A Little Sunshine!

This past summer, when I realized that Alaska Airlines was having some great deals on tickets, I knew I had to go somewhere sometime, just to utilize such a good deal. (side note* you know you're a travel addict, when you plan a trip just cause the tickets are cheap) So, during the summer, I purchased a RT ticket to Los Angeles for the week of Thanksgiving. As the time got closer, I began second-guessing myself... afterall, it was my final semester of college, I was taking the most challenging course of my degree, was working too much and it was 2 weeks before the end of my semester, you know when all the big papers/projects are due. But it was well worth it- especially as I got to enjoy some wonderful sunshine!

I was hoping for a little warmer weather, but at least I got some sunny days! One morning in the Cali desert, it was a mere 9 degrees! One person told me that in the 20 years he had lived in that area, the coldest he had ever seen it was 6 degrees. 

While in the state, I hit the road and visited as many people as possible. Picked up my good friend Jen (our first time meeting in person, though we've been friends for 3+ years) and we road-tripped to Vegas, where we both have a brother. Spent Thanksgiving Day with my brother and his family, along with some of their friends. The next day, went down to the Strip with Jen and her family.... that was a, uh.... interesting night. And LONG night. But at least we made memories! 

Went back to Cali on Saturday to hang out with some awesome people! The Wilsons are some of the most fun-loving people I know! We had a great time trading stories about missions trips, being crazy with their three kids and eating great food. 

It may have been a very full week, but it was relaxing to not have to go to work or school for several days! course I had to hit the books hard when I returned, but everything was completed on time. And I am now a college graduate!! :D (just waiting on my diploma to arrive in the mail)  

Bachelor Degree- check!

Well, I did it. In a few weeks, my Bachelor diploma will arrive in the mail. 

It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears.... figuratively speaking at least. It was a ton of work including many late nights, long days, and mental stretching. Probably the hardest part of earning my degree was the fact that I worked a regular job (and sometimes 2 or 3 jobs) throughout the process. And as hard as it is to admit, I'm not as young as I once was. When I worked on my Associate degree just five years ago, I consistently stayed up to 1 o'clock in the morning doing homework. But this past year and half, that was a lot harder to do. There were nights I stayed up late for sure, but my body craved sleep way more than it did years ago. But nonetheless, I survived. Some semesters I felt that I had no life outside of school; even when I was working or driving, or trying to relax, my brain was already thinking of the next assignment. But its all over now! Praise the Lord, for his strength and grace that saw me through this process. 

Many people have asked me what's next...well for one, I plan on catching up on sleep. (though this week, that's not really happening, since I'm working nights, as well as days) I have been enjoying the Christmas season with my family and just relaxing for change. I've been able to read some books, of my own choosing, :) and work on some projects I've put off for a long time. As for what's next. Well, guess you'll just have to wait and see. I'm sure it'll be an adventure whatever happens.... :D

Here's a few random pictures from the past almost two years of school. These may represent some of the motivating factors that kept me persevering-

teaching my nephew about AK hockey :) 

Enjoying sunshine despite sub-zero temps

doing homework by oil lantern - no electricity for days

hosting friends breaks up those long nights of study

nothing like sushi and free dessert to renew the spirit

sunrise!

facetiming a very dear friend half a world away

Procrastination and School don't mix well....

Here I sit at my desk, writing a blogpost.... when I should be writing something else. Saturday has been my self-proclaimed homework day for the past six weeks or so. I usually try to do some homework throughout the week, as I have a few minutes here and there, but Saturdays are my big day to get a lot done. But honestly, I'm a little burnt out. I have this one class that is challenging, like really challenging. I don't understand a lot of what I am required to read and then write about. And it doesn't help that it's an online class, so there is no classroom teaching time for the professor to assist my understanding. 

I've been doing okay in my last few classes, even the one which is challenging. But I think I've hit the mid-semester hurdle. I am just tired of reading, studying, and writing about stuff I don't care about. But must keep going...

