Etta James has a song titled "At Last", and it really fits this moment in my Alaskan experience. It felt great to go and experience all that Alaska had to offer, but it is so good to be at home "at last".
I have never missed my family quite like I did will I was away. I think in part because I wanted them to experience the awesome things I was experiencing. But I know it probably wouldn't have worked that way. You can't make someone feel the same things you do. Still would've been nice to have them with me.
My children were excited to see me and I too was excited to see them. It was great having them to come home to. My wife as well was glad to get me back home. That old saying, "absence makes the heart grow fonder," is true. I feel we are closer, just by my experiences in Alaska. It is good to be home "at last".
I have to be honest, I miss Kodiak, Anchorage, the mountains, the people, the whole thing. But, I will go back. Hopefully soon. But if not, when I do......I'll simply say, back again "at last"!
PS: Special thanks to Amy for letting me have her little baby here to post on. And to all of you who responded to my posts. Thanks
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Homeward Bound
Here we are at last....on our way back home. We are all together, Alicia, Hunter, Don, and myself. We are sitting in the Anchorage airport waiting to check our bags in. I am really ready to go home. I miss my family. I miss my bed. I miss my shower.
Don't get me wrong, this has been one of the best experiences of my life. One of the most moving experiences of my life. And by far the most spiritual experience of my life. I have never experienced the majesty and glory of God in the way I have here in Alaska. This place brings you into the very throne room of the Almighty. His awesome creative power is everywhere. His beauty is wonderful. Unbelievable doesn't even come close to describing what I have seen and felt.
The beauty alone was worth the time, money, and absence from my family. But the fellowship with fellow Christians was icing on the cake. To meet total strangers and immediately have a rapport with them is totally amazing and mind-boggling. I love it.
I am totally ready to go home and be with my family. But, I am sad to leave. This place has held a special draw for me for many years, now it is made full and strong by the experience. The visit did not in anyway diminish my desire for Alaska. Most dreams never match up to reality. THIS ONE DID! I will miss Alaska, but.....
I will be back again, Lord and Amy willing :)! If not for my family, this wouldn't have been possible. So to them, thanks! I love you for giving of yourselves for me to experience this wonderful time in Alaska. And to my Lord and Savior, Jesus: to You alone be the glory and honor for the things I have seen, heard, and done. I will never be the same. I stand here ready for my marching orders. Let's get to it. Here am I, send me.
And Amy, see you soon. Love you and can't wait to get home to be with you and the kids again soon! Hugs and kisses!
Don't get me wrong, this has been one of the best experiences of my life. One of the most moving experiences of my life. And by far the most spiritual experience of my life. I have never experienced the majesty and glory of God in the way I have here in Alaska. This place brings you into the very throne room of the Almighty. His awesome creative power is everywhere. His beauty is wonderful. Unbelievable doesn't even come close to describing what I have seen and felt.
The beauty alone was worth the time, money, and absence from my family. But the fellowship with fellow Christians was icing on the cake. To meet total strangers and immediately have a rapport with them is totally amazing and mind-boggling. I love it.
I am totally ready to go home and be with my family. But, I am sad to leave. This place has held a special draw for me for many years, now it is made full and strong by the experience. The visit did not in anyway diminish my desire for Alaska. Most dreams never match up to reality. THIS ONE DID! I will miss Alaska, but.....
I will be back again, Lord and Amy willing :)! If not for my family, this wouldn't have been possible. So to them, thanks! I love you for giving of yourselves for me to experience this wonderful time in Alaska. And to my Lord and Savior, Jesus: to You alone be the glory and honor for the things I have seen, heard, and done. I will never be the same. I stand here ready for my marching orders. Let's get to it. Here am I, send me.
And Amy, see you soon. Love you and can't wait to get home to be with you and the kids again soon! Hugs and kisses!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Last Day on Kodiak
Well, today is it, the last day on Kodiak. It has been a great experience for me. I have to admit I haven't been as bold as I would have hoped but I have been faithful to serve where asked. As I reflect on the past few days, I realize how far I have come in my walk. But I also realize I have so much further to go.
Two years ago and before that, I would have never been usable here-let alone come. But God has transformed my heart and mind so much that here I am. Just blessed to have been able to serve, no matter how small. I have truly enjoyed every single minute here. I know that is amazing to you who really know me (Amy), but it is true. I have never had such a wonderful stretch of time where I felt this good about myself or my faith. Even in feeling weak in witnessing and sharing with strangers, I have felt good to have experienced it. I am definately changed because of this place and the people I have met. I wanted to leave you this morning with a pic of the group I have been spending most of my time with. The Summer Missionaries. Pray for Brandon, Kevin, Jessica, and Meghan. Pray as they serve this summer here in Alaska along side David, Brenda and others. Pray for their safety and strength. Pray most of all that they will see the powerful hand of God move in their lives. Until later.....
