Eating Well

As you can see, Ian and I are doing and eating quite well. I have mastered some delicious vegetarian recipes (from my bulk food cookbooks), and we are really enjoying all the fresh king salmon that has been given to us. 

Its hard to imagine that we have already been here for 8 months, time is going so fast. Our weather is still cold and mostly rainy. Sometimes the sun comes out for a few hours, then it starts to pour again....In speaking with family back home, it is hard to imagine what the heat and humidity feels like. However, as true Alaskans, we have purchased some good rain gear and actually find ourselves smiling as we cruise to work on the quad in a downpour. 

Last week I went on a village trip for 3 days. The village is on the Yukon River and is home to about 100 people. Because we flew a small 4-seater bush plane there, we were low enough to spot 5 moose and one mother grizzly with her 2 cubs from the air.  The plane ride was about 1 hour and the view was just beautiful. As for traveling, this will be the start of monthly village trips for myself and our new provider, Michelle. Together, we will service about 20 small villages on the Yukon and Kuskokwim. 

The trips are set up for medical follow up with diabetics, hypertensives, prenatals, etc...however, we will treat and see just about anyone who needs the care.  For most of the people, we are all they have. 

Though my trip was extremely busy, (was up to 11:30 p.m. the first night with patients and charting)  it went very well. The community health aid even took me out to hunt for real Indian beads on the shoreline. 

And, we actually found some! The beads were sparsely scattered along the shoreline of the Yukon, and are remnants from an ancient Indian tribe several hundred years ago.  It was such a special find for me, and I am excited to make a necklace with my new clay Indian beads. 

Ian and I also went blueberry picking last weekend with some friends. We took a short boat ride to Artie's Trail, then hiked up a small mountain range to the blueberry fields. Total we were able to gather just about 1.5 quarts if you count the berries stored in Ian's stomach......When we compared our pickings I was amazed at how much faster of a picker I was than him...that was until he assured me that most of his he was carrying in his belly. They were very tasty though, just ask the black bear that we saw!

Our friends took their st. benard with us and he started to act very strange. Shortly thereafter we noticed a black bear (well known for their meanness and reputation for hunting humans) about 200 yards away. Our friends fired two shots to scare him away and he ran into the nearby forest. When the coast was clear we started picking again, this time all eyes and ears alert. 

Ian Eating His Berries

After 30 minutes or so I looked up and noticed that same huge black bear again, this time at our backs. Needless to say our adventure thus ended and we carefully followed the trial back to the boat. 

Later, when we returned to Aniak, we heard that a large grizzly was spotted at our boat dock. Sometimes  in all the adventure you just forget about all the wildlife that also enjoys this great state. Thankfully, though, we have intelligent friends with guns. 

I am still enjoying sowing and recently finished my first baby kuspuk for a friend. She named him Jett, and he was born at 28 wks and 2.2 lbs. They are still at the hospital in Anchorage and I would appreciate prayers for their long road ahead.  

Ian remains very busy with his job as well. He also recently returned from a 3 day village trip. He went to Kalskag to help out with a vacation bible school. He even made me a pair of beaded earrings while there! And I have to say, they are really good!

Ian's Earrings

And, every Wednesday he continues to have games and activities for the children. He often says that this job is more suited for him; he really enjoys people, especially children. And, he has a wonderful boss who is very friendly and flexible, that is always a plus. 

Blessing to you and may God continue to fill, change, and guide you with his divine love. 

-Sarah 

The Road To Denali Starts In LA

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Roger Castillo!

Saturday, June 25, my dear friend Laurie got married in Beverly Hills California.  In true Hollywood fashion, Laurie was glamorous...If you can imagine a cross between Princess Kate Middleton, Amanda Peet, and Jillian Michaels you would have Laurie, she was absolutely beautiful.

Beverly Hills was quite different from rural Aniak, and yes, there were some celebrities at her wedding. One minute I am riding a 4 wheeler collecting dust in my hair, and another I am sitting in a salon on Rodeo Dr getting that very dust washed out.  From one extreme to another, both have their advantages.  Even though I was only there for a total of 30 hours, I had a wonderful time being with my lovely friend, and was honored to be asked to share in her memory. Thanks, Laurie, love ya!

