July 5, 2011

Daily Report from the Journalism Committee

A Sad-Bye and a Good Start by Jessica

With emotions high and a good bye that seemed to short for our minds that know that we are about to leave loved ones. As we got on the bus, the first step in a series of personal journeys as well as one communal adventure that will mark its place in our life. After we got of the comfort and familiarity of the bus we were on, we left for the daunting open doors of the airport. To our surprise the trip was not a long measure of time, in the new perspective we have just begun to develop. As we got off the plane and into this wide-open place we now know to be Alaska. We walked slowly as went to the safety and comfort of the church where we lay our heads and slept waiting for the promising light of tomorrow.

Untitled by Kyle

Today was probably one of the most emotional days of our trip. Saying goodbye to your loved ones is so hard. There were hugs, kisses, tears, and goodbyes. This was hardest for me because I am not going to see my mom for three whole weeks! Today was sad at first because we sometimes feel lost without our parents but we are becoming more independent by doing this. It was also a day of excitement. It was funny watching all our group scattered around the airport running free with their money. We all miss our parents but we are ready to start a new adventure.

Alaska Truly is the Last Frontiet by Jacob

A little over two weeks ago I said good bye to work, family, and friends and embarked on a different kind of adventure for myself. I have been familiar with the AGLP trip before because my dad has been a part of this for several years. Now it is my turn to go and experience this beautiful state of Alaska that I have only seen in the several hundred pictures my dad has taken over the years.

As we loaded the bus on a Friday at the middle school and pulled away I thought to myself, ˆ¨Wow, itˆ‚s my turn to see what my dad has talked about every year.ˆÆ A lot of thoughts were going through my head; I was very excited, scared, and nervous. This year I was the tripˆ‚s medical person and hoped for a safe and careful journey. We got to the airport in Chicago and wow, to see all the happy faces on the kids! Some were a little nervous to be away from home for such a long time though. Well, the plane took off and we were finally off. As we touched down in Anchorage my head was full of thoughts and wonder. The sight of the mountains as we flew in was amazing and that was just a taste of what was to come. The thoughts in my head were just racing of what was in store.

After we got settled into the church in Palmer, we got the game plan of the trip and we were off to explore. I could see the look of excitement and wonder for the adventures that were in store on the participantˆ‚s faces. The drive up to Denali was so beautiful; the landscapes were like none I had ever seen before. As we made it to the national park it was amazing and the pictures I had seen over the years did no justice to what I saw in person. The hike up Mt. Healy was gorgeous, I noticed on that hike how the kids all worked together to get to the top. The support and encouragement they gave each other was amazing. I could truly see the changes in the kids. I had to sit back and look to see if this was the same group that was at the airport with us just a week before. Seeing them change and the support they had for each other was just amazing. All the kids said, ˆ¨well one mountain down and one to go and we can do it.

As we made our way south toward the Seward and Homer areas, again I was in marvel of the landscape that this state has to offer. Seeing the open water and looking at the wonderful ocean life that only lives in this area. I was thinking how lucky are these kids to see this wildlife, which some of them my never see again. What a great opportunity these young people have to learn about the glaciers and wildlife in this area.

As our trip is winding down I have seen a lot of these kids turn into young adults. I have watched kids not being able to handle responsibility turn around and step up and be leaders and take control. Working with each other to solve problems and look out for one another. As I watch them mold themselves, come out of their shells, and become good leaders, I feel the Marshall community can look forward and be proud of the young people of the future.

I have been so thankful to be on this trip with my dad. He has been with me to see a lot of the world with my singing tours and I have been so grateful to spend this time with him in a place that he truly loves to explore. Thanks dad and Dale for bringing me along.