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

Traveling the Top of the World

by Inkshuk in Inuvik

My time in the Arctic was enjoyable. Adjusting to "village time" is always hard for me, but I survived. :) It was pretty cool, windy and rainy/snowy most of the time I was there. It was wonderful to drive south on Monday and see the sun again! Went to bed late of course, but was awaken at 530am. Donleys and I were in the truck and headed down the Dempster Hwy. by 615am. It was still overcast and rainy/snowy for most of the morning. Which means the dirt highway was pretty nasty. Just glad I wasn't driving. :/ We traveled 14 hours on Monday from Inuvik to Dawson City. Dawson is a really neat place. Its an old goldminer's town from the early 1900's. All the buildings still have the appearance of that era. Walking the streets there, you can almost imagine what it was like 100 years ago. And they have good ice cream! :)

  

 Tuesday we leave Dawson and headed out to the Top of the World Hwy. Another dirt highway, narrow and scary at times, especially when those semi's blow past you. BUT the view up there is tremendous! God is an amazing artist; nothing can compare to His handiwork! Not only does He create such incredible scenery, but His love for mankind is vast and deep. And its because of this love that He sent His own Son to this earth so that we could be reconciled back to Him. THAT is amazing! He offers His free gift of Salvation to all! Have you received it? 

Top of the World Hwy.

  

Arctic Summer. aka Snow in June

Well, I know its June, but I've seen snow the past three days. Up here in the Arctic, the weather is always unpredictable, but it is still a marvelous place to be. Especially if you are with friends. This past Sunday was the grad for Norman. Can't believe I was his teacher five years ago when he was in 7th grade. I'm thankful God allowed me to be a part of his life and to live here in Inuvik for a winter. I have many great (some crazy) memories from up here. :) 

cold boat ride :)

 Tuesday I flew over to Aklavik to visit with friends for a few days. Not much to do there, but we had fun hanging out. Wednesday afternoon we went for a cold boat ride upriver to the base of the mountains. It was kinda chilly, about 40 degrees F. But we had fun and got to see a bald eagle on the way back. Flew back over here to Inuvik today. Ceiling was only about 2300ft, so we had to fly pretty low. And we ran into lots of snow closer to this side. Kinda pretty, except that it's June!