The Journey Begins!

We are on the road!  Lord willing we should arrive on July 12!
Friends and family, I have decided to keep a blog of our trip just in case you are interested in seeing what it is like to drive/ferry across the continent, up to the most northern WELS church, Syndoulos Lutheran.  I hope to see you all very soon, and remember, you ALWAYS have a place to stay if you come to Fairbanks, Alaska.
Yesterday we traveled from Milwaukee to Madison, then from there onto the Dells.  We were blessed to say goodbye to some more friends and family.  Today was our shortest day of driving; arriving in Greenfield, MN around 3:00.  The Strongs arrived from China shortly after.  It will be nice to visit with them before we head out tomorrow afternoon.
Our Ford Escape, the one and only vehicle getting us out to Alaska, began making an interesting sound this morning.  We are both a bit concerned, but are praying everything will be fine.  Jason plans to take it in at 6:30 a.m. tomorrow morning.  We will let you know how this all turns out.  All we know is that we HAVE to be in Bellingham, Washington by 11:00 a.m. on Friday, or we will be driving all the way to Fairbanks.
While driving, I read from "The Frozen Toe Guide to Real Alaskan Livin' ", given as a gift from my brother and sister-in-law.  It is all about surviving in Alaska and becoming a true Alaskan.  While reading, I found a few very important pieces of information:
1.  I will be classified as a "cheechako", an ignoramus who hasn't lived there long enough to understand how things work.
2.  One of the six reasons to move to Alaska is that you don't need an excuse to vacation in Hawaii.
3.  One way to fit in as an Alaska is to burn all your suits.
4.  Last but not least, showering and clean clothes are optional.
More to come in later posts.
As you celebrate the 4th of July, remember to thank those who have helped us to keep these freedoms we all cherish.  May God bless your night!

 Leaving Pioneer Park in the Dells

Entering our first new state! (even though we have been here many times)