The Team

I would like to introduce you to the amazing team from Texas that served during Salmon Frenzy. This group of Go Now summer missionaries were amazing. What we saw God do would not have occurred without them ready and willing to do whatever was needed. 

Guys, I loved working with you, and I am sorry it took me writing down what I think of you guys, and not taking the opportunity to say it in person. You all are amazing and it was a pleasure, privilege, and blessing to serve next to you. Until next time. Love you guys!

L to R: Lisa, Jared, Courtney, Lauren, Andrew, Meredith

Clockwise: Andrew, Angela, Lisa, Courtney, Lauren, Meredith

Angela: 
The inspirational leader of the six Go Now summer missionaries. Angela was the one to get up early and go to bed late just to insure that her team and the volunteers were taken care of. She was a frequent shopper at wal-mart, daily purchasing the needed items to provide breakfast to hundreds of volunteers. 

From sending us uplifting, spiritually refreshing text messages. To a hug right when you needed it most. Angela made us laugh and pushes us to focus on what we were really doing in Alaska.

Angela, First Baptist Kenai would not have been anywhere near as comfortable and easy place for me to work without you playing host. I was supposed to be your partner, but in all reality you did it all. Without you, I am certain some day would have come wehre we did not have milk or eggs for breakfast. You jumped on the task of taking care of the churches, and did an amazing job. 


Jared:
Always smiling and joyful. Jared worked hard and inspired the rest of us with his willing attitude. Whether cracking jokes or challenging us spiritually. When Jared spoke you always listen. 

Jared lead us in worship. His gift of bringing people into worshiping our savior is amazing. From Texas to Alaska Jared is on track to change the world. I was so blessed to serve alongside him in Kenai.


Meredith:
One of my fellow Aggies, one of the best parts of serving with her is it is not over. Mer was the quite one who always had a smile on her face and an encouraging word on her lips. From hosting at First Baptist Soldotna alongside Jared to serving on Kasilof beach. Whatever was asked of her she was always quick to jump up and serve. Serving with Mer was a blessing, and I look forward to how when we can serve together again in the future. 


Jared and Meredith, by the end of the first night the people at First Baptist Soldotna had already grown to love you. Their is no question why either, ready to serve, always smiling and joyful. The two of you made an amazing host team with nearly double the volunteers. You guys rocked. 


Andrew: 
The one so full of energy he made me tired just watching him. Yet, he could get quiet and serious and surprise you with what he was thinking. The man who took on hosting the teenagers every week and worked with them on their beaches. A job, few could have done as well as he and Lisa did. I know it was hard on them, but they pushed through and persevered to finish strong. I do not know what God has in store for him, but it will be crazy and exciting I am sure. 


Lisa: 
The only person on the Salmon Frenzy team crazy enough to return for a second year. Smiling, excited, full of energy. From day one Lisa was ready to tackle any challenge given her. From making sure dozens of teenagers had a pillow to lay their head on, to making sure those same kids did not use thousands of gloves. Lisa was ever watchful and so helpful in keeping a handle on what was being used. The last year Lisa has grown and changed, it was a privilege to see her return and continue serving her Savior. 

Lisa, you and Andrew took on one of the biggest challenges at College Heights Baptist Church. Serving groups of youth was not easy. But you did it with a smile on your face. You two where the only ones for the job. 


Lauren:I don't know what your name means, but I am pretty sure it could mean full of wisdom and fun. It feels like every time I was around you I was either laughing hysterically, or listening as you gave, sound godly advice. You where the only girl I did not know before I met you, but that fact was quickly erased as you worked yourself into my heart. From balancing Courtney, to taking the time and prompting of the Spirit to buy ice cream and build a relationship with George. You are always focused on kingdom work. I can name few women your age I look up to as much as I do you. From talking about my life, to talking about your vision for ministry, your loving heart is always visible. 

When I will have the blessing and privilege to serve next to you, I do not know. But I know this, the next time I see you won't be soon enough and the next time we work together will be a huge blessing. 


Courtney:
Ahh Court. Without you our whole entire experience would have been radically changed. There were so many times we needed a good laugh, and you gave it to us. Your openness and desire to be real with those around you was refreshing and a blessing. I knew where I stood with you because you were not afraid of letting people in. I have known you for two years now as an Aggie, but I feel like the four weeks we spent together has been a greater time of bonding and growing as friends than all the rest combined. I am so glad I can still be around you to laugh with you and learn from you. 

You and Lauren rocked at Kasilof Community Church, everyone who stayed at your church loved you. It was easy to see why. Two amazingly beautiful women, in love with the Lord and ready to do whatever to make their time more comfortable. 


Coming soon: 
A few of the other amazing people I served alongside.
The two guys that I worked closely with and who kept me sane and made me laugh. 

Salmon Frenzy

A week ago I returned home from Alaska. Many of you may not have even known I left Texas to go serve during Salmon Frenzy. I was not planning on going. Everyone I talked to asked when I was going back, and my answer was always I don't know. But as soon as possible. Two weeks before I flew from Texas to Alaska, I got a text message from a guy asking what he could do to facilitate getting me to Alaska for Salmon Frenzy. I was floored. Surprised. Unsure.

I had made a commitment to be home all summer. Spending time with my family, working for my Dad. I did not know what to do. I felt needed in two places. I wanted to be in two places at once. But in the end I decided that for now, God wanted me to spend my month of July in Kenai, Alaska.

While there I worked to prepare the supplies needed to enable nearly 400 volunteers to serve on the beach. The vision of Salmon Frenzy is to provide for a need of the people. For three weekends, white tents appear on three beaches and one boat dock to meet the needs of people. We give out free hotdogs, lemonade, hot chocolate, water, have a kids club with crafts, balloon animals, and a bounce house. We direct traffic, pick up the beach, anything that is needed we work to meet that need.

My job was to make sure the volunteers had the items they needed to meet the needs of the people. I spent hours in the barn counting, organizing, re-counting, and counting again, hot dogs, buns, lemonade, hot chocolate, spoons, pots, propane tanks, and the list goes on.

From buying, to sending out. I had to make sure that whatever was needed made it on to the trailers to go to the beaches everyday. Was it easy? No. Did it push me? Yes. But through hard work, and amazing people beside me, I made it.

The next post will introduce you to the amazing people I worked with. Without them, I would have had a zero success rate. But together, we had a small part in changing Alaska.