Fairbanks

This past (long) weekend, I had the opportunity to go to Fairbanks, AK. I have been wanting to get up to Fairbanks for some time now, just because it seems like such a unique place being so far north on the road system. Plus, one of CYAK's college ministries is in Fairbanks at UAF, and my friend Kara is serving with the ministry there. Not only that, but Ken and Sandy Moore (the pastor and his wife who were at my home church in Colorado Springs for the majority of my upbringing) live there too! Needless to say, it was about time I made my way up the Parks Highway. Fortunately,  I lucked out and hit a particularly sunny and snow-free (though slightly chilly) time to visit.  I know it won't be long before the snow and winter hits! The drive is just a little over 300 miles from Wasilla, so it is a decent distance, but on a clear day, it makes for a beautiful trip. During my stay, I was able to go to a couple Arigaa (the name of CYAK's college ministries) gatherings, see the Alaska Pipeline, go on some great runs, visit NORTH POLE (a dream come true! haha) and just spend some good quality time with my pal, Kara :) I am so thankful that I was able to come on this trip! Fairbanks is unique without a doubt, but Alaska wouldn't be the same without it!

This is where there was supposed to be a phenomenal view of Denali, the highest peak in North America at 20,320 feet. As you can see though, it wasn't exactly the clearest of days. But, I was excited nonetheless. Thank goodness for imaginations!

The weather started improving later in the trip...good thing! The sign on the bottom right is for Denali State Park.

Some of the UAF students at Arigaa on Friday night! To learn more about CYAK's Arigaa ministry, click here.

Part of the UAF Campus.

Kabladel!!!! Under part of the 800 mile Trans-Alaska Pipeline.

Santa! North Pole, AK.

On my drive back, DENALI WAS OUT! So awesome to see so bright and clear.

Check out this beast. Awesome.

Fall Blast

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to fly to the village of Elim for CYAK's annual High School Fall Blast Retreat. Every Fall, high school students from villages in the Norton Sound Region gather together in a village for a weekend retreat. This year, we had about 50 students from: Nome, White Mountain, Elim, Koyuk, and Unalakleet. MARC (Mission Aviation Repair Center), one of CYAK's partner ministries, helped transport staff from the road system to Elim, as well as some students from the villages. Four students from Koyuk came by boat (awesome!). Our speaker for the weekend was Nathan Nagaruk. Nathan grew up in Elim, and went to UAF, where he was involved with CYAK's college ministry in Fairbanks. He now lives in Nome with his wife Nora. It was awesome for the students to be able to hear from him throughout the weekend as he spoke on Hope, Healing, and a Future in Christ. I hope you enjoy a few pictures from the weekend! PS- On Saturday night, the Northern Lights were bright and clear and dancing in all their glory! Unfortunately for you, though, we were pretty busy playing a game called "mission impossible", so I was only able to take mental pics.

The MARC plane that took those of us from the road system to Elim!

Some of the staffers from Anchorage, and Alaska Christian College in Soldotna.

Getting close to Unalakleet here - headed out of the stormy clouds into warm sunshine.

Preparing for landing in Elim.

A hymnal in the church with Inupiaq hymns. Awesome!

9am sunrise looking out at the village from the school where we stayed.

A few familiar Unalakleet faces :) Derric, Roberta, and Svea!

The whole group!

Nathan giving a message on the hike.

Games!

Sunday morning worship at Elim Covenant Church with the community. A wonderful weekend!