exceedingly abundantly

Settling in for Winter

2009-10-06T11:47:00.000-07:00

The Facebook age. For those of you who use that tool, you know what I mean. I have neglected the blog here in place of tending to the task of keeping up on Facebook. And I don't do that well. So, for those of you who are not on Facebook, or prefer something different, I'll update here.

Kenton is napping now, so I have the luxury of typing with both hands, instead of the usual one-handed hunt and peck while he watches the movement on the computer screen. He is now nearly 4 months old, smiles and laughs and puts sounds together that imitate the words "hi" and "mom." He loves to bat at and touch his toys that dangle from various infant play things. Our cozy living room has turned into a cozy play yard with what we call different centers to entertain his little mind. In fact, mom and dad happen to be a center too! Koko is a center as well, and has taken up with (translated tolerated) his new competition. (I found him in Kenton's room one night, even though he tried to sneak out before I saw him.)

I titled this blog "Settling in for Winter," because I have experienced first hand the Alaskan rush to get things done before snow puts a blanket on all outdoor projects. We have just about 3 months up here to get building/gardening/home improvement projects done,while much of the lower 48 has several more "workable" months without cold and freezing to stretch out their "to do" list.

We were blessed to sell my Missouri home this summer! Russ put in a nice garden this summer and it produced the best cauliflower, brocolli and cabbage I've eaten. We have just about finalized the daunting task of completing projects to get the home more energy efficient for the winter. Russ blew in some extra insulation in the attic and put a thick layer of insulfoam around the basement walls. Thanks to my dad, during his visit, we now have a completed deck and back porch as well!

My parents recently enjoyed their first visit to Alaska and together we were able to enjoy the beauty of a sunny and golden-Aspen Fall. A trip to Valdez put us over the top as we witnessed God's spectacular display of glaciers, waterfalls and mountains dusted with white snow. Of course, Kenton was the highlight of their visit.

Welcome Kenton!

2009-06-29T17:14:00.000-07:00

Many of you may already have heard the news about Kenton's arrival, but just in case, here are the details...

Birthday: June 17, 2009

Weight: 7 lbs 14 oz

Length: 21 inches

Name: Kenton Russell Scribner

12 days later we are still celebrating this little miracle! We are home in Glennallen now after staying around Palmer for several days to check and recheck his somewhat elevated bilirubin levels. He needed a UV light or bili-blanket for a few days to help get his levels down. His color looks great now, and he is eating well!

A fun part of his birth story is that my water broke while we were shopping at Lowe's. Our cart was full and we were in the shelving aisle when all of a sudden... Russ checked out quickly and we were checked into the hospital probably just 20 minutes later. That was 5:30 pm on Tuesday, June 16. It was exciting knowing that Kenton would come within 24 hours. We were blessed with a fairly quick delivery, though I realize now that no labor is a "fun" experience. Praise God that we're all well and healthy.

Happy Reunion

2009-04-22T22:17:00.000-07:00

We've had some happy and memorable reunions this April. The first picture shows our dinner on Easter day with Sue (Russ' sister, sitting next to me) her daughter Sydney, and Steffan (Russ' brother) and his wife Claire. It's wonderful to have family nearby!

The next two pictures show Koko just after he arrived in Alaska last Thursday. He travelled well by cargo, though he looked quite dazed when I picked him up at the airport. After a walk in a nearby park, he seemed more himself. He has adjusted to the colder weather and new surroundings quite well! In fact, when we drove up to our house, he whined and got excited just like he used to at his old home in Bolivar. You can see from the picture of him on the couch he's already figured out the best place to guard the house. He is quickly learning about the other dogs in the neighborhood, most being much larger than him. We've been taking daily walks after school now that the weather has warmed up to almost 50 degrees at times.

School is going well for both Russ and I. We are eager, of course, for the duties of the year to come to a close, because that means our little boy will be coming soon!

March happenings...

2009-03-29T18:11:00.001-07:00

It's hard to believe that two months have passed since I last wrote on this blog! That says a lot about how busy (how I dislike that word) we've been here.

