Camping the Bush Way

I woke up nice and refreshed Saturday morning ready to begin my wifely duties: laundry, dishes, putting finishing touches on the apartment, etc, only to find that there was no electricity. Patiently I waited all morning long, but as the apartment continued to get colder (it was about -20 outside) I knew something else was going on. We headed over to the clinic (they have a generator) and found our behavior health counselor camping out as well.

Unfortunately one of the pipes that contains the electrical wires had frozen and broken in half. This split the wires and hence our problem.  However, the bigger issue was that the pipes were built underground at the airport, and since the permafrost is completely frozen, no one would be able to fix this anytime soon. And, supplies would need to be flown in from the nearest city, Anchorage, which is about 400 miles away.

Needless to say I spent my first 2 days in Aniak, camping. It was actually very fun. Ian and I played a lot of Scrabble and Risk by candlelight (he of course beat me at both) and ate almost our entire supply of chips and salsa. We ended up showering on the second day at the clinic, more out of necessity than want. In the bush you have to learn to be creative and just go with the flow. Things may take a little longer to get done here, but the adventure is very worthwhile.  

On Saturday Ian and I were invited to ride snowmachines. We went about 30 miles round trip down the kuskokwim, into the woods, and into the open tundra. We found a beaver dam along one of the tundra tribuitaries and Ian was able to catch some airtime as he jumped this. Unfortunately once I got on we tipped over. The snow came up to our thighs so flipping a 1500 lb snowmachine was quite difficult.  

Riding in the Tundra

We actually had to cut our ride short because the wind was increasing and we were worried about a potential white out.When this happens even the most experienced outdoorsman can get easily disorientated.  Our friend, Randy, was telling us that this can happen within seconds and is very dangerous. So, after 3 hours we headed home.

Thankfully, on Sunday the electicity came back on and we were able to warm up. I spent the rest of the weekend cooking. On Monday I actually spent 6 hours in the kitchen trying to figure out bulk food preparation. Overall things turned out pretty good. Thanks to my friend, Angela, I now have some better ideas of how to not make rice too sticky and beans too mushy. Thanks Ang! I am trying to do most of the cooking on the weekend and have meals prepared in advance for the week. If anyone has any good vegetarian recipes, please send them my way!

I am about to finish my first week of work here in Aniak. So far things have been very smooth. We have been steady, not too busy, and no traumas yet, thankfully! This weekend we are thinking of having some friends over for a night of Risk, and Ian might be going out on Saturday to help a friend cut some wood.  Settling in has been fun, you never know what the day will bring.

Also, I want to wish a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my Dad!!! He turns 64 tomorrow, Feb 25. Love you lots dad!

-Sarah

Finally, Aniak

I can now officially call myself a Bush Alaskan. Not only because I now have a permanent place of residence, but also because I traveled on a bush plane through a major snowstorm and didn't get sick. First though, let me start with the beginning of my week, that was actually very smooth.

I arrived in Emmonak, a costal village at the mouth of the Kuskokwim river right off the Bering Sea last Friday. During our flight in I actually saw a moose from the plane window! I arrived in the afternoon and saw a few patients at the clinic befor heading over for the town's Potlatch. A Potlatch is when the natives gather together and perform several ceremonial Eskimo dances. 



Arial view of Emmonak

Some of the dances have been passed down for generations, some are new, but they are all performed in remembrance of their ancestors and recently passed loved ones. In the background, the elders of the tribe use chants and drums to provide the rhythm of which the dance is performed. It was very cool and you could feel the pride they felt for their heritage.

For their dances, the natives dress in their traditional attire: homemade fur hats, belts, boots, etc. Their clothing and beading is just beautiful. I have been so impressed with their ability to utilize earth's resources. They can use just about any element, fur, or grass and create the most beautiful and functional things. In Emmonak, the women gather grass along the coast and make baskets. I don't have a picture of one, but the baskets are unbelievable. There is so much detail in them, it is hard to imagine that it was all done with grass and completely by hand.

Potlatch

I had dinner Tuesday night with a new friend, Jen, and her family. We met a few weeks ago in Bethel at the woman's retreat that I attended. Her husband, Austin, is a pastor in Emmonak and they moved up from New Jersey 4 years ago. It was really nice talking with them and hearing the stories of how God has used them here in Alaska. I just know that Ian and Austin would become fast and good friends if we lived closer (Emmonak to Aniak is about 300 miles)


I finished the rest of the week at the clinic then flew back to Bethel Thursday night.  Friday morning I left for the airport with great anticipation to see Ian. As a matter of fact, I had a very hard time sleeping the night before because I was so excited.

Unfortunately, when I got to the airport at 8:00 am, our flight was on weather hold due to fog and an impending blizzard. Gotta love flying in the bush! The funny thing is that every time I try to fly out of Bethel I get stuck, and every time I get stuck I end up receiving a great revelation from God. Friday I was able to finish the Old Testament and again I felt the power of God come alive in me. If you want to read about that, you can see my 2nd blog (website found at the top of this one, or you can go to http://hosannamylord.blogspot.com/, that's hosanna my lord all one word). I probably won't have that post up until tomorrow, though.