Sunday I flew back to Anchorage and met up with Ian. He is now officially an Alaskan, at least according to his new drivers license. I have yet to change mine over, I figure Alaska isn't quite prepared for my style of driving yet.  Jason, I can see you nodding your head right now.........

The following day, Ian's parents, Jon and Dianne, flew in from Michigan and we started our journey to Denali National Park. We took The Alaska Rail, a large dome-windowed train, up to the park. The train ride took about 5 hours to get from Anchorage to Denali.

The Front of Our Train to Denali

I think I was trying a "thin" pose? 

The wilderness like passage was absolutely gorgeous and turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. Much of the ride went though untouched territory: mountain ranges, deep valleys, winding rivers, and thick forests. Alaska is just so beautiful!

Niecko Family

Mama Dianne Taking in the Scenes

Jon and Ian 

Dianne and Sarah

In Denali we stayed in a log cabin chalet with a cozy view of the national park.  Later that night we went white water rafting on the Nenana, a glacier fed river. Even though it was freezing, I think we still had a good time....at least for 6 out of 12 miles.

You might have to ask Ian and Jon about the other 6 miles....They were sitting on the outside of the raft and as a result, got a first hand feel of the chilling glacier water. Thankfully, being true and noble men, they insisted on protecting their wives from the elements!

The following day we took the Denali adventure tour bus through 92 miles of the park.  During our tour we were able to see moose, grizzlies, fox, caribou, wolf, and dall mountain sheep in their natural habitats. Thankfully we didn't have any unwanted run-ins with animals, but sometimes you did wish that they were a little closer.

Caribou

We Found A Caribou

Alaska Grizzly

Denali National Park

The bus takes you to the very end of the Denali road, to the Kantishna gold mines.

Once in Kantishna, Dianne tried her hand at securing the Niecko family fortune by panning for gold. Unfortunately she was unsuccessful, but not without a great effort. Below you can watch her hard work by pressing the play button:

Of note, Ian had a little accident on the tour bus........

Ok, he actually fell asleep with his tea resting on his lap. You can probably figure out what happened, but I just thought this was hilarious....sorry honey!

After our long bus ride back to Anchorage we decided to get a little exercise and take a bike ride along the coast. Unfortunately we only made it about 2 miles and we had another accident. In a valiant effort to save her hat, Ian's mom fell off her bike and broke her left hip. The following day she had a partial hip replacement and is currently recovering at Providence Hospital in Anchorage. Thankfully it was only a hip and nothing more serious, but I know it was still very painful and she has a long rode of recovery ahead of her.

Our family would really appreciate prayers for her healing, strength, and safety back to Michigan. Unfortunately because of the accident they were unable to go to Aniak as planned. I flew in earlier today, but Ian is staying in Anchorage with his parents. Hopefully they will be able to head home to Michigan sometime next week if everything goes well with physical therapy.

Even though our Denali adventure was very fun and we thoroughly enjoyed our Starbucks Americonos (and the occasional Barnes and Nobles trip), Ian and I are both happy to be headed back home to Aniak.

The only draw back is coming here without Jon and Dianne.

Before

After

Ian continues to thrive in his new job and held a very successful community event a few weeks ago.  Along with the tribal council, he helped to organize several events focusing on suicide awareness and prevention. We even had a few courageous individuals speak of how suicide had affected their lives and their families. Even though emotionally charged, the community support was evident.  Several elders presented native crafts: net mending, wood carving, beading, and kuspuk making to name a few.



Speaking of Kuspuks....before I left for Denali I finished my first one! It has a few hidden flaws, but I am very proud of my creation. These shirts are traditional attire here for the Eskimo culture, and most women have several in their closets. Soon Ian will have one in his, too!

My First Kuspuk!

I also made my first quilt block with the woman's sewing group. Several ladies each made individual blocks that will be pieced together as a gift for a woman in our village. As you can see, the final product is going to very nice.

My Quilt Block

The Quilt

I would also like to wish a happy birthday to Melissa and my mom on June 28! Love you guys!

