Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Alaskan Adventure

This year, it is our privilege to head back to Alaska to work for the summer. Last year was our "maiden" voyage to the land of the midnight sun; it was a tremendous opportunity, thoroughly enjoyed by our entire family. We also had the privilege of seeing God's creation as we'd never seen before, driving back to the Pacific Northwest through the Yukon and Canada.

The drive home was absolutely GORGEOUS, but we learned some important lessons. We learned that seven people don't fit in a 4-man tent, even if most of them are small. Murphy's Law applies to camping in the Yukon. If you are camping, it will be raining. Even beautiful territory can get boring after a while. Most importantly, we learned that it is a REALLY long way from there to here! It was, in our minds, a once in a lifetime experience.

The more I think about it, though, perhaps driving isnt' so bad after all. It might be easier to cross an international border with a loaded down vehicle pulling a loaded down trailer than to get through airport security with five tired children and their activity/snack-filled backpacks. Getting shoes off and jackets off and tickets out for five tired children will be a miraculous feat, especially with hundreds of people behind us waiting to do the same thing! With up to 14 pieces of checked luggage, just making it to airport security will be a miracle, actually.

In the end, it is well worth the effort at the airport to enjoy the privilege of serving Jesus in Alaska. Lives will be impacted; by God's grace, many will be changed; lessons will be learned, not only by the 37 young men who will join us this year, but by me, my husband, and our family. I'm excited to go. I just have to survive airport security to get there!