The good news is, I am almost done!! For real done. :) I have 7 more weeks of school left, for my entire undergrad degree. I am taking four classes and need to test out of one more and I will have fulfilled all my degree requirements. So, come December 18th, I will be officially done with college! Hopefully, not long after that I will have my diploma in hand. (let's not think about master's degree for a little while) 

In other news, winter is here. It threatened last month to overwhelm us when it dumped 15 inches of wet snow in a day or two. But that melted over time and we had cool, but not cold weather for a few more weeks. But this past week, it dropped to below freezing and we've had a few inches of snow fall. I think it's here to stay. I'm looking forward to winter activities, though gotta do that school stuff first. :/ 

before the winter came for real

winter in Mongolia, a few years back

Relaxing before the Grind

My time in the Canadian Arctic was a blessing. It was a great couple of weeks to relax and unwind after a summer of working long days, and before a crazy semester of college. It is always a huge blessing to be with my Canadian family and friends. With nothing on my agenda for days, I could read, or watch movies, or stay up late talking, and even sleep in! 

And as well, got to enjoy some more of God's great creation. 

I am so thankful that 10 years (wow, how time does fly by!), I had the incredible opportunity to spend a winter living in Inuvik. It was my first time living away from home and looking back, wow, I really was clueless about a lot of things. Still amazes me that the D's welcomed me into their family and ministry when I was so rough around the edges (immature?). But that was a refining time in my life and God taught me SO much! 

dear friend/travel buddy K

Canadian sis

One of my favorite things to do in Inuvik is cooking out on the back porch. The fire pit going, tea steeping, yummy food to enjoy and then S'mores! :D As Mr. D says- there's just something about sitting in the fresh air and letting your worries and cares drift up with the smoke of the fire. Refreshing. The colors were still spectacular that night. After that though, the weather turned ugly. 

s'mores!

 Also, got to fly over to Aklavik for a couple days. Almost didn't think we would make it out, since the weather was pretty rough. We got word they were flying, and headed out almost immediately for the airport. 
So, glad I was able to go. While there, they had a ladies meeting at church. Several women have been saved recently and they gave their testimonies. It was one of those indescribable, spiritual-connection times, when God is praised and hearts are uplifted/encouraged. 

welcome to the AK Airport

Missed having C, M and A around. No one to be crazy and silly with, or stay up late watching movies or to take me for a (cold) boat ride. Something about life moving forward, people getting married, going to college, etc. that changes things. But of course, still enjoyed my time with the Mr. & Mrs. :) 

always new little friends

and the crazy old friends

The Amazing, Incredible Dempster Highway

At the end of August, I found myself with some time on my hands. Both of my seasonal, summer jobs ended midway through the month and school didn't start back up till September. So, I had the idea of going north to Inuvik. It had been four years since I had visited and my friends wedding reception (I attended the wedding in FL back in May) was going to be during that time. So I figured "why not?" 

The plan was to drive the Alaska, Taylor and Top of the World highways from Fairbanks to Dawson City, Canada. From there, I would fly on AirNorth to Inuvik. AirNorth used to have commercial flights from Fairbanks to Dawson, as I have flown the entire way before. However, that no longer is possible, so I figured it would be a nice drive (roadtrip + fall colors in the mountains = amazing) to Dawson. It's one of my favorite little towns, I could spend a little time there, spend the night and fly out the next morning for the North. 

Everything went well. The drive from Fairbanks to Dawson was beautiful. Stopped for lunch at Fast Eddies (a must if you're in Tok) and then drove through Chicken, Alaska. The Top of the World Highway is a great experience. The dirt road weaves through the mountains, so the road itself can be treacherous, but the view is incredible. Arrived in Dawson, ate dinner at Sourdough Joe's (another good choice), enjoyed some ice cream (for Twyla) and headed to my campsite. Yes, I camped in my tent. :) 

car camping. :) 

The next morning, I awoke to fog, but thought nothing of it. Headed out to the airport (several miles from town), where the fog was even more dense. As I was checking in, they informed me my flight was delayed. The plane was coming from Whitehorse, but they had major fog there, so the plane wasn't able to leave. I sat around for awhile, but then I got hungry. Apparently, it was going to be another 2 hours before the plane was expected, so I drove back into town for some breakfast. (no, there is no restaurant at the airport, ha!)

Headed back to the airport about 10am. When I got there, the ticket agent informed me my flight was canceled and he could rebook me for two days later. I honestly thought he was joking with me. But no, he was serious. The flights from Dawson City to Inuvik are six days a week, but of course the next day was the one day they didn't fly. So, there I was- stuck in Dawson City for two days. Or was I? 

