Back in Xinjiang after Three Years

Three years ago, I experienced the trip of a lifetime. Friends and I went on a ten day trip around the Xinjiang province. We had an amazing tour guide, so we got to see and do a lot more than we would have if we had been by ourselves. This past month I had to awesome privilege to visit these wonderful friends, who are now living there. We had a grand time exploring new places in their city and even nearby places. 

One day we went to a park across the city, and they actually had water in their fountains and manmade creeks! There are a lot of parks that have fountains or places for water, but lack the H2O. Not sure if that's because its so much trouble to clean it out all the time, or what. Anyways, we had brought a picnic lunch and enjoyed being outdoors. The pond had been freshly stocked with fish, so there was goldfish out the wazoo. 

My little buddy/nephew and I had fun! especially with the big bell at the park. During my time there, I taught him all kinds of fun things... hehe Isn't that what aunts are for? and he has an unique laugh, just like me! There's his regular baby-like laugh and then sometimes he starts chuckling in a deep-throated base voice, like an old man. I love it! 

Some days we sure wore out Little Man. Sometimes we just relaxed around the house, but other days were long days filled with adventure! Stay tuned for more adventure stories.... 

Roadtripping in the South

Roadtripping is one of my favorite ways to travel in the US. I flew into Pensacola mid-March and after a couple of days visiting friends, my dear friend Whit and I set off for a long weekend roadtrip! We had gorgeous weather the entire time and it was a blast getting to spend so much time with her. We headed north out of Milton, FL Thursday afternoon and drove almost the entire height of Alabama. Our final stop for the night was Huntsville, AL. We were getting close to our stop for the night and Whit asked me the names of the people we were staying with. When I told her, I mentioned that we had never actually met before. :D She was a little anxious and intrigued by that bit of information.... but it's not the first time for me! hehe, besides, I knew the family of the people we were staying with, and of course it was totally fine. Our hosts were incredibly amazing! And their 3 kiddos were a blast. We fell in love with them and I think they returned the affection. 

our Huntsville hosts' kiddos 

 The next day we spent half the day exploring the Space and Rocket Museum- which was a blast! (haha pun intended) Space exploration isn't totally my thing, but it really is fascinating. We watched a couple imax movies which were intriguing. And tried out the Helicopter and Hummer simulations.... don't ask about who can't fly a helicopter.... haha. 

when someone offers to take your picture and doesn't get the whole rocket in. :/ 

That evening, we grabbed something to eat (another new restaurant for Whit) in downtown Hunstville, then walked around a bit enjoying the city. It's a really nice area, at least what we saw of it. Then we went to the Havoc hockey game! It was super hero night, so the two teams were wearing Batman and Superman jerseys. Pretty epic, especially the intro. video. Two of the Havoc players are former Nanooks, so pretty awesome to watch them playing in the pros. It was a good game. On the way home, we took an unintentional detour... haha Driving in the dark in a new area isn't always the easiest. 

The next day, we set off for Scottsboro, AL where the epic Unclaimed Baggage store is. Supposedly, it is the only place in the world that buys unclaimed luggage from airlines and sells it to the general public. The building is jam-packed full of all kinds of items. It would take a couple days to fully look through everything for treasures. I only bought a couple books, but it would be fun to go back through to take my time looking. 

Then it was on to Chattanooga, TN. We explored part of downtown, just walking around, enjoying the sunshine. Then drove up Lookout Mountain for a view of the city. While up there, we read about the Civil War battle that took place on that hill and walked around the old buildings still from that era. 

on top of Lookout Mountain

Road trips are so much fun when you have great company! Thanks, Whit, for a great week and memories made!

Fearful of Evil Tidings

He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord. Psalm 112:7

A few years ago, while reading through my Bible, this verse jumped out at me. Since that time, I have clung to it many times. How often are we worried or anxious about receiving bad news? When the phone rings and your heart starts pounding, because you are fearful of who will be on the other end, calling to share news you’ve been dreading.

All through my teen years, I looked forward to one day traveling to visit missionaries. Several times I had planned a trip, only to have it fall apart. It was my one big dream and I tried opening so many doors on my own, but it was not meant to be. Finally, I gave it to the Lord. I told Him that I was ready for whenever He was ready to send me. I stopped trying to open closed doors and rested in His leading and timing. Several months later, an opportunity dropped into my lap from out of the blue. My good friend, Bro. D asked me to come North to live with his family and help at their small Christian school. That particular location had never crossed my radar before, but it was definitely of God. With a very short amount of time I was in Inuvik, NWT.

