Somehow our 16th wedding anniversary came and went this past week with barely a peep!  We did go out a few weeks ago to celebrate, since we knew we'd be busy on the actual day.  It is sad how many people look at you in total shock when you tell them you've been married that long.  Such a rarity these days, I guess.  Aside from it being a Biblical mandate (to stay married, with few exceptions), I find I enjoy the stability that comes with being with the same person for a long time. 

It has also been 16 years since we were in Alaska.  We had NO idea it would be this long before we'd get back.  And as such, we have been giving a lot of thought lately to our once-passionate dream of returning to Alaska.  I guess I'm putting that out publicly here, as sort of a commitment to follow it through this time, Lord willing of course.  But He seems to be laying it on our hearts.  We are not driven, in an emotional, humanly way.  Just a quiet urging in our spirits that, for lack of a better way to put it, is calling us back.  I think really, we stuffed that big dream into a tiny box, and squelched its efforts to break free for so many years, because people would react in shock and say things like "Oh you can't do THAT!...."   After a while you start to believe them, and before you know it, you've all but let the dream die. 

Ours has been reawakened from a long-dormant sleep.  But it IS still there.  Maybe it IS time to go, and maybe that's why our efforts to sell the house and find a camp this year fell so flat.  We are still open to a camp, someday, if that is how the Lord leads, but if it's by way of a year or so in Alaska, then so much the better!  As a parent, I see the boundless opportunities for my boys in an adventure like this.  The 4,000 miles of country between here and there is just one big home schooling field trip!!  SO so much to see and learn about.  Once there, I will enjoy the home schooling freedom we'll have.  Alaska by nature is a state full of people who value their freedoms -whatever form that may take - to the point of defending it passionately.  They are not to be messed with!  I would also welcome the chance to raise my kids with a strong sense of independence - not independence from God and a life of following His Son - but an independence to be strong, Godly young men who can put in a hard day's work, provide for themselves and their families, and know that life isn't all fun and games, all the time.  I don't want to live completely isolated up there, but life in the last frontier requires you to be in tune with the world around you.  Your life can depend on it!

I have also come to realize that one thing that seems to draw me back away from pursuing this dream time and again is, plain and simple....STUFF!  Ugh.  Sometimes I hate having so much of it!!  Clearly we will have to downsize before making this move.  We will have to plan some essentials that come with us - clothing, cookware for the camper, some of hubby's tools, and so on.  And there will be some treasures that we pack up in a box, to be shipped up later once we arrive and get settled.  But there is lots and lots still left that we simply will have to part with.  Having lived in this house for over 5 years now (and that's not really all that long!) I am amazed at the "things" we have accumulated!  Oh my, but I'll have a project ahead of me...

So, there it is.  My declaration to finally follow our dream of heading to Alaska.  I hope some of you will check back in, pull up a chair and grab a cup of coffee, and join us for the ride!  It looks promising....