Summer In Alaska

Daniel and I had the wonderful opportunity to spend seven weeks in Alaska, at Higher Ground Baptist Bible Camp in Sterling again this summer!:) During the weeks we stayed very busy with camp life. So, this post will be about some of the fun opportunities we had to experience more of beautiful this state, during the weekends!

Each time I have visited Alaska I always marvel at the handiwork of God in the surrounding creation! 

A trip to Homer down at the Spit.....The five of us spent the day walking down the docks admiring the boats and occasionally the fishermans catch.;)

Another time some of us cooled off on a homemade slip'n'slide.....

A quick glimpse of camp schedule: Angela and I doing an activity with our cabin- tackle your counselors!;)

 Here's Daniel have a bit of fun while waiting for his next job.....

Back to the weekends, an afternoon trip to The Salmon River for some refreshing swim-time!

Some contented, quiet, visitors who maintained a respectful distance at all times...;)

Warming ourselves by the fire, eating dinner after a fun, cold day canoeing, swimming (for those who dared), and exploring at Cooper Lake!

In the van, with a beautiful, simple bouquet of fireweed which was a gift from Daniel.:)

Emma, Daniel and I hiking Skilak Overlook with the staff! That was a beautiful, challenging hike, but far easier than Skyline!:)

The view from the top.....

Our group...

Thankful for the protection of my brother.:) Here we enjoyed cooling off at a nearby lake!

Emma, Angela, Daniel and I saying goodbye!;) The four of us shared a lot of common convictions and had a wonderful summer getting to know each other, working hard and having fun!We sure miss those girls~;)

Melissa and I heading out for our last hike with some special bouquets from the younger kids.:) Daniel, Melissa and I were the last staff to fly out, so the Cravens took us to Seward for one final hike!

Daniel, Dakota, Montana, Neko and Laredo...Nekos parents (who are good friends of the Cravens') recommended this trail and it turned out to be even better than we imagined.

Halfway down the trail, we felt like we were in the Hobbit, as we wound down through thick woods and eventually came to this river where the Salmon were spawning...

It was without a doubt our favorite trail!

After the stream, we walked below as huge, moss covered trees towered above us! We almost expected the Dwarves and Bilbo to pop out somewhere!

A neat shelter we found near the end of the trail....

 Unlike our other hikes this one led us down below the mountains, through the woods, to the beach facing the amazing Exit Glacier.

Enjoying a late and well-earned lunch...

Mr. Garris (he and his wife drive up from Virginia each year) treated us all to ice cream at a little shop before driving back to camp.

 Sunday after morning service and communion, Mr. and Mrs. Craven drove us into Anchorage. Our flight didn't leave until one in the morning, and the Lord provided warm fellowship with the England family who live there. Their youngest daughter had been my camper last summer, and when they heard we would be in the area, they invited us to come over for a few hours and even gave us a ride to the airport!:)

 We had a really fun evening getting to know the England family better and playing games! We really appreciate their example of hospitality, in opening their home to us so warmly!:) The young lady beside me, Karis, is a friend who is staying with them while she works and takes classes there in Anchorage! We enjoyed getting visit briefly as well, as her family is a big part of the camp ministry and attends the same fellowship the Cravens do.:) The two younger guys in the front had been fellow campers with Daniel both summers we've been at Higher Ground!

 Once home, Danny slid right back in...

 Sharing about the trip with the family....

This past summer trip was truly a neat experience! We were so grateful to be able to return to Alaska, and learn many important things, grow in our walks with the Lord, and meet new friends! Being there provides more and more opportunity to see the goodness of our God revealed in His general revelation in creation! We don't know what He has planned for next summer, but we eagerly await it, knowing it will be very good!

The works of the Lord are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them^. His work is honorable and glorious, and His righteousness endures forever. He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and full of compassion. He has given food to those who fear Him; He will ever be mindful of His covenant. He has declared to His people the power of His works, in giving them the heritage of the nations.

The works of His hands are verity and justice; all His precepts are sure. They stand fast forever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.  He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever: holy and awesome is His name.