Here is our photo site for the trip: http://oursaviorinalaska.shutterfly.com
And here is the church's website: http://oursaviorhartland.org/
-Christina
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Saturday, June 23, 2012
You asked for it so here it is...Shawns blog post. I speak of myself in third person only here because it just FEELS RIGHT!
So all I really did this week was play games and drive. That could really be the end of my post but it is not because then I'd be selling the whole thing short. Playing games is sort of self explanitory, but what isnt is watching these kids try their darndest to understand what youre telling them. Most of the games we know go by different names here, and the games that have the same names have different rules. Being told how to play a game by a 4 year old is a seriously humbling experience, especially when hes missing most of his teeth and mumbles into my bad ear. By the way, he's also carrying on three or four conversations at the same time with three or four other 4 year olds. What a gas! Speaking of gas, lets now touch on the subject of driving. Driving in Alaska has been more like cross country travel than a vacation. Nothing is close, and what is close is so darned expensive that it makes you want to drive a hundred miles for a cheaper price...which we almost did. But it was more like 50 miles. And sight seeing from a drivers perspective is nothing short of...road. And we surely werent running short on road here. Big roads, small roads, short roads, long roads, high roads, low roads, dirt roads, paved roads, we've seen them all and I have driven all of them. Now I'm not complaining; I love driving. By the end of today I think we will have covered almost 2000 miles. Thats not too bad considering almost half of that was with either a full load of screaming kids (I like to consider this part it Combat Driving), or hauling butt on my way to pick up a load of screaming kids, thus willingly engaging myself in the act of combat driving. The driving part tho is what really opened my eyes to exactly WHY we do this. Im not picking most of these kids up from great homes, or really exciting video games, or a nice air conditioned house to bring them to some kind of torture( whomever decided to put the words VACATION and SCHOOL in the same sentence should be fired), but to a place where, just for a while, people truly care enough about them to teach them a whole manner of things from the Word of God to how to behave properly in an over crowded room. And you know why they actually learn anything here? It's because they can actually see that people care about them and want them to be greater than they are. This is why I drove all that way and played all those games. Not just for the heck of it, but for the monkeys!
So all I really did this week was play games and drive. That could really be the end of my post but it is not because then I'd be selling the whole thing short. Playing games is sort of self explanitory, but what isnt is watching these kids try their darndest to understand what youre telling them. Most of the games we know go by different names here, and the games that have the same names have different rules. Being told how to play a game by a 4 year old is a seriously humbling experience, especially when hes missing most of his teeth and mumbles into my bad ear. By the way, he's also carrying on three or four conversations at the same time with three or four other 4 year olds. What a gas! Speaking of gas, lets now touch on the subject of driving. Driving in Alaska has been more like cross country travel than a vacation. Nothing is close, and what is close is so darned expensive that it makes you want to drive a hundred miles for a cheaper price...which we almost did. But it was more like 50 miles. And sight seeing from a drivers perspective is nothing short of...road. And we surely werent running short on road here. Big roads, small roads, short roads, long roads, high roads, low roads, dirt roads, paved roads, we've seen them all and I have driven all of them. Now I'm not complaining; I love driving. By the end of today I think we will have covered almost 2000 miles. Thats not too bad considering almost half of that was with either a full load of screaming kids (I like to consider this part it Combat Driving), or hauling butt on my way to pick up a load of screaming kids, thus willingly engaging myself in the act of combat driving. The driving part tho is what really opened my eyes to exactly WHY we do this. Im not picking most of these kids up from great homes, or really exciting video games, or a nice air conditioned house to bring them to some kind of torture( whomever decided to put the words VACATION and SCHOOL in the same sentence should be fired), but to a place where, just for a while, people truly care enough about them to teach them a whole manner of things from the Word of God to how to behave properly in an over crowded room. And you know why they actually learn anything here? It's because they can actually see that people care about them and want them to be greater than they are. This is why I drove all that way and played all those games. Not just for the heck of it, but for the monkeys!
Last day in Alaska-Jenna
It is hard to believe after all the planning and preparing that the VBS is over for this year.
I think that the VBS went very well this year. We had a consistant group of kids who came each day, and the children all seemed to have fun.I saw the Holy Spirit at work throughout the week when I heard four year olds reciting Bible passages for memory or heard children talking about the love of Jesus or when I was told by a young child that Jesus loves me. This is why we come to Copper Center-to give these children the Gospel message and assure them that God is always there and will never leave them.
