One year ago we were living in Birch Bay, Washington. We have since had three addresses and some big adventures. When Robert came home on August 31, 2012 and told me we would be making some changes I am thankful that God opened my eyes to an answer to prayer (see this blogpost: http://alaskancamerons.blogspot.com/2012/10/life-change-moment-number.html) and we, as a family, are happy and together.
I have done a lot of thinking about these last few changing years in our lives and, every time I do, I think of more definitive proofs of God's timing. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (NIV) While I don't know if God purposely makes things happen, I do believe the following: "...And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 (NIV)
There are quite a few times, since our return to Alaska, that I have given thanks for being back home. I have been told by quite a few people that I seem down or depressed and sad about being back in Alaska. I don't mean to be this way and thought I was doing a good job of having a good attitude. I promise to try harder as I have to remember that "little eyes are watching me" and taking their cues from me.
A lot of people ask me what our plans are. My response is the same: "I don't make plans anymore because I'm sure God just chuckles every time I do." Right now we are staying with my parents and working on playing catch-up from all our moves.
I have learned many lessons the past few years but the one I am most thinking about today is that sometimes we have to look for the lessons and the blessings and life-changes through those lessons...sometimes they don't just stare us in the face. In fact, I had another blessing-realization this morning as I was reflecting on that time exactly a year ago. I'm certain there are many more realizations to come. I look forward to adding them to my list.
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Monday, June 3, 2013
Tell me a story...
Some of you may know that I come from a long line of storytellers...um, rather I should say, people who like to tell stories. Granted, some family members are really good at telling stories and some just like to talk. Haha. I tend to think that what we like most of all about telling stories is the laughter, the "awww" moments, and really just people's reactions while we're speaking. I am one of those story tellers.
I love to tell stories and, boy, do I have a great one about the last two years of my life, but sometimes I just need to listen. I want to share the changes, the ups, the downs, the moments of clarity, and the moments of sheer exhiliration knowing that God is near and holding my hand through this journey.
I am excited to tell my friends and acquaintances all these things, but today I was reminded that things have also happened in the lives of my dear friends and acquaintances so when you ask me about the goings-on in my life, PLEASE share what has happened in yours!! I have some friends who have been through life-changing events and anguish. I also have friends who have experienced joy, love, and happiness. PLEASE tell me about it! I love to talk and see reactions to my stories, but I also love to listen and be a shoulder to cry on or give an encouraging hug and prayer.
I'm so happy to be back with all my dear friends and familiar faces. Of course I miss the new friends we made, but I look forward to the future and what it holds.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Update from the South...er...Midwest
Every time I say something about living in the South someone has to correct me and say, "Kansas is the Midwest!" to which I reply, "Hey! Everything's south when you were born and raised in Alaska!"
We have lived in Kansas for a little over two months now. (Please see previous post if this is news to you.) We are settling in to our cozy little 2 bedroom apartment in Overland Park. We actually live closer to Olathe (pronounced Oh-lathe-uh), Kansas - only about fifteen minutes from the Kansas/Missouri state line. The winter so far has been amazing - even better than Washington. THIS is what winter should be: sunny and about 40 degrees. There are definitely times I miss the snow activities in Alaska - skiing, snowmachining, sledding, etc. - but we hardly ever took advantage of those things while there anyway so I'm not sure we're missing out on much. BUT, I also can't speak too soon because Robert and I find ourselves missing the quality of life that we experienced in Alaska. We especially miss Palmer and the Valley area. There's just something special about calling Alaska home. There is a difference in the people too. While living for a year in Washington state and now here in Kansas we find the mindset of the people is different. People seem to take for granted their loss of freedoms here. While it may also be slipping away in Alaska too, there is still more of a spirit of independence there. On a silly note, I find that I miss being able to live in the worse-dressed city in America ... Anchorage. If you wear sweats instead of pjs to the store in Anchorage, you're one of the better-dressed people there. :) haha
The kids and I have really had to stop ourselves from constantly listing all the things we miss about Washington, good friends being number one. It's amazing how many close friendships we made in only 11 months. We also miss the beach, walks on the trail behind our rental home, apple trees, blackberry bushes, amazing birds species, the sound of frogs behind our house, homeschool groups, AWANA friends, drives to Eastern Washington and camping trips there, fall leaves, and again, friends. I'm assured by friends and family here in Kansas that we will be seeing and experiencing a whole new set of fun things and beautiful sights. I'm a little nervous about the heat and humidity. Fortunately, our apartment complex has a pool so I'm sure we will be using that on a daily basis very soon.
