Floating the Chena

Since last summer, I've wanted to canoe or kayak down the Chena River. The Chena flows right through our town and dumps into the mighty Tanana south of town near the airport. Last year it never worked out and for the past month I've been trying to figure out a time to go.

It finally happened! 

beginning of the trip

Tanna agreed to go with me and we set out about 8pm Saturday night. It was a beautiful evening for being on the river. We couldn't convince her brothers to go, so it was just the two of us. She was quite entertaining - giving ongoing commentary of the trip, talking to strangers on the bank or on bridges above us and trying to maintain her composure when a much larger boat would zoom by us creating large waves. :) 

chillin' while Tanna did all the work

Honestly, it was a slow float (ok, Jordan, you were right). We couldn't just float with the current most of the time or it would have taken us forever! The last time I was on the Chena was when I caught my first King Salmon (10 years old); been a while. And I don't go canoeing much. So it was a nice first-time-being-back-on-the-water float. Next time, finding myself a faster river! Should be no problem in Alaska. :) 

Not that I've forgotten, but the picture below reminds me how much I love Alaska! I may be slightly bias, but I've done a fair bit of traveling and Alaska sure ranks high in the most beautiful places of the world. 

finished! about 1045pm

End of (kids) VBT, food and Crush!

Kids VBT is over for another year! That week of the year is one that is looked forward to with great excitement and dread at the same time. It is an awesome week, filled with lots of good times, laughter, cookies, craziness and of course kids! But it is a tiring week also. It only lasts 4 days - but when you spend roughly four hours a day on a bus with 20+ kids, then hang at the church for 2 1/2 hours with 400+ kids, (and that's after your normal day job) maybe you can understand why we are all so tired at the end. :) 

I wasn't even there every night, cause I had to work Tuesday evening. Oh, and remember I mentioned in my previous post that hopefully the police wouldn't show up this year.... well, they did. 

Wednesday night three cop cars pulled up and parked on the street next to our building. It seems some Jr. High girl got mad at another girl and punched her in the mouth during game time. The girl with the busted lip called her mom, who in turn called the police. Guess they thought it wasn't exciting enough. The police stuck around for a while, questioning those involved and some of the teachers of that class. But all is well. (as far as I know)

Bus #109 girl workers

late night craziness (after 11pm)

on bus with Howie & Matthew

Friday I was exhausted at work. But we had plans to cook at work, so it made the day much better. :) Food always has that effect. On the menu this time around was potato, egg, reindeer sausage skillet and waffles! 

skillet before eggs were added

waffles w/ strawberries, AK blueberries and homemade whipped cream

After work Friday night, I took Tanna home. I still hadn't seen her tortoise that she always talks about. So we figured that it was a good time.... regardless that it was already after midnight. Only problem was he wasn't were he was supposed to be. Finally Crush was located and we made each other's acquaintance. :) 

meeting Crush!

VBT shirts!!

VBT (Vacation Bible Time) is a big thing at our church. Many years ago, we had Neighborhood Bible Time to help us with our run-of-the-mill VBS. They came for two years; we learned a lot and NOW.... we have our very own, original Vacation Bible Time! Last night was the 1st night and we had over 400 kids! Whew. Yeah, I'm sure you can imagine the craziness that sometimes happens.... Really it goes quite smoothly for having that many kids, plus 120-some workers. (sometimes I wonder if the workers don't cause more problems than the kids) haha 

Anywho, I help on a (awesome) bus route! We kinda threw around the idea of having matching shirts for the bus workers. Last year we all had different soda brand shirts. So, last Thursday I came up with an idea, went to the store to pick up the shirts and a couple items and then went home to begin.... on a side note, that was quite the day! I worked from 8-3, went home and worked on the shirts for 3 hours, then went to my 2nd job from 8-1230am. 

Here's our awesome bus #109 shirts.....

ironing on the homemade stencil

painting using the stencil

peel the stencil off, using puffed paint for the lettering

and the back! 

 I must admit the shirts turned out better than I expected. Thought it would be cool to have matching shirts, but they actually look pretty amazing. (if I do say so myself) I'm just glad there were only seven to do and not more. Last night after getting back to the church from dropping off our bus kids, we took some pictures. We are missing one worker, so we'll try again for pictures on Thursday. You'll notice how light it is! These pictures were all taken after 11pm. 

