Happy Birthday to Ian and Happy BIRTHday to Dianne (after all, she is the one who actually did all the work on April 18, 1978)
I can honestly say that one of the best things about moving way out into the middle of nowhere is that I get to spend so much time with Ian. We really are together 24/7 between work, home, or play. Each day I look forward to our personalized two man "carpool" to work on the quad. Our routine doesn't change very much: I get on first, scooch back and forth with my rump to clear the frost from the seat, Ian then takes his running one legged leap onto the quad (somewhat like a cowboy would do), once on he adjusts his hat and goggles (I often wonder why this isn't done earlier), kicks it into first gear, and off we go!
The only real change of scenery on the way to work comes in the darkness of burying my face into the back of his hood (usually done to protect my face from the wind).
I know I would miss this if we ever leave.
Just the other night we were talking about how good of a decision it was to move out here. I know it has taught us both a lot about ourselves, renewed our walk with God, and most definitely strengthened our marriage.
This is Ian's birthday breakfast, his favorite pancakes. Today he can officially say he really is 34...for the last year he honestly forgot how old he was and thought he was 34, turning 35. After some quick math, though, we figured out that indeed he was younger than he thought!
Ian is an exceptional husband and his closeness with the Lord has been the greatest source of strength and encouragement that I have ever known. I attribute my falling back into love with Christ to him and will always be thankful that he continued to nurture me as I sought this more excellent way.
Here is a picture from Easter Sunday. We had a small sunrise service on the dike followed by a brunch at the church. Despite the coldness and wind the sunrise was just beautiful, a reminder that God indeed does have his hand here as well.
As a matter of fact, I was really encouraged later that day. So often our messages on Easter Sunday only focus on the death / resurrection and then for some reason just stop. Although this is important, I often leave church (as I did this past Sunday) thinking "and now what?" What does this mean for me now?
When I got home I was actually a little depressed! Go figure, on Easter Sunday!! So, I decided to just close my eyes and be with God a little. As I listened to my music I realized this: his death and resurrection is not the end of his story, it is the beginning to a new life.
You see, Jesus was special. He already knew and had experienced what was waiting for him on the other side. And, he came to show us the way to this truth, and how to have this ABUNDANT life……This is what the resurrection means, it is a means to a new and POWER filled life.
And he did all this to yes, forgive me of my sins, but ALSO (and I believe ultimately) to be a pattern for a new life. By his example he revealed to us a real power that can change and release us to REALLY live. For the hope set before him he endured…..the hope! Not the immediate removal of the pain, but the hope and the joy laid before him, the promise of being with the father. He is the resurrection of a story that was meant to continue.
So now what?.......This means that everyday can be the most fruitful day of my life. Being a Christian doesn’t mean that I am exempt from suffering, pain, misfortune, it means that my RESPONSE to it can be different….I have a power, a living joy, and a real hope set before me……..and the awesome thing is that nothing rivals this throne.
So, the real question isn't if I will someday cry out, "Lord, Lord" (Matthew 7:21). I know for certain that I will. The real question is if he will he know me or not. Have I allowed his power to change me or is my belief in his death and resurrection in vain? Instead of "show me the money" we should be screaming "show me the power!"
Is my salvation a means to an end or is it a way to experience the new life that Jesus the Christ came for? I I often think we make only heaven the goal of our salvation. But making this the pinnacle of our walk is dangerous …rather, the end should be the at-onement with the father and a life changing power filled existence. Even if "heaven" was in the streets of Calcutta, being a lover of God means that you would follow him anywhere because just being with him IS your heaven, the streets of gold are just an effect of the source. Heaven is where he is, not a place void of his presence.
So the salvation message is this: it is the power to save me from envy, jealously, anger, gossip, greed, etc and enable me to freely live right now in a constant state of love and joy, independent of anything the world says. It is a power that makes everyday a resurrection Sunday.
So let your hope rise anew each day as you look to Jesus the founder and perfecter of your faith and let his life be the beginning of your new chapter.........
Here is a video of the start to our journey back home.....
What a great week home! We left a very cold -38 degrees to find ourselves welcomed into a warm and sunny Michigan 75. Even though we spent almost 24 sleep deprived hours to find it, it was well worth the travel.
Still, the best part of our trip isn't only about just great weather, as a matter of fact, it doesn't even start or end with it.......our trip was all about our treasures.
Love, friendship, charity, kindness, and acceptance are just a few examples of the treasures that I found on this trip.
Our first treasure came in the form of four: Jon, my parents, and Niecko, Ian's nephew. Upon our arrival at Detroit airport we were embraced by love: my parents arms wrapped around me and the one- of-a- kind "skin so soft" aroma of Jon were a very real reminder of how deep it ran.
