On Monday, Mark and prospective staff pilot, Mike (their application is in), flew passengers for Alaska Christian College to Unalakleet. From there they took Vision Camp staff home to Elim and Covenant Youth of Alaska board members home to Anchorage. Besides a strong headwind, the flights went quite well.

Please continue to pray for safety for all MARC flights. There are weekly Wednesday and Saturday flights to Unalakleet, where Covenant Camp is getting a new chapel, and weekly flights to Eagle where Samaritan's Purse is building new homes to replace the ones lost in spring thaw flooding.

This week and next week, we are doing some review work for school before we begin the new school year the first week of September. I am impressed that the kids have not lost any ground over the summer break, but have exceeded my expectations of where they should be. Besides getting up earlier in the morning (which is just as hard for Mommy as it is for the kids), I think starting another school year will go quite smoothly. Even though I am confident about it all, I would still appreciate your prayers in this area. No matter how much confidence I might have, I still can not MAKE the kids learn, it has to be their own desire. I can present the materials and information and make them do the work, but that does not guarentee they are learning. So please pray they will have a heart's desire to learn.

Our chicks are growing fast. They will be ready to put in the coop in another four weeks. I never knew how soft chicken feathers were. We handle these little girls (I hope they are all girls anyway) at least twice a day.

Our coop is now occupied by 10 beautiful, sweet chickens. We aquired these ladies just last night from a few friends. We have four Australorps that will lay light brown eggs,

four Black Sex-Links that will lay brown eggs,

and two Leghorns that will lay white eggs. We'll have a nice assortment of egg colors. Especially when our Easter Eggers begin laying in January, with their blue, green, and pink eggs.

By lunch time, Jeremiah had collected two eggs. Not bad for the first morning in a new home.

Several years ago I had organized a monthly prayer luncheon for local women in full-time ministry. It's purpose: to create unity by means of building relationships with each other. It went strong for a year and then Katelyn was born and it did not continue on after that. Now, five years later, with the help of another ministry wife, I have hope that such monthly meetings may become reality once again. We had a delightful luncheon yesterday, where some ladies met for the first time and others got to know each other better. We discovered common interests in hobbies and who enjoys activities that another one can't stand.

We are all wired/gifted so differently and because of this, we can support each other and work effectively as a team. Praise God for diversity among His body of servants.

The ministry organizations represented were MARC, Samaritan's Purse, Arctic Barnabas Ministries, and SOAR International. Please pray that the Lord will use these times of fellowship to unify us and strengthen us as we work together to serve the people and ministries in Alaska and Russia.

On Monday, Jeremiah got to go on a day flight with Mark. Unfortunately no pictures were taken. They flew to Tuluksak, Manakotak, Dillingham, back to Tuluksak, and then home to Soldotna. The flight was to take people home from a Moravian Church of Alaska Singsporation. About a year ago we received an email telling us what a difference these Singsporations make in the lives of those that attend.

After coming home from the singspiration, parents and some community members have noticed a change in some of the youth. A grandmother said her granddaughter has been listening to gospel songs and her attitute has improved. Another parent mentioned that her daughter helped out around the house and she has noticed a change in her behavior.

There are youth that have given themselves to Christ in the past few days. On Friday, Eric called wanting Larry to talk to a student that was in his office. Apparently, he was scared of death and hell. So, over the phone, Larry led the student to Christ.

Atmautluak had their first youth service yesterday. The pastor told one of the coordinators that they should have more services like that. Then, I had a call from an elderly woman this morning that she had a dream about having a youth service outside. I guess she had thoroughly enjoyed the singing and the message last night.

After coming home from church, a teenager called saying she wanted to accept Jesus as her personal Savior. Her mom had talked to her and wanted Larry to share the plan of Salvation with her over the phone. God is so good.

It is thrilling to receive testimonies like this. What a priveledge it is to be a part of the work God is doing in Alaska.