Two years ago and before that, I would have never been usable here-let alone come. But God has transformed my heart and mind so much that here I am. Just blessed to have been able to serve, no matter how small. I have truly enjoyed every single minute here. I know that is amazing to you who really know me (Amy), but it is true. I have never had such a wonderful stretch of time where I felt this good about myself or my faith. Even in feeling weak in witnessing and sharing with strangers, I have felt good to have experienced it. I am definately changed because of this place and the people I have met. I wanted to leave you this morning with a pic of the group I have been spending most of my time with. The Summer Missionaries. Pray for Brandon, Kevin, Jessica, and Meghan. Pray as they serve this summer here in Alaska along side David, Brenda and others. Pray for their safety and strength. Pray most of all that they will see the powerful hand of God move in their lives. Until later.....
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Worship in Alaska Part 2
As I was saying in the last post, we had to move locations. And I've just got to say, God is an amazing organizer. Pastor Gary Elmore (Frontier's Pastor) mentioned this morning that he had heard from God this morning that yesterdays rainout and subsequent moving of the tent was purposeful. He said that the feeling and word he had from God was that God was going to move after our day of rest and relocation. And boy were his words prophetic.
At the 4-6pm session, the crew was Don, Jessica, Meghan, Hunter, Brandon, and myself. It is raining and cold and just straight up miserable. This couple came up, Ashley and Doug, and we gave them hot chocolate and Bibles. We talked with them for a few and then they left. About 15 minutes later they came back, and Don began talking with Doug again. And using a small Gideon Bible, he led Doug to the Lord using the Roman Road. Then he turned to Ashley and led her to the Lord too. Wow. I just stood there with that tingling feeling in my body. It was really awesome to be there and watch. Crossview Baptist you should be proud of your pastor. He did what he came to do...serve the Lord and lead others to Christ. Awesome.
See, what we saw as a down day and a waste God used as a staging ground for great things. We worked here and He worked there. So in the midst of a rainy cold Alaska afternoon, Doug and Ashley met the Lord. Pray for them as they learn how to walk in Him. Pray for the church here that they will be able to reach out and disciple them.
And remember as we close out today, when God closes one door He opens another or at least a window! :) See you soon.
At the 4-6pm session, the crew was Don, Jessica, Meghan, Hunter, Brandon, and myself. It is raining and cold and just straight up miserable. This couple came up, Ashley and Doug, and we gave them hot chocolate and Bibles. We talked with them for a few and then they left. About 15 minutes later they came back, and Don began talking with Doug again. And using a small Gideon Bible, he led Doug to the Lord using the Roman Road. Then he turned to Ashley and led her to the Lord too. Wow. I just stood there with that tingling feeling in my body. It was really awesome to be there and watch. Crossview Baptist you should be proud of your pastor. He did what he came to do...serve the Lord and lead others to Christ. Awesome.
See, what we saw as a down day and a waste God used as a staging ground for great things. We worked here and He worked there. So in the midst of a rainy cold Alaska afternoon, Doug and Ashley met the Lord. Pray for them as they learn how to walk in Him. Pray for the church here that they will be able to reach out and disciple them.
And remember as we close out today, when God closes one door He opens another or at least a window! :) See you soon.
Worship in Alaska
Today is Sunday and we got to worship with Frontier Baptist Church. Bro. Don preached the sermon. He did an excellent job. You guys would be proud of the way he represented our church. The really interesting thing about the church service to me was the similarities to our services. We sang songs, had a scripture time, fellowship time, and sermon. The people of Frontier were extremely friendly and I think they really enjoyed having us there. And I have to say, it felt really good to be in another church worshipping.
Bro. Don spoke on the awesome priveledge we have in knowing God. It is an honor to have an intimate knowledge of our maker. And what makes it even more amazing is that He initiated that relationship, not us. He reached out. He touched us. Not the other way around. That is what makes it awesome. He did a great job of relating that to us today. Great job, Don.
After church, we setup the booth again. But with a new twist. We didn't setup yesterday due to the weather. And we didn't go in to the festival until 12 because of church. So some time in our absence, the group across from us setup in our spot. They took our buckets to hold down the tent and on top of that they refused to move. So, we had to find a new home. But God moved and the carnival people let us setup on their side of the festival next to the food and rides. It is actually a better spot, because more people will be walking by over there. So now, we are up and running again (without the hotdogs) and hopefully we can make an impact on the visitors there.
More to come later.....
Bro. Don spoke on the awesome priveledge we have in knowing God. It is an honor to have an intimate knowledge of our maker. And what makes it even more amazing is that He initiated that relationship, not us. He reached out. He touched us. Not the other way around. That is what makes it awesome. He did a great job of relating that to us today. Great job, Don.
