It’s only officially been 19 days since we have been to Alaska and almost only 2 full weeks of being at fishcamp. Oh my, what an experience so far. There are so many stories, and I could go on and on, but some are better in person.
I have to be honest that this trip has not been easy, I have had my good days and my bad. I am in a better mood when the sun is out, but for the last four days it has been gloomy and cloudy…this is went I tend to be a more Grumpy Gertrude…I read in a cookbook (our of all places!!) that it said…even on a gloomy day, flowers still lean toward the sun. That totally put things in perspective for me.
Its so funny how the Lord has met me here, in ways I never thought of, which was my prayer before I came out here. We barely get internet, and when we do, its not for a long time because my phone dies. This has been both good and frustrating for me. It is frustrating because I want to call my sisters, family and friends. However, this has been really good for me, because it has unplugged me from everything that takes my time away from rest and reliance on the Lord. I have realized how much I long for physical touch and someone to talk to, especially because I spend a lot of my days cooking and alone with just the birds chirping outside and the sounds of boats going nearby. Let me tell you, there are days when I have gone a lil crazy…and Its only been two weeks!
I realized how much as an individual, and as a society that we rely to heavily on our connections to facebook, email, texting and actual human contact in order to fill us up or make us happy. I really thought that I would be fine without it, but clearly this trip has shown me so far that I rely on those things to feel connected. Don’t get me wrong, these can and are good things! It just becomes bad when its ALL we rely on. I realized today while journaling and being grumpy, that people would die to get away from all the noise, from all the commotion, and I am blessed with this opportunity.
So, today, I am resting in the silence, knowing that I CAN just sit here, and relax, and not have an agenda (which also drives me insane!) I am spending more time praying for the ones I love, reflecting over this hard yet amazing year with my new husband. This is what I have been praying for the lord to show me, and he has freely given this time for me to REST. To TRUST.
I have also realized that I am quite the cook! I have always felt insecure in this area, and was nervous that I have to cook for two boys who eat A LOT! But I only have a certain amount of food to cook with, I cant go to the store, so it has forced me to be creative. (Also, cooking three meals a day, plus deserts and in-betweens have also been a challenge! Let me tell you! So much more respect for stay at home mamas and cookin mamas and papas. Ha)
Last night I made a pot pie kind of a deal with veggies and a pie crust that I made from biscuit mix. I have made an amazing homemade chicken noodle soup that the guys love. I have also CAUGHT a rock fish…which was so much fun to catch…and cooked it for dinner! I have never cooked fish before, and I guess the guys said I cooked it perfect; it was gone in maybe…5minutes. So, all to say, I am a good cook, and I am becoming more confident, instead of searching for an answer…”is it good?...I am sorry if it tastes weird…You don’t have to eat it” response.
Its so interesting how it works out here...they fish for Salmon using big nets that they set in the water. They go and check it three times a day if not all day. Its hard to explain but Ill post a video soon so you can see.When they get the fish in a boat (they put them in a big bag) they go and sell it to a Tender (sp?) Tenders are boats on the water that wait for fishermen to bring them their fish so they can go on and sell it to bigger companies. Its funny, because its like a competition...Tenders are super nice, they give you treats!! (which i love) and they give you a price per pund that they next boat who is wanting to buy may sell higher or lower, it just depends. Its interesting!
Josh and Celeb come home exhausted, but nonetheless, they are two peas in a pod. They have a lot of fun together, which is so good, because they spend most of the day together. They made up ridiculous silly songs and laugh a lot. I will be inside cooking and I will hear them outside giggling for minutes on end. It has been hard without a girl nearby, but I am so thankful for the Browns in the next campsite over. They are Calebs Aunt (sara), Uncle (Mike), Grandma (nanny) and cousins, (oldest Colby, middle; Titus and youngins’ Timmy and Sylvia (who are twins!)
I have been so thankful for Sara and Nanny who have welcomed me with open arms, they help me with recipes, let me borrow pans, and let me talk to them! IT has been such a great experience getting to know them. Timmy and Sylvia are my camp buddies. They come over once or twice a day and we play cards, laugh, talk, explore tide poles, and make up new fun games. They have been such an encouragement to me, and it makes me love kids even more, especially reminding me of my excitement for when I become a teacher.
So…I think that is all the updating thus far…I will try to update again when I can. Please just pray for endurance for the guys and I…and for patience as well as renewing of our spirits, minds and hearts so we can come back refreshed and refocused.
I am so thankful and blessed. I really am. Know that wherever u are at in this season of your life, be thankful, because you wont get these days back. Yesterday you cannot change, you cant worry about the future, so all you have it Today…this moment. Enjoy it!
Love you all.
Miss you.