- Sarah

A Gift To Be Simple

There are few times in my life when someone has said something that instantly and directly pierces my heart.  Two times now my brother, Blake,  has been able to do this. I am not trying to put him on a pedestal, merely invoke some thought and give glory to God who has used him to speak love and encouragement in my life (although I am VERY proud of him...he is about to finish his masters in counseling!) 


The first piercing came in the form of a musical wedding gift, a homemade CD.  I wasn't even aware that the lyrics of this song were EXACTLY what I had been longing for, but somehow Blake knew. I was sitting next to Ian when I first popped the CD in, and immediately I started to cry. Ian was a little surprised by the instant emotions, but I knew in my heart that Blake had just been used as a vessel by God to tell me "This is what it is to held, to be loved, and to know that the promise was that when everything fell....We'd be held"  - Natalie Grant. 


Not only did the covenant that Ian and I make that day ensure that I would always be held by him, but that no matter what troubles may come in our lives, Christ would always be the hands that held us together.  That is what the promise is for, when our worlds are shaking, heaven will stand. 


The second time this happened came quite unexpected. God, however, spoke in his perfect timing, and again through Blake. I received a gift in the mail. Like the last, it might not have had much monetary value, but it is an eternal treasure without a price tag. 


As a matter of fact, it is so precious that I don't even want to disclose the details, only share with you my thoughts. 


Ian and I moving out here was a HUGE leap of faith. We were leaving behind our families, friends, good jobs, etc and headed into literally the middle of nowhere. 


One of the things were were most looking forward to was the simplicity of being "off the grid." Going back to our roots, Christ, and learning to live apart from as many worldly demands as we could. This meant no cell phones, grocery stores, movie theatres, cars...you get the point. In our time here, just being really thankful with less has brought us so much more. 


I imagine this is how Jesus walked the earth. SImply loving his father and doing his will was to him a gift, pure joy. I imagine that if he walked the earth today he wouldn't spend hours sitting on the couch watching TV or playing his DS or Wii, gluing himself to Facebook, or wallowing in self pity. He knew he was created for something much greater and truly didn't need anything this world had to offer. 


The sufferings of his present time were not worth comparing to the glory that was to be revealed to him.  The things that often give identity to our lives, he didn't seek or live according too...he didn't live in a palace, wear priestly robes, on dine on fine meals...his joy was simple: being with God the father. 

I will share only this from my Blake Blessing: 

Its a gift to be simple, Its a gift to be free, 

Its the gift to come down where you ought to be, 

And when we find ourselves in the place just right, 

Will be in the valley of love and delight. 

When true simplicity is gained, 

To bow and to bend, we will not be ashamed, 

To turn, turn, will be our delight, 

Till by turning, turning we come round right 

Its a gift to be simple, Its a gift to be free, 

Its a gift to come down where you ought to be - Jewel

One of the simplest things I have done in my life is to follow Jesus. This is also the hardest, the most rewarding, the most fulfilling, the most frustrating, and the most fearful thing as well. 


I have been plucked from so many dangerous and sinful situations in my life, I know it was because of the love of my Lord and the showering of his blessings.  - Ezekiel 36:11


Do you remember being a child, the pure joy of a sunny day, homemade cookies, the smell of walnuts (inside memory), somehow as we grow we forget how to be simple....it seems that maturity equals the acquisition of more stuff. However, we often find ourselves being unhappy with less, yet unhappier with more. 


I really felt lead to share this today, to really examine in your heart what happiness is and how far you have complicated its meaning in your life. I know for me it is a simple and refreshing as this if you choose life:


"He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and a buckler - Psalm 91:4


And to my brother Blake, I love you so much...Your words have been tangible blessings from above. Glory to God, brother!


-Sarah

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

Feeling Like Home

Things have been quite busy here in Alaska. 2 weeks ago Ian and I were in Anchorage. I took an ATLS (advanced trauma life support) and Ian did some major grocery shopping.

We bought about 300 lbs of food, shipped most of it back, and carried the rest on the plane. It was quite the adventure. Instead of grocery shopping with paper bags, we grocery shopped with plastic bins and zip ties. On the bush planes you are allowed to carry on two 50lb bins per person. As this was our first time we each took one bin as a carry on. The rest of our goodies we boxed up at the local post office and mailed home. Mailing your items puts a whole new perspective on grocery shopping! Most of our stuff arrived in 2-3 days so it actually wasn't that bad. The hardest part was walking through the Anchorage airport with our large plastic bins. You can always spot the bush people because they almost always carry such accessories with them.