Thankfully, just after I finished reading Malachi, they gave the all clear and I was able to get on a 5:00 pm flight to Aniak. Even though the fog had lifted, the snow was really starting to come down hard. The pilot thought it was safe, though, so we all boarded. We actually had to take a caravan (a 10 seater) because we were also transporting supplies to the villages.

This was by far the worst flight I have been on. I actually found myself chanting the Jesus Prayer ("Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me a sinner")  as the plane was being whipped to and fro in zero visibility. We were doing up and down and the pilot's cockpit controls were blaring. NO JOKE!  I really thought we might crash (you couldn't see the ground at all) and I began confessing all my sins. Even though the pilots here are some of the best in the world, and flying in Alaska is actually safer than riding an ATV or snow machine,  I was not comforted.

Thankfully, though, Christ carried my plane to Aniak (after a quick drop off in Kalskag). I was so relieved to be on the ground that for a brief second I forgot all about seeing Ian. Usually I try to get "pretty" for him if I haven't seen him in a while, but this time I smelt like B.O. and sweat.  I think the scary flight over knocked all the pretty out of me.



Our snow chariot

He picked me up at the airport (picture to left) and we took the quad to our new house. When I walked in the apartment he had a "Welcome Home Sweets" sign up with lots of candles lit. The house looked and smelled amazing! He did such a great job unpacking, decorating, and cleaning. Everything was organized and put away so neatly... I know it must so have been a lot of work! Thanks, Ian!

If you like candles, check out Frontier Family Farms...they make the best homeade organic soy products!  www.frontierfamilyfarms.com. They are friends of ours who live in Marshall, Michigan. A super christian family!

Yesterday I went to bed so happy to finally be home! As a matter of fact, I kept waking up and looking at Ian.  I know, I know,...but I am just so in love with him and we have been apart so LONG! He is such a great husband and he gives me so much joy. (Jason, I can see your eyes rolling!)



Our Living Room

Anyway, I am extremely glad to be here and we are already having lots of fun. Last night we were even able to get in a few games on the Wii before our power went out.... and we are still without electricity (I am typing this at the clinic and its 2:40 pm).

Our Dining Room

Nevertheless, we have been cruising around Aniak in our quad and laughing at the good times that have begun. Aniak still feels like the right decision and now that I am back with Ian, things are finally complete. 

- Sarah



Toksook Bay

What an adventure I had in Toksook Bay! I spent Tuesday - Thursday this week in this small village of about 500 located right on the Bering Sea. I couldn't see Russia, but it is pretty close! ... About 50% of the village still does not have running water or electricity. So, the natives go to a watering hole (a fresh spring) and carry large pales back to their home.


Local Catholic Church

Toksook also boasts some of the best halibut fishing in Alaska, and having had some, I agree! One of the local providers had me over for dinner Tuesday night and the halibut was absolutely delicious!  Believe it or not, the halibut here get up to 150 lbs!


In addition to their reliance on fish, muskox is another important substistence food for them. Right now there are two large muskox herds nearby that the locals have been hunting. To be honest, I didn't even know what a muskox was before I moved to Alaska. Basically, they look like a small ugly buffalo.


Toksook Ambulance Sled

Wednesday I got to do a home visit for a sick elder. One of the health aids (Alaskan version of a medical assistant/ nurse) took me on her snow machine to the elders house. Even though it was extremely cold (-30 with wind chill), snowing, and windy (around 40 mph) I found myself all smiles again. I really don't think there is a cooler job than mine. Here I am all bundled up in my parka, on a snow machine, headed into the middle of nowhere to help a sick Eskimo. After examining her at her home I found that she was actually very sick and would need to be transported back to the clinic for further testing and an EKG.  


A full parking lot at the clinic

 

The rest of Wednesday and Thursday was filled with sick children: pneumonia, dehydration, bronchiolitis, until I saw Mr. X (name has been changed for HIPPA privacy). He is a chronic alcoholic who apparently is homeless (not sure how that works in freezing Alaska). He was seen yesterday, diagnosed with scabies, and in today as a follow up. However, when I was talking with him I got the impression that something else was very wrong...my first clue was that he was as pale as snow!

As I began my exam, I also noticed that he had a new blowing systolic murmur. Not to my surprise his CBC revealed a hemoglobin and hematocrit of 5.5/18.2. For those of you not in the medical profession, that is extremely low. We actually transfuse people when they are around 7.  As you can imagine he was extremely short of breath and very fatigued. He also had an atypical scabie type rash on his entire body. I am not fully convinced that it is even scabies, though.  It may possibly be a secondary manifestation of another disseminated illness. As I was looking at his rash, I also noted that he looked extremely emaciated. When I asked him the last time he ate he said about 24 hrs ago.


