Alaska!!!

Being in Alaska is sure a different experience. This morning its a nice twelve degrees below zero! The sun does not shine until about ten o' Clock. And it is dark by four or five in the afternoon. But it is a beautiful place to be. We are surrounded by wonderful and glorious mountains. On sunny days the sun reflects the beauty of the snow topped mountains. The roads are covered with a thin coat of snow, as it is so cold they cant clear it all off. As I opened the door the other night I was welcomed by a two year old moose who was enjoying the salt we had put on our steps. He payed no attention to me as I opened the door shocked and wondering what on earth this big beast was. My brother walked over to me and said yep that's a two year old moose. We stood there for awhile watching this moose enjoying his treat until he noticed us and walked away. As you drive into Palmer you go over a river. The last few days steam has been coming up from it as it warms a little bit in the day and gets cold again at night. Alaska is one of those places that every one should go to before they die.

What's a amazing about this trip is that my family wants me here! One of the gifts of the program. Its a house full of life and energy, to much for me some time. My mom and my brother and his wife and kids all live in the same house. They have seven kids from the ages 20 to 6. But it is a blessing to have time with all of them. From little Abby all ways saying, " My Uncle" to Hannah and I cracking up at something stupid I said or something funny we are talking about. I walked in the living room the other day and Jim had his gun apart and his bullets all over the floor. Theres no dull moment in the Eaches house up here in Alaska. What's really scary is simion who is 14 reminds me of myself when I was his age, poor kid.

There has been no rock throwing or condemning of me in this house since I have been here. Which they all probably could throw a rock or two at me for the things I have done in the past. Its a house full of love and acceptance. I have done amends to all the family members here that I have needed to do. And they have accepted me and loved me.

Another miracle of the program is that I am going back to Ames to be with my dad. And the big miralce is that he wants me there. Maybe its because he has a new puppy and needs me there, no thats not the case. I have prayed for years that God would restore my relatioinship with my dad. And it seems that is happening.

As you know I was going to move back to Eureka because I am no longer able to see my kids for at least a year I am told. But I am not going to run. I am going to stay in Ames so when my kids need me and when I am able to see them they will know I am near by. I know if I keep doing what I am doing God will keep doing what He is doing.

I am thankful to God this morning that I can spend time with my family and that healing is happening in my life. Some areas it is happening quickly and some areas it is happening slowly, but if I keep working the program and walking with Jesus things will keep getting better. That does not mean that pain will not come, because in my life pain equals growth.