Alaska Is:
         Alaska is…
part of my journey—
… a chance to be a part of a tremendous project in our school and our community
… a chance to experience it with Meredith
… a chance to explore a new state (working towards all 50)
… a time to move a little out of my comfort zone
… a time to push myself
… an opportunity to forge new friendships
… an opportunity to be enlightened, stimulate my senses and be in awe of the beauty of our country
… a chance to live in and love the outdoors
… a chance to be part of a team
… an opportunity to share and give of myself, perhaps touching someone’s life
… a time to brighten someone’s day with a smile or kind word
… a time to step back and reflect on all that is blessed and treasure in my life (my family)
… a chance to be in daylight and sunshine until the wee hours of the morning
… a chance to eat a s’more around the campfire (I still hold to “s’mores aren’t for sharing!)
I feel incredibly fortunate to have all of these chances, times, and opportunities.

Final Reflection:
        Back in the early part of spring I was asked by Dale if I would like to join the AGLP trip. The lure of majestic mountains, blue water, a new adventure, a chance to be a part of this incredible project, along with experiencing a trip Meredith had so tremendously enjoyed. How could I or WHY would I decline? After receiving enthusiastic support from my family, I was ready and excited to go. This would be the first time I would be away from Craig, Patrick,and Ryan for this long so I was feeling a bit sad and nervous.
      My experience, however, would be different from the other participants as I planned to join the AGLP group for the second half of the trip. Initially I was concerned that by the time I arrived the group would have already bonded and I would be the outsider. As I quickly realized, there was no reason to worry. Immediately I was welcomed and embraced by this unique family and I set out to learn the ropes of the “food van” and what was expected of me.
      This is a trip of amazing proportions (and I don’t mean just the food we serve!). The scenery is grand in every way imaginable and what is accomplished on this trip by every person involved is both amazing and inspiring. From the jagged-edged bluffs, lushly covered mountains of varied green hues, pine trees and stunningly beautiful wildflowers (Lupines, Columbines and many more). These mountains stand in contrast to green covered ranges topped off with snow-capped peaks majestically pushing into brilliant blue skies. A landscape complemented by winding shoreline, blue tinted glaciers, sparkling bodies of water, and rivers of varied shades of green and blue tumbling over rocks or rushing around boulders. With the skies bright way into the night, shades of pink are cast onto the mountains creating a different picture every time you look up. And the mountains—they are EVERYWHERE—surrounding me, cradling me. During the final days of the trip my mind kept replaying this same thought—the dynamics of our temporary family closely parallel the varied terrain of
Alaska, as all of our differences are what create a beautiful landscape. And when we look around us at this landscape we’ve created, we see beauty, uniqueness, change. We continue to be in awe and rejuvenated and inspired by each other.