Mark was taxiing out for a flight and the nose tire went flat. With wheel and tire changed out, he was once again ready to go. He arrived at Anchorage International to pick up more passengers, but now was stuck out in the middle of the taxiway with another flat tire! The one he had just changed! The airport had to close the taxiway. He sat there watching the 747's and other airliners taxi by and takeoff. Arrangements were made to move his passengers to the pick up area where they would stay while Mark waited for another MARC plane to arrive with another new wheel and tire. Thirty minutes later the "cavalry" arrived, the wheel and tire replaced, planes switched for there was no way Mark was going to take the chance of having another flat tire in the course of the day, passengers loaded, and he was off - a little late in the schedule, but on his way. The passengers were excited to finally be in the air. Mark took them to Council on the Niukluk River where they would go by boat down to Tom and BJ Gray's fish camp where Jonathan and Indira Maraj will hold evangelistic meetings. Jonathan and Indira spend two to three months a year here in Alaska filling empty village pulpits and conducting Bible Studies. Many lives are changed as they proclaim God's Word. Alaska is one of their many stops around the world. They spend the winter months in India, Malaysia, and Trinidad. It is our privilege at MARC to be a part of their ministry. Please keep this dear couple in your prayers. Pray the Lord will bless them with continued health, with strength and endurance to minister to the hearts and souls of the people, with the finances they need to continue in their ministry, with wisdom and discernment, and with overall protection.

Katelyn had the privilege of being a flower girl last Saturday. What a thrill it was for her. The wedding was a beautiful one that seemed to not have even one glitch occur. The bride was stunningly beautiful. The groom was just plain ecstatic that after waiting seven years for her, she would finally be his. The reception was delightful, a genuine celebration. I had a hard time keeping the tears in check. If I am this way about a dear friend that I had babysat at one time, I am going to be a mess at my own daughter's weddings. However, I was told I would be too numb from all the preparation and the event itself to become emotionally unstable. There may be hope for me yet.

Neakita had one of the best weekends of her life. Sunday was her 12th birthday for which she invited six friends to celebrate with a slumber party. We shipped Jeremiah off to a friend's house so he would not have to suffer with a house full of girls or was it so the girls would not have to suffer with his presence. Hahaha. The girls had a blast orchestrating a "dance contest", painting each other's nails, eating carmel corn and watching movies, making bead jewelry, working a puzzle, playing with the various critters we have, and just hanging out together. I was told the next morning that they didn't settle down and go to sleep until 4 am. They did a good job letting us sleep. On Tuesday, as a special birthday Daddy-Daughter date, Mark took Neakita to see a Lipizzaner Stallion Show. It is an event I don't think she will ever forget about.

My neighbor and I have been facilitating a rock class for our kids this summer. We are learning about Igneous Rocks using the Ring of Fire curriculum. The kids are having fun while they learn and I am learning stuff I never knew before -one of the side benefits of homeschooling. It is all very interesting.

The summer days have turned from warm and sunny with blue cloudless skies to cool, cloudy, and a bit rainy.

Last week Mark left his desk and the paperwork which continually nags him day after day no matter how much of it he accomplishes to fly the King Air with Brian while I spent the day with Brian's wife helping to prepare their salmon for packaging. Mark and Brian along with the Casa, the Caravan, and another King Air, transported a VBS team to Napakiak and materials along with a work crew to Unalakleet to continue the building being done at Covenant Camp. Mark and Brian had a great day of work and flying and Elizabeth and I had a wonderful time working together. The work always seems to go faster and easier when it is accomplished through teamwork and great fellowship.

Mark and Jeremiah have been working hard to bring in the last of our allotment of personal use fish. The fish portion of our freezer space is full and we praise God for His provision. The salmon we harvest during these summer months will last us through the year.

Mark and Jeremiah with their dip nets in the water.

Jeremiah with the small one he caught. It will provide one GOOD meal for our family.

The shore along the mouth of the river is lined each day for weeks on end by not only local dip netters but many who come from as far as Anchorage and camp on the beach to harvest the salmon.

Our garden is doing great. It is so satisfying watching it grow. I'd post a picture, but with all the rain lately the chickweed is everywhere and I don't want to show you that. I don't know how, but I hurt my lower back this week and need to let it heal farther before I get out there and deal with the weeds.

The chicken coop is almost ready for chickens. We will acquire 10-12 older laying hens in August to start us out. We bought six chicks on Monday and have immensely enjoyed having them. They are so cute and so funny. I love how they fall asleep standing up and then topple over. I'll go over to the brooder and talk to them and they all look up at me. Here are a couple pictures. Oh, I have to brag on Mark - he made the brooder for me!

Aren't they adorable! They are Easter Eggers.

