Alaska Adventure Update Month 2

 It has already been close to two months since my feet found themselves planted back in the place we love, Alaska. I arrived about two months ago with a suitcase of clothing and a suitcase of books (#proudnerd). I arrived and started my new position, began house hunting, car shopping, and navigating life without my best friend by my side. It was the first time I was alone, and I recognized some things about myself in the last two months that I never knew. 

#1 -Even if I am lonely, I am never really alone as God is always there

#2- I have become dependent on my spouse - when he is not here things are more difficult

#3- I can forget to eat for a few days when I am busy and no one asks, "what is for dinner?"  

Let me fill you in on how this adventure has been going so far. (Warning- Long post so scan the headlines for what you want to know) 

The Purpose-Driven Work: 

I truly love my role at the Department of Education and Early Development. I work as the Program Administrator for the School Recognition and Support Team in the Division of Innovation and Education Excellence. I am blessed to lead a team of 3 phenomenal educators and 8 coaches, as we serve the amazing educators in this great state. (I am looking for a math content specialist and an education assistant if you are looking for a great team to join and want to live in Anchorage) This year is nothing like we have ever experienced, so we are learning to bloom where we are planted. Our job is to support teachers and leaders as they continue to love their learning communities and provide an excellent education for every student every day. It has been challenging, but also meaningful and purpose-driven. I am so honored to learn and lead alongside this team, and I am blessed that God provided the training and background for the role. 

The Home Prospects

I rented a room at an Air-BNB the first month while I looked at 70 houses. When you are alone there is nothing to do after work besides drive-by scouting, open houses on the weekend, and dragging a real estate agent to every available option (that were deemed viewable by drive-bys) in the area. We chose a beautiful home along the river, so the back deck faces the mountains and the river runs below.  We were able to get early occupancy, which worked out well as Gavin and the girls flew up the weekend I was able to get the keys. As God would have it, it was also the same day my month-long Airbnb was up. It is in a little cul-de-sac with a community of people who love each other and help one another. The first few days here we were greeted, welcomed, bonfires, and blessed with homemade berry jam. 

The Saga of the Cars

Now, this has been a challenging aspect of my journey. I was blessed with a friend's car while I looked, and those looks were interesting, to say the least. I will give you the rundown on the experiences by writing the chapter titles for the book, "Buying a Car in the World of Strange" I could write on this saga. 

1. Cars behind bars

2. Alleys of the homeless and stray cats

3. Surprise, I still have my kidneys

4. Small crack = missing bumper

5. I FOUND HER!  (1993 Saab 9000- I named her Vera) 

 

Part TWO

6. Vera: Dying a slow painful death (I know... I am sure everyone could say they told me so) 

7. New hunt, new hope

8. Well that dwindled fast 

9. It did not even start 

10. Shake, Rattle, and Whine 

11. "I gotta get the title from the Private DMV"

12.  Forgot to say- SOLD

13. The Little Jeep of Horrors

14 No worries- The house paint covers the damage

15. Test Drives can lead to Contact Highs 

16. And I am done: Walking is great exercise. 

PART THREE 

17. To be continued ...

So, Vera is limping along or should I say hopping, skipping, and jumping along. But, we will get through this one mile ...or step at a time.

The Teenage Girls 

Evie was able to get a spot on the cheerleading squad even though they may be cheering on Facebook Live, and both have made some connections with the youth group at a local church we found.  As for school, we began with an all-virtual program through the local district for Evelyn's senior year and Lilyan's eighth-grade year. The first week was grace-filled as we tried to log into the systems, reach out to teachers to unlock portions of the course and locate passwords created by the district. It truly has been a challenge for all involved. I am not complaining or degrading any teachers or leaders in this district. They are working as hard as they can in the parameters in which they find themselves living and working. However, after 5 days of classes, tears daily, screaming and fuming teenagers, and locked assignments or missing material, we decided homeschool starts Monday. I will teach them myself, I mean I am a licensed educator in multiple states, with a Bachelors degree, two Master's degrees, and half a doctorate in education... wish us luck. 

 

The Health

When I arrived I was keeping busy hiking and running and trying to stay active. I had noticed some hip pain before I even left Iowa, but it was really bothersome after a 6-mile, 10-mile, and then a 20-mile hike all within a two-week span. Long story short- Hip labrum tear, PT for a month, then I meet with the sports medicine doc to talk options. Bright side, no surgery while it is pretty outside, and even though I have been told not to run I can walk with my daughter who is recovering from her second hip surgery on the same exact tear. #empathytraining. 

  

Now, on a more serious note. Ladies, check your tatas. Yes, this is going to get a little uncomfortable, but I decided to share it anyway. (PREFACE- BENIGN...if my mom is reading this do not panic) I found a lump in my breast the first week I was here.  I was actually prompted to check when a friend posted about her own battle with breast cancer and I realized we were the same age. I went to the doctor a few weeks later. She was concerned enough to send me for a diagnostic mammogram, which led to two ultrasounds. Then they wanted to do a biopsy, which required a special needle they had to get shipped in as they were out of them. The needle came in and they got me in the very next day, and the biopsy went well. The results came back this week that it is benign. I did not share the news until I had results because I did not want to worry loved ones. However, the experience made me realize the peace God can bring to your life if you seek it. I was not even worried, and I can honestly say it had to be His comforting presence. I knew that no matter the results He would be there. I trust in His unfailing love and know that He has me wrapped up in the center of His Will. 

The Military Man

Gavin is still working through his active orders for the Navy, and we hope he is allowed to drive our pup, Cooper, and our trailer of belongings through the AlCan soon.

  

Nehemiah is now Private First Class Gardner and will graduate from his MOS training. Then he will be moving to his new duty station where he is assigned to work on helicopters. (Like the one (Decepticon) that destroys the city at the beginning of the Transformers movie...) My son, the Marine, works on helicopters or Decepticons. He has had a challenging and awesome journey and the adventure has only just begun! 

  

The Connections

Our dear friends, Guy and Jenn, live close by and it is so nice getting to spend time with them and their three boys. They were our neighbors our first time in AK, and have been friends from afar. We got to reunite when we came for a visit and have kept in touch all these years. This trip they taught me to catch my first salmon, took us berry picking, hiking, and have been helpful with the adventurous car saga. I am so blessed to have friends who love God and each other and include my family in their adventures.  They are such great people and I cherish their friendship so much. 

 

The church (ACF Church) we have connected to has started outposts because we cannot meet in person. So, we can meet in small groups at someone's house and they stream the message. The messages are on point and real. The pastor sends out daily devotionals, and the youth group is AMAZING! They are meeting under a big outdoor tent in the parking lot because they know the social aspect of health is so important for kids. The girls have loved going to their events, and it is truly grounded in Christ and the Word. 

The centering of my soul in Christ has been found in nature as well. I just feel so much lighter and free from the burdens of my heart. God's voice seems to echo from the mountains, and His peace flows like a river into my being. It is remarkable how even short hikes can awaken the joy that comes with knowing the Creator of the universe loves you.

 

The End For Now 

I know this has been a long post, but there is so much that has happened in the past two months. I have seen God's hands in all of this and I am so grateful for His love. As I close this out, I hope all who have read to the end know that God loves you and wants a relationship with you. He wants to use your sagas, pain, fears, and adventures as a way to draw you closer to Him. He wants you to know that Christ died for you. You are loved more than you could ever know. Bless you all. 

Peace and Prayers, 

Allie