Baby boy Scribner makes his presence known daily with a variety of kicks, rolls and punches. Sometimes I think I feel all four limbs going at once! I wonder if this means we're in for an active child?

I just started the 7th month and the third trimester. There's so much to prepare for in becoming a parent, but both Russ and I are trusting in God as our ultimate instruction book once the fella is here.

Russ has taken advantage of some warmer days and longer hours of daylight getting a head start on next winter's stockpile of firewood. You should see our backyard!

We had the opportunity to attend a Family Life Weekend to Remember (marriage conference) during our spring break last week. It was great to get away for a few days. We manage to pack in a lot during our trips into town. This time it was a dental appointment for Sherri, eye appointment for Russ, shopping trip and marriage conference. We were happy to get out of town before the ash from the eruption started to fall.

Here are some current pictures: Sherri at 26 weeks, Sherri and Russ at the marriage conference, a picture of our car and pantry loaded with groceries (2 month supply).

We hope you are all well, and thank you for your friendship!

It's a Boy!!

2009-01-27T19:31:00.000-08:00

We had our 18 week ultrasound yesterday and discovered that blue is the word for the day! We were so thrilled to see our little boy kicking around and touching his toes on the screen. Daddy got to pick out his first outfit...surprised at the choice in camo? We figured that our little guy is getting ready for sheep hunting someday with all those leg kicks going on.

I'm feeling him move every day now, several times a day. What an incredible feeling to know he's growing and moving while I go about my day.

Cold Days

2009-01-10T15:16:00.001-08:00

Those of you from the "Lower 48" might wonder what a thermometer looks like at 50 below. Well, here's a picture of it one morning after we got a call that school had been cancelled for the day. They cancel up here if the temperature reaches 50 below by 6 am. We celebrated, even though we'd had just returned from Christmas break for one day back at school with kids. The next day was also 50 below, so we missed two school days for what they call "cold days" here.

So what do you do when it's 50 below? I got on the phone and had a great talk with my parents for starters. I also worked on curtains and chair pads for our dining room and kitchen. I did get outdoors to go to the store and get mail, but only after bundling up pretty good. You can survive in that kind of cold, you just have to prepare for it.

Nephews

2009-01-02T17:46:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of my two adorable nephews. Thomas was born December 21st in Auckland, New Zealand and is doing well, hoping to come home from the hospital soon. Collin Ray (Mansfield, MO) turned 4 December 21st of this year. He still enjoys weekend visits with my parents from time to time. Notice that both Thomas and Collin Ray share the same birthday!

Today is the last day of our Christmas vacation, although we have a weekend before we return to school. Russ and I went back to our rooms today to get our heads on straight for the new school semester. As usual, after a break, we feel excited about starting fresh with our students. I feel more comfortable with the curriculum now and look forward to personalizing it a bit more.

I just made chocolate chip cookies after taking a break from sewing for awhile. I made new curtains for our dining room and kitchen. (I've had the material for months, but just now got motivated to get to work!)

We both wish all of you a very blessed and Happy New Year!

A Wonderful Year

2008-12-28T18:59:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been over two months since I've updated...how time flies. As you can tell, working full time has slowed me down a bit on this end of things.

Looking back over this year and celebrating our first Christmas as a married couple causes us to rejoice and give thanks! It was just last Christmas vacation that I made my way up to Alaska to meet Russ, and since then, we've both seen so many changes... marriage, moving, a wonderful cross-country trip from MO to AK, both of us teaching in Glennallen, and now expecting our first child! I am currently about 14 weeks and am feeling much, much better with energy returning daily. We hope to discover "boy" or "girl" sometime next month.

Among other great news is that I am now an aunt for the second time! My brother and sister in law, living in Auckland, New Zealand delivered their little boy, Thomas Isaiah on December 21st. He was born quite early at 33 weeks, but is doing very well and hopefully will get to come home soon.

A cow moose and her calf walked through our backyard this morning looking for something to nibble on as they passed. I had looked forward to seeing wildlife once I moved here and this was the first time I have seen a moose somewhere besides a roadside or hanging on a friend's wall.