And, as I watched Niecko cling tightly to Ian I knew and felt just how blessed we really are.
To begin our weekend the Niecko's had a family dinner courtesy of Bri and her new husband, Tarek. I made this quilt for her and my new niece (who is expected in June). When I started sewing it I had no idea who it was for, then when Bri told us she was expecting a little girl I knew it had been for her all a long. I really had a great time putting this together, and was very excited to finally give it to her.
Although our time was short with them, it was really good to see her and to finally meet Malek their firstborn. They are an adorable family (especially since Bri manages to remain very fashionable despite being 7 months pregnant!) and I count them all as new treasures in my life.
Some of you may not know that Ian has an older brother, Scott. He and his family also joined us for our "Niecko" gathering. We really enjoy Scott with his sharp mind and witty humor. He also has a great family with two brilliant girls and a very sweet wife.
Here I am with my Niecko sisters, Bri and Orianna. Never having sisters of my own, their friendship and place in my life are most definitely counted as a treasure. Although Ian and I have only been married for 2 years (we just celebrated #2 on March 14) I immediately felt close to Bri and Orianna, like we had really been sisters all along.
Speaking of long lost brothers, here is Jay, Orianna's husband. He and Orianna have been together since the age of 14 so Jay has been a major figure in Ian's life. I really admire his patience and demeanor, you just gotta love Jay.
Evi and Niecko, Ian's niece and nephew (and mine too of course)......so different in personality, but still all love. Evi is quite the non-fiction reader and could very well end up being a scientist someday. She likes museums and often takes notes about the exhibits while there. I find her enthusiasm for knowledge a blessing and really enjoy watching her grow.
Niecko on the other hand is quite the lover. He is always good for a bear hug and never will you leave him feeling unloved or unappreciated. He is good for the ego...smile smile.
This is Orianna, Ian's older sister. She is probably the most thoughtful person that I know. She has a very sensitive spirit for others and would do anything for anyone. I really appreciate her presence in our life, and count not only her charity but her thoughtfulness as treasures as well.
But of course, non of the above would be possible without these two: Dianne and Jon. Papa Jon as I like to call him has a true calling on his life. Having had several near death experiences himself, I KNOW that he is here for a reason. His life reminds me of two books, "The Five People You Will Meet In Heaven" by Mitch Albom, and "The Giving Tree," because he blesses everyone that he touches in some way and never stops giving to others.
And, Dianne, who I am eternally grateful to for bringing me Ian (after all it was her doing that brought us together) is smart, hard working, and also very compassionate for others. I see so many of her wonderful qualities in her children and know that she is a real treasure to the Niecko family.
As a daughter, I understand the treasure of having a good mom. And it isn't just the learning to sew, mend, cook, or tend to children. It's about having a role model to look up to for the rest of your life. Seeing her tenderness played out, watching her console during painful and difficult times, and learning by her example how to unselfishly put your family. I sit here today counting their grace and mercy as real treasures.
I had a wonderful time with my dad while home. He now owns Silverbrook nursing home in Niles, Michigan and I was doubly blessed when asked to come and speak to the residents about Alaska.
I was thankful to find that he has some wonderful employees and residents with him there. You could tell that there was a spirit of community and love at Silverbrook, it felt very much like a home. I was able to speak to many of the residents, and I would have loved to spend more time hearing their stories.
They even donated blankets, crafts, beads, gloves, and hats to the people of Aniak. At an elders lunch we played bingo (also donated by the residents of Silverbrook) and gave their donations as prizes. They really enjoyed this and we had many laughs as we played. I would like to thank them again for their charity and thoughtfulness, you are among the treasures in my life.
Still, I would have to say the biggest blessing of the day was hearing all the compliments about my dad. It isn't often that I get to follow him to work and hear firsthand what others think of him. Needless to say, I was very proud of him that day.
Time and time again I heard from his employees and residents what a kind and thoughtful man he is. Several of the patients appreciated how he prayed with them, brought them coffee each morning, and did daily devotions. My dad maybe a treasure down here, but I know he has built a real treasure for himself in heaven.
One day we all took a walk to Thurston Woods Park in Sturgis. It was a beautiful sunny day and I really enjoyed being with everyone. Even Yedi, our new addition enjoyed her walk. Unfortunately my younger brother Blake couldn't make it home from South Carolina, but I know that he was with us in spirit.
This is Susie, my brother Jason's wife, and their girls, Micah and McClaine. Susie has been in my life since her and Jason started dating in High School. She really is a sister in all regards and I just love her so much. I really appreciate her love for God and for her sincerity with people. Her beauty on the inside radiates outside and she is a wonderful role model for her girls.
