When we first arrived in Alaska, a seasoned resident told us
that Alaska is always trying to kill you. I thought he was talking about the
animals and elements, but I believe there is an emotional aspect to that as
well.
Although we are blessed to have family here, have met some
wonderful people, live in a warm house with electricity and running water via a
holding tank which David hauls in from the nearby fire station, adjusting to
our new life in Alaska has been neither quick nor easy. I’ve kind of got the
hang of going to town once in a while (a four hour drive to Anchorage) for the
bulk of our shopping. I make lists of what we need, sort them by the store, and
map out our route. So far I’ve been able to handle the weather, however I know
winter has yet to truly occur. My car is stocked with a warm coat, snow bibs,
boots, ice cleats, blanket and I make sure my cell phone is charged so that if
I have trouble during the 40 mile commute, I can get help. I’ve got a plethora of
wool socks on hand, a great supply of snuggly throws, and the pantry is stocked
with food and lots of tea so my evenings at home are warm and cozy.
A difficult aspect of relocating has been moving into an
unfinished house, living out of boxes for months and waiting to pull out the
few knickknacks, baubles and windows treatments that make a house seem like a
home versus a construction zone. David has done an incredible job on the
renovations and has put in countless hours getting the most crucial tasks finished
before winter. He’s been able to do some cosmetic touches lately and we are
both enjoying the results.
I knew that there were going to be challenges at my new
school. A counselor’s job is all about problems, if there weren’t any, I’d be
out of a job. I was hired to do several tasks that typically don’t fall under
the “counselor” category, but that’s the way it usually is in a small district
and I have the credentials to tackle the jobs the principal needs me to
undertake. I was aware of the demographics of the school and knew that I would
be helping kids who have challenging home lives. Hang around any school long
enough and you’ll also find kiddos who have significant issues with behavior
and it’s my job to assist if I can. What I was not prepared for was the adult
factor.
The elementary side of the building does not have space for
my office so the Jr./Sr. high principal graciously gave me a spot to work in
his end of the building. I am grateful for my space, however I am physically not
a part of the elementary, which makes it difficult for the staff to get to know
and trust me. Communication is hit and miss and mostly occurs via email which
can be one-sided thus creating confusion or miscommunication. I’ve learned this
the hard way and it can be a lonely lesson.
Learning to live and work in Alaska has presented its
challenges, but the greatest challenge has been dealing with extreme
homesickness. There are many times I’ve wanted to call and visit with friends
and family, but knew if I did, I would cry and not be able to carry on a
conversation. The pain of who and what I’ve left behind has almost consumed me
at times and it’s been all I can do to breathe and press on.
I know God called us to come to Alaska. We have story after
story of how he blessed us and paved the way for our move, and I have no doubt
we are meant to be here. That is what I’ve held onto during this painful period
of adjustment. My mom gave me a devotional book right before we left Kansas,
and every single time I’ve hit the emotional wall I’ve been comforted by the
words in that book and God’s word has sustained me. It’s been spooky, but more
times than not, the words address specifically what I’m going through. The fact
that Gods knows exactly what I need to hear on a specific day is humbling and
although I do not know what the future holds for me, one thing I can be assured
of is that the one who called me here will always be by my side and I will not
be forsaken.
“I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness
and the gall I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this
I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lords’ great love we
are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:19-23
We love you!!
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