Yes, it's cold here. Right now it has plummeted to 30 below! Overall, I hear this is a rather mild winter compared to past winters. For that, I am grateful. I find outdoor walks quite invigorating though, when temps rise to at least 5 below. Russ took this picture of me enjoying the deep snow. I couldn't resist!

I hope and pray that all of you are well and that your had a great Christmas and a great New Year!

Various happenings...

2008-10-15T12:15:00.000-07:00

Here we are in the middle of September in front of the beautiful fall leaves. (All the leaves are gone now.) Our first big snow from a couple of weeks ago has has already melted off...but I'm sure there's more to come soon!

Latest news for us is that tomorrow I will begin teaching kindergarten full time at the Glennallen Elementary school! I am filling a position that came open recently. Most of you know that I've been a kindergarten teacher before (5 years) and that I love the little guys and gals. I am looking forward to spending this school year with these 15 children, and already feel a warmth and love for them after spending a few days with them as a substitute. Above is a picture of Glennallen Elementary, built new just last year. My room is the "dream" room I always wanted as a teacher, with a bathroom inside the classroom, a small kitchen, sand and water table, lots of great "kid" furniture, and a Promethian board, which is like a SMART board or other brands of interactive computer projector screens. The room is already set up and routines are in place, so the transition should be fairly smooth. Plus, there's this really nice 4th grade teacher upstairs and down the hall... :)

Here's a picture of Russ with his moose, which has a "forked" set of antlers. After freezing most of the meat, I had my first canning experience with corned moose, which is just like corned beef, but with moose meat instead. I won't say it was successful as we ended up with only two properly sealed quarts of meat. I am determined to try again someday, but doubtfully very soon.

We went to "town" again recently to do another shopping trip, but didn't go as far as Anchorage this time. You may have heard of a little town called Wasilla, which is on the way, about an hour's drive from Anchorage. The picture of the mountains shows Matanuska Glacier in the foreground. The cool dog we saw in the parking lot while we were filling up on very expensive gas.

Copper River Valley Women's Retreat

2008-09-30T12:43:00.000-07:00

As I write our first significant snow is falling quietly around our little house in Glennallen. If I didn't know better, I'd be getting out my Christmas tree and turning up the "Fa-la-la-la-la"! (Then again, I won't need to get out a tree this year, because we have oodles of them in our back yard.)

I don't have a picture of the snow yet, but the pictures here show some lovely women and dear friends that I am privileged to know here in the Copper River Valley. Each year, Glennallen Community Chapel, along with other churches in the area, hosts a fall women's retreat at Victory Bible Camp, which is towards Anchorage a bit over an hour's drive away.

Maybe 50 or so excited and vibrant women gathered together for a night and a day of spiritual refreshment and fun. The setting was breathtaking, as you can see from the photos taken by a dear friend and school co-worker, Mary Hernandez. (She's the lovely lady in the middle of the group shot, smiling from ear to ear.)

The camp reminded me of being at our women's retreat at Windermere with the Wellspring ladies from Missouri. How precious our Father is to create atmospheres that are familiar to us, even if we are so far away from what we remember to be "home." He has given me a beautiful home here, and great friends to boot! I'm looking forward to many more blessed times with these ladies and to the closer friendships that He has in store for me.

Russ and I are blessed with so much. Love, our Lord, friendship and fun! He returned from a successful moose hunt last week and now our freezer is full of moose, halibut and salmon. I continue to be pleasantly busy at the school as a substitute. It is wonderful slipping by Russ' room and peeking in on him, and I've caught him a time or two checking in on me. Again, the familiarity I feel at the school and the warmth of the staff has been such a blessing.