The children all come to the VBS for different reasons-it could be something to do or some time that the parents consider is for themselves. Whatever the reason they are here does not matter, but what does matter is that the children are able to hear about Jesus Christ that they might not otherwise have had the chance to hear.
Well we are headed back to Anchorage today and flying out tonight. Continue to keep Copper Center in your prayers.
Jenna
Moose count:12
I think that the VBS went very well this year. We had a consistant group of kids who came each day, and the children all seemed to have fun.I saw the Holy Spirit at work throughout the week when I heard four year olds reciting Bible passages for memory or heard children talking about the love of Jesus or when I was told by a young child that Jesus loves me. This is why we come to Copper Center-to give these children the Gospel message and assure them that God is always there and will never leave them.
The children all come to the VBS for different reasons-it could be something to do or some time that the parents consider is for themselves. Whatever the reason they are here does not matter, but what does matter is that the children are able to hear about Jesus Christ that they might not otherwise have had the chance to hear.
Well we are headed back to Anchorage today and flying out tonight. Continue to keep Copper Center in your prayers.
Jenna
Moose count:12
last day of alaska today. yesterday with the waterballoons didn't go as i imagined. 1st. filling up the balloons. the balloons were ment to be filled up with a hose. we had no hose. so, ok, then we had four fausets to use. too bad only the kitchen one would work with it. after one cooler was filled up with balloons, i had to place the spares stratiegicly so they wouldn't be found by little, greedy fingers. there is a whole lot of failure with the balloons outside. most of it having to do with the kids being greedy and restless. <should've planned for that one... oh well> anyway, all concluding from waterballoons for VBS is that i will never do it again. or... not just with the little kids.
when everyone had left yesterday, we took our dinner and went out to a spectaculer veiw of a valley and mountains, and ate our lasagna dinner. afterward, we traveled out to a place were we saw another moose, porcupine and a pair of eagles. we also saw SEALIONS!!!!! they were cute. thats all i can give you now. weare heading back to achorage today. hopefully i can have one of the reindeer sausages sold by the street venders. :)
Happy Birthday Mom! if forsome reason jet lag has made me forget some things tomorrow.
from be no blogger: Jake Nichols
when everyone had left yesterday, we took our dinner and went out to a spectaculer veiw of a valley and mountains, and ate our lasagna dinner. afterward, we traveled out to a place were we saw another moose, porcupine and a pair of eagles. we also saw SEALIONS!!!!! they were cute. thats all i can give you now. weare heading back to achorage today. hopefully i can have one of the reindeer sausages sold by the street venders. :)
Happy Birthday Mom! if forsome reason jet lag has made me forget some things tomorrow.
from be no blogger: Jake Nichols
Final day of VBS
Well, yesterday was the final day of VBS. It was also slightly shorter, VBS-wise, but we made it a longer day by doing a little more sightseeing.
We took the group photo after opening on Friday and the kids made frames for the photos in craft with me. The kids were also excited to sign each other's shirts! It was a fun day. We started taking kids home around 4:30 so we could be out of the church by 5:30 for another group that would be meeting here. We cooked our lasagna throughout the afternoon and then packed it up to eat overlooking the mountains. Once we were done with dinner, we continued on to Valdez. We saw some sea lions (or sea otters? One of the church women asked me this and I guess I'm not sure yet - we need to look at the photos closer) from a distance but I was happy because that was one of the things I really wanted to see.
We got "home" or back to the church around 1:30 am, and yes, it was still pretty light out! We were up at 8:00 this morning so we can do blogs, cleaning, packing and get on the road fairly early. We still want to buy souviners in Anchorage and get dinner before our flight at 8:55pm.
Thank you everyone who has kept us in your thoughts and prayers this week. I may write more after I arrive home and have had time to really process the whole thing! I will also post a link to photos once we have them uploaded (we're thinking a shutterfly site might be the way to go).
Please pray for safe travels today! We have a long drive and then 2 flights before home.
-Christina
We took the group photo after opening on Friday and the kids made frames for the photos in craft with me. The kids were also excited to sign each other's shirts! It was a fun day. We started taking kids home around 4:30 so we could be out of the church by 5:30 for another group that would be meeting here. We cooked our lasagna throughout the afternoon and then packed it up to eat overlooking the mountains. Once we were done with dinner, we continued on to Valdez. We saw some sea lions (or sea otters? One of the church women asked me this and I guess I'm not sure yet - we need to look at the photos closer) from a distance but I was happy because that was one of the things I really wanted to see.