View from plane, frozen Bering Sea with mountains in background.
You have to look very close!

 

This just broke my heart, so I gave him my dinner (I am not so emaciated that I couldn't go without a meal). Alcoholic or not, this man needed care! To start, he needed a blood transfusion. Unfortunately, this is unavailable in Toksook. So, I had to arrange for him to fly to Bethel on the next commercial flight (later that night). However, he didn't have anyone to take him there, so I decided to bring him myself. Around 5:00 pm we boarded the Cessna (seen below) and headed to Bethel. Once we landed I got us a cab, then personally escorted him to the ER. It actually worked out very well that I was able to take him myself, that way I could help in the transfer of his care. It also ensured that he would get in quickly and not spend hours waiting in the ER to be seen. Today it was really awesome to help someone who might have not made it otherwise, only in Alaska would this include taking your patient on a bush plane!



Our Plane - An 8 seater Cessna


Tomorrow I will be going to Emmonak, another small and traditional village. They are having a potlatch tomorrow night. This is a traditional Eskimo celebration and dance that is followed by a large meal. It should be really fun to watch and I will try to take lots of pictures to post.

After Emmonak, ANIAK! I will finally be able to go to my new home next Friday. Even though I have enjoyed my time here in Bethel and the other villages, I am very ready to get to my clinic.

Ian is still doing very well. He also got to go on a snow machine last week. He was able to join a family as they went to quarter a moose.....I will let him blog about that!  He has also been busy unpacking our apartment and says that it feels more like home now.  We have received everything we shipped except our ATV. So, Ian has been walking to and from work everyday, about 1 mile. Hopefully we will get it sometime next week.

That's all for now. Have a great weekend and check the blog next week sometime for more updates!

- Sarah

Who Says Airports Are No Fun?

I got up this morning thinking I was headed to the village of Toksook Bay. I promptly arrived at the Bethel Airport around 8:00 am to find out that all flights were on a weather hold. Since we were flying on a 4 seat Cessna bush plane, I was happy that the pilots were grounding if it was unsafe. So, I took my seat and opened my bible to the book of Isaiah.

Have you ever read this book?! As you can probably tell, I had never fully read it in its entirety. But today, after being delayed 6 times, I read it start to finish. It only took me 9 hours. Yes, I stayed the entire day at Bethel Airport reading the book of Isaiah!


For me this book profoundly impacted the way I view my relationship with the Lord. Through new eyes I was reading about an all loving Creator who was pleading with me to turn back to him. This really shook me up.


Verse 30:14 talks about his "wanting to be gracious to us, and exalting himself to show us mercy." This is something that I had heard my entire christian walk. After all, I have clung to that promise for years. Even on my best day, without his grace and mercy I would still be a hell bound sinner (harsh but true).


What I neglected to see, though, was the ultimate love that He pleads to us with. And so began my journey into Isaiah, I had no idea it would be so life changing.

Fear not, for I have redeemed you: I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you: when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you - 43:1-3

Because you are precious in my eyes and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life. Fear not, for I am with you - 43: 4


...everyone who is called by my name, whom i created for my glory, whom I formed and made - 43:7

Wait a minute, did I read that right? The all powerful Lord of all the universe, who created light, who angels worship day and night, who is perfect, glorious, and righteous honors me? What does He mean he will give men and peoples in exchange for my life?


And, after filling the earth with all its natural beauty: the heavens, waters, land, vegetation, and animals, He still found it necessary to create a man in his own image and then go on to bless him?  Like man could bring God more glory than all of that?!


Did you ever wonder why, even after we fell into darkness and turned our backs from Him, this same God still chose to seeks us and to love us? Why even though our hearts remained hard and we continued to measure our idols (money, power, beauty, knowledge) against him, He still found us worthy?


Here's your answer:

For my name's sake I defer my anger, for the sake of my praise I restrain it for you, that I may not cut you off. Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction. For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it, for how should my name be profaned? My glory I will not give to another - 48:9-11

For his sake! Because he loves us! Because our praise matters to him! Can you even grasp this?! The God of the universe is PLEADING with you to love him back, to praise Him! Notice that in this one verse He repeats the phrase "for my own sake" three times!


And, the reason he won't seek his vengeance on us is because he doesn't want to cut us off from him. That is amazing!  Our praise is more important to God than his vengeance!  Even when we give our glory to other idols (money, careers, etc) and profane his name, he still continually forgives us AND still finds man worthy to reflect his glory.  I find this fact: that Christ is jealous for me and my praise, absolutely beautiful!
 After I read this verse I broke down in tears right in the middle of Bethel Airport.  The power I found in this revelation just broke me. I think I may have even had a panic attack, it was powerful!


Still, after his creation has rejected him, he chooses not to give us his wrath. Instead, out of his love, he gives us another way to glorify him.... he fulfills his promise from verse 43: 4, (I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life)...he gives us his only begotten son, Jesus! Really selah on this a moment.....


