It has been almost a week since I returned to Texas after my time in Alaska. I was there for Salmon Frenzy, a project I have been very involved in for the last two years. Over those two years much has changed about my life, where I am in Christ and what my future plans might be.
Three years ago I never imagined I would be leading a team of my family to Alaska to a place I love so dearly. I still cannot even begin to put into words all that this trip meant and how each day impacted me. But I will try. I am hoping to have several posts to give you a small picture of what it was like for me, today I am going to start with where my heart and mind are focused right now. The end of the trip and my time since I have been home.
After our week of serving at Salmon Frenzy, my family spent a few days in Palmer. While there we spent nearly all of our time with different friends. Some friends we have known as a family for ages, some of my friends that became my families friends during Salmon Frenzy and some just my friends who I wanted to meet my family. The last category is the one I am focused on right now.
All of the times I have spent in Alaska God has blessed me with people who have become like family. I look to them for advice and encouragement, and they give me more blessings and love than I could ever imagine.
Some of these people are the Whitson’s. Brian, Kristin and the kids have given me so much in the year I have known them. From a place to stay and a friendly face at the airport, to godly advice and words of wisdom. I have seen them pursue Christ and what he wants from them relentlessly. Even when those around them do not understand their decisions.
Another one of these people is Aaron Brown. From our first come to Jesus meeting three summers ago to now you have been a steady friend. I know my first summer in Alaska was a trying time for you, I relayed on your leadership to get me through some of the tough spots. It wasn’t until you had to leave early that I realized exactly how much a part of my life you had become. Ever since I have know I could talk to you about whatever, whenever. Especially now when I get texts at midnight asking me if I’m still awake.
Together the Whitson’s and Aaron make up the founders of SMAK. An organization that seeks to share the love of Christ through meeting the needs of people all across Alaska through construction. I have been privileged to see first hand how God has directed your steps and led you to where you are. He is using and blessing this ministry and it is amazing to watch.
As I prepared to leave Alaska Friday night, both of you told me you needed me in Alaska. That there was a spot for me whenever I could get there. This isn’t the first time you both have asked me why I am moving to Oregon, but it is the first time you have told me you are praying me to Alaska sooner rather than later. A fact that is scary considering the last time I was told that. It doesn’t help that they have put action to their words, even if it is just feelers for how things could change in their favor.
 |
| I know I'm missing, Lord willing one day it will be the three of us, praying for the next person to join our team. |
All of us know that I have committed to Oregon and that is where I will be until next June. But we all, at least at some level, wish I was moving to Alaska instead. It is such a blessing to know that I am wanted, that someone recognizes the gifts and talents God has given me. To realize they think about me being on their team often. To know that none of us know what God has in store for me over the next year, but it will bring me new opportunities to grown in Him and learn things I need to know in order to serve better.
I have no guarantees that come June I will head North. But I know I want that with all my heart, and that SMAK, Brian and Aaron want it as well. Keep the texts with my empty chair coming guys. Each one is an encouragement and reminder of where God could take me. Even if everyone of them makes me want to keep driving past Eugene and catch the ferry to Whittier.
Those of you reading this, I hope it encourages you to do what you know Christ has led you to do. Even if it is hard or you wonder if you made the right decision. I look back at my time in the MSC and know I am where I am supposed to be. I also know my God is a big God and likes to show the world how He loves us. So I won’t stop hoping that maybe I will get to Alaska before June. But I will also pour everything I have into serving where He has placed me.
Pray for me. As the next few weeks come to a close and I move to a new life. Pray that I would see the opportunities Christ has given me for showing His love. That I would be content and wholly serving where I am. Not looking to the future. If you would like to be on the list I send specific prayer requests to, please email me at sarahsakadventure@gmail.com. I am so grateful for those of you who have, are and will be supporting me in this way.