We got "home" or back to the church around 1:30 am, and yes, it was still pretty light out! We were up at 8:00 this morning so we can do blogs, cleaning, packing and get on the road fairly early. We still want to buy souviners in Anchorage and get dinner before our flight at 8:55pm.
Thank you everyone who has kept us in your thoughts and prayers this week. I may write more after I arrive home and have had time to really process the whole thing! I will also post a link to photos once we have them uploaded (we're thinking a shutterfly site might be the way to go).
Please pray for safe travels today! We have a long drive and then 2 flights before home.
-Christina
Friday, June 22, 2012
today was pretty cool, well, it was actually hot. unfortunatly i wasn't doing a water game outside today with the kids. instead, we played eagle's nest. it is kind of like capture the flag. it game was a raging and roaring success. the kids and the teens loved it, and its one of those things that there is so much competitive sport, people will want to play over and over. hopefully tomorrows weather will be nice and hot, i have a day of water balloons planned. its the kids last VBS day and i'm gonna make sure they have a fun and memorable time in my group. :)
after the picnic today we just got an intense downpour. that really cooled things down. and when everyone had left, Christina and Shawn went down to the river and me, Jenna, and Christine went for a really long walk. yep, left Gary all alone at the church. poor Gary. since today was the longest day in the Alaskin year, Jenna, Christine and me took our pic at 12:00 pm. you'd be suprised at how light it was then. simply wickedly amazing.
Well, thats all i can remember, Jake Nichols
after the picnic today we just got an intense downpour. that really cooled things down. and when everyone had left, Christina and Shawn went down to the river and me, Jenna, and Christine went for a really long walk. yep, left Gary all alone at the church. poor Gary. since today was the longest day in the Alaskin year, Jenna, Christine and me took our pic at 12:00 pm. you'd be suprised at how light it was then. simply wickedly amazing.
Well, thats all i can remember, Jake Nichols
Picnic & Performance
We all had another good day at VBS. The children have really become quite comfortable around us. They're able to begin opening up more. It is so cute how they just crawl right on your lap. I believe that Christina had about three kids sitting on her at once!
Today our story was when Paul and Silas were shipwrecked and that Paul was bitten by a poisonous snake but didn't die. God surely was with them and continues to be with us today. In Matthew 18:20 Jesus says "where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them." And God has certainly been among us on this week. He continues to plant seeds in these children's hearts.
The Community Picnic was today; hotdogs, hamburgers, a few macaroni salads, and ice cream sundaes. Parents and family members of the children, congregation members and others in the area were invited to join. It was very encouraging how many people were able to make it. Seeing the children with their parents is fun. It also gives faces to the prayers for them. The children sang joyfully and did their performance skits with gusto. I would say that there were good feelings all around today.
In Christ's love,
Christine Klug
Thursday, June 21, 2012
VBS Day 4
Day 4 is over. It was the day I was most concerned about when we started the week - the day we were to assist with a community picnic for about 200 people immediately following VBS. The logistics were a little daunting to me. But, we pulled it off and even had some food left over. Parents came, congregation members came and the kids did a little performance after the food.
Today I was in charge of craft. We made boats since today's lesson was about Paul being shipwrecked. It was a little harder for the kids than I expected and we had a lot of kids, but overall it was pretty successful.
I have a couple of kids who tend to come to me on a regular basis wanting to sit in my lap or be carried and I must admit that is a nice feeling! I think it will be hard to say goodbye to these little ones after tomorrow. It is just flying by.
-Christina
Today I was in charge of craft. We made boats since today's lesson was about Paul being shipwrecked. It was a little harder for the kids than I expected and we had a lot of kids, but overall it was pretty successful.
I have a couple of kids who tend to come to me on a regular basis wanting to sit in my lap or be carried and I must admit that is a nice feeling! I think it will be hard to say goodbye to these little ones after tomorrow. It is just flying by.