Cranberry picking

2008-09-03T16:25:00.000-07:00

Russ and I spent our Labor Day near home, making the most of a sunny weekend. (Rare these summer Alaskan days.) I've been waiting anxiously for the cranberries near our home to ripen, so I can freeze and store for later this winter. At last, we found some patches that were ready. I've heard that they are even better after a frost. I'm learning to appreciate the beauty of the outdoors here. The moss, lichen and plant life on the floor of the woods is beautiful and spongy to walk on. Russ is spending more time cutting wood getting ready to heat for winter. I can't believe how much it's looking like Fall here already. The aspen and birch leaves have already turned yellow, a month or more ahead of what I'm used to from back home.

Moose Hunting and Back to School

2008-08-23T12:51:00.000-07:00

We opted for a moose hunt rather than a sheep hunt in the mountains this year because of unusually cold weather this summer. We are more than happy at our decision to change plans; although we didn't bring home a moose either. We saw several cows and one small bull on the way home that ran quickly into the woods as it began to pour rain. Bummer! Camping out was fun and we had some great camp food, including blueberry pancakes. We picked the blueberries while scouting for moose one morning.

School is back in session here and Russ has 12 adorable fourth graders in his class. I have been at the school nearly every day helping out. It's great to be in his room, as it has helped wean me off being in my own classroom. I am amazed at how similar Glennallen schools remind me of dear Fair Play, where I taught for 8 years. Same school colors of black and gold, so when I walk the halls it all seems so familiar. And the people... I thought when I left Fair Play I would never again find the kinship and fellowship I had been blessed with there. Somehow the teachers, staff and children at Glennallen seem so familiar. They have more than welcomed me into their community. What a blessing!

We were blessed with some salmon recently! We got a call to help with a fish wheel, which is placed along the river's edge and gently scoops up any salmon passing by. (Much better than having to catch each fish with a rod one at a time!) We packaged the beautiful red filets and froze them for future use. I never thought I'd say salmon was beautiful, but it's such fun to live off what God has created to be used as good food.

Photos include me setting up camp during our moose hunt; (Yes, don't I look fashionable in camo?) Larry Scribner (my father in law) ready to scout for moose; the salmon wheel; and Russ preparing the salmon filets.

Home at last!

2008-08-13T14:28:00.001-07:00

We arrived at our home in Glennallen on July 10th, after 6040 miles on the road. We saw my crate had safely arrived with all my belongings from Missouri. Our first days were spent organizing and preparing to move my things from the crate to the house. We took out time to enjoy being judges at a small community dog show. What made us qualify to be judges? We figured it was because we were one of the few in our neighborhood without a dog. (By the way, my dog Koko is doing wonderfully in MO with my aunt.)

July 25th our church hosted a wonderful wedding reception for us. I got to wear my dress again and use some of the decorations from the wedding in MO. We were humbled by how many dear friends and family came and showed their support and love for us. We received this special daffodil quilt, handmade by Mary Hernandez, who is a precious woman of God. She designed and made this quilt on her own!

It is wonderful to be home and I thank God for this community in Glennallen. We have had a wonderful summer and are now gearing up for Russ' school year.

Hoonah, Alaska

2008-08-13T14:04:00.000-07:00

We spent our 4th of July holiday in Hoonah, visiting with Teresa and Shawn, Russ' sister and brother in law. We also were able to visit many friends who knew Russ when he was a teacher there several years ago.

While in Hoonah, we went halibut fishing and I caught my first big fish. It was still too small too keep, but you can say I was "hooked" anyway. We also saw some whales during our visit. Several came very close to the boat. Good whale photos are difficult to capture, taking diligent watchfulness as well as quick timing when they surface. We also went kayaking one day when it wasn't raining. One photo is of the cabin near Teresa and Shawn's home, where we stayed during our visit. Friends Eric, Alice and their three children are captured here in a photo as well. The picnic was taken at Fresh Water Bay, about an hour's drive down a dirt road from Hoonah. The people in Hoonah were wonderful and friendly and we found our stay there very relaxing before our final leg home.

