialty or talent put to best use. Most of them were Native Americans.

The rest of the people, whether they came for a few days, a few weeks, or longer, were here to learn, to observe and to practice the many skills so wonderfully demonstrated here such as skills for basic survival and for living self-sufficiently off the land. These shorter-term residents were also put to work according to their skills and talents and their desire to learn. Every man, woman, and child old enough to work had an assignment and was happy and busy at their duties. They might be tending the gardens and the animals, hunting or fishing, preparing meals or doing the clean up, bringing wood in for fires, maintaining buildings and pathways, caring for younger children, helping set up camps, or otherwise performing the many tasks necessary for the daily maintenance of the Encampment. The seasons naturally dictated many of these assigned duties as well as the kinds of classes offered. When not performing duties or attending classes or workshops, people rested or played or worked on handicraft projects. Many wandered through the camp, meeting and chatting with others. Young and old, families and singles, everyone mingled joyfully together. Some relaxed on beautiful handmade hammocks hung from trees. Drums beat softly in the background and singers sang songs of praise to God, our Creator. The songs were so uplifting that some joined in with dancing.

On the southwest corner of the Encampment the ground sloped gently down toward a river which flowed serenely through the forest. Trees had been cleared here for an amphitheater which was under construction. Rows of logs for seating were being placed in semi-circle fashion facing a platform of split logs for a stage which stood at the bottom of the slope. I knew that some of the greatest teachers and spiritual leaders of the day would visit here to share their spiritual insights and great knowledge of nature and Creation. I imagined the amphitheater filled with a listening audience of, not only those currently staying at the Encampment, but also many who would travel for hours and perhaps days to hear the words of respected elders and teachers. This was also a perfect setting for evening firelight performances by musicians, actors, dancers and storytellers.

To the east of the amphitheater and on the south side of the Encampment, a path led through the woods to a secluded area where stood a Native Sweat Lodge. Built in the traditional manner, it was dug part way into the ground and had a domed roof made of poles and skins. Here, ceremonies and rites of purification were carried out for those who walked the Sacred Path. Farther still to the east in a large circular clearing was a Sundance Lodge for higher rites of sacrifice and healing.

All these areas of the Encampment were orderly and beautifully maintained, the design of each perfectly suited to its purpose. The Encampment as a whole lay easily on the land, respecting and even complimenting the natural forest surrounding it, as if it had always belonged. This was indeed a perfect place to experience God as our Creator and to learn of the earth as our Mother and how she was divinely created to provide for us.

 

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EBTL Study Forums

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Studying Betty's Books - Learning More about Preparedness

Look for instructions on how to register for Betty's EBTL Study Forums at the top of the WAVES Message Board. If you are not currently a WAVE, please read about Betty's WAVES Vision and see if your heart is moved to sign up and join us!

If you are already a WAVE and cannot get to the WAVES Message Board to learn more about these forums, please send an email with your name, birth date and the email address that you used to sign up for WAVES to Vicki Kathleen, our current Waves Board Coordinator at:
willowswaves@gmail.com 

If you have any questions, need help registering or reaching the EBTL Study forums, please email me. I look forward to meeting you in the study forum!

Sonia Rae
Forum Administrator
wavesforumadmin@ebtlstudyforum.com