Just the other day, as we drove through Anchorage I saw beyond the car ahead of us, a tall furry head. My first thought was that the Amish, complete with horse and buggy, had made it to Alaska. Then I realized that it was just our local moose leisurely crossing the street to munch on the greener foliage. ☺
We are continuing to enjoy this new place we are in, constantly searching for our niche in God’s plan up here. We had the great privilege of spending over 5 hours this week in various situations with the chaplains of both the Army and Air Force. It has been great to meet these men, to learn of their hearts and care for the Soldiers and Airmen trusted to them. Of course the 2 or 3 on one time was the best. We are excited to learn about ministry with the Army. Their chaplaincy structure is quite different than the AF, and it looks like it will provide different kinds of ministry opportunities.
We are still feeling a pull toward the single troops. We’ve met and have begun friendships with several married couples, and love them. But we still long to see the guys and girls in the dorms/barracks get connected to life-enhancing community, through Jesus Christ, the true Life-Giver.
Please pray for our budding relationships with the Chaplains, for the sake of ministry opportunities. And for our interactions with Airmen, Soldiers, and spouses.
Also, we were given a car (a donated beater, but it was free) when we arrived. And it has been a blessing in our first two weeks to be someone independent and able to house-hunt as well as just explore and get around as needed! But this past weekend our search for a second, more reliable car turned into a search for a first car. The Toyota died, and we are currently without a car. Please pray that God will provide the right car, and the wisdom for us to know it. It would still be helpful for us to have two cars, but that will need to be assessed in the budget.
We’re having a great time. Thanks for your calls, e-mails, prayers, etc.
In Christ,
Elaine
P.S. a “snail-mail” newsletter should be done soon and on it’s way to you with more ministry updates and pictures.
cars are what they are.......as often a pain as a blessing....God will see to it that you get where you need to be.......enjoy the meese......or is it mooses?.....love you always !
ReplyDeleteseriously, that is one honk of a moose. woah moose. There are no moose in philly, if you must know.
ReplyDeleteI love you. get a bike... tho the riding season is significantly shorter in AK than Philly (i've ridden my bike to work 15 out of the 15 months i've owned it here).
www.earthaven.org
and why does daddy love the ... so?
ReplyDeleteLooks a lot like Wa over there:) except we dont have moose (dang)
ReplyDeleteI could run out and find a deer to take photo of...
I will be praying for you alls transportation department and well being!
how about a new post?
ReplyDeletemaybe a post about how your (amazing) sister just introduced you to this (sick) singer-songwriter kid who you have been (obsessively) listening to for 187 hours straight. oh wait... that might be me.
love & miss you
Hey Elaine,
ReplyDeleteHave you thought about talking to Tim Leever? You know he is a 'wing' chaplain(is that the correct army terminology?) at Ft. Bragg and he could give you some insights that might help in connecting with the chaplains in AK. He might even know some of them. Just a thought!
Anyway, take care,
Ally :-)
Hi Wes and Elaine!
ReplyDeleteSorry it took me so long to comment. It was great seeing you both 2-17AUG! I pray for you guys and ask God to bless your efforts in loving people where they are at. Thanks for hanging out and giving me a sneak peak at the newsletter! Hope you enjoy the new apartment!