Juneau and Tracy Arm

2008-07-19T19:26:00.000-07:00

Here we are in Tracy Arm, Alaska. Tracy Arm is a fjord where cliffs as tall as 4000 feet meet the water's edge and turquoise blue bergs float on top icy cold waters. We saw Sawyer glacier at the end of the fjord and watched patiently as it "calved," introducing more ice into the waters already full of ice chunks. Calving for glaciers is not what it is on the farms back home in Missouri. It's when large chunks of ice break off the glacier and fall into the water.
The final picture shows a gourmet breakfast of poached eggs and toast our wonderful host Dan Neal made for us. He's been Russ' friend for many years. Russ taught Dan's son, Ryan, when he was teaching in Hoonah years ago.

Haines...We're in Alaska!

2008-07-19T19:19:00.000-07:00

Just past the Canadian border is Haines, Alaska where we planned to take a ferry on to Juneau. We spent the night here with Barb and Jerry Blood, good friends of the Scribner family. They gave us a tour of the small, quaint town and we saw a brown bear sow with her two cubs along the Chilcat River. At the end of the drive we stopped for a view of this beautiful lake. Thank you Barb and Jerry for your fellowship and hospitality!

Canadian Wildlife...and mosquitos

2008-07-19T19:07:00.001-07:00

Well, this was Canada. Beautiful country in its own way. Once we hit the Alcan Highway (Alaska/Canadian highway, for those of you from "outside" Alaska or from the "lower 48") the roads pretty much looked like the one the big black bear is crossing. Yes...my first "wild" black bear. He just minded his own business while Russ stepped out of the car and got him on video. I stayed IN the car, because I'm not a hunter and people from Missouri just do that. I did get this photo as he crossed right in front of the car. I asked God one morning if we could see some wildlife that day, and not long afterwards, we drove past a herd of bison and a dozen or more stone sheep. We camped out each of the 3 nights we were in Canada and were warmly welcomed by a mosquito convention. Mosquitos haven't been bad here in Glennallen I think because they all went to Canada for summer vacation.

Rockport, Washington and the Callis Family

2008-07-19T18:53:00.000-07:00

Here are some beautiful people living in a beautiful place very near the Washington/Canadian border. This is John and Leisa Callis and their family. John grew up with Russ in Glennallen. We visited with this dear family for a few days. Leisa and Courtney (eldest daughter) helped me learn to make soap, using essential oils to "flavor" the product. What fun! We were serenaded one evening by the four talented bluegrass musicians in the family: Carson, Gilbert, Courtney and Margo. Thanks for a great time guys!

Seeing Friends and Family in Seattle

2008-07-15T18:08:00.000-07:00

Nearing the end of June, we made several visits in or near Seattle. Our first stop was to see cousin Jeff and his wife Becky in Bonny Lake. I was able to see my great long-time college friend Teresa and her husband Pete. She is proud mother to sons Bryce and more recently Caden.

Our next visit was with cousin Rob Carr, wife Francine and their children Julian, Isabella, Cory and Colton. What a fun family!

Angie Hand and daughter Natalie from Glennallen happened to be at the Children's Hospital in Seattle while we were in the area, so we made a visit. Natalie is now home and healing after a successful surgery!

Meeting and Visiting with Family in Selah, Washington

2008-07-15T17:56:00.000-07:00

Our drive through Montana and Washington included visits to Montana City, MT and Selah, WA. We spent time spotting deer with Jason Scribner in the fields and mountains near Montana City and Helena. Russ and I are standing in one of the fields full of yellow flowers.

The other photo shows part of the Scribner family I met: Ann Scribner (aunt) and Sydney (cousin Jeff's daughter); Jason (cousin), Tracy and Jayden Scribner; Jerry (cousin) and Amanda Scribner; and of course Russ and Sherri Scribner. There were four Mrs. Scribners in one house!

Fun in Utah June 10- 14

2008-07-15T17:36:00.000-07:00

The photos below:

Zion National Park and visiting with Rod and Terry Brown in Toquerville, Utah. We had a blast four wheeling in the sand dunes on Saturday with Rod and Terry.

While in Toquerville, we reconnected with one of Russ' long time friends, David Stirling. We visited with his wife Danielle and their children.

