Alaska Day 2

(Day 1 Here)

When we pulled into the village in the school's truck, it felt weird. Weird because it was so normal. Does that make sense? We have made the drive from the air strip to teacher housing dozens of times. The only difference now being the two little boys with us, and the two year gap since our last trip out. Vinnie dropped us off at the Walker's home, gave us the key and in we walked.

Let me take a moment to tell you how wonderful it is to be in Emily and Ryan's home. And they have truly made it a home. It is decorated beautifully complete with curtains and slipcovers and art on all the walls. Before you say, "So what?" remember that everything you want out here, you pay huge rates to ship out. Nate and I had really made our place a home as well, and Emily and Ryan's had a similar feel. In fact, we were soon to discover all sorts of things we have in common with them, for example a love of the show The Office, decorating with with reds and Parisian things, similar choice in movies and books, and, of course, a love for the Lord. While looking through their movies we discovered a video from Send International, the missionary organization through which I believe Ryan first came out here to serve under. Send has many missionaries in The Bush, and it was so awesome to discover that they have a heart like we do, to see the unreached Alaska Natives hear the Gospel for the first time! Who knows, but that we might serve with them some day as well! Anyways, we are just incredibly grateful to have this great place to stay.

Besides Emily and Ryan's house, we felt blessed in so many other ways that first day. We had dinner with our old friends Jeff and Ali, and their 3 cute kids. We put our kids down in their bedroom, just like old times, while we stayed up late and played Settlers. We remembered the joys of living in such a tight-knit community where you MUST rely on one another and develop close friendships. We realized again the beauty of the wide-open tundra, the smells of fresh air, the warm feeling you get when people tell you, "Welcome Home." We went to bed exhausted, yet so excited for the what the days ahead would bring.