We are almost at the end of soccer season. August 1st is the Jamboree. The kids have had a great season and have shown much improvement in their ability to play the game. Jeremiah may have broken his toe last week and had to take it easy - sitting out on one game, but this week he is back in it and giving it his all.

Alaina blocking the ball and getting it to the other side of the field. She has done great in both defense and offensive positions.

Neakita shines as an offensive player. Her dribbling ability has improved greatly. And has no fear of the ball - even when she is smacked in the face with it.

Jeremiah has become much more aggressive in the game. He is a great defensive player that can really boot that ball.

Summer is coming to an end quickly. The fireweed is blooming - a sure sign. It is time to start getting materials and supplies ready for school. Which I have been doing for the last four months, even before the current school year had ended. Pray that I will be organized and ready. Pray that the Lord will prepare the kids hearts and minds for the new school year. Pray they will have an insatiable desire to learn.

Matthew 14:22-34 is the passage about Jesus and Peter walking on the water. Much truth can be gleaned from this passage, but for me, in the past couple of years it has admonished and encouraged me to keep my focus on the Lord no matter what my situation is. Just like Peter, as long as we walk toward Jesus, focused on Him, we will stay on top. It is only when we start to look at ourselves and the situation around us that we begin to drown in it. If we are not trusting all aspects of our life to the Lord, this life and the world around us will devour us - chew us up and spit us out. Only in the Lord is there peace, contentment, and life to the fullest. Jesus says in John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and distroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Two sentences prior to this statement, Jesus says, "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved." Have you entered into the promise of eternal life through Jesus? He is the only way - John 14:6 "Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." Don't let this life drown you, trust in Jesus to keep you above it all.

Last week, Mark came home from his day flight saying, "What a great day of flying!" I love hearing the joy in his voice as he tells me about the work he does. It is a work we are priviledged to be a part of. This particular day was an incredibly long one for Mark. From the time he left the house to the time he returned home must have been at least 15 hours. His task that day was to take staff and campers home from Covenant Camp. It was the last of camp for the summer in Unalakleet. There are five Bible camps throughout Alaska that MARC flies for. Please, pray that the many youth who attended summer Bible camps will grow in their faith throughout the year and will have the courage and clarity to share their faith with their family and friends.

Over the last year, the kids and I have gotten together one to two times a month with a few other homeschool families at our home for art class. The kids have loved it and have produced some great artistic creations. There is nothing like enjoying these times with friends. We will continue to enjoy these classes together in the coming year as well.

The kids have started the summer soccer season. They have great teams and great coaches. Please pray for their safety as they enjoy this activity.

With summer vacation upon us, I have plunged myself into ministry outside my home. I am teaching the 4th grade Sunday School for the summer and loving it. I have a great group of kids in my class. I have given extra attention to the ladies ministry that we MARC wives are continually involved in throughout the year. It is a blessing to work with the other wives toward a common goal. It draws us closer together, strengthening and encouraging eachother as we strive to be a blessing and encouragement to the pastor/missionary wives serving in the villages. I have stepped in temporarily to help out with getting the next MARC publications accomplished. Our church's VBS was a short term commitment I made. It took place in June and was an incredible success. It was a priviledge to once again work with the other 75 plus volunteers that sacrificed their time and abilities to minister to the children in our church and community. A big part of my minstry is communication through newsletters, emails, and regular updates which is the purpose of this blog. Communication takes an emmence amount of time. Unfortunately, during the school year, I don't have much time to devote to it as I am very focused on my children's education. Therefore, one of my goals this summer is to establish a routine in communicating. I have hope that this blog will be the key to my communication success.

The month of May brought beautiful weather and visiting friends from WA. It was a fun time. As you can see the kids took advantage of the warm afternoons. Mark arranged for himself and Scott to help move a pastor's family from one village to another in the CASA. Mark loves to show Alaska and our ministry here to visiting friends.

June has brought more beautiful weather and flowers. I have enjoyed planting flowers in containers around our house.

But nothing beats the wild flowers growing all around us. My favorite is the dogwood ground covering. We also have lupine and wild roses blooming.During furlough, Alaina's rabbit died. So when we returned home we began looking for a new rabbit for her. We had to wait a few weeks until the bunny was ready, but we added Blackberry to our family menagerie. Then a couple of weeks later we got two female half-sisters Dorothy Ann and Miksee. Miksee is Jeremiah's rabbit, so named because she has one blue eye and one brown eye.
The first week of June I hosted a Child Evangelism Fellowship kids club at my home. The Lord blessed us with warm sun-shiny days to hold the clubs outside.

