July - work, sunshine, goodbyes

This summer has flown by! I can't believe tomorrow is August. We've had a very wet summer here in the Interior. This area of Alaska is actually considered a desert, because we get less than 10 inches of precipitation a year. Even with several feet of snow in the winter, it's a desert. (that's cause our snow is so dry, that when melted down, you don't get much water from it) But this summer, we set a new record for the month of June for rain and July was the second wettest July on record. And it hasn't been a warm rain, but temps have been in the 40s and 50s. So, I was happy to see sunny, hot days a couple times this past week! The one day it reached 90 degrees here I was out of town. Go figure. :) 

If anyone has been wondering what I've been up to, since I sure haven't been blogging much, well I've been busy! Working lots, traveling a little, studying and writing papers for my online class, tutoring and sleeping when I can. The past two weeks we've had VBT (Vacation Bible Time) happening at church. During kids week, I was there only part of the time because of work. Tonight is the last night for the teens. Then tomorrow the Fair starts. 

Only a couple more week left for the summer airline season. It's been another fun and interesting summer at the airport. It's a job that keeps you on your toes for sure - with delayed flights, medical emergencies, lost bags, broken vehicles, radio communication, slides deploying, BIG airplanes coming in, rumors, friends, security, candy, crazy people and late nights. 

BIG plane

July was a month of Hello and Goodbye. My older brother, his wife and two year old son moved back to Alaska! That sure was a surprise! I didn't know until the day before he got here. He's already working and they are settling back in after seven years being gone. I'm looking forward to spending more time with them and getting to know my awesome nephew!
Just a few days ago, had to say goodbye to a really good friend, Whitnie. She is heading back down to the States to be with family and I'm sure going to miss her! She came up five years ago with the intention of being here less than a year, just to help out her sister-in-law while her brother was deployed. Then God changed her plans and she's been here ever since. I'm so thankful for the friendship God allowed us to have and even though we may be miles apart, we'll always be friends and stay in touch. She's pretty awesome! Not only are we great friends and prayer partners, but she's my fellow curly-haired buddy. (her hair even has a name! bye Steve)

miss you my friend

saying goodbye at the airport

 The past two days have been beautiful! Almost forgot what a sunny, blue sky looked like with all the rain we've been having.... just kidding. But here's a few sunny pics!

soaking up the sun

Life's Ups and Downs

The past week has been an interesting one. Most people's emotions are heightened when they are tired; well, right now, I live tired. So everything that happens seems so sharp and almost too focused. But just to give you some highlights......

Last Wednesday, I found out that one of my closest friends here in Alaska was moving. To Florida. Honestly, I like when I leave town, not when others do and I'm left here. When I say "one of my closest friends," I mean someone who prays for me and I for her. Someone I can openly share my heart with and she can do the same with me. Someone who keeps me grounded and anchored while at home. Someone who challenges, encourages, motivates me. Someone who loves me for just being me. To say that I will miss her, will be an understatement. But we've already cried, hugged and prayed together. I'm thankful for God placing her in my life and it will be a friendship for a lifetime, no matter how many miles apart we are.

While that was a little sad to digest, some good amazing things also happened this week..... Levi was born! Congrats to Tim & Cara on the birth of their first child! I've only seen pictures so far, but he sure is cute. And I'm not just saying that; I know most newborns are red, wrinkly and not too cute, but he is. Can't wait to meet him in person. Then Friday found out that a friend I had been praying for (Whitney and I had been praying together for this) had turned around and was making good decisions! Not little decisions, but great, big HUGE ones. For the good. I have wept over this friend, grieved at their past choices and what joy thrilled my soul when I heard that they had made a 180 degree turn. Thank You, God!

This is the first time in years I am not at camp. Right now, Village Week at Rock Crossing is in full swing. And I am not there. It's a little weird, yes. Kind of bittersweet. I have so many memories from my time out there. Yet, I am excited about what God is doing in my life and the direction He is leading. His plan is best and I look forward to discovering what the next step.