Our Grocery Cart

My class went extremely well. Even though it lasted most of Saturday and Sunday (7:00 am - 6:30 pm both days) I had a wonderful time. I didn't get to enjoy much of Anchorage, but I would say that it was one of the best courses I have ever taken. Not only did they have mannequins with bleeding blood vessels to do procedures on, but they also had chicken bones for us to practice with. The class was geared for ER doctors and trauma surgeons, but as I am practicing in rural Alaska alone, I was allowed to attend.  Here in the bush, being confident in some of these skills (chest tubes, cricothyroidotomy, central lines, thoracentesis, reading xrays, etc) really can mean the difference between life and death.

When I came back I actually had to put some of the skills in to use. I had a patient who was in a snow machine accident, hitting a tree going 20 mph. Under the pressure of the situation I felt confident knowing where and how to approach him. The basics of trauma are all the same, ABCDE: Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure...Anyway, it was nice to know that I can handle things as long as I stay calm.

Ian also had a great week. A new friend of ours invited him to go ice fishing. This wasn't just any fishing trip, they flew bush planes to a remote location nestled in between the mountains.  He was out all day and proudly came home with 4 lake trout and a sun burnt face. When he got home at 9:30 pm he presented his catch to me, of which I then had to fillet...I guess if he is going to be the hunter that feeds our family, my job is to be the wife that prepares the meal. Anyway, I cut the fish and put them in the freezer for future eating...pretty good for a 22 year vegetarian! 



Ian's Catch



Ian in the 2 Seater Bush Plane



Our plane just landed on the lake!



Last week I took another village trip via snow machine to insert a new PEG feeding tube (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube) into a patient. We traveled on the frozen Aniak river, about 25 miles up stream. This was the first time I have ever done this, and thankfully everything went well. Again, being out in rural Alaska, you get the chance to do a lot of procedures that you usually wouldn't do in the lower 48. It is very exciting as a provider to have all of these unique opportunities.

On the way home, though, I got the snow machine stuck. Thinking the nice and fluffy snow ahead would be a great place to turn around, I found myself  about 2 feet deep into a slushy water hole and only completing half of my turn.  My boss, a very experienced Alaskan (from Minnesota) was able to help dig and push me out. Unfortunately we both got pretty soaked (so much for my waterproof boots) and had to ride home with wet seats. On the way up the temperature was in the mid 20's and on they way back it started to warm up so the wetness wasn't too bad.

Today (Easter Sunday) our church had a sunrise service on the dike with singing and fellowship followed by breakfast and then an Easter egg hunt for the children. Although small, the church here is very full of life and we have established some very meaningful friendships. It really is starting to feel like home and now that we have met some new people, it feels like we might just actually make it.

Happy Easter! The Lord is Risen!

-Sarah

Marie's Story

I have gotten permission from Marie to publish this. Her story has both  greatly blessed and absolutely angered me.


I finished ATLS (more on this later) and came back to an extremely busy week. For most of you in full time work, you know how this goes. Going on vacation only to return to a mound of work that has been compiling on your desk, eagerly waiting for your return.  So began my Tuesday....my schedule was completely full and the charts on my desk were like the US postal service, they never stopped coming. On Wednesday I actually started to feel slightly depressed. It seemed like everyone I was seeing had major health issues that had either been neglected or needed immediate attention. I was exhausted.

Thursday morning my tank was on empty, physically and spiritually. Then I met Marie. This was the first time that I had met her.  I will not try to re-create her story, I want you to read it for yourself. With her permission I have attached the website. She bravely published this 1 year ago in the local newspaper.

Something just drew me to Marie and we started talking.  At the end of our time I felt like I needed to ask her if I could give her a hug. When I asked, she said yes, then she embraced me. I mean REALLY embraced me and then started to sob on my shoulder. I was not expecting this at all, but I know that this is exactly what she and I needed. She then proceeded to tell me the horrific details of her life.