My brother had gotten married Friday evening and Monday morning I was on my way to Inuvik. We arrived Tuesday evening and by the next day, I was working at the school. Things were going well and I was getting adjusted to being away from family and “on my own.” Sunday evening, we were just getting home from church, when the phone rang. I had this weird feeling that the call was for me. But I instantly dismissed it, because I didn’t really know anyone yet in town, so no one local would be calling me and everyone back home would be at church. Yet, a few seconds later, I was told the call was for me. It was a close family friend calling to inform me my mother had been in a serious car accident the previous night. She had already had a couple surgeries and was currently in ICU.

It was such a weird feeling… I was so far away, that it was hard to believe it was real. There really was no emotion on my part at first, because I was only hearing of it and not seeing any physical evidence. It took a couple days for it to sink in. My dad called a couple days later and we talked about the entire situation. My mom would be in the hospital for a while and even after she got out, it would be a long recovery. My older brother had just gotten married, I as the oldest girl was away from home for the first time and my next brother was working fulltime. That left my middle sister, who was only 14 at the time to take care of the youngest two siblings. My dad still had to work and he also spent a lot of time at the hospital. I asked him if he thought I should come home to take care of the family. But he said no. We both knew God had given me this opportunity and he felt I should stay where God had led. God always gives grace, does He not?

A few weeks later, I received another phone call. This one came after I was already in my bedroom for the night, but I got up to take the call. A friend from home called to let me know a guy I had grown up with had been killed in a motorcycle accident. His sister and I had been good friends for a few years and while he and I never were that close, it was still a shock. How does one handle getting news like that? Yet, God is good and He always provides grace and peace when we need it most.

Fast forward to a year later. I now found myself in Outer Mongolia, completely cut off from the world around me. The village we lived in had no electricity, no running water, no radio, no cell phones. We had a landline, but it didn’t always work. One time my mom tried calling for 2 weeks before she could get through. During my first couple months there, every time the phone would ring and someone would say the call was for me, fear was my first response. My heart would pound, until I answered and realized my family had simply called to see how I was doing, not to tell me bad news. It’s a horrible way to live, always dreading the next phone call. Then I read Psalm 112:7- “He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.” The ‘he’ in the verse speaks of “the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments,” found in verse one of the chapter. I realized that I was not trusting God the way that I should have been.

Instead of resting in Him, I was constantly worried about what evil tidings I would hear next. I was dreading the future and the pain and hurt I might face, instead of dwelling in the present moment and being at peace. I knew then that God wanted me to trust Him completely. Did that mean I would never receive bad news again? No. But I didn’t need to worry about something that hadn’t happened yet. And I could be confident that when I did receive bad news again, God would still be by my side, giving me the grace, strength and peace to deal with each situation. I clung to that verse, holding it as a promise from God. I could fix my heart and mind on His constant love, instead of dreading the future.

That year in Mongolia, I never did receive a phone call with difficult news. Instead, God taught me many other things. But He had given me Psalm 112:7 to hold on to and prepare me for the future. Years later, I was once again in Mongolia, when I would receive heart wrenching news. No, it wasn’t easy to deal with, but I had chosen not to fear the future, but trust that God would provide the grace and strength I needed when those times came. And once again, He proved Himself faithful in my life.  

A Bend in the Road

Three and half years ago, my coworkers and I were in the process of moving office locations. It was just down the road to our newly renovated building and I spent several late nights there with my supervisor, trying to quickly pull things together. I was headed out of town shortly thereafter, so was attempting to get everything in place before I left. Our new office had two large windows that displayed the end of our international airport's runway and in the farther distance the Alaska Range. Several nights I had watched the sun set behind those mountains, casting its last rays across the snow-capped tops. One evening, I stood at those windows watching the runway activity and admiring the magnificent mountains. My mind kept drifting to my upcoming trip; I had my first few flights planned and purchased, but much was still to be decided. I knew what countries I wanted to travel to, but the dates of travel and length of stays were not finalized. It was the trip I had dreamed of for years, yet there was that sense of unknown and maybe a little bit of anxiety. It was what I wanted to do, but was I making the right decisions? 

My supervisor, who is also a dear friend, reassured me that all would be well. Change and the unknown is always a bit frightening in life, but we both knew I wasn't traveling by myself. My God is ever before me and with me every step of the way. He loves me beyond comprehension, so no matter what I would face, I would have Him to be my Guide, Comfort and Giver of peace. 

Looking back at that trip three years ago, I am glad I didn't know all I would face during those six months in Asia that night at the window. I'm sure I would have shrank back from the thought of the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual battles I would experience. Yet, during each of those trying moments, my confidence in God never shook. I may have struggled inside and wondered how I would get through, but I always knew God was with me and some days that was THE ONLY thing that got me through another day. 

