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!