Have you ever thought about what prompted God to even think to do this? He ransoms a perfect savior in exchange for a wicked nation's salvation and praise. I think the reason he does this is because he loves us that much. That much that he gives his wrath on a perfect lamb to spares us!

Think about it: we reject him, we worship other gods before him, we break his commandments, yet he still pleads with us to love him back and to glorify his name. And, instead of destroying us all, he spares us through the blood ransom of his only son. He would rather his wrath nail his son to a cross than cut us off from giving him glory! Now that is love!


Thankfully today I understood a glimmer of Christs love..unfortunately my little brain still cannot grasp the expanse of just how deep that goes. I pray you read that verse and are shaken up as well. Great is our God and worthy is He to be praised!


Friends, be an enjoyment to God today. After all, you were created solely to give him glory. Period.


- Sarah

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRI!

To Be A Missionary

This weekend I was invited to a woman's retreat by one of the floor nurses. We met both Friday and Saturday at a local church and had a great time of fellowship. There I met some really fabulous and ambitious women my age. As we were getting acquainted before the service, we all started sharing our stories of where we were from and how we ended up in a place like Bethel. I noticed that most of us came here with a common theme, the desire to do mission work. Mostly medical, but often fueled with the heart of Christ.  Actually, a lot of the people I have met here have or are planning on going abroad to do some sort of missions. Some of the stories were quite amazing and many of the places I have never even heard of. For me, it has been such an encouragement to hear how God has directed the lives of others.

As I was listening to their stories this question kept running though my mind. What exactly is a missionary?  I mean does it have to be in the African jungles or in a far off isolated place? Does it mean not shaving my legs and wearing my pink dew rag (on our first date that's what I told Ian I was going to do...haha). I mean, really, we should be living our WHOLE LIFE as missionaries.  

As I was pondering this thought, my dear husband kept coming to mind. He lives his life ON A MISSION FIELD! When I first looked into Ian's eyes (bare with me a minute) I saw the eyes of Jesus and immediately felt love. I know this is kind of sappy, but really, he has the eyes of Christ and as a result everything and everyone he sees is through love.  He can abundantly give because of what he has allowed God to put in him. I just love that he has allowed Christ's love to be his all purpose garment.

When we first met, I was a very immature christian. Sadly, maybe not even one at all. I had prayed the prayer, but I had not TRULY died to sin and put on the new self. After our first date I really wanted to continue seeing him (even though he was still thinking about being a monk). But, as Ian was so in love with God, the only way I could know him better was to know Christ first.  You couldn't have one without the other.

His faith was a testimony and turning point in my life. You see, he was on the mission field in little old Battle Creek, Michigan. He didn't need a jungle, a foreign language, or a passport to witness to me.

So friends I encourage all of you to be a missionary in your life. In all that you say and do, people are watching. We all have the potential to change lives here and now through Christ. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.  Walk in wisdom towards outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious and seasoned with salt. Today, right now, in your very city you are the vessel that God has chosen to speak through. He will open the door, our job is to let him walk through it.  "Well done my good and faithful servant!"

Ian, if you are reading this tonight, I love you honey! Thanks for being a missionary in my life!

New Tooth, New Delivery

Last week while I was chewing a Reesen, a chocolate/carmel gooey thing (I gave into my craving) I lost a filling! As I am headed into the last frontier next weekend (Bethel is considered the "big city" here) I knew that I had to have this taken care of soon. So today, after much finagling from the chief of staff here at the hospital, I was able to get in to the dentist. I am now the proud owner of a new porcelain filling. I realize that this is not huge news for the blog, but it was a blessing to have dental access out here. Otherwise, I would have had to go to Anchorage.

So, that was my morning, followed by an afternoon in the pediatric clinic, then another delivery tonight. I was able to help deliver a 9.3 lb baby girl.  This first time mother was not as quiet as the last one, she made childbirth seem much harder and much more painful. Thankfully she did not tear (I will spare you the rest of the details) and was breast feeding and happy when I left. I am still awed by birth, life is so amazing!

I talked to Ian earlier and our stuff finally came in. I am sure that he will be very busy tonight bringing in 4300 lbs of goods. Thanks honey, I am there helping you in spirit! Hopefully sometime this week he will be able to get our internet and magic jack (land line phone that works through the internet) set up. We still haven't decided on what internet to choose. Option #1 has a $1200 installation fee but is very fast, and option #2 is more affordable, but has the old snail dial up speed. I am sure you can see our dilemma

Other than that we are both doing great. I continue to see some very disturbing cases in the ER (again I will spare you all the details), but am still thrilled to be learning so much. Ian is currently taking a medical terminology class. Its actually pretty funny when we talk. He likes to discuss his pretend health aliments with me using his new language. Its a little different than his native Hebrew, but he seems to be catching on very well.

Next week I will be working in two different villages, Emmonak and Toksook. They are both northwest of Bethel and have populations around 500-600. After that, I will finally be in Aniak with Ian.