Three National Monuments in One Day June 9

2008-07-15T16:51:00.000-07:00

June 9 Russ is standing in front of some of the cliff dwellings we saw when we visited Mesa Verde national park in Colorado.

Above, is at Four Corners monument (NM, AZ, CO, UT) we visited the same day on our way to the Grand Canyon.

Yes, we actually saw three monuments on the same day!!

Next Stop...Luddel, Kansas

2008-06-12T15:54:00.000-07:00

June 8, 2008

Cliff and Phyllis Bach

We arrived late Friday evening for a delicious spaghetti dinner with Cliff, Phyllis, Emily and baby Alex. Cell coverage was unavailable as we drove into the dark town trying to locate their home. Russ recognized Cliff's nearby whistle as he spotted our car. Who needs a GPS in a small town? These friends are teacher colleagues that Russ taught and roomed with in Hoonah, Alaska. They are currently teaching (a major ministry) in Noorvik, an Inuit village near Kotzebue in arctic Alaska. We were again blessed by friends God has spaced along our journey north to Alaska.

Visit with the Highbargains

2008-06-12T15:41:00.000-07:00

June 7, 2008

El Dorado Springs, MO

Lowell and Charlotte Highbargain

Russ and I enjoyed sharing and listening to funny memories of friendship from almost 40 years. The Highbargains were Russell's next door neighbors in Glennallen. Their daughter, Kathy, and Russ attended school together K-12 and into college. Now the Highbargains are "neighbors" from Missouri. Their hospitality saved us from camping out in a thunderstorm with high winds that evening.

Wedding Party

2008-06-12T15:33:00.000-07:00

Our wedding party:

Holly Thompson, Amy Welch (both great catches!), Sherri, Russ, Clark Brown and Rob Carr.

Our Wedding Day

2008-06-12T15:10:00.000-07:00

We’ve made it all the way to Toquerville, Utah, next to Zion National Park. We’re now visiting with Rod and Terry Brown.
We want to thank everyone for the showers, cards, gifts, prayers and encouragement! We had a wonderful wedding day and lots of friends and family were able to help us prepare for the ceremony. Along with a lot of folks from the Bolivar area, we were blessed to have several guests and helpers from Glennallen as well. Jed Linebaugh directed the rehearsal. My brother Dale, Russ’ cousin, Rob, Jed and best man Clark Brown practiced singing Amazing Grace.

The Wedding Day
My friend Amy and I arrived at the church early to start on make up and hair so we could be ready for pictures by noon, We almost made it on time. Ken Roberson was able to take all the photos before the wedding which helped greatly afterwards. I felt amazingly calm for a bride to be, and had just a hint of jitters right as I left the bridal room. My nephew and ring bearer, Collin Ray, added a bit of lightheartedness to the ceremony as he hesitated a bit to walk with that satin pillow down the aisle. Thanks to Lawanda, his mom, he made it all the way down.
Jed Linebaugh, Russ’ pastor for many years, and my dad spoke challenging and moving words during the ceremony. My mom led everyone in a sweet prayer for our marriage, causing many sniffles in the audience. Later, I held back my own tears, especially when Dad talked about each of our hands and how they were designed to help the other. Finally, we were pronounced man and wife…the moment we had waited for so long! We paused a few seconds waiting on the recessional music to begin. It wasn’t in the program, but this was God’s turn to “speak.” With perfect timing, there was a low rumble of thunder that punctuated the silence. The rumble grew to a roar and we knew our great God’s thunderclap with His own hands at that moment was no coincidence. We’re sure God was pleased with those who so generously gave of themselves and their resources to make this wedding a blessed and God glorifying event. He answered all those prayers from Missouri to Alaska over many years and from many faithful praying people like you!

Above all we can ask, think or imagine...

