"There is a joy in the journey

There's a light we can love on the way

There is a wonder and wildness to life

and freedom for those who obey.

And all those who seek it shall find it

A pardon for all who believe

Hope for the hopeless and sight for blind.

To all who have been born of the Spirit

And who share incarnation with Him

Who belong to eternity stranded in time

and weary of struggling with sin.

Forget not the hope that's before you

And never stop counting the cost

Remember the hopelessness when you were lost.

'Cause there is a joy in the journey

There's a light we can love on the way

There is a wonder and wildness to life

and freedom for those who obey."

~Michael Card

This week we are planning to move from one place to another. Seth and Micah both play in the final Piano Master Class recital at University of Alaska Anchorage on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. Come and join us if you like. TeenPact staffers arrive from across the nation and the Eagle River Christian Homeschool Association's graduation is this Saturday. And also on Saturday Micah is to participate in a piano competition held at UAA. Continue to keep us in your prayers as we take the next steps in the journey of our life.

What a spiritually enriching visit we shared with Cal and Miriam when they delivered a barbecue dinner and prayed with us! Cal and Miriam standing in front of the barn that Cal built, the only remaining structure on the property.

Cake maker, Vosie, brings a marvelous spaghetti supper and a beautiful chocolate cake. If anyone needs a cake baked, call Vosie.
Dumpster diving Papa digs for treasure.
"Better living through other people's garbage"

(Actually Papa was only counting damaged clamps and tools.)
We are so glad to have Grandma Mac visiting from Pennsylvania; she is a great encouragement to us.

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." ~ Colossians 3:23-24Finding the ski bear outfit from Aunt Cindy excited Psalm.

This song is one of Doug's favorites and has meant much to him throughout our life together.

While raking our master bedroom floor, Grandma and Doug found some of Seth's items which had fallen from his bedroom above.
Papa scolds the children for getting dirty in the ashes."Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4

Papa and Grandma
Having Uncle Bill, Dorothy, Marlyn and Jean, Papa, and both Grandmas come and listen to the piano performance was a special blessing to us in the midst of many changes.
After the recital in Anchorage, the kids posed with their piano teacher.

Sophia's KafeNeo graciously hosted an "Open Mic Benefit" for our family in Wasilla on Saturday. Below is a photo of the generous family and restaurant staff.Some of those in attendance were Tabitha, Patricia, Diane, Brenda, and Anna (who along with her mother planned the entire event). Tabitha and Anna were two of the performers who donated their incredible talents.Ironically, we found in the ashes one of Micah's KafeNeo's gift certificates saved by the tin container in which it was stored.

"Nanny Dee" (Florence) from Kodiak sent a lovely bouquet of flowers for Mom and me. They were hand delivered to us by our own personal pilot via Alaska Airlines.

My dad tried to sell Rhonda a floor polisher for an exceptionally good price.

Rhonda and "Big Blue" arrive to provide sustenance and smiles.
Bruce and Wanda labor in the darkness to provide light and water on the property.
We had a wonderful visit with Sue and her playful dog, Frank. She is a long-time friend of Doug's from Pennsylvania and was gracious to prepare a delicious meal for us this week.




On Thursday snow fell again just when we thought winter was behind us.

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven...God has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end." Ecclesiastes 3:1,11

"Even the darkness is light to Him,

The night is as bright as the day.

So you are safe though the light grows dim,

For even the darkness is light to Him."

~Michael Card

Please pray for direction as we will need to relocate again soon. May God clearly show us where he wants us to live. Our search for a Suburban, etc. to buy still continues; several doors have closed in that regard. Pray for wisdom in ordering our days, for family unity, for spiritual growth, and for a closer walk with God for each of us.

After speaking for two days at the homeschool conference, the Farewells and Quines came by to visit. It was our privilege to welcome them and to help them make some unique Alaska memories.

So many of you have provided school supplies for us ~ Thank you for lightening our burden.
A gigantic "Thank you" to Steve Demme of Math U See who sent boxes of math to us free of charge. There is no way to express our deep gratitude. Thank you also to Chickabiddy Books and Kelly.
At the homeschool conference Mrs. Weiss (of Greathall Productions) generously gave us numerous complimentary cds to replace those which had burned. Her words and smile were a great encouragement to us.
Wynn spends hours listening to the Weiss storytelling recordings.

Kelly continues to arrange for dinners to be brought to our family during this topsy turvy time. What a blessing each one has been to us! Thank you to every one involved in ministering to us by bringing food.

Thanks to Becky and children for another wonderful meal.
Shannon and family get a tour of the ashes when they stop by with a scrumptious dinner.
Special deliveryman Mr. Reich and his family provided us with incredible support, provision, and encouragement over the past four weeks.

Having five kids practicing for the upcoming recital on Saturday is largely possible thanks to Dr. Reisinger and the use of his Clavinova.
Angelic came for a visit recently and attended the homeschool convention with us. It was a blessing to see her again.
Ice fishing has become an exciting and daily part of Wynn's life. So far all the fish have remained under the ice.

Practicing gymnastics on the edge of the dumpster adds a new dimension to life. Whenever we see the Ramsey dumpster, we think of Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University.

An unexpected spring snowfall attempted to bring beauty to the ashes.
Falling snow failed to stop the diligent workers who persistently searched for piggy bank coins. Papa's treasure hunters added 560 today.




Working in the snow can be a dirty job!
Psalm recently received two dolls from dear friends Priscilla and Melika. The dolls travelled all the way from Colorado and Wisconsin to replace the dolls she lost.
Part of one of the walls in our homeschool library prior to the fire.
To the right of the door in this photo was the "book corner".
Part of the "book corner" after the fire.