Why am I reliving those fears from three and half years ago? Well, I am about to embark on another lengthy journey and to be honest, I'm just a tad nervous. The past couple years I've spent the majority of my time at home, working and attending school. I took time away from traveling to focus on finishing my Bachelor's degree, and I don't regret it. But traveling is in my blood and I knew it wouldn't be long before I headed out into the world's arena once again. So many people tell me that I'm brave to go to all these countries by myself, but if they could only see the inward trepidation I so effectively mask. I can't stop traveling, but it doesn't mean I'm fearless. 

And I am not just referring to the physical things I endure in random countries. Each one of my trips has changed and grown me in more ways that I can count. When I first left home, I was a young 19 year old girl who had more dreams and ideas than sense. Each year has brought another level of learning, especially that of trusting God. Trusting Him with my life, my family, my heart, my friends, my safety and so much more. As painful as some of my memories are, I would not trade any experience, for in each one I learned more about myself and more about the abundant grace and peace my Saviour gives. 

Yet, once again, I am facing the unknown and its both exhilarating and daunting. At the risk of sounding like Anne of Green Gables, there is a bend in the road and I can't see around the corner. Right before leaving on this trip, I quit my job of many years (though I've quit before, but this one feels more final) and with school finished, I don't have much tying me back home. After this trip ends, I do not know what I will do next. Oh, I have ideas, always do, but nothing is for sure.

But the excitement far outweighs the nervousness! The next four months will be one of adventure. I will see old friends, visit beloved familiar places, meet new people and explore strange places, all the while watching God move in my heart and those around me. I am greatly looking forward to it. 

I'm trusting God in my life and circumstances. Yours may be vastly different than mine, but are you trusting God regardless? 

Travel Meme

Well, my friend Jen tagged me to do this travel meme and I figured, why not!? I love talking about traveling, so doesn't take much to get me going... Enjoy.
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• The A to Z Travel Meme was created by Julie Fox.  You can find the original post here.

A: Age you started travelling?

Well, my first real trip was at 13 years of age, my family went to Kotzebue, AK for 3 weeks. Then at 14, we began traveling the Western side of the USA several months of the year. But my own personal travels began when I was 19, when I went to Arctic Canada for a winter.

B: Best beer you’ve had and where?

I don't drink. How about best baked good or something.... well, that would be too hard to choose, so let's just skip it.

C: Cuisine (favourite)

ooh... I'd have to say right now, it's Greek or Mediterranean- love me some kebabs, or donairs, or whatever else you want to call them.

D: Destinations, favourite, least favourite and why

Choosing a favorite destination is like choosing a favorite star in the sky, nigh unto impossible... a few of my favorites- countries would be Mongolia (cause its one of the first places I lived internationally, love the wilderness and barren land and the amazing people) and Lithuania (cause of the rich history, unique language, friends I've made and they love basketball) :) Cities would be Kashgar (such an interesting blend of modern and ancient all in one location) and Vancouver, BC (it has mountains and ocean all together, what more could you want?)

Least favorite? I don't like to say I don't like a place cause there is always something about everywhere that is unique and interesting. Guess I would have to say Beijing and parts of India, though I would go back to both places.

E: Event you experienced abroad that made you say “wow”

A completely black night with no manmade lights in sight, where the world becomes an ocean of starlight, complete with billions upon billions of tiny stars stretching from horizon to horizon. Unreal. So close that you can almost reach out and grab one!

And then walking on the Great Wall of China (past the restored area) on a semi clear day, when you can see the far distant hills dotted with watchtowers and know that where you are standing, others have walked- a couple thousand years ago!

F: Favourite mode of transportation

Sometimes plane, sometimes car. Depends on where I'm going and what I'm doing.

G: Greatest feeling while travelling

Stepping onto an airplane, knowing you are headed thousands miles away, to an strange and unknown place, where you discover culture, places, history and make remarkable memories. 

H: Hottest place

Fiji Islands - HOT and HUMID! this Alaskan girl didn't think she would survive!

I: Incredible service you’ve experienced and where

Flying on Emirates Air from Dubai to Seattle. Long flight, but the flight crew was great. I think I spent half my time in the back galley with the flight attendants. Even got cheesecake from first class. Also, Sri Lanka Airlines had great service. On both though, I think I got preferential treatment cause I was friendly... haha always make friends with the flight attendants!

J: Journey that took the longest

I've been on several long ones.... when you come from Alaska, you can just tag on about 5-7 hours more than if you were flying directly from the Lower 48. Probably my longest has been about 40 years to Mongolia. Though if you count the time I was stranded in Beijing for 2 days because of a missed flight, then that would be the longest, at about 3 days.