I hope this finds all of you warm and well. I understand there was a major storm front in Michigan. I still can't believe that some of you are experiencing colder weather and more snow than we are in Alaska!

God Bless
-Sarah

Weekend In Aniak

What a great (and much needed) weekend! FINALLY, Ian and I were able to see each other. He looked great, of course, and had actually gained a few pounds (I was very happy about that). Although it has almost been a year since we were married, I hope that we never stop being newly weds. He really has become part of who I am, and I am so thankful for his friendship and love.

This first picture is our new home. It is a quadplex that was built for the medical providers coming to Aniak. We are on the top floor and Roberta, our office manager, lives on the bottom (those are her snow machines). She is around our age and I am excited for her to teach me how to knit.

This is our kitchen. We spent most of Saturday night cleaning the refrigerator, cupboards, window blinds,etc. Ian and I had such a good time doing this together. Who would have thought that scrubbing grime could be so much fun?! While we were doing the muscle work, we had a pretty good theological conversation going on as well. I think I may have even given him something to ponder....that may have been a first!

Overall the apartment was very nice, it needed a few minor scrub downs, but I was extremely happy when I saw it.  I know it will feel like home once our stuff arrives.We are hoping that it will come sometime next week.

This next picture is the Aniak Volunteer Fire Department. This is actually very cool. The volunteers are mostly high school girls ages 14-16. They meet every Thursday night and under the supervision of a local paramedic, they learn basic EMT/BLS skills and lifting/transporting techniques. They call themselves the Dragon Slayers and were actually featured on the Oprah Wimfrey show a few years ago. A&E also did a special on them (we watched it this weekend) and Toyota gave them a Forerunner! 

This view is on the bank of the Kuskokwim river. This is the same river that the mushers took last weekend for the K300. Because of the odd weather changes this year, the river froze, thawed, then re-froze again and created this unusual ice pattern. Usually it is very smooth, and often it is used to travel to and from local villages. The view here is just beautiful! Ian and I are really looking forward to some hiking and camping this summer.


This is our clinic. It is called the Clara Morgan Clinic, NOT Clara Barton,  ( I seemed to have gotten the name wrong the first time...see the posts below). It is named after a local native elder. It was actually one of the first sub region clinics in the Delta. It is about 1 mile to our apartment and across the street from the airport.

This last picture is for real...$20.29 for a 2.5 gallon of water! We still are not over the sticker shock found at the AC (our local grocery store), and are learning very quickly just how far rice and beans really will go!

This weekend we did splurge and order pizza and subs from the local Hound House, though. This is Aniak's claim to fame in the Delta, they do a really good job with their food. Even though they are the only restaurant around, it has quickly become our favorite!

I left this morning around noon and took the hour flight back to Bethel ( a very bumpy ride on a very little plane).  It was hard to leave Ian, but knowing that he is doing well and enjoying our new home makes it easier. He has already made some good friends, so in a way he is making my transition there smoother as well. He even received an award last week for his hard work and good attitude! Way to go, honey!

Lastly, I have a prayer request. I have a friend, a wife and mother of four young children, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. I was shocked to hear the news. It has really saddened my heart and I am asking for prayers of strength for this battle that she has begun.

Love to you all, God Bless.
-Sarah

Here Comes Baby!

Yesterday I was able to be in on a delivery of a healthy 8 lb baby boy. The mother was G2P1 (2 pregnancies, 1 delivery) so she delivered quite fast. The Yupik women here are taught not to make any noise during labor. And most, if any, do not use any epidurals. As I type this I can think of several brave women: Michelle, Elizabeth, Tereza, who also did this spectacular thing naturally. Not sure if you guys were silent though :)

This long held tradition is rooted somewhere in the superstition that if you make a lot of noise during labor, the child will give you a lot of trouble growing up. Even though the native way of life (subsistence living, gathering, making your own clothes) is slowly being infiltrated and substituted with the Western lifestyle, some of the long held behavior norms remain.

It really is a beautiful thing to see. I am still amazed how cool the human body is, God is so creative! I say this as an outsider, never having any pregnancies of my own, but what an amazing thing! Who knows, maybe in the next year or too I will have to find out for myself. For all you current and soon to be mothers out there, I applaud you!

Next week I will be in the pediatric clinic. I will also be spending 1 day in the dental and ophthamology clinics as well. They actually shortened my training down from 8 weeks to 4, I attribute much of this to my time with Dayone. I learned a lot about medicine while being there.  Even though Bethel has been great, I am ready to be in Aniak with Ian, so this came as very exciting news!

As a matter of fact, I will be flying to Aniak tonight to visit him. Unfortunately it will be a very quick trip, but I am really excited! It has been 3 weeks since I have last seen him. The distance has been the most difficult thing about the move, I enjoy being with him so much.The other added bonus for tonight is the pizza place in town (the only restaurant for at least a 100 mile radius). I have been drooling, I mean dreaming about that for a while ( I am a very big pizza fan). Now on my 3rd week of rice and beans, I am ready for some real food!

