- Kendal

Alaska Is...

       Alaska is when you have not showered for days, you’re in a big van for hours, and it’s too cold or summer.  But when you look around you, nothing matters, because somewhere between the roaring snow-capped mountains, soft rumbling waves of the ocean, and the people you call family that you wouldn’t talk to, Alaska gets to you.  It attaches to you like no other place.  Alaska can teach you to grow, mature, care for others, and become responsible.  I have learned in Alaska to live one day at a time, and not worry about the little things.  That if you just take in where you are, and the amazing people you’re with everything will be okay.  I remember in third grade, when I first met Ishtar.  I wanted to go on the trip so badly.  And I hoped he wouldn’t retire before I got to 8th grade.  Look at me now, I’m in Alaska!  It’s so surreal, and I know I want to come back some day.  But right now I can’t say for certain that I’ll ever see these places again.  And it makes sad to know this might be the last time I’m here.  But, thank you, Ishtar, so much for making this trip.  This trip is one of the best things that has ever happened to me.  So thank you for a once in a life time experience!

Final Reflections

         I will never regret coming to Alaska.  The past three weeks have been some of the best of my life.  I can’t put it on paper, or even tell you in person, about what myself and 70 other people have shared.  It’s something as large as the mountains, as roaring as the waters, and as peaceful as the land.  I met some amazing people, and did incredible things.  Alaska is not a place you go to once.  I want to come back many more times.  Possibly to live here someday.  I will miss each and every one of the people on the trip.  I’ll miss the long rides, and singing with my van.  Last, I will really miss looking out of my window to see giant, rocky, snowcapped mountains.  I won’t know to do at night without hug time. I will never forget the AGLP 2008 group and all that we experienced together.  Now I can proudly say that I have been to Alaska, and have fallen I love with it.