Since we own only one vehicle the kids and I have, for the most part, been staying in and catching up on school missed during the move. The kids are again on track for finishing by mid-May. Our apartment faces the afternoon/evening sun so we'll have to see how much we get done come March when it really starts to warm up here. We're trying to work ahead in anticipation for summer - traveling to visit family and friends in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri, visiting Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri, and other amusement parks and lakes in the surrounding area.
I am looking forward to new experiences...that is, assuming we are going to stay here for a while longer. You see, we just got news the other day that Robert's job at the Post Office is going to be ending at the end of April. They are ending the Transitional Employee position and turning it into a City Carrier Assistant position that pays $5/hour less. Therefore, more decisions are going to made very soon as to what our future looks like. We might decide to stay with the Post Office and hope for a permanent position in the next few years with them. In that case, Robert will get an additional part-time job. Or, we might look elsewhere. It would be ideal if he could get on with a company on the North Slope of Alaska. He might even try for an oil job down here in the States. Anyway, lots of exciting decisions coming up for these Camerons...again. (God is growing us in ways we never thought.)
Thank you for keeping up with us. I hope everyone had wonderful Christmas and new year holidays.
Following are some pictures of where we're living and some activities we've been doing:
We have lived in Kansas for a little over two months now. (Please see previous post if this is news to you.) We are settling in to our cozy little 2 bedroom apartment in Overland Park. We actually live closer to Olathe (pronounced Oh-lathe-uh), Kansas - only about fifteen minutes from the Kansas/Missouri state line. The winter so far has been amazing - even better than Washington. THIS is what winter should be: sunny and about 40 degrees. There are definitely times I miss the snow activities in Alaska - skiing, snowmachining, sledding, etc. - but we hardly ever took advantage of those things while there anyway so I'm not sure we're missing out on much. BUT, I also can't speak too soon because Robert and I find ourselves missing the quality of life that we experienced in Alaska. We especially miss Palmer and the Valley area. There's just something special about calling Alaska home. There is a difference in the people too. While living for a year in Washington state and now here in Kansas we find the mindset of the people is different. People seem to take for granted their loss of freedoms here. While it may also be slipping away in Alaska too, there is still more of a spirit of independence there. On a silly note, I find that I miss being able to live in the worse-dressed city in America ... Anchorage. If you wear sweats instead of pjs to the store in Anchorage, you're one of the better-dressed people there. :) haha
The kids and I have really had to stop ourselves from constantly listing all the things we miss about Washington, good friends being number one. It's amazing how many close friendships we made in only 11 months. We also miss the beach, walks on the trail behind our rental home, apple trees, blackberry bushes, amazing birds species, the sound of frogs behind our house, homeschool groups, AWANA friends, drives to Eastern Washington and camping trips there, fall leaves, and again, friends. I'm assured by friends and family here in Kansas that we will be seeing and experiencing a whole new set of fun things and beautiful sights. I'm a little nervous about the heat and humidity. Fortunately, our apartment complex has a pool so I'm sure we will be using that on a daily basis very soon.
Since we own only one vehicle the kids and I have, for the most part, been staying in and catching up on school missed during the move. The kids are again on track for finishing by mid-May. Our apartment faces the afternoon/evening sun so we'll have to see how much we get done come March when it really starts to warm up here. We're trying to work ahead in anticipation for summer - traveling to visit family and friends in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri, visiting Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri, and other amusement parks and lakes in the surrounding area.
I am looking forward to new experiences...that is, assuming we are going to stay here for a while longer. You see, we just got news the other day that Robert's job at the Post Office is going to be ending at the end of April. They are ending the Transitional Employee position and turning it into a City Carrier Assistant position that pays $5/hour less. Therefore, more decisions are going to made very soon as to what our future looks like. We might decide to stay with the Post Office and hope for a permanent position in the next few years with them. In that case, Robert will get an additional part-time job. Or, we might look elsewhere. It would be ideal if he could get on with a company on the North Slope of Alaska. He might even try for an oil job down here in the States. Anyway, lots of exciting decisions coming up for these Camerons...again. (God is growing us in ways we never thought.)
Thank you for keeping up with us. I hope everyone had wonderful Christmas and new year holidays.
Following are some pictures of where we're living and some activities we've been doing:
 |
| View of the sunset from our living room |
 |
| Making snow angels in Kansas snow - that melted the next day! Our apartment is the one you see on the second level. We have a porch that will be so nice during a summer evening. |
 |
| Happy New Year!! |
 |
| A view of our neighborhood |
 |
| Kansas City, MO skyline |
 |
| Merry Christmas - at Union Station, Kansas City, MO |
 |
| Field trip at the Federal Reserve in Kansas City, MO |
 |
| Cameron Christmas dinner |
 |
| Taking our daily afternoon walk to pick up the mail |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
