My Life Lately

I have been really busy "living life", as one of my friends put it, instead of writing about it.  I am really enjoying our new life in Alaska.  I have a great job.  I am the school partnership coordinator for our church.  Basically, I go around to four schools in the district and meet with their principals, school nurses, and family coordinators.  I find out what needs their school has and report back to the church.  Then I get to meet those needs.  It is really fun.  I just got to deliver winter gear for about 10 kids.  I also read to two classes at one of our partner schools every Thursday.  God is really giving me a heart for the poor.  I think it is neat how God changes you if you are willing.  It really doesn't take effort to change, just a willingness.  Our church is now feeding 50 homeless or poor kids on the days that they have teacher inservice.  Our family gets to prepare bags of food with enough to keep a child fed three meals.  I am overwhelmed by the response we get from the schools.  I even got kissed by one school nurse!

The weather here is a new challenge.  I am learning how to drive on snow and ice.  According to the locals, this winter is really mild.  I am so thankful.  Our lowest temperature so far has only been 9 degrees.  Last year, all of November was below zero.  We are adapting well to the cold.  I really enjoy the briskness in the morning.  It is really different than the cold in the South.  Here it is really dry, which doesn't chill to the bone like the nasty wet snow and ice I am used to.  We are looking forward to having enough snow to sled and cross-country ski.  Overall, the beauty of our new surroundings has us in awe.  It is amazing that this place exists and that God has allowed people the opportunity to experience it.