Hopefully we will be able to get some pictures of the village to post. It is beautiful there, lots of mountains and trees. I am asking for prayers for safe travel, there is a storm front coming in from Anchorage today. The pilots here are excellent, some of the best in the world, so I am not concerned, but prayer is always good.

Also, I want to wish a VERY happy 84th Birthday to my aunt Faye. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Love you! And a belated (January 27th) happy birthday to Amanda Feyes, love you too Panda Bear!

-Sarah

Angels Humming

This is another great story. A true testimony of the omnipresent spiritual realm.

Monday morning (late entry, I know) I went to work out at the hospital gym. I got there around 5:30 am (that's when they said they opened) to find a very locked YKHC building. So, a little frustrated because it was early and about -30 out, I walked over to the main hospital to find out when someone could let me in. A very pleasant security officer, Florence, informed me someone would be there at 6:00. So, I sat down and we started talking.

The next words out of her mouth were, "Have you ever heard angles humming?" No, I said, I haven't. She then proceeded to tell me the story of her cousin's death. Apparently he loved to play the harmonica, and was actually quite good. When he was dying, the family gathered around and played the harmonica to him. Another family member recorded the audio. It wasn't until they re-listened to the recording later that they heard angels humming along to the chorus.

She then played the audio for me. I am telling you, it was angels humming. No person could have been so beautiful. It gave me, and still does give me chills. When I looked up in tears, she had her eyes closed with a GIANT smile on her face.

This woman was FULL of the spirit of the Lord. Evidence that the first words out of her mouth were about angels and Christ. Someone once told me that you can tell true lovers of Jesus when in the first 1-2 minutes of meeting them they cannot help but share Him with you. We continued to talk, mostly about the goodness of God and of her faith. Her story really blessed me, especially as coming from a native. There is so much darkness here, it was beautiful to see a small but bright light shinning in the Delta.

As Christians we should not be living in the physical, but in the spiritual. The kingdom has already come! Its inside each and everyone of us if we open our hearts to receive it.  Join him in living in a continual revival and rise up to take your place with him in selfless faith. His blessing are all around us, and we are bathed in continuous showers of mercy and love. So today my friends I sing: Hosanna! Hosanna in the highest! Heal my heart Lord and make it clean. Open up my eyes to the things unseen. Show me how me to love like you have loved me. Break my heart from what breaks yours, everything I am for your kingdoms cause. Help me to be the soldier of light that SEES for your glory!

-Sarah

Kuskokwim 300 Dog Sled Race

My First Dog Sled Race

What a fun night! After work today I volunteered at the annual Kuskokwim 300 dog sled race (the name of the large river that runs through town, a.k.a the "ice highway"). The mushers and their dogs travel round trip (300 miles) to Aniak, our new home, and back.

So, tomorrow around 9:00 a.m., Ian will be watching the teams come in. He will also be volunteering for the race, possibly feeding the very hungry dogs. There were about 22 teams total, most training for next months Iditarod in Anchorage.

It was exciting tonight! Even though it was -40 degrees out, I was laughing like a little kid. Unfortunately I did not get very good pictures because of the cold. I was wearing my "super" gloves and coat (thank you Lisa Engel for that amazing love gift!) which kept me extremely warm...But I unfortunately had to take my gloves off for the pictures. I am not exaggerating when I say that I had less than 5 seconds to take the picture before my entire hand went numb. As a matter of fact, there were warnings out today. Apparently any skin exposure in this weather could lead to frost bite in a short amount of time.

 Here is another picture I took tonight. With most things, pictures just don't seem to capture the moment. Believe me when I tell you it was very cool! Dad, you would have loved this! The dogs were so excited and ready to run, it felt like the dog sled ice-capades with all the jumping around and barking. So fun! 





To eliminate doggie jams they space the start to 1 team every 2 minutes. As these dogs are running on the frozen Kuskokwim (very slick ice), they wear special little booties with tracking on the soles. Most of the dogs are also wearing heavy nylon coats.

This picture was taken this morning as I got to work. I couldn't stop laughing. In Sturgis I was used to wooden beams in the Walmart parking lot for the Amish to tie up their horses. In Alaska, they use their beams to plug in their cars. In just about every parking lot they have these "electrical outlets".... If you don't plug it in, it won't start!

This last picture is the hospital where I am doing my training. I like to call it my giant submarine. Like everything else, it too is on stilts. Thankfully though, unlike my house, this building doesn't shake.

A Great day!

For most of this week I have been working in the ER. It has been very busy. The people here get very ill very fast. Bethel has a violent strain of strept pneumonia that not only causes deadly septic pneumonia, but a lot of deep skin infections as well. We have even had a few cases of meningitis that have had to be flown to Anchorage for care.