The ticket agent asked if I wanted to rebook for two days later or to cancel my itinerary. I told him a needed a few minutes. Ran through some scenarios in my head, texted Twyla about the road conditions and my dad to see what he thought. Decided to drive the rest of the way! I'm always ready for another adventure! :) 

at the beginning of the drive

It was a sunny, autumn day, so I was ready for a good (but long) day. I had to go back into town to gas up and check with the NWT Visitors Center about the road condition, so didn't get on the road until about 1130am. 

Let me tell you, there are not words good enough to describe to you the beauty of that drive! The pictures below might help you have a small idea of the amazing Arctic autumn scenery! 

my wee little car

There were so many places that I wanted to get out of my car and climb a rock or mountain. The fall colors were ablaze! And set against the clear blue sky, it was even more impressive! It was a day just to praise God for his amazing creation, which just reminds me of his almighty power. At one point I pulled over to soak in the sights. I could see for miles- hills covered with reds, oranges, yellows, high up in the mountains, threatening rain clouds in the distance. It was breathtaking. It was a moment of sensing the nearness of God; I didn't know whether I wanted to laugh or cry, sit or dance. Ah-mazing. 

Finally pulled into my friends' driveway just after 1am. Safe and sound. Had no problems the entire way. Praise the Lord. 

Enjoyed a very relaxing week (more on that in a later post). 

Then it came time to leave. I was to head out Monday morning, which meant I would get home Tuesday afternoon. School started Thursday, so I would have an extra day to do errands and unwind from traveling. Or so I thought....

The second half of my time in the North, the weather turned ugly. It rained almost every day and was cooling off. The day before I was to head out, the winds picked up as well, with gusts up to 70kph. We heard reports that campers were blown over on the Dempster. We talked it over Sunday night and decided we would make a decision Monday morning when we got up. 

Monday was still bad, so we waited around a bit, trying to gauge what the weather was going to do and how bad the road was.... Winds were still strong and rain kept coming. Monday afternoon, we received word that the two ferries I needed to cross had been shut down. Well, that really stopped any thought of leaving. 

pic of ferry while it was closed

Monday we waited all day. Tuesday we waited some more. Then got work, one of the ferries was still closed and they expected it to be 2 or 3 days before it reopened. So, Wednesday was another waiting day. And Thursday. 

Thursday afternoon about 330pm, we heard both ferries were open again, the 2nd one just to light travel (no 18wheelers). So, by 4pm I was on the road. Mr. D followed me in his big pickup for while, because we didn't know how bad the roads were. The 2nd ferry (the one we waited for the longest) was interesting. The river there was the highest they had seen it in about 10 years. Getting on was okay, a little rough, but made it just fine. Coming off though, it was at least 6 inches of soft mud, with big tracks with the previous vehicles had driven. For half a second, I thought I would bottom out and get stuck. But the Lord pushed me through and I made it! 

Drove till after midnight, when we finally pulled over to sleep. I've slept in the back seat of my car before, but just for an hour long nap, not a full night. I may be short, but that was too short for even me. I had to wake up and stretch a couple times, cause my legs were cramping from being curled up. Stayed plenty warm though. Woke up to dense fog and cold air. 

That was a long day, as I still had half the Dempster to drive, and then the rest of the way home. I think it was about a 16 hour day that second day. Made it home Friday night about 9pm. So, missed the first two days of classes, but was out of my control. Thankfully, my teachers were understanding. 

The drive back home was still incredible, even though the weather wasn't as nice as before. I watched the sunset high up in the mountains. The sun was on my right hand side and across the way were snowcapped mountains that were shades of pink and orange as the sun lowered. Another incredible moment to witness! 

second ferry crossing

snow in the mountains

not so clean anymore

saw a couple grizzlys on the way home

ferry outside of Dawson City

Once in a Blue Moon

I don't know how many times I've used the phrase "once in a blue moon." This July there was an actual blue moon. Though I don't know why it is called that, since the moon isn't actually a different color, it just means that there are two full moons in one month. Guess it doesn't happen very often. Well the day of the blue moon, I actually had a once in a blue moon time. :) 