"let's all jump".... (have to admit, I hate jumping shots)

Bus #109 workers!

One night down and three more to go.... this week. We have another week of VBT next week for the teens. Can you imagine 200-some teenagers in one place at one time..... on four different teams.... highly competitive..... yeah, talk about craziness. Let's just pray that the police don't need to make an appearance this year.... haha 

Desires

"Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."

Psalm 37:4

The above verse has been a close companion for the past ten years or so. I have claimed the promise in the second part of the verse time and time again as I strive to delight myself in the Lord.  He has fulfilled that promise many times; providing many of the opportunities that I desired. 

Over the years this verse has taken on new meanings for me. At one point I realized that not only does God give us the desires of our heart, but as we delight (ie, spend time with Him, get to know Him better, seek His ways, obey His commandments, love what He loves, etc.) in Him, He actually puts desires in our hearts and then gives them to us! As we love Him and seek His face, our heart changes. Our desires change to be more aligned with His desires for us. 

Recently, this verse has been in the forefront of my mind. But for a little different reason. You see, I have a desire (yes, I have more than one, but I'm talking about one in particular) in my heart. It's a good desire. But it is a desire that God has not yet given to me. I find myself now evaluating my heart. 

Am I truly delighting 100% in the Lord? Am I seeking His desires or my own made up desires? Am I okay if the Lord never gives me this desire? Am I willing to give up this desire to bring God glory? Am I willing to accept and desire what He desires? 

A friend and I were talking about this the other day. We know that God directs our steps if we follow Him. At times though, it seems tough to distinguish between our heart's desires and what God is actually trying to teach, show and direct us. I think it always comes back to the first part of this verse. It does not say that when God gives us our desires, we will love Him for that and in return delight in Him. No, we are to first and foremost, delight in Him!

I am confident that as I delight in the Lord, He will make my path clear. It may not be tonight or tomorrow or even this year. But He will continue to guide and direct my steps. And if I delight in Him completely, I will understand what the true desires of my heart are because He will have given them to me. And will be able to let go of my selfish desires for His glory!

Glimpse of my Week

You can't have a glimpse into my week without food being mentioned... :) I love food. I enjoy making it, seeing people enjoy it and eating it myself. We have a kitchen at my office, so frequently I put it to good use while I'm at work. Sometimes I wonder if that's why my coworkers like me so much.... cause I cook for them. (just kidding) 

I've made "from scratch" bread twice now at work and pretty sure it's been a hit. Especially when it's served fresh with lots of butter! Yum!

fresh out of the oven

And then one morning, I fried some eggs and sausage and made egg, sausage, cheese biscuit sandwiches! I think it turned out to be lunch for that day, but boy, were they good! 

Wednesday's lunch

And the best one yet! Thursday, Sarah and I partnered to make the best lunch we've made to date. (well in my opinion at least) I barbecued chicken and corn on the cob and she did the shrimp and asparagus on the grill. We also had cucumber/tomato salad, fresh bread, sauteed zucchini and oven-roasted potatoes! Everything was perfect! Feast your eyes below. 

Thursday's lunch

Last summer Tanna and I worked together a lot! Usually about 5 nights a week, we were at the airport goofing off, uh, I mean working. This year we both have been working less. She is scheduled for two nights a week and I've just been filling in here and there. But this past week we ended up working two nights together. Of course, we made it fun! :) It helps break up the craziness of our job (mostly caused by other coworkers). One night I couldn't find a regular sized vest so had to borrow another persons.... a person who is somewhat larger than myself. So, Tanna had the bright idea of seeing if we both could fit into the one vest. Yep, we could. 

And that was only one of the crazy things we did this past week at work. Well, she did more craziness than I did. ;) 

working hard

Saturday was a full day. In the morning/early afternoon  went on bus route with the best bus ever, #109! Had to take a picture of us eating ice cream for our missing worker, Caleb! Miss you, friend! 