-Christina
today was fun-ish. i dont feel like using correct puntuation or spelling in this blog, so if you cant stand it, dont read it.
today was a very long day, not just because we're in alaska. the kids were roudy. after every child left, the gang all went shopping for suppies for tomorrow. i stayed behind. i was set to make dinner. i actually vollunteered. i knew how to make french toast, and the sausage couldnt be that hard. it was a raging success. i found it quite hummorous to tell the girls that the sausage we had for dinner was stuffed though pig intestines. nothin else to say, except : i'm bored.
from guess who blogger? yep, you guessed it, j a k e n i c h o l s
today was a very long day, not just because we're in alaska. the kids were roudy. after every child left, the gang all went shopping for suppies for tomorrow. i stayed behind. i was set to make dinner. i actually vollunteered. i knew how to make french toast, and the sausage couldnt be that hard. it was a raging success. i found it quite hummorous to tell the girls that the sausage we had for dinner was stuffed though pig intestines. nothin else to say, except : i'm bored.
from guess who blogger? yep, you guessed it, j a k e n i c h o l s
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
VBS Day 3
Hello, all! We're past 1/2 way now. Today was full of energetic kids - probably the most energy we've seen this week. Jenna said this feels familiar from past years. We had more kids (65) than we had earlier this week too.
Today Christine took the teaching reigns. She had her hands full with the kids bouncing off the walls but did a good job! Shawn had the fun snack job. Today's snack was dirt cups so he was very popular, I'm sure. Jenna got to do the craft which was music themed to go with today's verse: "I will praise you, oh Lord" - Isaiah 12:1.
The kids are definitely getting more familiar with us. I have one who asks me every day if I will be here tomorrow. I tell him "yes," we shake hands and he goes on his way. Today he added a hug. We all have at least 1 in our lap at opening and closing, too.
There's not much else new today. I am doing craft the next two days. Hard to believe there are only two days left, but it's also hard to believe we haven't been here a full week yet. It seems like longer!
-Christina
Today Christine took the teaching reigns. She had her hands full with the kids bouncing off the walls but did a good job! Shawn had the fun snack job. Today's snack was dirt cups so he was very popular, I'm sure. Jenna got to do the craft which was music themed to go with today's verse: "I will praise you, oh Lord" - Isaiah 12:1.
The kids are definitely getting more familiar with us. I have one who asks me every day if I will be here tomorrow. I tell him "yes," we shake hands and he goes on his way. Today he added a hug. We all have at least 1 in our lap at opening and closing, too.
There's not much else new today. I am doing craft the next two days. Hard to believe there are only two days left, but it's also hard to believe we haven't been here a full week yet. It seems like longer!
-Christina
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Day 2!
I cannot believe that it is the second day of VBS. I feel as though our team as been preparing for it in Alaska for about a week now. All our preparations and prayers are being blessed by God. The children have come back and more have joined them!
I was in charge of the craft today. Everyone made crosses. Bead, foam, stained glass fabric paper and tissue paper - all made into crosses! All the kids did wonderful and enjoyed making them. I asked one of the 3 to 5 year-olds about the lesson today. She said "Jesus died for me." : )
Prayers are constantly flowing for these children, thanks for your continous support.
Christine Klug
I cannot believe that it is the second day of VBS. I feel as though our team as been preparing for it in Alaska for about a week now. All our preparations and prayers are being blessed by God. The children have come back and more have joined them!
I was in charge of the craft today. Everyone made crosses. Bead, foam, stained glass fabric paper and tissue paper - all made into crosses! All the kids did wonderful and enjoyed making them. I asked one of the 3 to 5 year-olds about the lesson today. She said "Jesus died for me." : )
Prayers are constantly flowing for these children, thanks for your continous support.
Christine Klug
Day two of VBS
Another great day at VBS. We had a lot more kids today and they were excited and happy to be there.
Everyone is doing well. Christina helped me out in the lesson today helping to keep the kids focused. Christine has been wonderful helping with absolutely anything that could need to be done and always with a smile on her face. Jake has been helpful and busy doing varius things that need to be done. Shawn has been busy driving.
I taught the lesson again today. I love when I get to teach-it is such a great time to have all the kids and share with them about Jesus. The kids always seem to enjoy the lesson so I love this part of the VBS.
Not much else is new. Another day of VBS tomorrow with the wonderful Roeskes. They do so much for others and they make so many great connections with the people here in Alaska.
Continue to keep all these children in your prayers-they need them.
Jenna
Everyone is doing well. Christina helped me out in the lesson today helping to keep the kids focused. Christine has been wonderful helping with absolutely anything that could need to be done and always with a smile on her face. Jake has been helpful and busy doing varius things that need to be done. Shawn has been busy driving.