Some of the saddest times are when I have to treat a victim of domestic violence, this is never easy. Today I saw a little 7 week old who was hit with a belt. Alcohol was involved, which is usually the case.

On a more positive note, I was able to ride on two medivacs. A medivac is a medically equipped small plane that travels with paramedics and doctors to remote villages without access to health care. Usually, they are only called in critical situations where emergent care is required. The name of our plane today was Life Med Alaska.

This afternoon myself and two paramedics flew to two villages to pick up some seriously ill patients. The flights were both about 1 hour, and they took us into some of the most rural parts of Alaska. On our last village trip we actually had to take 4 wheelers to get to the patient.

One of the villages sat right in the mountains, it was so beautiful! Snow was falling, the sun was setting, and I just couldn't believe that I was actually doing this....  I really felt like Dr. Quinn, it was amazing!

Once we got our patients stabilized we loaded them up on the plane and airlifted them to Bethel for further care. During the flight we monitor their vital signs, IV push meds when required, and radio the accepting ER with updates. The pilot, a very spunky female, let me sit in the cockpit and wear the earphones so that I could listen in and respond to the situation the entire trip.  Medicine really doesn't get much cooler than this!

This was such an amazing experience, its hard to even describe all the thoughts running through my mind. I am so grateful for this opportunity and for all that I am learning. I will be smiling about this for a while!

Our Blessing

I have to share this great story. I am not telling this for personal praise or any other reason than to give 100% of the glory to God. Hopefully, it will be an encouragement as well.

Graciously our new employers gave us $16,500 (purpose for actual numbers comes later) for moving expenses. No way would Ian and I use this much (our altruistic thinking). I mean after all, we have been trying to be minimalists since we got married.

We stocked up on TONS of food (probably 1000 #'s I imagine), only packed small amount of books/clothes, kitchen stuff, etc. Our biggest items were our Honda Forman (our new mode of transportation) and my treadmill (I cannot possibly borrow anymore of my pregnant sister-in-laws clothes...thanks Bri!)

Then it got interesting. When the movers packed up our house, they ran out of  boxes because we had so much stuff.  They estimated that our total was around 4300 lbs. Our initial quote was $10,000 for 2000 lbs...or about $5000/1000lbs...so doing the math we could potentially owe an extra $5000! When Ian and I heard this our hearts and mouths dropped. 

Usually in situations such as these I tend to get very stressed and "snowball" as Ian likes to put it. Thankfully, Ian has been a great example in my life and has shown me the better way of continual prayer. So, I really pressed forward and sought God's will. I gave this road block to him knowing that he is so much bigger than money problems.

Fast forward to the next day....I am driving home from running errands and my mind starts to take me to the well known "worry zone." Where are we going to get this money? How could this have happened, etc?  I feel my heart racing and mind spinning....then to my right I spot a homeless gentleman pushing his grocery cart in the middle of winter without any gloves. My spirit immediately stirs. How can I even feel upset over my situation. I mean after all, I may have spent too much on over packing food! I should be grateful that I even had enough material possessions to pack, let alone the chance to move to Alaska with a fabulous job!

 So, feeling overwhelmed with gratefulness I pulled my car over. I took all the money out of my wallet and along with my gloves gave them to this man. I kept thinking that out of my "lack" I am going to give even more.

I drove home worshiping like I never had worshiped before. I just knew that if I continued to trust God, He really was going to provide, even if we owed $10,000. My peace continued through our move and I really felt good about the situation. I know the Lord that I serve.

Then, last night (2 wks later) I spoke with Ian and he informed me that our moving total came in at $16,300!!!!! We made it! Glory to God!

I truly belive that that homeless man was an angel. Not that God wouldn't have provided if I hadn't pulled over, but I believe that He wanted to give me the choice to serve Him or money. In life you often have to battle your pride, godships, and dependency, but if you choose God first, there is always a blessing.

I hope this serves to bless you as it did me. It is such a great example of how God will provide. For us it wasn't just monetarily, it was spiritually. Thank you Lord for the chance to serve you and for this amazing blessing!

Week 1

My Bethel adventure continues! Although I have been on call for deliveries all week I have yet to bring new life into this world. Currently I am training with an OB/GYN, he is a great teacher and I am learning many new procedures (cervical ripening with balloon catheters, implanon insertion...for those medical followers). I am in the women's health clinic most of this week so am doing a lot of prenatal visits. The teen pregnancy rate here is extremely high, and many women my age already have 7-8 children...whew! Overall the experience has been great, and I am really enjoying my time here.

My colleagues are super! Last sunday I was invited to a friends house for dinner (caribu stew...she didnt know I was a vegetarian) and last night I went out with a group as well. The people here are very friendly and inviting, and I am very thankful for the sense of "community" found here. As I don't have a car, I have had to rely on this kindness for rides to and from work and to the grocery (although I am trying to go there as little as possible, its very $$$).

