By: Jean Boonstra
Blue Birdie, the reliable Dehavilland Beaver airplane, sat ready on
Discovery Mountain’s Little Lake. Mr. Simon adjusted his headset while
Jake reviewed the safety checklist. “All clear,” Jake announced.
As Mr. Simon reached for the ignition switch, he heard footsteps running
down the dock towards them. A familiar voice called out. “Mr. Simon! Jake!
I’ve got an important mission for you!” It was Tara Scott-Smith. Mr. Simon
and Jake looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders. “I guess we’re
not going fishing,” Jake said with a laugh. “Not today,” Mr. Simon agreed
and hopped out of the plane.
“Tara, what’s going on?” he asked. Dr. Tara Scott-Smith breathed hard,
trying to catch her breath. “Mr. Simon, Jake, I just got off the phone with a
friend, Dr. Gordon Thompson. He’s working with a remote community in
Northern Saskatchewan, Canada.” “Oh, Mr. Simon,” Jake interjected,
“Canada is where you’re from!” “Yes,” Mr. Simon answered, his attention
still on Tara. “Is there an emergency?”
“They’re dealing with a serious health crisis—most of the community has
fallen ill, and they’re running out of supplies.” Jake gasped. “That sounds
like a disaster,” he said. Dr. Scott-Smith nodded hurriedly. “They need our
help, and they need it fast,” she said. “It sounds serious,” said Mr. Simon.
“What kind of illness?”
“It’s a respiratory illness that’s spreading rapidly,” Dr. Scott-Smith explained.
“Dr. Thompson and his team are doing their best, but they’re overwhelmed.
The community is very isolated, and they have limited access to medical care.”
Mr. Simon furrowed his brow. “I see,” he said. “I was hoping,” the
doctor continued “that Blue Birdie might be able to help. Is there any way
we can fly up there and deliver the supplies they desperately need?”
Mr. Simon didn’t hesitate. “We’ll be ready when you are.” Jake nodded in
agreement. “What’re the coordinates?” he asked, ready to plug the
information into the navigation system. The doctor handed him a piece of
paper. “We can land on Lake Athabasca,” she explained.
“Thank you. I’ve already got a team at the hospital gathering supplies,” Dr.
Scott-Smith explained as she ran back towards the hospital. “And pack an
overnight bag,” she called back.
“Mr. Simon,” Jake whispered, “do you think that Blue Birdie can make this
trip alright? It’s a long way?” Mr. Simon nodded. “She can do it, Jake. You
heard Tara—people are counting on us. I have faith.”
Within the hour, Blue Birdie was packed with crates of medicine, oxygen
tanks, masks, and other essential supplies. Dr. Scott-Smith, now seated
behind Mr. Simon and Jake, briefed them on the situation as they took off.
“Dr. Thompson has been working with this community for years,” she
explained. “They trust him, but this outbreak has them scared. We need to
get these supplies to them quickly.”
Mr. Simon glanced back at her. “We’re with you, Tara. Blue Birdie’s up for
this leap of faith.”
As they flew north, the landscape gradually changed from the rolling
mountains of Discovery Mountain to the vast forests and lakes of Northern
Saskatchewan. And then they saw the rippling waves of Lake Athabasca.
Mr. Simon guided Blue Birdie to a smooth landing.
Jake peered out the window, spotting a group of people gathered on the
lakeshore. “Looks like they’ve been waiting for us.” As Blue Birdie floated to
the dock, the group eagerly ran towards them. A tall man with wiry glasses
led the charge. “Tara!” he called out. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Gordon!” Tara called out stepping onto the dock. “It’s good to see you. I’m
sorry that it’s under such urgent circumstances.”
Dr. Thompson nodded, concern etched on his face. “The illness is
spreading quickly. We’ve lost some of the elders. We need these supplies
desperately.”
Mr. Simon and Jake jumped down onto the dock and shook hands with Dr.
Thompson. “We’re here to help however we can,” Mr. Simon said. “Let’s get
these supplies unloaded and see what we can do.”
As they unloaded Blue Birdie, a young woman approached. She held the
hand of a little girl who looked up at them with wide, nervous eyes.
“I’m Sakari,” the woman said. “This is my daughter, Niska. She’s been
having trouble breathing for the past few days. We’ve been so worried.”
Dr. Scott-Smith knelt down beside Niska, her expression softening. “Hi,
Niska. I’m Dr. Tara. We’re going to help you feel better, okay?”
Niska nodded bravely. Sakari watched anxiously as Dr. Scott-Smith
examined Niska, listening to her lungs and checking her oxygen levels.
“She’s been so weak,” Sakari said, her voice trembling. “Thank you for
coming.”
“You’re doing a great job taking care of her,” Dr. Scott-Smith reassured.
“We’ll get the medications and oxygen set up very soon. We’ll get her
feeling better in no time.”
Mr. Simon and Jake worked with Dr. Thompson and the others to set up a
temporary clinic in the community hall. As more people arrived, it became
clear just how much the community had been struggling. The clinic quickly
filled with people, from young children to the elderly, all needing medical
attention.
Dr. Scott-Smith was finally able to treat Niska, giving her oxygen and
starting her on medication to help her breathe more easily. “You’re a brave
girl, Niska,” she said. “Take this medication, and use the oxygen like I show
you. And you’re going to be able to breath much easier.”
Niska managed a small smile. “Thank you, Dr. Tara.”
Mr. Simon and Jake carried supplies, handed out medications and
blankets, and helped in any way they could.
At the end of the busy day Dr. Thompson walked over to Mr. Simon and
Jake. “You two have been incredible,” he said. “We couldn’t have done this
without you.”
“We’re just glad we could help,” said Mr. Simon. “This community is strong,
and we’re honored to be here.”
Jake nodded in agreement. “This is a trip I’ll never forget.”
Sakari and Niska walked over, the little girl now breathing more easily.
“Thank you for helping us,” Sakari said, tears in her eyes. “You’ve given us
hope.” Mr. Simon smiled at them. “You’ve given us hope, too!”
The next morning Dr. Scott-Smith, Mr. Simon and Jake climbed back in
Blue Birdie. “Thank you both for accepting this mission,” the doctor said,
her voice tired, but happy. Mr. Simon grinned. “Thank Blue Birdie. If she
hadn’t chosen to make this flight, none of us could’ve made it.” Dr. Scott-
Smith laughed. “Thank you, Blue Birdie. You just took an amazing leap of
faith!”
And as they flew into the early morning light, the memory of the lives they
touched lingered. There’s power in faith, friendship, and the willingness to
help those in need.
Did you know that planes like Blue Birdie are used in mission work all
around the world? You can learn about some at flyawa.org