Sumer Has Found Aniak

Finally summer has found its way to Aniak. The weather has actually been in the 70's, sunny, and green. It seems that overnight Aniak has bloomed. From brown bare trees to lush forest it feels like nature has awaken. It really is beautiful here. 

Ian and I have also been very busy with new jobs and preparing for the flood.

Every year as the Aniak and Kuskokwim river breaks up people fear the floods. We have heard that the actual break up is quite amazing, though. The loud churning and rush of 200 miles of ice pushing its way down stream is a favorite event to watch around here. Unfortunately this year a village 30 miles up river was destroyed by a 30 ft water wall. The entire village had to be evacuated. Thankfully our village didn't really see anything that destructive. Actually our break up this year was abnormally tame.  Ian and I watched a very peaceful break up from the river banks. Below is the video. Click on the center to watch it.



Frozen Aniak River


However, we were prepared! We filled up two large 50 gallon containers along with several other smaller water bottles. In addition, we stocked up on lots of non-perishable foods and quick meals (sandwiches, power bars, chips and salsa) just in case the power went out.  In years past as the water level rises the village will usually experience 1-2 days of no electricity. For much of two wks our apartment resembled a small refugee camp. Again, this is something that you don't usually have to worry about in the lower 48, but the thrill and anticipation was kind of fun.







Ian and Michelle Putting Up Our Tent

Over the Memorial Day weekend Ian and I went camping (along with our new provider Michelle, seen above). The actual camp site belongs to a friend, and he is in the process of re-building a new cabin. His old one literally blew up, quite a story....He is an extremely talented wood worker so when he finishes I am sure that it will be a very nice place. Even though he had two wall tents set up to use, Ian and I opted to try out our northface two person tent. And, I would give it a 5 star rating....it survived swarms of mosquitoes and rain, keeping its inhabitants dry and itch free! 

Boat Ride To Camp: Michelle, Randy, Ian

For most of our camping adventure it was raining, but that didn't matter, we had a great time anyway. Sitting by the campfire in the rain puts a whole new level of excitement in camping, at least for us it did.....The best part by far was the view.

Fire Side Chat

The camp site sits on the bank of the Kuskokwim river overlooking the mountains. The view really belonged in a magazine.

Apparently a moose and bear frequent the opposite shoreline for water. We didnt get to see them this time, and thankfully our only run in with nature was a porcupine. Sadly his life ended just after this photo :(

Ian has also started a new job in behavioral health. It has been a very good and smooth transition for him, not to mention a good use of his two masters degrees! In his new position he will be doing some counseling, planning community events, school education, and village travel. Last week he was in Anchorage for a conference and this week he is in Bethel for training. If you ask him, the best part about his new job is his HUGE office.

View From River

View From Camp

Overall we are both doing quite well and are excited to have Ian's parents, Jon and Dianne, come visit in a few weeks. This will be the first time we have seen any family in over 6 months, so we are very much looking forward to their arrival.

Also, I want to thank all of you who wrote letters to my friend Marie. I received over 15! If anyone still wants to write her, please do.....She was EXTREMELY blessed! They have been such an encouragement to her and she said that she re-reads them frequently. As a matter of fact, she shared them with a child who was going through a similar nightmare and was able to direct her toward getting some help. Marie said that the letters have been tangible evidence that she is loved and that her life matters...How awesome!  I am so proud of her courage and am excited to see how she will continue to be an advocate for others.

Also, Happy Belated Birthday to Darian on May 16th and my brother Jason on May 27!!! Love you guys!

-Sarah