North to Alaska...

Ukraine turned out to be amazing. I did not have the best attitude about the trip in the weeks prior, but this was due to its timing and my longing to spend quality time in Dub Town with 1313 and my friends during that last week. But foregoing the trip was not an option (at least not if I wanted to graduate) and so I packed a suitcase and flew 20 some hours east to the former Soviet Union. By the time we finally reached our hotel (which will NEVER be forgotten due to hilariously horrific conditions- see Facebook for pictures), I had a talk with my Heavenly Father and a much needed attitude check. The subsequent week was great. But I have not the room or time to elaborate on it here. But I saw the fruits of the spirit personified in the staff at Mission to Ukraine and learned much about humility and servanthood and what God is doing in eastern Europe. And I miss Mama Sveta more than anyone!


We got back to Winona Lake Sunday afternoon, and I hit the ground running. SO much to get done and so little time. But it all was accomplished thankfully and I was able to enjoy my last evening home. The girls moved our prayer night to Monday night and, after catching up over yummy pizza and salad, had a beautiful time of blessing for me. They presented me a SWEET picture frame with pictures of me with each of them, words and phrases to describe me, and a verse picked by each of them. It was such a special time and their prayers meant so much to me. Thank you Jodi, Laura, Laura and Hannah- I love you girls!!





Laura Levon and Hannah drove me to Chicago O'Hare EARLY in the morning. Not only was I excited to fly first class, but having the tall attractive Adam as my seat partner made the flight to Seattle even more enjoyable. Apparently I have pretty eyes? Too bad he lives in Juneau and is moving to Iowa in September. Maybe its a sign from the Lord that there ARE indeed nice and attractive men in Alaska... :)



Mindy picked me up in Seattle and we spent the afternoon forever. She is a nanny for this cute little girl- while Zoe napped we played cards and caught up at the casa. Then we met up with Josiah at Ivens for some quality seafood treats. One the way Mindy showed me the famous Pikes Market and the very first Starbucks Coffeeshop! Plus we spotted the tallest man ever! Sweet! Yay for the Pacific Northwest!













Then back to the airport and my awaiting first class seat where I passed out for the remainder of my trip to Alaska. Mom, Dad, Katie and Michael picked me up in the Kenai Airport. It felt kind of weird being home, but as Katie reminded me "you've only been here 20 minutes!" It's my independence crying out I think- seems weird moving back home. It'll be better once I get a car and my own place.




The adventure begins...