A coworker of mine has his pilot's license and we've talked for a couple years now about him taking me flying. We almost went last year, but something broke on his aircraft, so we had to postpone it. Every time he would text me, I had other plans and couldn't go. But one evening in July, he texted me and I was able to go! I met him at his plane and we took off into sunny skies. It was a perfect evening for a flight. He asked if I wanted to fly over my house or go south across the river looking for moose. Of course I choose the latter. I lost count how many moose we saw. It so amazing to see these amazing animals in their own environment. After the first couple moose, I started praying that we would see a bear. Moose are cool and all, but a bear would be so much more awesome! Not long after my silent prayer, we came upon a black bear. We swooped down to have a closer look and he stared up at us and watched as we flew by. So awesome! It was a perfect ending to a hectic week. 

two bull moose watching a cow

the Super Cub we flew

Tanana River

Adventures at the Airport

So, if you've been wondering because of the lack of blog posts what I've been doing... Well, for one, its summer. :) Alaskan summers are so short, we have to jam pack them full. And the past month or so, I've been somewhat of a workaholic. At the beginning of the summer, I quit my job of 10+ years to work temporarily at the local Literacy Council. I know some think that's crazy for me to quit a good job that has been more than good to me for a temp position. But I prayed hard about it and felt it was a good switch. It gave me an opportunity to teach ESL, which is a field I'm kinda studying for and thinking about doing overseas. 

I still had my job at the airport, but wasn't on the regular schedule. The first part of the summer, I only worked a night or two a week; some weeks not at all. It was nice to relax at home and spend time outside in the sun! :) But the past 3-4 weeks, I've been scheduled more and subbed even more. The past two weeks, I think I've worked about 60+ hours - which is a lot for me! That's in addition to taking an online summer class, teaching Sunday School and mentoring/teaching a couple people. 

Not complaining here, its all my own choice. I do enjoy working, though some days when I'm falling asleep on my feet, I tell myself "you're crazy!" But I work hard here, so I can take months off later and travel. :) So, its worth it. 

And even when I'm working I have crazy adventures. One Saturday morning in July I was working the early, early morning shift. (my body definitely doesn't like getting out of bed at 330am). I had gone downstairs at the airport to say goodbye to one of my students who was headed to India to visit family for month. I noticed two guys sleeping on a bench and thought they were firefighters heading home. As I was leaving, they were gathering their belongings. I stopped and said hi and found out they were actually Danish backpackers. They had arrived at 2am and were sleeping until they could go to their hostel. After talking for a bit, I offered them a ride to their accommodations, as I was in between planes. 

A couple days later I was able to help them out again, by giving them a ride from the East Ramp to the West Ramp of our airport. They were getting ready to fly out on a small bush plane to the Brooks Range to backpack and float the Noatak River. Their plans were to go for 7 weeks!! Actually they are still out in the Bush. I always enjoy meeting people from other countries; now, I have a connection in Denmark - one more place to visit one day. 

The Danish Backpackers

The other thing at the airport, you never know what airplanes you might see. :) One evening, we were waiting for our commercial flight, when an older plane landed and pulled into our ramp area. We waved at them to move over to the next gate area. The plane was marked with Russian words and flag, but the tail # was American. But then we overheard it was coming in from Canada. Such an odd mix. I think they were coming in for something to do with the a memorial of the Soviet-American Land Lease from WWII. But who knows.... just interesting all the different aircraft that land at our airport. 

the "Soviet" plane

We've had beautiful weather most of the summer. Lots of sunshine and warm/hot days. I enjoy working the sunny days outside on the ramp. One week in July it was rainy off and on all week. I went to work for just 2 1/2 hours - when I arrived, the sun was shining, but black clouds were off in the distance. When I left later in the afternoon, the sun was again shining. But the time in between..... well not so much. I was wearing my hoodie, because it was a little chilly. Under the sun, it was getting warmer though, so I debated taking my sweatshirt off. Decided against it.... and then it started sprinkling. Then raining. Then hailing. Then pouring buckets of rain!! We were huddled underneath the plane waiting for the passengers to finish boarding, so we could push back. We were more than soaked to the skin, I'm pretty sure I could have wrung a gallon of water out of my clothes. My boss told me I looked like a drowned rat. Yeah, it was that bad. And I had to be back about an hour later to work again. So, went to my friend's house nearby to borrow their dryer. 

drowned rat

But then there are the beautiful summery/fall days with blue skies and big fluffy clouds! 

from the Ramp of our airport

Camping + Our Men

While in the states earlier this summer, I had the privilege to go camping with some of my most awesome friends. Took us forever to decide on where to go, but didn't really matter, since we just wanted to hang out together. Camping in the States is different than here in Alaska. Here you can pretty much go anywhere and set up a tent. Finally got to a campsite and alas, it wasn't as remote as we had hoped for. We were near a road, though actually it was the more private site in the area. We went behind the actual site to set up our tent. 

