Nome: My Favorite Place on Earth

I have often said Nome is one of my favorite places on earth. Just over seven years from when I first stepped foot into Nome, and a day after returning from my sixth Iditarod, I think I have figured it out why I love Nome so much.


Nome was the first place I fell in love with in Alaska. I stepped foot in Alaska with my Dad, the first and most influential spiritual leader in my life.

I met a young eleven year old girl, who now at eighteen is pushing me to grow closer to Christ through discipling her. The door to future times serving in Alaska was opened.

I returned to Nome for Iditarod the next three years. In those times I met men and women who have continued to shape me and my walk with Christ. A young women who I watched show how to have a Christ centered relationship and marriage. Who now, with her husband are my some of my closest friends, and keep me grounded in life.

I met and continued to spend time with a mentor and my Eskimo Grandparents who invited me into her home and culture, to show and share how Jesus has changed her world. I cried with her, laughed with her, learned so much from her. And finally said see you later way to soon.

The fun, crazy, incredible executive director who I am now have the privilege of working under. The one who even before working beside I have learned so much from.

Three years ago I met incredible friends and got to enjoy my fifth Iditarod in six years. It was the first of many fun experiences with a group of people who love Jesus and are striving to serve Him by simply living their daily lives in Nome.

I have met mushers who have shared incredible stories from the trail. Who have let me into what 12 days on the trail could look like. How they have seen the Northern Lights dancing in the sky, the sun and moon rising and setting and the glory of God all around.

I have met wise men and women who have invested in me, even though I am not regularly around. Men and women who I know I can always ask for advice, prayer or even just call when I am struggling.

Nome is so much more than a geographical location, or town on the coast of Alaska. It is vital in my Spiritual journey. Each time I step foot in Nome, I am challenged, a new step in my spiritual journey is taken. It is hard to express, but Nome is ingrained in who I am and how God is shaping me.