Update on Life

Last week, we enjoyed a visit from the Americas West Cadence Regional Directors, a couple whom we dearly love. They have been so good to us over the past two and a half years, taking time to call when they are not here, and making visits to serve us. Thursday evening Beryl kicked me out of the kitchen to enjoy dinner with those I feed weekly, as she kept an eye on the kitchen and the clean up. This allowed me to join in the group discussion upstairs, not just listening from downstairs. I am grateful to have such a caring support team.

Our Friday night singles group is going through some interesting changes. I believe some of the changes are due to the natural life cycles of a group like this-- especially in a transient community like ours. But it requires wisdom and discernment in decision making as we (Wes, Dan and I) try to lead this community. Our attendance is down to about 15-20 on Fridays. Pray that we would use the opportunity to minister to this smaller group, while also figuring out how to meet the needs of the larger community. The people are out there.

Finally, an update on the Evans family. Dan and Barb received sad news this week. After reading results from this months MRI and comparing them to last month's MRI they learned that the cancer has spread (and is spreading quickly) to four different areas of Barb's brain. They were told that there are no other medical options to consider. We may be looking at months now. Pray for this family, as they celebrate Christmas together, knowing that time may be short. Pray for Wes and I as we walk beside them, not knowing how to best support them. And pray for our community. Since Barb got sick she has been much less present in ministry, but there are still those here who spent the 3 years prior to the cancer in relationship with her, learning about life and the Lord through her. They fear the unknown as well. They ask questions like, "what will happen to the Hospitality House after Barb is gone?" and "will I see Barb after my 6 month deployment?". Pray for them that they would seek comfort and peace in Christ. And that we would do the same.

Thanks for your prayers. I promise a more encouraging note next week (unless of course I'm in labor- then Wes would provide the encouraging note!)

God bless,
Elaine (&Wes) for the Mountain Chapel Hospitality House community

Giving Thanks

Our "banquet table" set up on Thanksgiving Eve

Last week we celebrated our third Thanksgiving in Alaska, our third with this loving family we call the Mountain Chapel Hospitality House. As is tradition we split our group into smaller groups for Thanksgiving, and and plan on a combined large dinner for Christmas. We hosted about 20 people here for dinner both families and single soldiers and airmen. It was actually somewhat of a light cooking week for me. I was only in charge of the turkey, stuffing, gravy, and some green beans! Among my cooking accomplishments for the day were my first successful homemade gravy, and my first stuffing completely from scratch- it was amazing (sausage, fresh herbs, apples, yum)! It was a great time to share about family traditions and reflect on what we're thankful for.

That evening everyone was invited over for dessert (and oh, how much dessert there was!). We set aside time to hear a report from the folks who have just returned from a short but life changing missions trip to the Dominican Republic. Their reports were encouraging and challenging. They spent most of their time building a school for poor children, and communicating through Spanish-English charades! It was great to have people from our community come home with first hand knowledge of the hardship and love present among that impoverished community. I'd even say that the majority of our community members are now financially sponsoring children through the ministry, Hands of Grace.

I could go on all day about the things we are thankful for. Our family has been so blessed by our Creator. I recognize that all good things do come from above, and I'm not deserving of any of them. Yet I sit here and enjoy them day in and day out. We are 3 weeks and 6 days away from our baby's due date. I'm excited and terrified, but the little soccer player and I are doing just fine.

Keep checking back (we're on a new streak of regular blog updates!).

Elaine (& Wes & baby)

VIDEO UPDATE! Life in Alaska

Sugar & Spice & Everything Nice

Last night I was on the blessed receiving end of our ministry. Everyone around here is quite excited about our little, "Lucy", "Beatrice", "Claudia", and otherwise "Secretly named girl". The ladies of the Hospitality House threw a wonderfully beautiful shower to celebrate Baby Auldridge.

My hostesses, Anna, Lacy, & Alicia

Anna is a such a gifted and detail oriented hostess, with every bit of heart to match the color coordinated favors, foods, and decor. We were in her home. Lacy is my best friend here in Alaska. She knows me and cares for me, and several times in the planning process added her most knowledgeable 2 cents to what was most "Elaine". Alicia is a passionate and energetic young woman, who appreciates me probably more than I deserve. She ran around ringing a little bell to signal the next event in the evenings festivities. :)

Evidence of the Tea Party theme and a
"Diaper Cake" made with cloth diapers and appropriate accouterments.

It was a completely perfect evening, with the exception of some missing guests, and I also wish you all could have been there to share it with me. I have decided that the addition of our first child to our family is probably the biggest change that will ever happen in my life. Her coming birth has been properly recognized and celebrated by those who love me in Texas, Pennsylvania, and Alaska. Thank you so much.

Our group of ladies.

If you are on Facebook, you really should go see all of the photos from the evening. Anna arranged for a professional photographer friend to document the evening, and she did a splendid job! (I think that I'll eventually have non-facebook access to the photos too).


God bless,
Elaine (& Wes & Baby A.)