The guy in this video is John Squadron Commander, well, 

was, they just had a change of command yesterday.

Anyway, this is a little bit of what is going on up here!

My Valentine

Can I just say that I have the best husband in the whole world (I have to brag a little bit)! 

In case you didn't hear, we're havin' a volcano up here! And some guy who doesn't live here and knows nothing of volcanoes(I should a little more respectful, he's pretty high up in the military) made the decision to send all our guys down to McChord in Washington to keep the "assets" safe. So John and I haven't seen each other for two weeks now (which is the longest, since we've been married) and we don't really know when we will get to see each other again. Well that totally ruins our Valentine's Day plans (which isn't too big of a deal) and our six month anniversary (which I think is kind of important). But I have a wonderful husband and he sent me flowers today at the school I was subbing in. Isn't he just great! Currently, he's in Germany, on his way to Afghanistan, and I can't even tell him how great he, so I'm telling you. 

Happy Valentine's Day

The Lord blessed us with another trip to Hawaii. John had to go down for work, since his squadron works closely with a squadron down there. And he brought his wife! While he worked during the days, I got some good time in by the pool, I think I got the better end of the deal! This Air Force thing has really been treating us well, I'm waiting for the day when it starts to catch up with us. But until then, I'll just keep enjoying it. Here are some pictures from the trip. We also went down with another guy, Mark, you'll see him in some of the pictures.

Craig's List

I have a problem...   I've turned into a Craig's List Junky. John says it's my crack and I'm beginning to think he's right. Whenever I have an extra minute, I go on check what the new postings are, even if I'm not really looking for anything. Mostly, I'm just curious about what's on there. Is that such a bad thing? Sometimes you find really great deals, but you have to jump on them or they'll be gone. One time there were these really great bedside tables for free (which is something we are looking for)! But I was just a little too late!

If it's not -20, it's a Volcano!

Since I've lived here in Anchorage, AK, which has only been about 5 months, we've experienced -20 degree weather, winds strong enough to take roofs off of houses...  twice, a 45 degree melt down in January, and now a volcano! Mt. Redoubt (what kind of name is that!) has yet to go off, but the most recent reports, as of 2:30 this afternoon, are as follows: 

"Intense seismicity continues at Redoubt this afternoon. Clear webcam views, satellite, and radar data from earlier today indicate that the volcano has not yet erupted."

So, I'm not really sure what I should do. The true Alaksans say there's nothing to worry about, you just might have to stay inside for a few days. And then there's the Air Force...   who has a history of being especially over prepared in situations like this. So I've got John bringing home face masks from work, the commander's wife sending emails about what we should do and be prepared for, and now a sergeant from John's squadron calling to make sure I'm okay (since John left on a trip today)! So personally, I'd like to say calm about 

all this, but I'm just not really sure what to expect.

"Those who want Africa to walk tall amid 21st-century global competition must not kid themselves that providing the material means or even the knowhow that accompanies what we call development will make the change. A whole belief system must first be supplanted."

This is a quote taken from an article I just read titled, "As an Athiest, I truly believe Africa needs God." As a Christian, of course I believe this to be true. But I think it's amazing when others see this truth as well. We can bring in all the aid, all the water pumps, all the books, and anything else people think Africa needs, but what it really boils down to is a change in the heart of each person, before a nation can be saved. That change can only come through faith and hope in Jesus Christ.

Suite Francaise was written in the 1940's during the German occupation in France. Irene Nemirovsky was a French Jew who intended to write a five part series to illustrate the brokenness of the French during this period. However, she was only able to complete the first two parts before being arrested and taken to Auschwitz where she died. Her two daughters survived the occupation and were able to hold onto there mother's manuscript. In 2005 the book was translated into English and is now published for our enjoyment. 

This is an amazing book. As I read it, I can't help but think of the author, writing this fictional story while this is her reality. I hope you get a chance to read it.