Hunting

Been a while I know since I blogged... just when you think life is slowing down... yeah it doesn't. :) 

Just a few pictures that I never posed from Colorado. Went to the Garden of the gods while there and it was pretty cool. I know they say all this stuff about these large red rocks taking millions of years to form yada yada. But God is the True Creator and He was the one to put this massive rocks there. I just drove through the park, but would like to go back and do some hiking there. Maybe when it's not so hot. 

Last week my dad, youngest brother and I went moose hunting. My bro and I both have never shot a moose. This was my third time out for moose and my brother's sixth, or was it seventh, I don't remember. Both of our previous trips, someone in the group had gotten a moose, just not us. And, well, we didn't change anything this year. :/ only came close to one moose, but by the time I got to where my dad was, the moose had started walking away and I didn't see it. Saw lots of tracks on our path and where two bulls were fighting, even a cow and calf, but no other bulls. oh well. 

We had a good time - I got caught up on sleep, which was really nice after working that second, late night job this summer. We ate well.... my dad's pretty notorious for cooking well when hunting. We picked late season blueberries and made fresh pancakes with them. Yum! 

Was pretty cold out a couple days. First day the wind blew like crazy all day. In fact it felt colder that day than the next when we had snow on the ground. Yep, you read that right, SNOW. We had our first snowfall of the year and the second snowfall (today). I know the calendar says the first day of Autumn was this past Sunday, but clearly it wasn't made for Alaska. :D 

mode of transportation - actually we walked mostly

our hotel

my favorite pic from this week

looking for moose!

picking blueberries in the snow

Epic Weekend

I think this past weekend has to go down as one of the craziest weekends of my life. :) 

I started Friday morning off very tired - it was the end of the work week of which I had worked 5 days and 3 nights. Had to go to the airport right at 8am to get my badge fixed so I can work International flights. After that I went to my day job for a couple hours, went back to the airport to clean a Korean Airline plane (honestly I don't enjoy those) and then back to the "real" job. (both jobs are real, it's just I call my regular job my "real one.") 

Got off work at 3pm and barely stayed awake enough to drive home. Crashed on my bed for two hours. Felt a lot better when I woke up. 

I worked on some things at home, then started preparing for my night hike at Angel Rocks. Some of you may remember we went last September at night and saw amazing stars! I think the total count last year was six falling stars and one comet. We wanted to take our Chinese friend Donnia up there at night to see the stars before she leaves later this month. We planned the trip about six days prior; Friday came and it was cloudy and rainy all day, but we went anyways. 

Got my stuff together and was picked up at my house shortly after 10pm. Tanna, Donnia and I were in the back seat and the guys in the front. Micah was going to bring his camp stove so we could make hot cocoa... well he couldn't find it, so he brought firewood instead to make a real fire. I asked him before he headed up the trail if he had matches. He assured me he did. 

not sure what Donnia is doing

So we headed on up the hill. We remembered to bring more than one flashlight this year! That was good since there was five of us and it was darker than last time. Tanna and I were straggling behind; when we caught up to the others at the halfway point (where we had planned on stopping), we heard the news that Micah couldn't find the lighter! And I was SO looking forward to that nice cup of hot cocoa!  

We tossed around ideas of how to start the fire - using gunpowder, flashlight, etc. I almost bought a flint & magnesium last week, should have spent the money! Micah decided to attempt a bow drill fire. Those of you who know what that is, know it's not exactly a piece of cake to do. But I just helped out and held the flashlight. 

An hour later....... we decided to go back down the hill and build a fire down there. 

Had to wake Tanna from her nap on the rocks and back down we went. 

working on the bowdrill fire - Tim, we could have used your expertise!!

We boiled water for our hot chocolate, ate blue & white goldfish and cold Chinese food, watched the Northerns Lights, laughed a whole bunch - you have to when there's a slight language barrier that causes misunderstanding and miscommunication. Unforgettable night for sure! I was dropped back off at my house at 410AM!

huddled around the fire

on the ride back

My sister and I had planned on going to Anchorage Saturday..... my idea of leaving at 9AM didn't quite work out, seeing as I didn't wake up until nine. Finally got on the road at eleven.

First stop of the trip was at Red Robin in Wasilla! Love that place. Whenever we Fairbanksans travel, we love going to restaurants that we don't have here. I had been dreaming of a Royal Burger from Red Robin. And it was everything I remembered. :)

Royal Burger

Saturday was a beautiful day. A bit overcast and cloudy and it rained a little here and there, but it was still a nice drive. I love my state! and it is a beautiful time of year; the leaves are just starting to turn colors (mostly yellow). Both of us were on the watch for a bear, really wanted to see one. But no luck this trip. But we did see a lot of tourists. They're everywhere! Ha. 

Nenana River

shopping at Target

We did some shopping Saturday evening without much luck. I got a couple things, but Lacey couldn't find anything. So after church Sunday morning, we stopped by the mall. Plan was just to run in and look around and then get on the road.... yeah, well this entire two day trip was everything but according to plan. We didn't leave Anchorage until almost 5pm. But Lacey did find some things at the mall, so we were happy with the shopping trip. 