Our tent story is a good one also.... its all about who you know. ;) When we first began talking about this camping trip, I told my two friends, I wouldn't be able to bring any camping supplies, as I was flying to the States and didn't want to lug that stuff around. Both of them have plenty, so they would supply what we needed.... somehow there was miscommunication. When we finally got all together, we discovered each of them had thought the other was bringing the tent! Now, I don't mind sleeping under the stars (though I wouldn't do it here in AK cause I would die from mosquito exposure), but a tent surely would be nice. Down there they have lots more insects.... spiders, ticks, etc. 

Anyway, we were at church the day before our grand camping expedition and I was talking to a family, who knows people here in Alaska and I mentioned our lack of a tent. Well, they let us borrow a tent! And it was plenty big enough for all 3 of us, plus our bags. Problem solved! 

We only camped out two nights, but it was fun just to sit around the fire talking long into the night with some amazing, godly people. I cooked most of the meals and at times even surprised myself at how well they turned out. :) The second day out, we went for a hike through the hills and forests. Nothing like Alaska of course, but still pretty. I really like huge trees (something we lack here). And then we sat next to a small pond and soaked up some sun! 

Our wet wood campfire. :) 

After the camping trip, we went into town for the annual WV conference. This year's group was awesome; again got to see people I haven't seen in a while and meet others that I've only heard of or spoken to via phone or email. Always a blessing to be around so many people who love the Lord and want to be involved in Bible Translation worldwide. 

One day we headed into town to walk around and enjoy friend's company. I was looking through pictures to include with this post and randomly selected several. After I uploaded them, I had to laugh.... the ones I had chosen were of three of us girls with "random guys!" Not sure if this has anything to do with the types of guys we actually like... haha. 

First up is the hardworking, dwarf man... Guess C likes 'em short. At least she didn't chose the pig behind her. 

Then there's me with Honest Abe. Tall, honest guys... I could go for that. Though I prefer one who doesn't get assassinated. 

And finally, LL with the easy-going, happy guy! She does like to have fun and laugh, so good choice. 

Beach Wedding!

I've always heard how beautiful the Pensacola Beach is and I finally got to experience it for myself. It was quite pretty. Especially since I was there at sunset. The only thing was - it was incredibly windy! Like REALLY windy! Course I had worn my hair down, because I thought it would look nice for the wedding. Yeah, bad idea. I had a mop of curls billowing around my head like a Cumulonimbus cloud. 

Pensacola White Sand Beaches

Of course, it was a beautiful wedding, because it was two amazing people joining together for life in the sight of God, family and friends. I've known the bride for almost 20 years and the groom for the past 10 years. You know what makes me feel old? -is the fact that I've taught them both! I have great memories of sitting around the living room coffee table working on ninth grade Algebra with Ang. And Norman, ha! a great student, when he wasn't drawing cartoons in his math notebook. :) 

They have both grown into wonderful, godly adults and our relationship has changed from tutor/student to friend/friend. Ang has been my Canadian sister ever since I lived with their family years ago. So, there wasn't anything to keep me from being there on their special day!

beautiful bride, right before the ceremony

Like I said, the wind was crazy. Ang ended up ditching her veil, cause it just wildly blew all over the place. And you could barely hear them say their vows, but it was still beautiful! And an excellent testimony to the lost family and friends who attended. God was honored.

I really enjoyed getting to spend so much time with the extended family. Especially all the granddaughters! I had a blast hanging out with all the girls. And of course, it's always good to see my Canadian parents. :) I love having family all around the world. Seeing good friends come from various locations in the world to gather together makes me long for heaven! Can't wait to be with my Saviour and for those I love to be all in one place. 

with the cousins

Had to take a picture of course with the other curly-haired girl! :) We have to stick together you know. Controlling these curls is a battle (one I lose quite frequently), so we have be friends. This one is rambunctious little girl! haha, just the kind I love being around.  

curly-hair friends