Can I just tell you about my Amazing. Loving. Gracious. All-powerful. Awe-some. God? Two nights recently I have been heading home after midnight (working), while I don't enjoy those late nights and lack of sleep, I do thoroughly enjoy the artwork of my God. Wow. One night, the entire sky was a canvas of blues, pinks and purples. Pink cotton candy clouds stretched out in front of me and the sinking yellow and orange sun beckoned behind me. Many don't get to appreciate God's sunsets in the summer here because of it the time, but Oh My. It is worth staying up for. I think He did is just for me. To tell me how much He loved me. How much He cares about one little individual in the middle of Alaska.

God is God alone. In the good times and the bad, He's still on the throne.

pictures don't do it justice

Rock Crossing Visit

I had to awesome blessing to go out to Rock Crossing two weeks ago. It was the Ojala's first time out this summer, so we didn't know what we would find. There were a few large trees that had blown over this winter, but thankfully all fell next to buildings not on them! It was so early in the summer (really, still spring) that there was not much green on the trees and you could see the roofs the buildings from the river. 

This is the first summer that I won't be attending camp in forever, which translates to about fifteen years. It is a little strange knowing I won't be there (or any other camp, for that matter), but God is good! Looking back on our lives, I'm sure we would not want to always be the same as we were twenty years ago. Change is hard to accept when it first makes its appearance, but God is faithful in growing us and making us ready for change. Ten years ago, Rock Crossing was so important to me, that I planned my entire year around those two weeks of camp. Fast forward to today - I am not going and I have complete peace about that. 

But I am still thankful I had the chance to go out for the weekend this month. Rock Crossing holds a special place in my heart; I have many, many memories from my time out there. Young people I was able to point to Christ and watch as they accepted Him as their Saviour. Lives I got to see changed. Conversations and opportunities I will treasure forever. Times of prayer with fellow believers I hold precious. Lessons God taught me that have molded me into who I am today. Friendships that were strengthened. And all the crazy, funny stories of randomness that happened.... at all hours of the day. Oh, and nicknames that I received. 

late night on the sandbar

our neighbors driving by

sunset at 10:something 

Goodnight Rock Crossing!

Goodbye Caleb

Life is full of goodbyes. 

I don't know of anyone who likes them. And the more people you know - sadly, the more goodbyes you have make. That is one reason I am looking forward to heaven! One day, I will be together with all my friends in ONE place! Friends from Mongolia, Alaska, Oklahoma, Africa, Lithuania and all points in between will be gathered around the throne of God. 

Won't that be an amazing time!? 

Will YOU be there? 

This past Monday I said goodbye to another good friend. 

Caleb grew up in my church, but we didn't really know each other well until I became his Bus Captain a couple years ago. He has since become a good friend. 

Caleb and his family are missionaries in Malawi, Africa. They came home this summer for two months for family events. We enjoyed having them here.

part of the Soda bunch - Mt. Dew & Dr. Pepper couldn't make it. :) 

I'm going to miss you Caleb! 

I'll be praying for you as your serve the Lord with your family in Africa! 

Graduation!

Last Saturday was the BBTI Graduation! 

It was a overcast, drizzly day, so the decision was made to move the ceremony from BBTI to the church in town. The ceremony went well. Bro. Rex's challenge to the students was excellent! and Bro. McElroy preached a good message. 

Afterward, we had an great lunch of deep fried catfish - thanks to Pastor Terry! It was actually my first time having catfish. By then, the skies had cleared up some, so we were able to eat outside.

It was a bittersweet day. 

Exciting to be done with school, hanging out with all my marvelous friends from my time in Texas and looking forward to being home in Alaska.

But also knowing that I would be saying goodbye to those marvelous friends in just a few short hours. 

Days like that make me ache for heaven, where we won't have to say goodbye!

an amazing friend! I love you, LL

haha! the Schnell kids! gonna miss them

oh the stories that could be told about this group ;)

!Fabulous Four!

next time... across the globe? 

always in my heart!

On another note....

Yesterday was my 26th birthday! 

Yikes!

Those who are younger than me think I'm old and those who are older think I'm still a child. lol

But I am thankful to my Lord for the 26 years He has given me. 

And I hope that I will be able to please Him in whatever time He gives me from today forward.