Christmas 2011

What a special Christmas to have my family in one place and that place being Pt. Agassiz where I grew up. I spent three weeks out there and I don’t think I have been out there that long since I lived out there when I was 16.  
My sister Tabitha, and her husband Victor and 1 year old son Ronan live out there. Then on the 21st my dad Barton and my Brother Austin took his fishing boat out from Juneau. The following day Austin’s wife Jill and there six month old son Robert Thomas arrived on the jet in Petersburg and took a skiff out and then finally the following day my mom arrived in Petersburg by Ferry boat and then skiff. This is winter in Alaska so the sea’s can be pretty rough so it was a few wild boat rides but we got everyone out there.
My greatest joy’s where my nephews. People that know me know I love babies! I got a couple weeks with my nephew Ronan who I have been around briefly twice before. There where many days filled with wagon rides, hide-n-seek, tickling, and the joys of a one year old’s life. He made me laugh a lot as he is one of the cutest kids I have seen.  When my brother’s son Robert arrived it was my first time meeting him.  Right away I developed a special bond with that guy. He is one of the biggest babies I have seen. Six months old and like 25-30 pounds. I pretty much had him as much as I could doing everything they would let me, feeding, changing diapers, bath’s, naps, giggles and play. I fell in love with that guy. This was what I was most looking forward to and I loved being an aunt!!!!
We decided to have Christmas morning at my parents little house where we kids grew up. We all crammed in and had a great morning of watching the boys with new toys and just enjoying a family Christmas. My mom prayed for snow and the Lord answered her and we had a very white Christmas.

The days after was grinding venison into burger, and all kinds of sausage. We had so much food! One day we did a trip across the river to visit our friends we grew up with.

Going home after being away s long with family makes you face many things. One thing that I realize more and more is how much I have changed. I love my family so much but when I go home I do feel its home but I am also very aware of the life the Lord called from into the life I now live. I am so thankful for my roots but also so very thankful for my journey and the work the Lord has done in me and with me. It can be challenging for family to understand that change but overall I know they are proud of me.
I have left my family many times but now that I have nephews I found it harder. I long for my own children and in many ways this is the closest thing to it, so I got a bit attached. They are both so sweet.
I am now on plane headed back to Kona. I hope to write another blog soon about my entire journey over the last four months. The journey continues.......

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