We grabbed some Arbys to bring home and then ice cream for the road from DQ (another two restaurants we don't have in Fairbanks) before heading north. The drive home was very wet; pretty sure it rained the entire time. We got to Denali just after 9pm. Walked around a little, stretching our legs and checking on tshirt prices. Lacey bought a few items she hasn't been able to find in town. As we were walking back to my car, I stuck my hand in my jacket pocket for my keys. They weren't there! weird, so I checked my other pockets, not there either. I asked Lacey, "where's my keys?" 

She just looked at me for a second and then said - don't tell me that! don't joke around with me! 

I'm not joking. I don't know where my keys are. So, we walked back to my car and there they were on my seat. I don't know if I took them out of the ignition, stuck them in my pocket and they fell out or what. But yep, both car keys I had with me were in the car and the car was locked. And all the windows rolled all the way up and my sun roof closed up tight because of the rain. Great. :/

eating blizzards!

Denali is two hours south of Fairbanks. And it's a tourist spot, a National Park (that's where Mt. McKinley is), so there isn't any taxi cab drivers to call to unlock a car. And the Troopers said they'd break my window to get in, but that was all. Well, thanks. I could do that myself. We walked around, trying to find a towing company or someone to help; asked at the gas station if they had a slim jim to get into a locked car. The attendant there was from Eastern Europe and didn't even know what a slim jim was. Well, that was another dead end. We walked over to the hotel to see if their maintenance or security people would be able to help us. Same thing, no they didn't have the tools to help. But they offered to let us chill in the lobby until we got back into our car.

Called some people at home, like my brother, dad and other friends. My brother's car has been acting up, so he didn't want to make the trip. And Dad had to be somewhere early the next morning, so he said he'd send my mom with my spare key from the house. Before she could leave though, a friend called me back and said he would drive my key down to us. So Micah and Tanna came to our rescue. For two plus hours, Lacey and I hung out in the empty hotel lobby. We passed the time by calling a friend on speaker phone (craziness!) and talking. I fell asleep at one point. They finally arrived about 1:20am and we got back on the road. Another night when I made it home after 4am. So glad it was Labor Day on Monday, so I didn't have work.

Yeah, it was a crazy weekend. But I now have memories with my sister and friends that I'll remember the rest of my life! and we already laugh over our trip to Anchorage. :)
Can't say life isn't exciting..... 

having fun in Denali, before I found out about my keys

pic from Lacey's phone - caused by wind? weird.

Love - Unconditionally

"love like you've never been hurt"

Just walking through Fred's on my lunch break, when the above saying caught my eye. I was looking for some new wall art for my bedroom and there it was, a pretty plague with that saying scrolled across it.

Wasn't something to purchase, but the words sure stuck with me.

Moments throughout my life, I've been tempted to stop showing love to certain individuals. A person who perhaps hurt me, betrayed me or just showed me a little bit of cold shoulder. It is my tendency to withdraw after such experiences. Why should I be a friend to them? Why should I open my heart to them? When all I get in return is rejection or indifference?

When you love someone, you open yourself up to hurt. An offending remark from a stranger is easy to brush off, but when it comes from a dear friend, it stings. Loving someone makes you the lover, vulnerable.

Honestly, I don't like being vulnerable.

My natural response is so say "no thanks;" to love someone without opening my heart to them.

Then my spirit reminds me, "Christ loved you by opening Himself up to you, when you still rejected Him." God loved me before I loved Him. He made Himself vulnerable to hurt and shame on my behalf!

While I'd rather just love someone simply without being deeply involved, Christ wants me to love as He loved. Yes, I may get hurt in the process - but then I can share in the "fellowship of His sufferings." (Philippians 3) It's still not an easy choice, but it is the right choice.

Choose to Love.

Unconditionally.

choosing love....

Good Morning Denver!

Welcome to Denver! 

I had the chance to fly down to Denver for a few days, so I jumped at it! I really don't how to explain my fascination with traveling, airports, etc. I sit in an airport and I just LOVE it. Even with all the chaos, craziness, lost luggage, delayed flights, etc, I still can't seem to get enough of it. 

I arrived in Denver just in time to catch the sunrise Thursday morning. I have to say Colorado is similar to Alaska in the fact that they have beautiful skies - huge clouds set against high mountains, with lots of gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. I love clouds, so I enjoyed seeing the Colorado skies! 

Sun rises over Denver

One thing I was really looking forward to in Denver was the chance to eat more ethnic food! Here in Fairbanks, we have lots of Thai, Chinese and Korean food places.... but we lack some of the best! I like Mediterranean food and some Indian foods and sadly, we don't have much in that department. Thursday for lunch I ate at the Yak and Yeti Restaurant! It was a buffet, so I was able to choose a good variety of Indian, Tibetan and Nepali foods. Yum! And on Friday, I had Shwarma. mmm mmm

@ Yak & Yeti 

like my name correction? :) 

I stopped off in Colorado Springs for almost a whole day. Didn't think I'd get to see Lance this time around; he's a senior this year at the Airforce Academy and is very busy. But he texted me that morning and we were able to meet up for a couple hours that afternoon. I got my "real" tour of the campus! Last time I was there, it was in the evening and everything was closed for the day. The Chapel is impressive architecturally! 

