Sorry it's been a few days. Things have been a bit hectic!
We went to a parade, it was nice. Lots of fire trucks and old cars, but was interesting to see what the city and it's people were like. We saw a rubber ducky race, where they dropped about 6,000 ducks off a bridge and into the Chena River. People had purchased the tickets, wanting their duck to be one of the first 62 to cross the finish line. Over 62 winners got some great prizes including airline tickets, $10,000, shopping sprees, etc. We didn't participate this year, but will next year. It was neat to watch everybody else though.
We also saw bathtub races. Yes, bathtub races! IT was hilarious. They even had water in them. Pretty dorky, but one of those every year city things that we need to see.
The neatest thing we saw this weekend has to be the Eskimo Indian Olympics. Every year, those who are native Alaskans can participate in some crazy events. THe one we saw (and you'll see below) is where they had to jump of two feet, kick a ball with one foot, and then land on that same foot that they kicked with. It was pretty impressive to see some guys getting up to 9 ft. They have other events including neck pull, blanket toss (tossing someone in the air on walrus skin), two foot kick, and many more. IT is free to attend in the morning, so that is what we did. Neat experience.
In between all of that, we have had some more quality time with Beth. She is now gone, on her way to Las Vegas. We are sad to see her go, and are about to experience our first week alone here with no guests. We will see how things go. Family, get ready to skype!
Beth cooked us a wonderful Chinese meal tonight. It was delicious! It was good to see what she has been eating for 3 years. Thanks Beth.
Jason had his first sermon/service as a REAL pastor today. Everything went very well! It is a blessing to be here, experiencing this with him. We look forward to many more Sundays! Even though I knew this was part of the plan when I married him, I will truly miss sitting and worshipping right next to my husband. I am sure I will just have to get used to this.
Well, better get to bed. Tomorrow begins our new schedule of waking up early, working out, and getting going on our day! I've been enjoying sleeping in, but it is time to get into a routine. Here we go! Good thing we have an awesome trail right outside our front door. We will be doing walks, bike rides, and runs there till it gets too cold not to.
I pray that everyone who reads this is having a great summer! Enjoy each of those moments you have with those you love; it is truly a blessing to be with loved ones. As we attended a 90 year old's birthday party this weekend, I realized how incredible life is. This women has lived through so much, experiencing everything the Lord threw her way. As I watched how happy her family was to be celebrating #90 with her, it reminded me of how precious family truly is. Those who know me well, know how close I am with family and friends. I can get rather emotional at times (thanks Dad!). I knew this move to "the last frontier" was going to be tough, and I am sure there are some difficult times ahead. I know I already miss my family immensely and all the friends I have "outside" (trying to use Alaskan language). I am comforted when I see the people of our congregation, and realize the Lord is providing another family, one that truly realizes how important family is. We know we are far away; we know that it took us 10 days to get here, but most importantly, we know we are not alone. God has been and will be by our side for many years to come. Yours too! What a comfot this message is!
God bless your week!
Bathtub race for Golden Days! Interesting to watch. We took some pointers for next year.
Bathtub race
The Eskimo Indian Olympics. This is a guy kicking a seal skin ball with one foot and landing on one foot. It got up to about 9 ft high. Awesome! We are definitely going to watch more of these next summer.
Nearing the end of the race.
Rubber duckies all in a group at the beginning of the race. Close to $6,000
Moose antlers outside visitors center.
Shaggy manes we found right out by the church. We've been cooking 'em up and eating them plain, on burgers, and on pizza. (mom, there will hopefully be some here for you when you come!)
Cool looking car in parade, decorated with all kinds of stuff.
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ReplyDeleteNoun 1. shaggymane - common edible mushroom having an elongated shaggy white cap and black spores
ReplyDeleteWish I would've known this before I read your post. I was very concerned that you'd lost your senses and were eating animal hair.
Phew!