The Gathering

Hello all!

First of all, I am sorry it has been so long since my last post! I have been quite busy, and then my internet went out for a few days due to a wind storm...but I am back! I wanted to share a little about my past weekend in big Lake, Alaska.

As some of you might already know, as part of its ministry, Covenant Youth of Alaska plans and organizes different youth retreats for various age groups of Native Alaskans throughout the year. The Gathering is a semi-annual retreat for the campus ministries throughout the state. There were students from the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, the University of Alaska-Anchorage, Alaska Christian College, Amundsen Educational Center, and Job Corps. It was so great to be able to get to know some of the students and enjoy a peaceful weekend in the beauty of Alaska. I hope you enjoy the pictures!!

The whole group! Camp Maranatha, Big Lake, AK.

Morning glory.

Morning Worship.

Shooting guns! I tried three times and missed every one!

Brave souls taking the polar plunge! Brrrr.

NINJA!

Beautiful!

While the Sun is Still Shining

The last week has been unusually sunny. Not only is it unusual to have multiple days of clear blue skies in a row, but the fall is fast approaching, and we all know that the long days are soon to be gone. So, in order to take full advantage of the good weather and long days, we have been doing lots of activities outside.

One of the things I have loved the most about living in the valley so far is the fresh produce. Last week, my friend Nikki and I went to a U-pick farm where we pulled (straight from the ground!) fresh carrots, lettuce, kale, red potatoes, and snap peas. I got so much, and it was all under $5! I also have had the opportunity to go berry picking several times. I have picked currants, rose hips, lingonberries, blackberries (not the kind we have at home, but more like black-colored blue berries) and blueberries. They are all delicious! I am excited to find things to make with them :o)

Not only have I done a lot of berry picking, but I have had the opportunity to go on a few hikes as well. There is a small mountain (more like a very large hill, but small mountain sounds better!) called the Butte that I have hiked a couple of times. The first time was with my coworker James and students from the job corps ministry. Then, this morning, I went on a hike with two other CYAK workers, Nikki and Matt, up Lazy Mountain. We got up when it was still dark, and hiked to the top to see the sun rise above the mountains. We came to the conclusion that the hike was far from lazy (it was straight up the majority of the time!), but it was absolutely gorgeous, and a great way to start the day!

The leaves have been turning from green to gold faster than anyone would prefer, but I am going to make sure I take full advantage of the beautiful weather and fall colors while they last! Enjoy the pictures!

Until next time,

Lauren

Fresh veggies from Pyrah's U-Pick Farm in Palmer.

Currants and Rose Hips from the backyard!

Lingon Berries!

Blueberries!

View of Matanuska Glacier from the Butte.

Half way up Lazy Mountain.

Looking back at the Valley from the top of Lazy.

  

Made it!

After seven long days of driving, my dad and I pulled into Wasilla on Friday afternoon. Although I think it is safe to say that a long road trip at this point sounds less than appealing, I am happy to report that the trek was easier than expected. The roads were in good condition, we had fairly good weather, and there were lots of beautiful sights along the way. Our day to day schedule is below, and I have added some pictures of the highlights of the trip as well!

Night one: Shelby, Montana.
Night two: Banff, Alberta.
Night three: Grand Cache, Alberta.
Night four: Liard Hot Springs, British Columbia.
Night five: Whitehorse, Yukon Territories.
Night six: Tok, Alaska.

On the glass at the top of the Calgary Tower!

Downtown Banff.

Lake Moraine.

Dawson City, BC.

Herd of Buffalo near Liar Hot Springs!

The "world famous" sign post forest in Watson Lake, YT.

Met up with a friend, Vanessa, (who I met in Sweden) in Whitehorse, of all places!

Made it to ALASKA!

Beautiful fall colors just past Tok.