Airforce Academy Chapel

The second half of my stay in Colorado I went north of Denver to see some dear friends! I attended Judah and Heather's wedding two years ago and hadn't seen them since. I was able to spend some great time with them, along with meeting their new little man, Jude! 

I taught Judah when he was a freshman in high school; I lived with his family in Mongolia for a winter... that was a great year! :) It was pretty funny when he introduced me to some of his friends and he told them I was his teacher when he was fourteen. They all kinda looked at me, like "how is that possible?" Judah and I look about the same age, so it takes some people by surprise. :) 

baby Jude

A first for me this past weekend was running (okay, walking) a 5k. I've always wanted to run one, but I'm not there yet... But I did walk it with Heather and Jude. It was great to fellowship with Heather while getting some exercise. It was killer hot that morning, the sun was intense! 

after the 5k

It was a good, restful weekend. I am thankful I got a short break.... especially since I'm working nights the next few weeks (along with my normal work). 

Betrayal, Pain, GRACE

Gut-wrenching heart-ache - that's how I would describe deep betrayal. 

Have you ever thought about how Christ felt when Judas betrayed Him? 

Sure, He was God and He knew it was coming and even that it was needed for Him for be crucified. But that doesn't negate the fact that He was betrayed. Betrayed by one of those closest to Him. A person He had worked with, laughed with, traveled and lived with. A man He had taught and mentored. 

And then. 

Judas turned on Jesus and betrayed Him.

Stabbed Him in the back. 

There's no way you can tell me that Christ was not hurt. 

Perhaps the knowledge of Judas' betrayal added to the enormous weight He carried in the Garden when Christ prayed. The betrayal by a close friend is not an easy boulder to scale and then just continue on down the path of life unaffected. 

Sometimes the hurt and pain remain in your heart for many months afterward. It will never be completely erased from your memory. 

The boulder of betrayal may be blocking your path. There is no way around it. It cannot be brushed aside and not dealt with. If you are to press forward in your spiritual walk, it must be ascended. You can choose to let it defeat you so that you no longer have the energy to travel the upward journey of faith. But you are the one who loses, if that is your choice. 

I understand to a small extent the anger, frustration and pain that accompanies a friend's betrayal. Not the kind of pain that stems from a friend who perhaps no longer speaks to you or speaks evil of you behind your back. Not an elementary school betrayal.

But the heartache caused by a close confident and mentor who has spurned the Truth of God's Word, the Truth they have proclaimed for many years. The pain generated when the choices this friend made severely injures numerous loved ones around them.

Hebrews 4: 15 - "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."

Christ is our High Priest. He understands our weaknesses, our emotions, our trials. He knows how betrayal feels! He can comfort and give grace, because He has been through it already. Only He can give sustaining grace and peace in a dark time of life. What a comfort it is to rest in the knowledge that my Lord loves me, He understands the anguish of my soul and He will carry me over the hurdle of betrayal.

Betrayal is only one of many dark trials that a person can encounter in life. But my God is the Sustainer and Peace-Giver for each one of our trials - whether it be the death of loved one, the betrayal of a dear friend, the kidnapping of a child, sickness, financial loss. Each of our circumstances may be different, but...

God is the Constant.

You can look to Him and He will never let you down. Men will fail us. I'm thankful for the good, godly friends God has allowed me to meet, but none will ever replace the Lord and what He can do for me.

His Strength is made strong in my weakness, His Grace sustains me when I don't have the will to go on, His Peace comforts my heart when I am burdened, His Word refreshes my soul when I am down, His Love embraces me when I feel alone.

My heart still aches as I write this, my stomach still churns and tears threaten to flow, but my trust is in the God of Heaven. By allowing Him free access to my life, yes, I will endure trials. But those trials will make me stronger, more confident in my Saviour - in the end, I consider it a blessing.

I am today closer to my Father because of this trial.

and I am willing to accept this trial and others in the future if my God will be glorified. 

BLUEBERRIES

It's that time of year and this is a Good year! We've had some amazing weather this summer, so our berry harvest is excellent! I've heard many people say that this is the best year they have ever seen for blueberries. I know a couple families who have 5 to 10 gallons of berries! We don't have near that amount, but our freezer is quickly filling up... with berries and salmon!! 

Salmon is a staple here in Alaska. I thought it was strange that some of my friends in the States had never had salmon or just had it once at a restaurant or paid an exorbitant price for it. I remember one year when were kids, we had salmon so much, that we begged my mom not to cook it any more for us. 

And I just found out we are going to get a lot our salmon smoked! The awesome, not to salty/smoky way! mmm, going to be a good winter. Oh and once I get my moose this year, ;) our freezer will be packed. 

Loving Harvest Time in Alaska!

BIG blueberries (for Alaska)