Jason is not only an excellent brother, but a wonderful dad. He has always been a treasure in my life. As a matter of fact I once wrote in my diary (almost 15 years ago) that he was my best friend. Regardless of his busy schedule, he will always make time to listen to you and offer good advice.
Meet McClaine. We like to call her Sassy, but she is truly sweet. Her and her older sister, Micah, went in front of the congregation Sunday at church and recited bible verses for their Mimi and Papa. I was so proud of them! They are precious treasures in my life and a constant reminder to keep the child like faith.
And big sister Micah is not only a voracious reader, but a good conversationalist as well. Sometimes I forget that she is only in 2nd grade. A niece and very much a friend, she is a shiny jewel in my treasure box.
I had to throw these pictures in here.....I won't say who won, only that it wasn't my husband or my dad. I guess that the "great white hope" of Aniak just couldn't compete with the original. But, I will say that all 3 of them did have some mad skills. I think, though, that Ian's giant beard may have clouded his vision of the net.
However, my "family" runs much deeper than blood, and my treasures are not only found there.
On Tuesday I made a trip to DayOne, my old workplace, and got a chance to catch up with many of my colleagues (unfortunately I didn't get a picture, but you can check out their website, dayonehealthcare.com if interested). They have so many good and thoughtful people working there, it makes me miss being around them. Even though the architecture of the clinic has changed, the smiles and warmth are the same. I count them all as important people in my life and in my development as a clinician. That day I was reminded of the 50+ treasures that I have in Battle Creek.
And Dr. Galonsky, you can thank me for that earlier plug next time....haha!
Speaking of friends, I was able to catch up with several. Amanda, probably my longest friend brought her two girls over to play. She really is an exceptional mother and friend. She just hasn't changed....still thoughtful, slow to anger, and kind. Through all the years, I am so very blessed that she has remained in my life, a real treasure.
These are Amanda's girls Mia and Olivia, with my niece McClaine.
Like her mother, Olivia, is quite an artist. She painted me this picture before I left. Thanks again, Oliva, I just love it!
Thankfully my two grad school buddies Jacklyn and Melissa took time out of their busy schedules to meet me at Panera for some dinner. It was so good to hear about their work, families, and life. Despite the distance, getting together again felt just like old times.
Ian and I also met up with some of his old college buddies for dinner. They made the long drive from Mt. Pleasant and Ann Arbor to see us. It was really good to have a time of fellowship with them and hear about how God is moving in their lives. This is John Paul, our godson, who we haven't seen in quite some time. His parents Dave and Tereza were one of the couples that came down to visit. Although we knew he was cute from Skype, seeing him in person only proved it.
And finally, before we left we stopped by Detroit and took our two friends, Rudy and Ashley out to lunch. We met them through Ian's mom and have felt a special connection with them ever since. Even though they have had some difficult times in life, they both remain positive and faithful to God. We really appreciate their efforts to persevere and count them as treasures in our life.
Ian's college friend, Terry also came and joined us. Terry might even be considering a move to Alaska next year! This was the first time that I met him, and I really enjoyed his cheerfulness.
So after all of this and all these pictures (thanks for making it this far in the blog!) what can I say?
MY TREASURE IS ALIVE! This was such a strong theme in my time home. Looking back I am so blessed. I know that no physical elements could ever compare with the experiences and spiritual connections that I have with my family and friends.
Although the dead material things may temporally give me happiness, the real living joy that lasts comes from above, within, and among community with others. Never again will I consider myself poor when I have all of this treasure surrounding me.
And although I am back in Aniak (here is a picture of the drive to the airport) I am left with a sweet aroma of my time back home......thanks to all of you who have enriched my life beyond compare.
Ah yes, nothing beats a warm shower after a long days work, huh? As I pushed through another long but very productive day out in one of my villages I viewed a warm shower, my snug sleeping bag, and my book as a well deserved reward. At least I was able to get 2 our of 3.
As I stripped down to my knickers and turned on the faucet I noticed my goose bumps were coming on faster than the warm water. So, being the patient person that I am (HA!) I shook there and waited and waited, and waited...hmm..I guess running water IS the luxury here.
So being thankful for water I did what any woman with greasy hair would do and dunked just my head under the chilling stream and quickly washed omitting all other body parts (they are just not as essential as my hair). Still, I think that this water may have been pumped straight from the Yukon River because my scalp may have gotten frost bite, or at the least I got a non-beverage induced brain freeze.
Not quite what I expected, but hey, my daily primping routine has changed since moving to Alaska. When once I counted the weeks for hair high-lights and facials, I have now resorted to an "Ian" hair cut (yes, my husband regularly cuts my hair) and consider lip gloss a pretty big deal.