K: Keepsake from your travels

Memories. I have other things I've bought over the years, but memories are precious and can never be taken away. :)

L: Let-down sight, why and where

Taj Mahal, Agra, India - well, it was supposed to be a 9 hour train ride from where I was staying, turned out to be 19 hours on a train. By the time we got to town, it was too late to go, so we went the next morning, but it was closed (always closed on Fridays). So we went to the park across the river where you could see the backside of the Taj, but it was so incredibly polluted. Pictures were a disappointment.

M: Moment where you fell in love with travel

wow, hard to pinpoint a time. Maybe the first winter I spent in Mongolia... we went to Beijing for a week and there was so much to see and do. I had always known there are amazing places around the world, but I actually got to see some in person and not just in someone else's picture. Walking on the Great Wall, I knew I wanted to see other amazing things, both natural and manmade, in other countries.

N: Nicest hotel you’ve stayed in

Radisson Hotel in Kaunas, Lithuania. I don't stay in hotels very often overseas, but that trip was part of group travel/event, so accommodations were chosen for us. Very nice place!

O: Obsession—what are you obsessed with taking pictures of while travelling?

mountains, clouds, basically nature. But people too. Anything that I want to remember. :) 

P: Passport stamps, how many and from where?

Uh, dunno. I almost filled one passport and just got a new one a couple years ago, with 52 pages instead of 24. Not everyone stamped my passport and some countries I've been to more than once. Currently, I've been to 18 countries and 43 states. 

Q: Quirkiest attraction you’ve visited and where

Maybe the three Buddhist temples in UB, Mongolia. I'd say there were more on the creepy side, than simply quirky.

R: Recommended sight, event or experience

Great Wall of China, Broadway show, eating authentic ethnic food

S: Splurge; something you have no problem forking over money for while travelling

mmm hard to say, I like eating the ethnic food, so am willing to pay for that. If it's a really great historical place, I don't mind paying to go inside. Other than that, I'm pretty tight with my money.

T: Touristy thing you’ve done

uh, stop to take pictures of moose on the side of the road in Alaska. haha I had friends visiting and they wanted to stop and take pictures. I wanted to keep on driving.

U: Unforgettable travel memory

Too many to recount. Ask me in person sometime and I'll choose one.

V: Visas, how many and for where?

I love traveling to countries where I don't require a visa as a US citizen. I think I've applied for 3 different Chinese visas and 2 Indian visas over the years. The rest I've been able to get when I arrived in country.

W: Wine, best glass of wine while travelling and where?

Again, I don't drink alcholic beverages... but if we are talking wine, as in fruit juice, it would definitely be freshly squeezed pomegranate juice on the street in Kashgar. So strong, sour and powerful! It was only a small glass full, but it was enough. And after we drank, we watched as they took our glasses back, set them back on the table and promptly refilled them for the next customer.... guess a little germs don't hurt? ;)

X: eXcellent view and from where?

So many amazing views! Sunrises and sunsets on the barren rolling hills of Outer Mongolia, the coast of Iceland... but one of the most spectacular was driving through the Canadian Arctic in the peak of Autumn. The mountains were ablaze in color and it went on for miles and miles. Then driving home 2 weeks later, I watched as the sun set on my right hand, casting it's last light on the mountains, coloring the freshly snow-covered peaks with golds, oranges and pinks. Indescribable.

Y: Years spent travelling?

Going on 11 years, though I didn't go out of the country every year during the past decade.

Z: Zealous sports fans and where?

Don't think I've been to a real sporting event outside the country. NHL Blackhawks game was pretty cool, but the next hockey game will be better! When I was in Lithuania walking around town, there was a street 3x3 basketball tournament going on; that was pretty cool. Everyone there loves basketball and I watched a couple really good games.

Trapline Beauty

Last week I fulfilled a long time wish to accompany my father on his trapline. Previously, it never worked out with my work/school schedule. So, I determined after I finished school back in December, I would make it happen sometime this winter before the season is over. 

We hit the trail Friday once the sun came up and away we went- into a Winter Wonderland. It was a bit overcast, but very light, making it truly a silvery fairyland. Many times the trail narrowed to a single track, fully lined with frosted crystal willows or spruce trees. It was amazing to behold and I was ever reminded of my Creator and his stupendous designs. Both days on the trail were filled with glorious beauty. 

The trapline provides ample opportunity to think. Being on a snowmachine for 3-4 hours at a time leaves a lot of time to think, pray and reflect. And of course, there is no cell phone reception. It was refreshing to disengage from the fast-paced world for a couple days. 

And we did get a few animals. Which is what we wanted, after all it is a trapline. :) We didn't have any big animals, but it was still exciting to see our catch. After 20+ years of trapping, I've finally saw what my dad did for all those years. It's hard work, not a job for the faint of heart. It was 15-20 degrees above zero this trip, but even at those warm temps, you get cold after hours, upon hours outside in the elements. And he's gone out many times at sub-zero temps, even 40 below at times.