I taught the lesson again today. I love when I get to teach-it is such a great time to have all the kids and share with them about Jesus. The kids always seem to enjoy the lesson so I love this part of the VBS.
Not much else is new. Another day of VBS tomorrow with the wonderful Roeskes. They do so much for others and they make so many great connections with the people here in Alaska.
Continue to keep all these children in your prayers-they need them.
Jenna
VBS Day 2
Today I was able to participate in the lesson portion of the VBS. Jenna is very good at teaching and handling all of the different age groups.
It is great to see the kids on day two - the return students are opening up to those of us they didn't know when they came in yesterday and there are new faces, too. My favorite picture of the day I'll have to share after we return home - Shawn has become the resident jungle gym for some of the littlest tykes.
Jake has been helping out in the opening dramas (acting out the day's Bible story) and has been doing a great job! He has played Saul and Aenaus thus far.
I and the other women participated in the women's Bible study of Psalm 111 this evening. It was nice getting to know some of the women we saw in church on Sunday.
It's time for making tomorrow's snack - dirt cups! We'll be mixing up about 10 packages of pudding this evening!
-Christina
It is great to see the kids on day two - the return students are opening up to those of us they didn't know when they came in yesterday and there are new faces, too. My favorite picture of the day I'll have to share after we return home - Shawn has become the resident jungle gym for some of the littlest tykes.
Jake has been helping out in the opening dramas (acting out the day's Bible story) and has been doing a great job! He has played Saul and Aenaus thus far.
I and the other women participated in the women's Bible study of Psalm 111 this evening. It was nice getting to know some of the women we saw in church on Sunday.
It's time for making tomorrow's snack - dirt cups! We'll be mixing up about 10 packages of pudding this evening!
-Christina
"Jesus is the Son of God." Acts 9:20
This verse was the Bible Verse of the day. Kim Roeske had a quick little tune that went along with this. You should have seen all the 3 to 5 year olds recite it! They were able to do it very well - and they loved it! This is a very important verse for everyone to remember. It was a great reminder to me when the children had SUCH energy about learning God's Word.
Energy is the name of the game here in Copper Center. All the children came bounding in and the church was just filled with voices and movement. I was in along with Jenna on the lesson today. Jenna did a wonderful job teaching the children the Good News of Jesus. She spoke with patience and excitement that got the children's attention.
Tomorrow is another fun filled day. In my personal prayers tonight is that they children went home and were able to tell their friends and family about the Good News they heard and learned. "Jesus is the Son of God!"
Christine
This verse was the Bible Verse of the day. Kim Roeske had a quick little tune that went along with this. You should have seen all the 3 to 5 year olds recite it! They were able to do it very well - and they loved it! This is a very important verse for everyone to remember. It was a great reminder to me when the children had SUCH energy about learning God's Word.
Energy is the name of the game here in Copper Center. All the children came bounding in and the church was just filled with voices and movement. I was in along with Jenna on the lesson today. Jenna did a wonderful job teaching the children the Good News of Jesus. She spoke with patience and excitement that got the children's attention.
Tomorrow is another fun filled day. In my personal prayers tonight is that they children went home and were able to tell their friends and family about the Good News they heard and learned. "Jesus is the Son of God!"
Christine
Day one of VBS is already over! It was a great day. It is so heart warming to be able to see kids from previous years that I have been here who remember me and tell me that it is great to have me back. I was teaching the lesson today with Christine and I think that it went very well. The kids were focused on the lesson and we were able to have good discussions. We were blessed with beautiful weather today so we were able to spend a lot of time outside with the kids.
I love VBS here in Copper Center. It is like no other VBS that I have attended or helped with. These children all come running in and just love the attention that we are able to give to them. Kim Roeske shared with us some stories today about the types of things these children have to deal with at such a young age. No child should have to deal with their parents being in jail or moving around from house to house. Many of these children do have to deal with situations like this at such a young age so when they come to VBS we can provide them with a good time and continually tell them of the love Jesus has for them.
One of the best parts of today where God showed me again that He is working in the hearts of these children came when a young boy began reciting a Bible verse for memory. He had every word down and told us that he remembered that from last Bible camp. I love watching how God works through us to bring His Word to these children-it is a constant reminder of His power and His plan for each person.
Continue to keep us in your prayers. Day two tomorrow!