But as I write this I laugh because the rest of my body (going on 4 days now) has yet to see any soap....just couldn't bare the thought of it, really, just couldn't do it....WAY TOO COLD. I may add to my resume "can shower in less than 15 seconds if needed or just doesn't have to shower at all."
My adventures with bush travel end tomorrow as I head back to Aniak. This trip to Russion Mission has actually been really good. I was able to see over 50 patients and complete my "pap due list". I even got a few compliments from some patients on how thankful they were that I came out again and how much they appreciated the care. This made the cold semi-shower very worth it :)
Russion Mission
On a more personal level, I am leaving here with more growth. Let me preface this next story with what I have been learning..........I have been reading this fabulous book about God's love. It talks a lot about the soul and the spirit and how this all plays out in our faith. Without going into much detail, I have really been moved by how the author describes divine love and the purpose of our earthly existence.
In medicine you see the good, the bad, and the ugly, it just happens. Sometimes, your senses: vision, hearing, smell, touch (I purposely omitted taste) are often challenged. I had one such patient encounter here where all four were heightened. I could feel my pulse quicken, my mind start to race, and the feeling of "why me?" begin to creep up. But, having just come off reading my book I was able to divert these unwanted unconscious responses to a present state of mind that soon began to see this person in a different light.
It was like their physical body just melted away and all that remained was a soul. Soon the smell, the sight, the voice meant virtually nothing and I wanted to approach this soul with love. For the next 30 minutes I can say that I was actually PULLED into helping this individual, not repulsed away or discouraged as I might have been prior. Something very dynamic had filled me and actually came out of me like a powerful current. It was a COMPLETELY spiritual experience. I count this as a huge gift and possibly the best part of this last village trip. You know, there really is something about love. We speak of it so frankly, yet in its purest form it really is the most powerful thing.
My Caravan (aka the bus) Plane
Anyway, I am encouraged in a new way and want to feel this kind of energy with each patient that I see. In a strange way I think this patient may have felt my love energy as well....even though I didn't do anything physically for them, I know that they walked away better. I am left to believe that it was the divine love that healed them and actually not me at all.
So good night, be blessed, and ask for the filling from above, you just might be surprised what kind of things you will be able to do and see :)
After I finished typing this I checked out our friends blog http://frontierfamilyfarms.blogspot.com/ and read a very touching story. It is definately worth reading as a little girl named Lacey is struggling with stage 4 leukemia and needs prayer. I encourage you to check this out and to keep her and her family in your prayers.
Oh, and next time you take a warm shower be thankful, not everyone can be.
Ian and I had an eventful trip to Anchorage last weekend. Among the highlights were a trip to the dentist, an unsuccessful attempt to get an Alaskan driver license (that would be me), and a nearly broken but epoxied rental car. I won't go into too much detail about the latter, only mention that on a cold winter night in an apartment parking garage we found ourselves mixing epoxy, blowing a hairdryer, and keeping steady hands......papa John would have been proud of our auto body work!
As usual we stocked up on food and supplies to mail back to Aniak. Our plastic bins have seen better days and unfortunately one of them was leaking when we picked it up. The anticipation was mounting as I carefully carried it through the airport leaving a trail of something white behind me. Thankfully it was only a box of almond milk and the rest of the bins contents could be wiped clean and used (not that we would waste anything out here anyway). Our cupboards are now stocked with the essentials: twizzlers, pringles, dark chocolate acai berries...you know, just in case the power goes out we want to be covered.
Before we left we had a friend over. Well, we had him over but didn't let him inside.
This little calf decided to stop by for a while and grab some lunch on our nearby tree. We got pretty close but he didn't seem to interested in us. Thankfully his mother never showed up because she might have had a thing or two to say....
I was recently in Holy Cross on a village trip and saw almost 50 patients, close to 1/3 of the village. While there I had a wonderful talk with an elder. He is in his late 80's and has been proudly married for over 60 years. He met his wife in the mission orphanage where they were raised by nuns. When I get the chance I try to hear some of their stories, they are beautiful tales of a culture slowly fading away.
He told me of a particularly difficult winter in 1940 which left the area sparse for moose. Knowing that without enough meat for the winter he and his family would not survive he traveled 30 miles up river by dogsled to look for one. He said that as he traveled he kept praying that God would bring his family a moose and as he came upon an opening in the tundra, he found a bull and two calves grazing.
However, as his dog sled team pulled him closer, the bull suddenly turned and began charging after him. Quickly he had to maneuver around the angry moose and while his team speed away, he twisted backward, shot, and landed himself a years worth of dinner. But, the glory was short lived as the other two moose began to charge, and so began another chase.