Afterward she asked if I would like to read her story.  Like I mentioned earlier, she published this more than a year ago. After she left I went into my office and pulled it up. After reading the first 2 paragraphs I also started to sob. Having just met this beautiful woman then reading the cruelty of her life was very overwhelming.  Awful doesn't even come close to what this is.


So, I am asking for those reading my post to read Marie's story as well. If it touches you as it did me, I am asking that you write her a letter of encouragement. I have this vision. My vision is that this woman, who felt so unloved, would receive letters of encouragement, support, and empathy from people who care about what happened to her. That her existence be validated. Can you imagine opening up your heart and life through a story and receiving mail from people who were touched by it! I am asking from the bottom of my heart to open yours and bless Marie.


Here in the Delta life can be brutal. We have the highest (3 times the national average to be exact) rates of child sexual abuse ages 0-12 and domestic violence in the nation. It is pathetic. I KNOW this would bless her beyond belief. My goal is to get 10 letters in the next month. When you send the letter address it to me with her name in parenthesis. I will not open or read them, these treasures are for her.


Address the cards as such.  I will then drop them off at her home:
Sarah Niecko (Marie)
PO Box 208
Aniak, AK 99557


Marie's Story:

http://www.thedutchharborfisherman.com/article/1004healing_is_forgiving_those_who_hurt_me



Please share this with your friends, I really hope that we can pull together to bless her with some heart felt mail!

-Sarah

Is it Really Spring?

Although they say spring is here, I am really beginning to wonder if it really is. Last night we received another 2-3 inches of snow and it is still getting down to negative degrees at night and in the early morning. I believe last week it was -10 on our way to work as well. Often we see the sun, sometimes we actually feel its warmth, and everyday it stays out longer and longer. This next transition into 24 hour daylight will be interesting. We have heard many stories of how people just "forget" to sleep because it stays so light out...Ian doesn't think that I will have a problem with this, though..haha.

A few weeks ago Ian was able to preach at our local church. I was very proud of him and his sermon was well received by the congregation. Afterward a few people came up to him and said that it had really touched them. One woman even cried and said that it was one of the best sermons she has heard. We also have a huge praise.....Before Ian went up to preach I was praying that God would reveal himself through Ian and that he would speak to the heart of the people. As I was praying for his revelation to come, I looked over and a friend of ours (who does not usually attend church, maybe not ever) slid into the seat beside me. When Ian saw this he smiled, it was an answer to prayer. It was a very tender act for this person to come and want to listen to Ian's testimony, a real sign that Ian has been a light in his life.

I have also had some interesting medical situations. Two weeks ago I had 3 traumas (reason for the lack of blogging). At one point after placing the AED pads, I actually thought I was going to have to shock my patient. This would have been my first time ever having to actually "bring someone back." Fortunately I didn't have to, but it was very touch and go for many hours. His vitals remained dangerously low, and I found myself quickly referencing my ACLS (advanced cardiac life support) training manual. I also had to medivac a patient to Anchorage for meningitis. She was developing sepsis (widespread infection) and needed immediate care. Then, I had a severely dehydrated infant who we could not get an IV in. I was about to place an IO line (interosseous IV- through the bone ) when my boss, a former pediatric nurse, found a small vein in her foot that worked. She was also medivaced out to Bethel for care. Needless to say I was extremely tired after the busy week, but very thankful that I managed to handle the situations.

We have also been able to go on another snow machine ride up Artie's Trail. The scenery was so beautiful and because we went in the evening, the mountains looked purple. We haven't run into any bears on our adventures, but there is a mother moose (cow) and her calf that have been hanging around the clinic. They can be spotted frequently eating the brush outside the clinic. It often feels like we are living in the last frontier, especially when you see things like giant moose in your backyard.

I also received a lovely gift from one of my patients. He and his wife caught some fresh rainbow trout and gave us two of them. Of course we were extremely excited about eating them, we just didn't know how to get them table ready. Fortunately a friend of ours had us over and taught me how to fillet a fish. Yep, I officially know how to fillet a fish. He said that he would have me help him this summer when he goes fishing...of course my payment would come as salmon. Not a bad trade-off if you ask me!

