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

Another Wedding

Couple weeks ago, I flew to Seattle, then took a bus to Vancouver, BC for a friend's wedding. When Hannah and I first met almost seven years ago, we instantly connected. We used to sit in our dorm, sipping coffee, trading stories of mission trips. Through the years, we've stayed in touch and last year I was able to visit her twice. So this month's visit was my third visit in a year and a half, but this one was the most exciting for sure. Weddings are special. But when it's a good friend, it's even more special. And when you really, really like both bride and groom and their story is such a sweet, loving one that God brought together, then well, it's SUPER special. :D

I've been to a couple out-of-town weddings and I really enjoy the ones where I get to spend time with the bride, groom, their families, etc. before the big day. It's nice to make memories during that week, rather than just come and attend a wedding ceremony, say two words to the bride and it's over. 

Friday morning we had a bachelorette brunch at a cute, little coffee shop in Gastown (downtown Vancouver). The food was great, the company even better and it was a sweet time with Hannah's closest friends and family. 

Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes - yum! 

the beautiful bride-to-be

The bride with her crazy, Amazing sister-in-laws

West Coast Friends :) 

So many special memories during those few days. Meeting Hannah's entire family for the first time is quite the experience - Ha! But I loved it all - the loudness, the crazy kids running everywhere, adults laughing and talking over each other.... Some pretty special people in my opinion. And talented too. Hannah's youngest brother drew her "guestbook;" everyone signed in different colors depending on where it was on the picture. Don't have a finished picture, but it was cute. 

the "guestbook"

isn't he adorable!? Hannah's nephew 

Between the ceremony and the reception many of us went to the reception hall to get it put together. Whew, it was a lot of work, but it was so worth it to see her expression and excitement when she walked through the doors! It was better than she imagined and loved every bit of it. The catered food was some of the best I've ever had too. Everything was so unique to Hannah's taste and was perfect conclusion to the week. 

So glad I was able to make it to their special day! It's precious when you see a couple who honestly loves God, has followed His leading in their lives and in their story together. Jeremy is a perfect fit for Hannah and I wish them the best!!! 

Earplugs are a Must!

I told myself after last year that I would never travel internationally again without earplugs. Pretty sure I need to update that statement by saying, "I will never travel anywhere without earplugs." Monday evening right after work (actually left an hour early), I jumped on a plane to Seattle. There had to be 25 kids on my flight and every seat full. Now, I love kids. Except when they are undisciplined, wild, screaming ones. One family traveling a row behind and across from me had two little girls. Cute girls. Until about 45 minutes into the flight. Then they turned into holy terrors. Screaming. Did I say screaming? I mean SCREAMING at the top of their lungs. High pitch. Ear ringing screaming. I can kind of understand if it happens once. Maybe even twice. But after that, you had better get your child under control. Not this little one. Sporadically through out the entire 3 1/2 hour flight - screaming. Call me old-fashioned, but I firmly believe the parent should be the one in charge, not the child. And discipline? Well, it works today just as it did years ago. 

So finally arrived in Seattle, with ringing ears. Talked with my brother for a while before going to bed. And then I just laid in bed. Couldn't sleep. Ugh. What's wrong with me!? Yep, didn't get much sleep Monday night. No big deal cause I had all day Tuesday with no real schedule. Was out shopping and doing other errands, then decided to go back to my brother's house for a nap. Only thing was, the maintenance man was there painting the outside trim on their duplex. So every time I almost dropped off to sleep, the loud rattle of the metal ladder outside my window would wake me up. Grrrr. 

The moral to my story..... Bring Earplugs When Traveling!!! :) 

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

Just say NO! || Sleep? what's that??

Sometimes I think my greatest weakness is the inability to say "no" (more often than not). There's just so much I want to do and accomplish and when opportunities are presented, I jump at them. Before I know it, my days are maxed and I'm trying to figure out when I'll sleep. Sleep is important.... or so they tell me. 

And of course, everything seems to go crazy all at the same time. My schedule was a comfortably full, then all of a sudden it was so jampacked full that I missed meals and had to have people bring me food! (thanks, Tman) And there's no let up until July, actually I think it might even be fuller the last two weeks of June than it is now.  

There's a couple things that keep me sane during crazy times like these.... 
God's grace and strength. What a powerful, profound Truth to know He is my Saviour, my Lord and my friend. He is with me every step of the way. 

Good friends who keep me spiritually grounded. There are two that I talk to on a weekly basis; one by phone and one face to face. We spend time sharing what God has taught us recently, what we are going through and pray together. Those prayer times are like an oasis in the midst of a hectic life. I treasure them greatly! 

A few more things that  randomly bless my days by making me laugh, feel loved or just add a little excitement.....

Receiving mail! I love snail mail, some days I wish that's all we had again (don't usually wish very long, since I also enjoy email:) Last week arrived home late one night and had a package from my friend - with a lovely, colorful scarf, shirt and a card with kind words. Just an extra pick-me-up blessing. 

thanks to Jaime for this scarf!

Hanging with Bobby at church. Crazy kid with tons of energy! So funny how all the little kids at church love my dad. Sometimes I help him out, cause he always had a couple or more kids hanging around him. Bobby is quite the character! He can't say my name, so was teaching him to call me, "pretty girl." heehee

selfie with Bobby!

#canceledflight - so glad this wasn't our airline

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!