Random Beauty of Alaska

Alaska is beyond beautiful.

The beauty of God's creation is in your face and breath taking.

Another aspect of beauty in Alaska is the events that take place.  The seemingly random events captured on SD card (sounds so much better "captured on film").

These moments are beautiful in their own.

After putting my footprint onto the wall in the Kwanzit hut I needed to wash my foot off... I thought I had all of the paint off.  However when I turned around I realized that I had left a foot print trail-- of only my left foot.

Every Thursday Alpine hikes to our campsite. On the trail my campers pointed out this odd tree.  I have walked this trail so many times and never even noticed this little guy...

wild blueberries for pancakes at camp-out

beautiful dandelion found on the walk back from Chapel

at the airstrip one evening

a mushroom by waterfront

The Visible Boys

I'm not even sure where to start...

Once upon a time, there were three boys.

One boy was from the land of Ohio.  He was a mere 19 years old.

The next boy came from the land of Kentucky.  On July 20th he turned 20.

The third and final boy was from the land of Wisconsin. 

When they arrived at camp they threw out their old names and received different ones.

The boy from Ohio chose to be called Phoenix, after a favorite song. 

The boy from Kentucky did not settle on a name for quite some time, however he introduced himself to me as Geddy (after Geddy Lee from Rush-his ultimate favorite band).  So Geddy he is to me. 

The third and final boy was given the name MuddChopps. Mudd because his name is Clay.  Chopps because of his facial hair.

The three boys came from the same school of music, known as Visible Music College (www.visible.edu) in Memphis, Tennessee.

As the summer progressed my appreciation and love for these boys did as well. 

MuddChopps became a dear friend.

Phoenix became my little brother, who seriously enjoys picking on me. 

and Geddy, oh Geddy... he has become to be a brother to me as well. 

These three boys have been an example of what it is like to be a young Christian seeking God--- passionate about music and using their serious talents to glorify God.

Boy oh Boy are they silly and even a little wild sometimes.

But it has been my privilege to have gotten to know them, serve alongside them, and now call them my friends.  

----

Sunday I wanted to get a nice picture of all of us... MuddChopps went MIA (he was taking a nap).

I really should have known better than to ask for a "normal" picture....

I think if we would have all just stood there and smiled at the camera it would not have accurately shown our personalities- so yes one of these silly photographs will be framed. 

Attempt One

These are just a few of the MANY attempts...

This one we look the most "normal" but not very happy, bahaha.

All I can do is smile and laugh at these boys.

If one isn't making me laugh, then it is for certain the other will be.  :)

Oh my little brother Phoenix.

This is just typical...

Possibly my favorite.

Kelly and me brought Geddy to the airport.  This bear was by the luggage check in.  It was shot by Kelly's orthodontist!  This summer I've begun to realize that I am quite, uh, short in stature.  Geddy, so kindly, scrunched down so I appeared "normal size" as he called it. 

Once of my favorite moments on our staff trip.

Yes, this is really where all of the fishermen weigh their fish.  Yes there were pieces of dead fish on that hook.  

Our epic game of "add on" during Week 7. 

MuddChopps "dressing up" in one my camper's glasses. 

Don't you just love them?!

patrolling

Was the whistle really necessary?

Geddy was the worship leader.  MuddChopps played guitar/bass (they switched back and forth).  Phoenix played the drums (and seriously amazingly).  They all are SERIOUSLY talented. 

I have countless photos of these boys "photo-bombing" my pictures.  Looking at them make me smile and remind me just how blessed I am to have made such wonderful friendships this summer. 

Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race

Tonight we (Sandy, Kelly, and myself) went to Sheep Mountain Lodge for desert...
and a little lesson about the Iditarod Race.

The owner of the Sheep Mountain Lodge has raced in the Iditarod 6 times!
He has placed 3rd out of 97!!!

He so kindly spent a large amount of time telling us about training and then answering all of our questions.
The questions ranged from "How did you propose to your wife?" to "Do you know Todd Palin?"

*Answers:
-He secured the engagement ring, very securely, to the collar of his lead dog for his first Iditarod race! When he crossed the finish line in Nome he proposed :)

-Yes he does indeed.

Beautiful Faces of Alaska

This young man is one of the best I will ever meet.  Truly a heart of gold.  

Miss Evie- so incredibly bright and just as cute. 

One word: JOY.

An amazing heart accompanies that amazing smile. 

Best Alpine director I've ever served under...
Yes he is the only, but still. 

These two are guaranteed to make me smile. 

The beautiful Lieu Lieu is like no other girl I have met.  She works at a zoo with the reptiles and spiders. 

The beautiful Brumby and Randall. 

Cutie Pie- or is that too sweet for an Alaskan cowboy?

Staff Trip

We went to Seward, Alaska for our staff trip, the weekend after week four of camp.

There were many activities that were optional.
 Some people went white water rafting.
Some went halibut fishing.
Others just wandered around Seward.

Here are some pictures....

Kiwi, my CIT :)

I wanted to eat on the logs... I just wanted to eat on a particularly large log. So we convinced some friends of ours to help us prop it up... it took about 4 strapping young men.

At a wonderful coffee shop in Seward.

Bluejay and myself on the Fox Island dinner cruise.

Peggz and Phoenix on the cruise.

On the boat :)

MuddChopps starting his day off write- just jammin on the guitar... on the floor... in the lobby of the church.

Some of the VBC staff on the cruise.

Geddy taking a picture.

Fox Island shore is known for its amazing skipping stones.

Do you want to mess with her?

Just enjoying the ride. 

Besties.

I don't know if we ever are able to take a normal picture on try one...

Geddy!

On the docks.

"Hey Geddy, you should go out there..."

After we returned from the dinner cruise, Ritz, Geddy, Phoenix, and myself just walked up and down the docks.  Phoenix was trying to get this fisherman to spray me with water (he was cleaning his boat)... when Phoenix walked away I asked the fisherman to... and he definitely did! 

Capt. Jack

Halibut

The catch-all place under the fish cleaning station.

"Hey Geddy, you should pretend your a fish and hang from that."
There is dead fish on the hook...
"It will be really funny!"
(Approximately 5 begging phrases later....)

Oh Geddy! (He is SUCH a blast!)

the close up!

Phoenix photo-bombing... some not so happy girls. ha ha

My dear friend Swix following the evacuation route. 

Two amazingly beautiful and just amazing ladies! Lieu Lieu and Kiwi.

Two of the most amazing high school boys ever- Zatara and Swix. 

"MaMa Us Us"

The staff trip was truly amazing.
Friendships were strengthened.
Many minds were refreshed.
Most importantly, hearts were refocused.