We're HOME.

Ahhhh. There's no place like it.

We've been adjusting to the familiar wild back in Alaska with a remodeled perspective of our small part in the BIG story. It always begins at home - in the many ways we define that place.

THANK YOU.  THANK YOU.  THANK YOU.

Feeling overwhelmed by how incredible this adventure has been for our family, we know that it never would have happened without the support of you, our family and friends, giving generously, praying for us, believing in God's timeless invitation to "Go".

What Now?

Restoring

Maybe the BIG GO was not so much about adventuring into a foreign country as it was about exploring the unknown places in our own hearts- and the uncharted territory between each other. Maybe it was about leaving home to finally find it.

With a renewed hope for our own marriage through inner healing and mentorship while on outreach, Matt and I are committed to pursuing family as our first mission. Sounds cliche I know, but through this process, we've come to understand IT REALLY MATTERS. The condition of my own heart in true communion with Jesus directly affects my ability to love well those around me. So I've got a few writing/painting projects started to deepen my own journey towards wholeness that may be able to help others along the way.

We are also excited to partner with Elias Rain Lodge during the early development stages in Wrangell- St. Elias National Park to host ministries that are focused on healing and restoration.

Matt is hoping to use functional fitness coaching at the Wasilla Teen Challenge home for young men this summer as part of their recovery process as well.

Rebuilding 

We have been enjoying our time reunited with family here. We are excited for the plans God has for  our oldest sons. Ashton is working in Anchorage and dreaming about his next steps. Ethan is planning to work with Matt this summer and begin classes at Mat-Su College this Fall. We are proud of them both as they are asking the hard questions about their future and their significance in the BIG story.

Matt has accepted a managerial position at Northern Utility Services where he worked for 9 years prior to our recent mission. As the company transitions to a new business model, we are so thankful for their Godly leadership that offered a promotion, considered his leave a sabbatical, and are supportive of our goal to return to St. Croix for short-term missions.

What's Next?

The plan for now is to work towards our local mission in restoration, partner with local ministries, and save to go back to St. Croix in January for 2 months as Mission Builders. Matt is hoping to continue to develop and help build the fitness ministry on the base there.  I would like to offer art classes to the kids in the community, especially those who live at the Paradise Mills government housing project that we started building relationships with on outreach.

We would love to catch up with you to hear what God is doing in your own families here in Alaska. He is up to something BIG and it all happens with our simple "yes" to him.