After church, we setup the booth again. But with a new twist. We didn't setup yesterday due to the weather. And we didn't go in to the festival until 12 because of church. So some time in our absence, the group across from us setup in our spot. They took our buckets to hold down the tent and on top of that they refused to move. So, we had to find a new home. But God moved and the carnival people let us setup on their side of the festival next to the food and rides. It is actually a better spot, because more people will be walking by over there. So now, we are up and running again (without the hotdogs) and hopefully we can make an impact on the visitors there.
More to come later.....
Saturday, May 23, 2009
What a Nasty Day!
In more ways than one. Today the Crab Festival activities for the mission team were cancelled. The rain was bad, the temps were bad, and the winds were high. So we stayed around the Baptist Mission here that we are staying in while here in Kodiak. We had three teams cleaning up this place as well as the church. One group got the church (headed up by Alicia), another stayed here in McWhinnie (the building we are all staying in), and me and three others went to the gym/weight room.
Nasty. Just plain nasty. The house needed alot of work from the looks of those who worked on it. The church too was in need of a top notch cleaning. The gym can only be categorized as filthy. We went up to the weight room first. We had to clean the vacuum first before we could even use it. It was one of those bagless units with a filter in it. The filter was so nasty that we had to beat it out and dig the dirt out of it with a pencil before it would pick anything up! Wow! This place would definately not win the Suzy Homemaker Award for Cleanliness!!! We next wiped all the equipment down with Clorox Wipes. SOOO NASTY! This was probably the first cleaning or at best second. We moved an old broken tanning bed into a closet, rearranged some of the equipment to make more room, and cleaned up the desk area as you walked into the area. We swept the steps going up to the weight room. Then the nasty of all nasties! The downstairs bathroom and reading room. YUCK! This place smelt like a McDonald's play place gone bad. We used nearly a whole bottle of febreze just trying to remove the odor or should I say alter the odor! And the bathroom was even worse. It was lets just say....in need of a major Clorox bomb followed by napalm and maybe a good acid bath. One of the summer missionaries, Brandon, cleaned it the best he could, but it is still not clean like what I would consider clean.
Anyway, we rounded out the cleaning with a couple of good games of basketball. And yes, I am tired and sore. It is hard for this 34 year old body (badly out of shape I might add) to keep up with 14, 19, 20, and 21 year olds. But, I do feel better for it.
A nasty day that yield no witnessing opportunities, but great times of service and fellowship. Nasty yes, but fruitful none-the-less. Finally after all these years, my Mom's cleanliness training came in handy. Thanks Mom.
We have church hear tomorrow morning with the Frontier Baptist Church. Pray for Don as he will be bringing the message. And pray that the weather will improve so we can return to the last two days of the festival.
Oh and on last thing....I have had the HotPocket of All HotPockets. It is called a Bruin Burger. It is hamburger meat and cheese wrapped in dough and deep fried!!!!!! YUM! It is really good. Really worth the $6 it cost to get it.
But for now, I need to go. Be good and I'll talk to you soon.
Nasty. Just plain nasty. The house needed alot of work from the looks of those who worked on it. The church too was in need of a top notch cleaning. The gym can only be categorized as filthy. We went up to the weight room first. We had to clean the vacuum first before we could even use it. It was one of those bagless units with a filter in it. The filter was so nasty that we had to beat it out and dig the dirt out of it with a pencil before it would pick anything up! Wow! This place would definately not win the Suzy Homemaker Award for Cleanliness!!! We next wiped all the equipment down with Clorox Wipes. SOOO NASTY! This was probably the first cleaning or at best second. We moved an old broken tanning bed into a closet, rearranged some of the equipment to make more room, and cleaned up the desk area as you walked into the area. We swept the steps going up to the weight room. Then the nasty of all nasties! The downstairs bathroom and reading room. YUCK! This place smelt like a McDonald's play place gone bad. We used nearly a whole bottle of febreze just trying to remove the odor or should I say alter the odor! And the bathroom was even worse. It was lets just say....in need of a major Clorox bomb followed by napalm and maybe a good acid bath. One of the summer missionaries, Brandon, cleaned it the best he could, but it is still not clean like what I would consider clean.
Anyway, we rounded out the cleaning with a couple of good games of basketball. And yes, I am tired and sore. It is hard for this 34 year old body (badly out of shape I might add) to keep up with 14, 19, 20, and 21 year olds. But, I do feel better for it.
A nasty day that yield no witnessing opportunities, but great times of service and fellowship. Nasty yes, but fruitful none-the-less. Finally after all these years, my Mom's cleanliness training came in handy. Thanks Mom.
We have church hear tomorrow morning with the Frontier Baptist Church. Pray for Don as he will be bringing the message. And pray that the weather will improve so we can return to the last two days of the festival.
Oh and on last thing....I have had the HotPocket of All HotPockets. It is called a Bruin Burger. It is hamburger meat and cheese wrapped in dough and deep fried!!!!!! YUM! It is really good. Really worth the $6 it cost to get it.
But for now, I need to go. Be good and I'll talk to you soon.
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