We had the special treat of having new friends from Montana visit with us while they were passing through on vacation. It was a joy to have the time to get to know them better. Our kids are still talking about them. We praise God for the people He brings into our lives and every opportunity we have to fellowship with them and strengthen the relationships.

Another big event during June was Alaina's birthday. This one was her ninth. She invited about 12 friends, had games outside,
a chili supper, ice cream cake from the only DQ in the whole state of AK which happens to be here in Soldotna,

and more games outside.

VBS is a big June event for us and our church. I wish I had pictures to show, but I don't. I was again in charge of the snacks and kitchen staff. We served approximately 180 children and 75 volunteers.

Last week was consumed by getting our years supply of fish in. We always look forward to spending this day on the beach bringing in the catch,

relaxing and playing, even wading in the water - as crazy as it may have been, they had fun, eating salmon cooked over a fire - you can't get fresher than this, oh, yeah, and the corn cooked in the coals. Once the fish gets home, the work of processing begins. It takes four days to complete it. It is exhausting work, but now we have a new supply of one of our main staples to enjoy for another year.

Most of the flights MARC has been doing these last few weeks is for various Bible camps throughout AK. Pray that the Lord will use the time the kids have at camp to open their eyes to their need to have Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Pray that as the kids return home that they will be able to hold on to their new faith and that the Lord will grow it through the year dispite the critizism and mocking they might receive from family and friends at home.

Literally tons of cargo has been flown out to support the various summer work projects for churches around the state. These include a project at Covenant Camp, the youth center at Unalakleet, parsonage remodels at White Mountain, and Scammon Bay, and a garage/shop for the pastor in Mountain Village, to name a few.

Pray for Mark as he continues to work as flight scheduler/coordinator. The schedule changes day by day and sometimes hour by hour and requires constant oversight - even on days off. Pray that Mark will have discernment, wisdom, and clear communication with those we serve and those we work with. Pray that he is able to keep on top of the work. When he is out flying it piles up and is difficult to catch up on. Despite the demands of work, Mark has been able to accomplish much at home which has been a miracle of God in my eyes. We now have a woodstove installed as our primary source of heat. Now to be able to stock pile the wood before winter comes. We finally have a fence around our garden and it is planted. We have potatoes and peas and other vegetables popping up. We are very excited about the prospective harvest.

It is huge, isn't it? It is necessary to have such a big (8 foot) fence to keep the moose out. The next project is a chicken coup and run.

Some have asked how the kids did with the Standard Based Testing for school. I am happy to say they got through the week with mostly smiles. They especially grinned ear to ear when the testing was completed, for we had banana splits for a celebration.

April was so busy, before we knew it, it was over. Mark's first overnight trip was to take a Child Evangelism Fellowship team to Port Alsworth to conduct clubs during Spring Conference at Tananlian Bible Camp.

The next week Mark was out flying again this time for a Moravian Youth Rally in the village of Quinhagak. Weather made it a challenge to get attenders to the rally and unfortunately many were not able to go, but Mark was able to get 54 kids from various villages there.

Mark returned home just in time to participate in a Mission Safety International Safety Seminar. The first week consisted of the MSI staff conducting interviews of all our staff members including the wives to create a report that can assist our mission in making improvements in areas that would help us to be more effective in our ministry and create a safer working enviornment. The MSI wives provided two opportunities for the wives of MARC, Samaritan's Purse, Arctic Barnabas Ministries, and SOAR International to get together to fellowship, build relationships, and be encouraged. Both evenings were a blessing.

The Safety Seminar included Underwater Egress training. It was a great opportunity for our pilots. The kids and I were able to be there to watch.

In April we celebrated the life of fellow MARC staff member, Marge Cochran, who went to be with her Lord and Savior. We miss her very much as each of us will not forget how she has blessed our lives with her love and prayers. Please pray for Dave as he continues on without Marge by his side.

The end of April brought the end of AWANA. We are always ready for it to begin again after the summer break. Here is Mark listening to verses recited by one of the children on his Spark's team.