2008-05-11T18:30:00.000-07:00

We’re all eager to hear a good love story… Russ and I are thankful to share ours with you. Not just because we are beside ourselves with joy, but also because we want to give honor to the God that loves us ALL so much. After all, His story is a story of love, because He is a God of love.
The story begins, to our knowledge, about five years ago. A couple from the church I attend in Bolivar became missionaries for two years at the medical center in Glennallen, Alaska. Eventually, a report drifted my way of a single Christian teacher named Russ who sounded like my kind of guy. My thoughts: “Too bad… he lives in Alaska!” Fortunately, no circumstances are bigger than God.
Years have a way of passing. Many years of wondering if the desires we had and the calling we felt to be married, would be fulfilled. We prayed. Friends prayed. Family prayed. Many did not understand. We did not either, but held on to our trust in Him with all we had.
Eventually, I took a step of faith by becoming a member of a web-based match-making system. Several months later, I was matched with a man from Glennallen, Alaska. His name was Russ. Although I instantly recognized this was the same guy my friends had spoken of years ago, Russ had no idea who I was! He immediately initiated communication with me and I responded with interest. I could tell right away that those reports that had drifted down like snow from Alaska were true. His character shone through!
Being teachers, our Christmas break presented an opportunity for a visit. Russ flew me all the way from Missouri to Alaska. With blessings from my parents and a few close friends who I knew would be praying for wisdom, I departed on a prayerful journey that would forever change my life.
I anticipated a wonderful visit, yet had no idea what God had in store! We connected in person as well as we had through email and by phone. I enjoyed meeting his family and close friends, and sensed more confidence in who he was. We shared meals with several married couples who shared their love stories with us and prayed with us. We knew that God was up to something here. One of the tests for me was whether I would feel a sense of belonging in a small town like Glennallen. When we drove through town, I found myself drawn to the quiet neatness of the buildings scattered down the one main road into town. When I left Alaska I sensed that my life was forever changed.
Russ and I have discovered something wonderful. Not only each other, but a God who is so concerned about even the smallest of details. After praying for years, very specifically, you begin to recognize those answers to prayer. We recognized His answers and praise Him for allowing us the mercy and grace to have found each other. Who knew that 4000 miles away, there was a man who would so specifically fulfill the desires of my heart? Russ tells me he feels the same way too.
Will you marry me?
February 22, 2008, I woke up to yet another snow day. A week earlier, Dad had asked me to take that day off school so he could take mom and I out to eat, then watch me skate. He had never seen me skate in person. God gave me that day off by sending a little snow our way! After a great lunch and conversation at the Olive Garden, we headed for Jordan Valley Ice Park near downtown Springfield. This is a place I‘ve grown to love over the past two years, as it had been a dream of mine for some time to learn to figure skate.
I laced up my skates and headed out onto the ice to warm up, while mom and dad found a place to watch. There were only 6 or so other skaters out on the ice, and what appeared to be a mom and dad with video cameras pointed near the center of the rink. I thought that was nice of them to video their kids having a great time on the ice, but was trying to avoid the middle section where I normally practice. I continued practicing with my regular focus. After several laps, I noticed a tall man skate near me. He was wearing a bright red hooded sweatshirt. When I glanced over at his face, it looked shockingly familiar. Could it be Russ? He said something to me and I stopped skating, just staring at him… He fell at that point and asked for help. It was Russ! A thousand thoughts must have whirled through my head all at once. “When did you get here? What are you doing here? But you were at work last night, you called me!” Russ patiently listened and answered and guided me closer to one of the video cameras. I noticed a small microphone tucked inside his collar. Could it be? His voice began shaking as he began the proposal speech he’d so carefully planned. I really don’t remember what he said, though I know it was all wonderful. I was still processing all the details of the moment. He bent down on one knee…the moment I’ve waited for all my life. He pulled out a small box, opened the lid, and I saw my ring. “Will you marry me?” Finally, a “Yes.”
The others in the rink burst out in applause, then the children who had been skating brought over long stemmed roses. They were part of the surprise too! The family I had been skating with were Russ’s good friends from Alaska, who are now living near Camdenton, Missouri. (Clark, Wanda, Grant, Kendra, Garrett and Keith Brown.) Clark and Wanda captured the whole event on video and we continue to relive it over and over. We are thankful to have it to share with others. What a small world, and what a big God.