Whew... need to catch my breathe. Business is the name of the game right now. Since the last time I posted, there was a little break, then some non-stop work that gave a good look into what a fast turnaround looks like.
#1: Bowling.
I'll start with something easy and fun. As a staff, everyone that wanted to and their families converged on a bowling alley in town. It created a lot of fun as many of us hadn't bowled in a long time. For me, injuries ruined my day, but it was still a blast.
#2: Weekend retreats.
Last week was what we call a fast turnaround. From the time one group leaves and the next group comes in, is a matter of an hour or two. So with a pastor's retreat starting midway through the week, the intern staff set out to assist the pastor's in anyway. Serving food, cleaning up and helping to run chapel became common during the two days.
One area that the interns got to try out, was that of skits, puppets and mimes. One goal of the internship, is to create a ministry team to go out and present the gospel to different Churches and group. Whether it be for kids or young adults, we want to reach them all.
As soon as the conference started, it was over, and we were frantically cleaning the camp for a ladies retreat to come in.
#3 Sickness
It seems our intern team can't escape even the smallest of colds. I personally have gone through an overnight bug, but others in the group are not so lucky. Yes, H1N1 is big in town (from what the hospital said), but we do not have it here. It seems some stomach bug that lasts a day or two hit many of the interns. Other various bugs also hit us up hard as well. Be praying for that.
#4 The Weather
If you were to come to Alaska right now, you would not believe it is fall. Well, it seems like fall in PA right now. With temperatures sometimes going up to the 50's and no snow on the ground, you would wonder is Alaska had become a New England state. But for us, it is an answer to prayers. As a group of staff pour concrete, like today, the prayers of mild weather and no snow have been answered. It seems that days that there is no work, the temps dip, and the frost clings, on work days like today...it seems like jacket weather (fleece weather for PA).
#5 Personal Life
Life has gotten interesting here in Alaska. With darkness becoming more prevalent than light, it does get a little harder to get up in the mornings. But God has continually given me strength. Some issues that have come up that I do need to make note of are some that I ask that you keep in your prayers.
Recently my car (with many other camp staff cars) has developed a noise from the engine. Luckily it is under warranty, but the company closed all of its dealerships here, and regional offices haven't gotten back to me on what to do. It isn't much of a hassle, but if a town trip is needed... different means of transportation are going to need to be found.
Health, as mentioned before, is a biggie. My back has been better, but it has also seen better days. Sitting in a chair more that a half hour becomes painful. Without insurance, it costs an arm and a leg to get it fixed.
Finances. It is big right now as our country keeps digging itself deeper in dept. But as a intern/missionary, finances are what I need to live. As support letters have gone out, and the second set of update letters out yesterday in the mail, I continually have to keep myself in check with God. I know He has placed me here for a reason. He has always provided, it is just up to me not to worry, and to trust in Him. So I ask for your continued prayers that finances be met, and that God gives me patience and peace about money.
Family life. I got word yesterday that my grandmother passed away. Being over 4,000 miles away makes it hard for me to go, unless someone wants to pay a $1,400+ plane ticket for four to five days. But with my circumstance, I was told that I did not need to attend. Be in prayer over my family at this time.
#6 JR. HIGH RETREAT
In about 9 hours, Jr. Highers are going to roll in here with the goal of having fun and remember the past summer. I'm going to be heading up some games and activities, as well as helping out in chapel. It is going to be a major undertaking, but a lot of fun as I get to do what I love. Be praying for the campers that are coming, and the staff as we seek to help and reach out to the teens.
Thanks to everyone that has been encouraging me and sending notes and emails, it is a blessing.
Keep checking in, more news coming your way.
-Daryl J. Howard
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