Jenna
I love VBS here in Copper Center. It is like no other VBS that I have attended or helped with. These children all come running in and just love the attention that we are able to give to them. Kim Roeske shared with us some stories today about the types of things these children have to deal with at such a young age. No child should have to deal with their parents being in jail or moving around from house to house. Many of these children do have to deal with situations like this at such a young age so when they come to VBS we can provide them with a good time and continually tell them of the love Jesus has for them.
One of the best parts of today where God showed me again that He is working in the hearts of these children came when a young boy began reciting a Bible verse for memory. He had every word down and told us that he remembered that from last Bible camp. I love watching how God works through us to bring His Word to these children-it is a constant reminder of His power and His plan for each person.
Continue to keep us in your prayers. Day two tomorrow!
Jenna
Jenna Rinkinen is ... . She is just one of those people that needs ... . If no one ... her, then she would think her life was slavery. I know I ... Jenna. I bet Gary, Christine, and Christina ... her too. Its pretty simple and feels great when someone is ... just right. Remember, its: .-.-.-.-.-.-. .
WORLD, ... JENNA!!!!!
yep, first day of VBS, it was interesting. i'm not gonna say it was fun, but it was entertaining. tomorrow i'm incharge of snack. And today, down by the river, I found a liver, that I forgot to deliver, 'cause it made me shiver, uuuuuuuummmmmmm/\/\/\/\/\/\ JK. No, but really, down by the river in my spare time today i began to build a a rock bridge going across a break off of the river. I finished it half way. looks pretty nice. yuuuuuuuuup.
I finally lost my jerky styx.
once again from yours truely and second day newly blogger,
Jake Nichols :)
btw, "..." tranlates to different forms of "respect."
WORLD, ... JENNA!!!!!
yep, first day of VBS, it was interesting. i'm not gonna say it was fun, but it was entertaining. tomorrow i'm incharge of snack. And today, down by the river, I found a liver, that I forgot to deliver, 'cause it made me shiver, uuuuuuuummmmmmm/\/\/\/\/\/\ JK. No, but really, down by the river in my spare time today i began to build a a rock bridge going across a break off of the river. I finished it half way. looks pretty nice. yuuuuuuuuup.
I finally lost my jerky styx.
once again from yours truely and second day newly blogger,
Jake Nichols :)
btw, "..." tranlates to different forms of "respect."
Monday, June 18, 2012
VBS has begun!
Hello again. My post probably will not be quite as amusing as Jake's from last night, but it is an update of what has been going on, at least. Today was our first day of VBS. We had 50+ kids of all ages up to 17, I believe. Jenna and Christine taught lessons, Shawn & Jake ran games, Gary helped with snack time and I was on craft duty. Shawn also began learning the driving route to pick up and drop off loads of kids (Pastor Roeske will go one direction and Shawn will go the other).
Today the craft was decorating a sun visor (the lesson revolved around Saul and his being blinded by a bright light - clever connection on Jenna's part) and a tote bag. Everyone seemed to enjoy that and boy did we have glitter and paint tornado remnants after all of the kids were gone! The day was very smooth overall even though it felt a bit chaotic.
After dinner we drove just up the road to the scenic view of the local mountains and then drove through 'downtown' Copper Center. We're back at the church about to blog, shower, set up beds and crash (although every night I think we'll be in bed relatively early and we are still up until midnight)!
So, the mystery has been solved. Now we are trying to figure out what we will do to put them to good use!
Keep the kids here in your prayers and also pray that they will tell their friends and have an even bigger group for us each day!
-Christina
Today the craft was decorating a sun visor (the lesson revolved around Saul and his being blinded by a bright light - clever connection on Jenna's part) and a tote bag. Everyone seemed to enjoy that and boy did we have glitter and paint tornado remnants after all of the kids were gone! The day was very smooth overall even though it felt a bit chaotic.
 |
| Jenna, Jake & Christine |
An update from yesterday's post: Jenna and I were both wrong. As I was cooking dinner this evening, Shawn spotted a bit of plastic between the fridge and counter. The tortilla package!
 |
Our missing tortillas barely poking out |
So, the mystery has been solved. Now we are trying to figure out what we will do to put them to good use!
Keep the kids here in your prayers and also pray that they will tell their friends and have an even bigger group for us each day!