When I walked into the church Saturday morning, Tanna spotted me right away and immediately burst into laughter! Once again, without planning it (because of course, it's childish to do so....) we had worn the same shirt! We only have 3 or 4 shirts that are the same, yet we've done this at least 3 times this summer! Once we did it twice in one week! I only have twenty other shirts to pick from.... oh well. 

Also, on Saturday met up with a coworker to play Tennis!! I've been wanting to play since I came back from Indiana, even bought a racket and balls. Just had to find someone to play with me. It was a beautiful day - sunny and hot. Maybe a little too hot. The courts were in direct sun and it was the hottest part of the day, which I'll have you non-Alaskans know is about 5-6pm. But it was fun and we got some exercise. 

tennis!!

The fireweed this summer has been incredible! There are many sections of the fields ablaze with the vibrant purple of the fireweed! Not only is it beautiful, but it's also an Alaskan summer gauge. As the flowers bloom farther up the plant, it indicates the nearing of autumn. When very tippy top blooms, you know winter is just around the corner. If the plant below is any indication, we still have lots more summer to enjoy! 

Alaskan Fireweed

Fullness of Heart

Some days one just doesn't have the words to express what is in their heart. 

This past weekend, I wanted (needed) to get away and spend some time alone with my Saviour. I planned on going north to my dad's cabin for a day or so. I drove out Friday night and came back Saturday afternoon. It wasn't  much, but it was what I needed. Sometimes this life threatens to overwhelm me; the busyness, instant communication, relationships and even ministry obscure my view of my Lord. Going North provided me some valuable time away from my phone and the internet (yes, there are still places in this world, where there is no cell reception), away from people, my job and responsibilities and enabled me to enjoy the Lord's presence.

I've had a lot of my mind lately, all these decisions about what to do with this next year of my life, constantly weighing on me. I simply wanted the Lord to point out the next step. While I can't say I have much more concrete direction about what to do this year, I do have peace. Peace - knowing my Lord cares for me and He will lead my steps. Assurance - that He is in control and I can rest in that. 

Coming back to "civilization" yesterday, the cares of this life flooded back. Trials that dear friends are facing, relationships that need work, friends that need salvation, jobs that need done. BUT GOD is my shelter. He is my refuge. My place of comfort. The Rock when all else in my life is storming around me. 

Again, my heart is full tonight. Full of joy for the truth of God's Word and the preaching of His servants. Full because the challenges and inspiration to keep on serving my Saviour. Full because of the sadness of goodbyes. Full because heartache of those who reject the goodness of God. 

I long for the day when God calls me home. Home to be with Him FOREVER!

Until then, however, He has deemed it best that I remain on this earth to serve Him and bring Him glory with my life. Are you bringing Him glory? whether in joy or sorrow - He alone is worthy!!

Wifi!!! and Summer

Yay I have internet again at my house!!! Since I arrived home from Asia over 2 months ago, our wifi has been horrible. It says it is connected with full signal, but it hardly ever allows me to access any websites. I've had to check email  and such at other locations. It's been frustrating, since I do so much on my laptop and have several projects pending, just waiting for wifi to work again. Don't know what happened but tonight it is working! 

Summer is in full swing. Our church just finished all our camps for the summer season. Three weeks of camps (I only went to one week). Pretty sure most of our teens and adult workers are still recovering from the lack of sleep. But they were good weeks. I attended the village week of Rock Crossing as a counselor again this summer. We had a large group - last year one girl came from Manley; this year she came back and brought 7 others! Several of which got saved. Praise the Lord!! 

Having a hotter, drier than normal summer so far this year means we have a lot of wild fires in the states. Last I heard, over 100. A couple are fairly close to here, so the last few days we've been inhaling tons of second hand smoke. It looks like the sky is overcast and cloudy, but really it's just smoke. Today it has cleared up quite a bit. Actually just a little while ago, it rained pretty heavy. Also had thunder and lightening! I love those storms!! (except lightening isn't a good thing when it's been dry; can cause more fires)

Other than that, don't have much to say.... just wanted to post, since I've missed blogging. Hopefully the internet stays on from now on out. 

Alaskan Wild Roses - one of my favs 

enjoying camp

beautiful Tanana River