In the end he was left with not one, but three moose, enough to not only feed his family, but help out others as well. By the time he was done quartering all three it was late in the day which meant that he would have to build a fire and stay the night. So, to survive the -40 temperatures he cut off the bull's ears and used them as slippers and wrapped himself in the moose hide to stay warm.
Although he was toasty warm inside, when he woke in the morning the moose blanket had completely frozen solid on his back like a straight jacket. He had to roll around in the snow to break up the ice and free himself enough to wiggle out.
None of the moose went to waste that winter (or ever). He talked about older natives using the tendons of the moose as thread and porcupine quills as needles to sew their clothes. The bones would be sculpted into kitchen utensils and the hides had multiple uses as well.
Unfortunately my time was limited and he had to go, but I encouraged him to record these stories. I am looking forward to next time as he said he would share with me his story about spending the night with wolves.
Here is the Russion Orthodox church in Holy Cross. In view are two fishing boats and a snow machine, all are important items for this culture today.
Um Honey, have you seen the car? This picture made me laugh. I came upon it while going for a walk. I am not sure that the car even works, but it gives you a good idea of the amount of snow we have had this year.
This picture was taken as I flew over of the Russion Mountains headed home to Aniak. It was such a beautiful sight and being that I was on a little bush plane, I got a pretty close view.
Ian was in Bethel all week for more training. A lot of new things are happening in his department. He remains optimistic about everything (as he usually does about most things anyway) and is viewing the changes as good opportunities for growth.
I am really blessed to have him as a husband (and have become strangely lonely without him when we are apart). He often has very timely words of encouragement that help me see things in a deeper and more spiritual light.
Although there remain some struggles with work, I am refusing to give myself over to the circumstances, rather to keep my mind on the things that build up and edify my faith. I have become aware the these next two months could be the most fruitful of my entire time here and that gives me hope.
So, I would say that both Ian and I are going quite well. We are both looking forward to going home in a few weeks and to seeing those that we love. It has been over a year since we have been back so we have a lot of catching up to do.
Also, Happy Birthday to Bri and my dad! Love you both so much!!!
It has been very cold (surprise) and windy! As a result, many people have had to make daily runs to gather firewood for their homes. And, this is no easy job!
One such person is our friend, Travis. After work he often heads out to gather, cut, and hand carry his wood back home for his family. Yes, hand carry his logs. Most people use these special plastic sleds to pull their logs and gather several cords at once, but until yesterday he wasn't able to purchase one.
Being that he is a very special person in our lives, Ian and I decided to collect funds and hire someone to make him his very own sled. As it turned out several people from our clinic felt the same way and were able to pitch in to help us with this purchase.
And, my boss's fiancé, a veteran wood collector, was also able to make him a replica of the one that he uses. We ordered the plastic from a distributor in Anchorage and our gift ready in less than 3 days. The entire clinic huddled outside during lunch and surprised with him with a new sled.
He was so happy, surprised, and grateful that it made the moment even more tender.
This last weekend I had the great idea of skiing to the post office. It is only about 1.5 miles away and I thought the exercise would be good. So we bundled up and headed out to what we would later find was truly the great beyond.
As I said earlier, it has been very windy here.
Even though he looks like he might be ready to hold up a bank, Ian is indeed still happy with his day job. He has had the wonderful opportunity to use the knowledge that he has been given to help others.
In addition to doing more inter-village traveling, leading anger management classes, hosting elders gatherings, and seeing a steady flow of regular clients, he has also started training to become a certified chemical dependency counselor. Counseling seems so natural to him, and I am really proud of all that he is doing at work and in the community.
It feels good to see the community further welcome us and at times even notice our absence. I believe that Ian has had a big part in this, quite possibly because of his basketball skills.......
It has taken some time, though, to really feel like this is home, but I think we are both beginning to feel a new closeness with the people.
I think we have both learning to transition away from holding unto expectations and are moving to a position of openness, where our worth, value, and happiness is not tied to any particular outcome.
Especially out here in rural Alaska, we are learning that we have little control over anything in our lives other than our attitude and interpretation of events. This has not only been very freeing, but also very wonderful to know that we can continue to love no matter what happens.
For us, we know that a wisdom beyond ourselves is operating and working things out for the greater benefit. This is both humbling and exciting to know that in remaining in love I have the potential to play a main role in carrying out a divine plan.
In the words of Albert Camus, " In the depth of winter, I have finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer."
May you come to know the awesomeness that walks beside you at all times on this path that you have chosen so that you may never fear again.