-Christina
"HA! FOWL BEAST!" He exclaims as he destroys a pesky insect on the wall. "Such a creature as such should have never been created to survive the harsh Alaskin conditions." a gruff voice says.
Suddenly, there came a deep rumble from beyond where the small shack sat. Out of the dense forest came the largest glacier ever seen by the brave eyes of man. this man particularly wasn't afraid. He, faster than fast, calulated the speed and size of the piece of ice and with a leap and a hop, stumbled up the glacier and back down the other side. this amazing man was no Chuck Norris or David Hasselhoff, this grand master of the arts is known as, "G.I.Schmo," or SHAWN WITT!
YES, I enjoy braging about myself, but this time, i never met anyone better. Shawn Witt seems to enjoy telling me I am wrong about almost everything, and he's got me to believe that he is always right. the only time i was right about something, <exaggerate, exaggerate> was when I said,"Keep your eyes peeled for a dead mouse. I found some mouse poison." so Mr. Know-It-All comes over and says, " Nope, thats gerbal food." so then Gary comes over and says, "Nah, thats definitely mouse poison." haha. me = 1/50. Shawn = 49/50.
I still respect him though. I respect everyone on this trip, even Gary. <I just don't know his last name...> Apart from mosquitoes being the state bird around here, its pretty nice. Oh, and bug spray should get an international award. (First breathable force field between you and the insectoid world.)
From your truely newly blogger:
Jake Nichols
Suddenly, there came a deep rumble from beyond where the small shack sat. Out of the dense forest came the largest glacier ever seen by the brave eyes of man. this man particularly wasn't afraid. He, faster than fast, calulated the speed and size of the piece of ice and with a leap and a hop, stumbled up the glacier and back down the other side. this amazing man was no Chuck Norris or David Hasselhoff, this grand master of the arts is known as, "G.I.Schmo," or SHAWN WITT!
YES, I enjoy braging about myself, but this time, i never met anyone better. Shawn Witt seems to enjoy telling me I am wrong about almost everything, and he's got me to believe that he is always right. the only time i was right about something, <exaggerate, exaggerate> was when I said,"Keep your eyes peeled for a dead mouse. I found some mouse poison." so Mr. Know-It-All comes over and says, " Nope, thats gerbal food." so then Gary comes over and says, "Nah, thats definitely mouse poison." haha. me = 1/50. Shawn = 49/50.
I still respect him though. I respect everyone on this trip, even Gary. <I just don't know his last name...> Apart from mosquitoes being the state bird around here, its pretty nice. Oh, and bug spray should get an international award. (First breathable force field between you and the insectoid world.)
From your truely newly blogger:
Jake Nichols
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Hello All!
I am Christine Klug and am actually from Minnesota. I was able to join the Mission Trip and am enjoying it very much so. It has been great to get to know everyone on the team. This is my first time in Alaska and boy does God's beauty shout at you. The mountains that we have seen these past couple days are magnificent! We have also been able to see a few glaciers.
Today in Copper Center we were able to worship the Lord with the congregation at Mount Drum Lutheran Church. Everyone has welcomed us warmly - it is great to experience the kind faces of fellow Christians even all the way up here in Alaska. There were some kids at church today that will also be at the VBS. The team and I are super excited to begin sharing God's Word tomorrow.
Thank you for all your prayers! Please keep the families of Copper Center in mind as they let us teach their children all about His great love.
Christine Klug
I am Christine Klug and am actually from Minnesota. I was able to join the Mission Trip and am enjoying it very much so. It has been great to get to know everyone on the team. This is my first time in Alaska and boy does God's beauty shout at you. The mountains that we have seen these past couple days are magnificent! We have also been able to see a few glaciers.
Today in Copper Center we were able to worship the Lord with the congregation at Mount Drum Lutheran Church. Everyone has welcomed us warmly - it is great to experience the kind faces of fellow Christians even all the way up here in Alaska. There were some kids at church today that will also be at the VBS. The team and I are super excited to begin sharing God's Word tomorrow.
Thank you for all your prayers! Please keep the families of Copper Center in mind as they let us teach their children all about His great love.
Christine Klug
Greetings from Alaska!
We have made it safe and sound to Copper Center. Today we went to church here at Mount Drum and talked over details with the Roeskes about the VBS this week. I am so excited to begin the VBS for my 4th year already! It has been such a blessing to be able to come back all these years. Everytime I get back here I realize why I keep coming back-I love working with a group to share the same hope and joy that I have which is to share the love of Jesus with those around us. I have always enjoyed mission trips for this reason and love to watch the way that God works through us to bring His Word to those we minister to.