This morning I will be going on another home visit to a local village, Chauthbaluk. This village is about 20 miles up river and we will be getting their either by snow machine or truck. Either way our "road" is the frozen Aniak River.  The elder that I will be seeing is home bound and terminal, and his family is requesting a check up.  It will be really nice to visit him and his family. Doing things like this is the whole reason why I got into my profession in the first place; to help people.

 Wolf Tracks

This weekend Ian and I will be going into Anchorage. I have an ATLS (advanced trauma life support) class that I will be taking to acquire skills for chest tube placement, tracheotomy airway placement, diagnostic peritoneal lavage, pericardiocentesis, etc (for those medical people reading this).  I have been studying for several weeks and am anxious to finally attend. We will be there for four days, my class is two, so the remaining time will be spent shopping and celebrating Ian's 33rd birthday.  I think we both are ready for some "Big City" life, especially some good coffee.

Thanks again for all the emails, comments, and gift boxes. We really appreciate them all. We are so thankful that amidst the 6,000 mile separation and lack of home phones/ Internet we are able to keep in touch with almost everyone somehow. God Bless and may he continue to shine his face upon you!

- Sarah

1st Anniversay (a reflection)

We had a very busy weekend. Ian was invited to participate in a basketball tournament.  He called himself "The Great White Hope" which has now become quite a joke between us. Basketball here is a huge deal and it is common to find 50-60 year old men and woman playing regularly in a league.

Great White Hope

Since Ian is athletic we both thought that his skills would make him a competitive match against any challenger. Unfortunately the street ball play found here required a lot more endurance than skill. More surprising is the reputation that Ian now has in the village. Since Ian was called to be the center for the team, word around our village is that "white men can jump."  Unfortunately they lost their first two games, but Ian won some local fans.

March 14 was our 1st anniversary, who would have thought we would be spending it in rural Alaska! I was in church this morning reflecting over the very fast last year and how blessed we both are. The first blessing was for the work that God has done in our lives. His unconditional love and devotion to us has been overwhelming to say the least. The second blessing was for the physical way that he showed this, through our parents.

I really believe that God has used both my parent's and Ian's as vessels to show us his love. I want to thank Dianne, Ian's mom, for her act of faith in bringing Ian into my life. I remember the first time I met Dianne at the Nursing Clinic. In comparison to her "Princess Dianna" like appeal, she is even more beautiful on the inside. On an unusually slow day seeing patients, she shared with me her great life story and then described her son, Ian, making for a wonderful finale.  I remember trying to see the last name on her lab coat, just in case...a girl always thinks of those things. Getting a new and GOOD last name is a big deal. And, so began the adventure of meeting and falling in love with Ian. Thank you again, Dianne, for sharing the life of your son with me!

Speaking of mothers, my own mother deserves praise for her endless hours of prayer. Thank you mom for your continual prayer for my "husband." I believe that Ian is in my life because of them. Your faith and continual devotion to the Lord manifests daily in the way you bless others. I am so proud to call you mother and best friend.

Next up are our fathers. Jon, I thank you for your example in Ian's life. Your life of charity has been passed on to your son. As little eyes watched you continally give, a man grew in your shadow. Your random acts of kindness planted seeds into your son who reflects your giving heart to this day. You didnt just give him a great last name, but a legacy of servethood as well.

And to my dad. I thank you for also being an example. Quite honestly you are probably the most faithful man I know. You endless devotion to the Lord and in following his comands set a high standard  for any man that I could marry. Through you I learned the importance of needing a spiritual leader to be the head of my household and marriage. I thank you also for your prayers in my life, and for the friendship you have established with Ian.

One thing I am begenning to understand is that God does things with purpose. There is a purpose to why one of his greatest 10 commandments is to honor your mother and father. Not just because they often know what is best, but because he uses them as vessels to bless his children.

The 3rd blessing over the last year is seeing the Niecko's, Ringenberg's, Jacoby's, and El-Shaarways's come together. I just LOVE that our mom's have become fast friends (sister-sister), our fathers share a common love for old and rusty junk (I mean things....haha), my brothers often call to talk to Ian and sometimes forget to ask about me, and I now have two new sisters to share clothes with. Through the marriage of two people came the larger establishment of friendship and love. So often the union of two people is only that, two people. Ian and I are blessed that the covenant between us really did bring together the growth of one family.