Three Musketeers

Brian took this amazing picture. So I just wanted to share :)

This trip to Alaska was so different and exciting for many reason. The short notice, unsure feelings, and extreme unpreparedness, are all things I had never really experienced before. And they all contributed to an exciting trip.

Throughout all of this, once I made it to Alaska I was gifted with some amazing blessings. Two of the biggest, being whom I was able to work with. Brian Whitson and Daniel Wise.

I met Brian in March when I was serving in Nome for Iditarod. The first thing he told me was how much his kids loved the video of my roommates and I sliding down the stairs in our house. I quickly came to appreciate Brian for his unique sense of humor, wise words, calm spirit, and even his quirky match making attempts.

When he called me in late June to ask, or more accurately beg me to come help with Salmon Frenzy. I was floored. My plan since October was to go back to Nome over spring break, then wait and see when I would be able to go back, probably spring break of 2013. I was fully expecting to wait for over a year to return to the state I love so much. But with the help of an extraordinary God, I got to go back early. Twice actually.

Brian says he prayed me back to Alaska, and he pretty much did. When I got to Alaska I learned so much more about Brian. How he is married to one of the most amazing woman I have ever met. And how he and Kristin never planned to be together and have grown into an amazing couple serving Christ together with their children. How much he can teach, correct, and provoke improvement all by being himself.

This summer was the second time I worked alongside Daniel during Salmon Frenzy. Last summer was crazy for us. There were multiple times this summer we looked at each other and said, "wow, things are so much smoother than last year. We can actually sleep more than 4 hours a night!" Last summer marked the beginning of an amazing friendship. It was so comforting knowing there was finally someone at school that understands my love for Alaska. Daniel has a gift of being able to work with people no matter their age and persuade them to work hard. At times they don't even know how much he is getting them to do.

Daniel works hard, does not complain, and is willing to do whatever necessary to accomplish the days project. From playing with kids, loving on them, and listening to them. To fixing whatever is broken, building whatever needed, taking out the trash. Or giving up his love of fishing to spend every moment he stood in the river helping those around him catch salmon. And not stoping at helping them reel in fish, but process them as well. From gutting, filleting, and packaging. Many people went from having a fish on their line, to picking it up out of the freezer ready to cook.

It was crazy how as the days continued on, Brian, Daniel, and I would go do things together, just to work together. We became such good friends while in Kenai working together, something I never really expected, much less imagined.

I could not have picked two better people to serve alongside this summer. I absolutely loved everyday we got to spend together. The three of us became such amazing friends, that when it came time for me to leave we had one last hooray of taking me to the airport. Just the three of us. It was tough to say goodbye. But nice to know it would not be the last time I would see them both. Out of everyone I met and became close with, the two of them are the ones I would catch myself missing. A lot.

I was blessed beyond measure this summer. God did so much on the beaches of Kenai and I had the privilege of being a small part of it. And to be partners with two amazing men just made it that much better.

Brian, Daniel, and I. Best Friends!