Please keep us in your prayers as we begin the VBS tomorrow!!! I know we are all looking forward to the children arriving!
Jenna Rinkinen
P.S. Saw a bear and 10 moose already...couldn't be happier about this.
We have made it safe and sound to Copper Center. Today we went to church here at Mount Drum and talked over details with the Roeskes about the VBS this week. I am so excited to begin the VBS for my 4th year already! It has been such a blessing to be able to come back all these years. Everytime I get back here I realize why I keep coming back-I love working with a group to share the same hope and joy that I have which is to share the love of Jesus with those around us. I have always enjoyed mission trips for this reason and love to watch the way that God works through us to bring His Word to those we minister to.
Please keep us in your prayers as we begin the VBS tomorrow!!! I know we are all looking forward to the children arriving!
Jenna Rinkinen
P.S. Saw a bear and 10 moose already...couldn't be happier about this.
Beginning of Alaska 2012
Hello! Today was our first full day in Copper Center, Alaska for the 2012 VBS. We have been in the state since about 12:30pm Thursday. We were able to do some sightseeing on both Thursday and Friday. Thursday we just drove down the main highway and stopped to see various scenic views along the way. We saw some Dall's sheep that evening as well as a few bald eagles.
Friday we traveled from Anchorage to Seward and visited the Exit Glacier. On the way, we saw a bear, which was the first our return participant, Jenna, has seen in her 4 trips here. We have also seen about 10 moose thus far, including two babies. The glacier was a fun thing to see and we had a nice hike around that area.
Afterward we had lunch overlooking the water in a little diner. On the way back to the church where we were bunking during our time in Anchorage, we decided to visit the Portage Glacier, which also gives you a chance to see some small icebergs that have come away from that glacier. Beautiful areas to visit!
Yesterday (Saturday) we met up with Gary, a team member from Pennsylvania. After a brief talk from Ruth Zoller, we were off to Costco & Walmart to shop for groceries, including the VBS snacks and supplies for a community picnic. We filled our Suburban to the brim and then some! Once we were all packed up, we started toward Copper Center and arrived here around 7:30pm or so.
This morning we attended Bible study, worship and a potluck with the Copper Center congregation. Afterward we met with Roeskes to figure out how things will work throughout VBS this week. We just finished our taco dinner and are about to tackle some prep work for tomorrow. It has been a great weekend! Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we begin what everyone has been describing as an energetic, chaotic, but FUN week of VBS!
The closing thought for today is - where did our 2nd package of tortillas go? Anyone have a bet as to how long it will take us to find them? Jenna says Friday. I'm not so sure we'll ever find them!
-Christina
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| Beluga Point - Jake, Jenna & Christine |
Friday we traveled from Anchorage to Seward and visited the Exit Glacier. On the way, we saw a bear, which was the first our return participant, Jenna, has seen in her 4 trips here. We have also seen about 10 moose thus far, including two babies. The glacier was a fun thing to see and we had a nice hike around that area.
 |
| Exit Glacier |
Afterward we had lunch overlooking the water in a little diner. On the way back to the church where we were bunking during our time in Anchorage, we decided to visit the Portage Glacier, which also gives you a chance to see some small icebergs that have come away from that glacier. Beautiful areas to visit!
 |
| Portage Glacier |
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| Our Redeemer - our host church near Anchorage - at 11:30pm |
Yesterday (Saturday) we met up with Gary, a team member from Pennsylvania. After a brief talk from Ruth Zoller, we were off to Costco & Walmart to shop for groceries, including the VBS snacks and supplies for a community picnic. We filled our Suburban to the brim and then some! Once we were all packed up, we started toward Copper Center and arrived here around 7:30pm or so.
This morning we attended Bible study, worship and a potluck with the Copper Center congregation. Afterward we met with Roeskes to figure out how things will work throughout VBS this week. We just finished our taco dinner and are about to tackle some prep work for tomorrow. It has been a great weekend! Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we begin what everyone has been describing as an energetic, chaotic, but FUN week of VBS!
The closing thought for today is - where did our 2nd package of tortillas go? Anyone have a bet as to how long it will take us to find them? Jenna says Friday. I'm not so sure we'll ever find them!
-Christina
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