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

Blessings

I love to hear a song that ministers and speaks to my heart. There have been many songs over the years that have encouraged and strengthen me. One of my current favorite songs is "Blessings" by Laura Story. 

We pray for blessings, we pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
And all the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom, Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love
As if every promise from Your word is not enough
And all the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not,
This is not our home
It's not our home

'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near

What if my greatest disappointments or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy
What if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise.

It is true that this world is not my home. At times it is easy to forget that and to allow things of this world to discourage and get me down. But if my eyes are fixed on Jesus and my heart reminded that we are strangers in a strange land, I can have the strength to smile and get through another day. 

The desire of my heart can not be satisfied by the things and emotions of this life. True, abundant life can only be found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the Lord of the Universe. What an amazing thing that the Creator and Sustainer of the universe loves me!! 

Travel and Grace

This past week I flew down to Indianoplis for a conference. My first layover was in Seattle. I had a couple hours, so was stretching my legs and decided to get some coffee. Stopped at Seattle's Best Coffee - the guy working at the counter asked if he I worked at the airport. "uh no." He said I looked familiar.... maybe I've been through Seattle Airport too many times if a guy who works there recognizes me. haha

Took me 12 hours to get from Fairbanks to Indy - 2 layovers. But was excited to get there. Stayed with my awesome friend, LL! We had a great couple days together..... we'll just leave it at that and not go into all the craziness of late nights.... and ping-pong..... and etc. ;) 

picture dedicated to Michael C. :p

having fun

The conference I was invited to and attended was the 2nd Annual WorldView Ministries conference. I'm still somewhat shocked that I got an invitation, but so glad I did!! There were about 45 of us in attendance; about half of whom I already knew. A few I hadn't see in 6 years! It was an incredible, refreshing couple days of being among other believers who have a passion and vision for Bible Translation! Wow! We were encouraged and challenged by our two guest speakers and also the presentations of the various ongoing and upcoming translation projects. 

It was a huge blessing to be among such dedicated people for those few days. Thank You, Lord! 

friends - gotta love the tie-dye 

At the end of my trip, I decided to tack on a visit to some friends in Illinois. I was somewhat uncertain how my visit would go, but God is good. After all God has been teaching me this past winter about His abundant, merciful Grace, it was wonderful to see it displayed in another's life. Another person who was hit even closer to home by the tragedy that I faced a few months ago and to hear him give praise to God in the midst of the trial. Wow. 

My heart is full from this past week. 

love these girls

laughing together :D

thankful for God's grace

Carnival Sunday Surgery

Well, I had wanted to share pictures from our Carnival from June 2nd. But somehow I managed to go through the entire carnival without taking a picture. Mmmm, so sorry. It did go well and we had over 600 people in church that day. It was a beautiful day! Sunny and hot. :) 

I do have a couple pictures actually from Carnival Sunday, though they have nothing to do with the Carnival. It seems Jordan was racing his brother the night before down their long, dirt driveway.... on tricycles. Yes, tricycles. Dumb mistake if you ask me. Anyways, he was well on his way to beating his older brother when he bit the dust. The cleaning job they had done on his scraped up knee was pitiful. So, I offered to clean it for him. He agreed, though halfway though pretty sure he changed his mind. :) 

I'll spare you the up close and personal pictures of his knee. Let's just say it was the worst scraped knee I've ever seen. Lots of dirt and even shredded skin. But I got it cleaned up with a bit of help from Ryan. It hurt during the cleaning (and scrubbing) :/ but he said it felt better afterwards. 

So, that was my excitement on Carnival Sunday. At least it wasn't an actual Carnival injury.....  One of those is enough for a lifetime. :/ 

getting started

surgery at the kitchen sink ;)