Ian is in Aniak. He started his job yesterday and from what I gather he is enjoying himself. He sounded very tired last night when we talked, apparently he has been doing a lot of training as well. He will not only be registering patients and arranging flights to and from Bethel/Anchorage for high risk cases, but dealing with insurance as well. For those of you in the health care field you can probably understand the mental exhaustion associated with HMO's/ Medicaid/Medicare.

There was also a little mix up with our movers so Ian is currently living out of his suitcase. We are hoping that our stuff arrives in the next week so that he can officially move us into our igloo.

Here in Bethel, I have now experienced the strongest wind ever. Since our house is on stilts, it shakes! I had a lot of trouble sleeping last night because the wind was whipping very hard and my bed was moving back and forth. I kept thinking of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz and how her home just blew away. Don't worry mom, it is secured with cables :) As a result, though, we have had a drop in temperatures. I am not really sure what they are, but its cold!

Again, we really appreciate the support we have been receiving.  I get so excited to read the daily comments from everyone and see our new followers. Its really nice to hear about "home" and how loved ones are doing.... Love you all and God Bless!

Heading to Aniak

First, I would like to congratulate the Lake family on their new addition. His name is Asher Ian Lake, born New Years day I believe. At the moment, I will suspend my praise for such a well-conceived name. :) Blessings to Matt, Michelle, and the entire Lake family. Thankully, I was able to see and hold the baby before we left for Alaska. To my right, is my amazing nephew Niecko.

I will be leaving this morning for our village of Aniak. It is about 90 or so miles down the river. If I had a vehicle, I could drive on what the locals call "The Ice Highway" (the Yukon River frozen over). People drive for miles to other villages on this river. Sarah's mom suggested we not take that. As I leave to Aniak to train and prepare the igloo.....unfortunately, we left the ice chisels back home. Our home may appear less than desireable. If the igloo does not take, we may request an apartment.

 Sarah will remain in Bethel for about 6 more weeks. During these six weeks, she will be on call for deliveries, working in the woman's health and family medicine clinic, and next week she will attend her first ever dog sled race! She has made some wonderful Christian friends, one who will be taking us to church this morning. Also, there is a possibility of Sarah getting a few female roomates during her stay here in Bethel. I myself am happy about this. Overall, people have been very nice to us and we are enjoying our stay. We have decided we are going to start being nice to them too. :) We appreciate all your prayers and support, for it makes a recognizable diference. REALLY! To all of you who joined our blog, thank you, we love your comments........so far ;)

Life in Bethel



Ian in the tundra.

A few days prior the water froze as it came out of the pipe

Our temporary home in Bethel. Notice the stilts. To the left of Ian is the water tank. There is no underground plumbing, so our water has to be delivered. You have to take quick showers or your will run out. 

 Sarah in the tundra.

Welcome!

Well, the time has finally arrived. Sarah and I left a frigid Battle Creek, MI for a shockingly warmer Bethel AK ( 35 + degrees). I do not live with the fanciful delusion this kind of weather will be long lived. As most of you know, our final destination is Aniak. Prior to departure, Sarah and I both have NEO "New Employee Orientation" here at the main hospital, Wednesday, Jan 6th, in Bethel. Bethel, as descibed by our contact here, is about 230 miles from Aniak, or, 1.5 hours as the snowmobile flies (hmm... I've done the math on this one, but maybe some variable is escaping me). Sarah will stay on board for an 8 week training course at YKHC here in Bethel (For those interested in this organization, checkout "ykhc.org"), while I leave this Sunday to fly out to Aniak. Our shipment should arrive about the time I get there. I will train at the Aniak clinic for two jobs: Registration clerk, and the other one escapes me at the moment. :) Sarah may fly out to see me 4 weeks in the training. I sure will miss her! Also, our skype is up and "fully operational," if any of you would desire to talk camera to camera with us. 

At the moment, we both feel slightly, well, more than slightly, out of our element. "Change" is always easier said than done. The sense of "control" in life we came here with is already, and will likely, be profoundly tested (Reminds me of a movie I watched some time ago called "Instinct." It stars Anthony Hopkins and Cuba Gooding Jr.; a theme of "control" and its illusion runs through it: I suggest watching it). We are equally excited and fearful of this opportunity, for we both know this will serve to make our marriage better reflect Jesus and His church. I am sure that somehow this will be a repeated lesson, one I hope will bring deeper humility in our lives.  

 I want to personally apologize to all those who have been in any type of contact with me these past two or so months. There were some things that slipped through the cracks, and I am sorry. I have been somewhat scatter-brained and detached due to this underestimated move. I hope now I can redeem that time in some form or another. More updates of God's work in the bush and Ian and Sarah's reactions coming soon.

Sarah and I will be praying for all of you who have asked us to. If you are wondering how to pray for us, I suggest a two-fold approach: 1) For us, something like Eph 1:16-19 and Eph 3:17-19, and Psalm 91; 2) For God's movement in the Alaskan bush (more on this soon). If these do not appeal to you, then ask God yourself (haha!)