Wildlife, Push-ups, An Earthquake, Beautiful World

Oh no! It's been a good week since my last post. I should warn that this post will be an all over the place sharing of what has happened and what is happening. This last week has been interesting and enjoyable! On Sunday, I drove to Soldotna to church. The drive to Soldotna is beautiful! It's about an hour and the highway is lined with trees, rivers, and wildlife. On the way there I saw a bear and 3 moose! It was crazy and way cool! I've been here a little over a month and had not seen either until Sunday. It was awesome! I was excited to see them and grateful I was in the car and just passing by and not meeting them face to face. ;) It was great to attend church and meet some interesting, fun people.  Lately, I've been working on improving my ability to do push-ups. I can now do them and not fall on my face! Yea Katie! Progress is awesome! Oh, yesterday morning when I was getting ready we had a little earthquake. It was weird. When I was in the Philippines we had them randomly for just a quick moment. The last few days here have been full of sunshine! The sun has been shinning not a cloud in the sky and the temperature has been somewhere in the 70s. I love it! It's interesting though cause 75 here feels more like 85 I have no idea why just does. I'm thankful to be living in this beautiful place and surrounded by so many of Heavenly Father's creations. I'm thankful I've had the opportunity to live in places that are diverse, different, and beautiful. Palm trees, rice fields, and ocean in the Philippines and mountains, trees, rivers, and wildlife in Alaska and in Utah. I have discovered over the years that I feel Heavenly Father's love for me through the creations- through the beauties of the earth.  Like the primary song says, "I'm glad that I live in this beautiful world, Heavenly Father created for me." I am glad. I am glad and grateful to live in such a beautiful place. I'm thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm thankful for goodness and peace. I am grateful for truth and love.  

Picture

When I posted the picture it cut me half out! Lame! But I am grateful a picture would post again. So, if you'd like to see the full picture just click on it! Because of course you want to see me! ;)

2 Miles + Rain + Ice Cream + 2 Miles = Friday Night Fun

Friday night a few of us decided to walk to Wildman's and get an ice cream cone. Wildman's is a convenience store. It was a lot of fun! Walking along the tree lined highway in the rain to get ice cream and to just hang out on a Friday night was a blast! It was nice to think it was not going to get dark during our little adventure to Wildman's. It was great actually leaving property I've only left the lodge property a hand full of  times in a month's time so it was great to get out. The ice cream was yummy! Rocky road with lots of marshmallows ;) It's been awhile since I had ice cream and since we walked the calories from the ice cream were totally okay to have! ;) (This is before we made the walk back. This is Madde, Lindsay and I outside of Wildman's)

The last week has been great! Things are going a lot smoother and I feel more into a good groove now. I'm grateful I'm here. I'm grateful for the experinces I'm having and seeking to learn and grow. Some things have been challenging for me. The other night Guy sweetly reminded me, "The most precious things in life are the ones we feel, and the subtle gathering of light and seeing through the Spirit of truth makes all God's children lovely...regardless of the content they emit!" I’ve been thinking about this and seeking to gather light and understanding in all situations I’m encountering. And I am gaining a greater understanding of how truth really is in all things. I’m thankful for the knowledge and wisdom I’m receiving. I’m thankful for Guy- that he knows how to listen not only to me, but more importantly the Spirit. I’m thankful for truth. I’m thankful for the Spirit and the guidance and comfort I’m receiving. God loves me and knows me and through the Spirit is teaching me what I need to know. I feel God’s love- I know it’s real. I know He needs me- to share His love, to me be, and to trust Him. God truly is loving, compassionate, generous, and all-knowing!  

I Looked Out The Window And What Did I See

Yes! I picture finally posted! This is what I see from my bedroom window. I love all the trees! They are everywhere up here. The mountains are covered. The leaves are really budding and growing- the leaves are tiny on some and on others are full grown. It's awesome to be in the mountains and to enjoy the beauty of the creations. Heavenly Father gave us an amazing gift- this earth is beautiful and His love is in all these "little things"- flowers, trees, mountains, rivers, animals, all of them. I'm grateful I'm here and that I get to live in another beautiful place! I've lived near the ocean and with the palm trees and now again with the mountains- big, tree-filled mountains, and near a turquoise colored river. If you have yet to visit Alaska, I highly recommend it! Especially this summer while I'm here ;) 

Sightings Of Shamu's Family

On Monday I had the opportunity to go on the Kenai Fjords Tour. It was awesome! We went whale watching and to see a glacier on the gulf of Alaska. The glacier just looked like a pile of snow. The whales were way awesome! I saw a hump back whale, a gray whale, and a whole bunch of orca whales. None of them came too far out of the water, but it was amazing to be near them like that. We also saw a some porpoises. Our guide told us that they are cousins with the orca. They totally look like mini Orcas. They also came right next to the boat and would swim under and around it. They were really cute! We also saw sea lions, otters, and puffins. Oh, and a trash load of seagulls. It was a beautiful day! It was clear and sunny! I did get motion sickness which continued to stay with me until this morning. Not fun! I’m really glad I got to go despite the sickness it was an amazing experience!

Looks like blogger doesn't want to add images again today! Check out my facebook profile or I can email you some. 

Just A Little Post

Today, I took a bunch of pictures to post and right now blogger and the slow connection I'm experiencing won't let me so stay tuned for pictures in a few days as I try and get it to add the image. On another note. I'm thankful for Guy. Yesterday, I wasn't feeling well and my emotions were getting the best of me. I called Guy and he listened, made me laugh, and shared some needed words. He's a true friend. He's there when I really need him. He's attentive and understanding. I'm thankful I can call him friend. Thanks Guy! 

The Beginnings Of An Alaskan Adventure

Wow! Wow, for many reasons and not in any particular order one- it’s been too long since I updated my blog, but now I have more internet/computer time now. Second- I am in Alaska! Third- Alaska is amazingly beautiful! The lodge is located in a valley- we are surrounded on all sides with mountains and full, green timbers. The leaves are just beginning to bud on others not many flowers though, but it is beautiful! There is only snow on the high mountain tops and the weather has been awesome! It’s been in the high 60s during the afternoons, but still on the cooler side in the mornings. When I first arrived here the sun would begin to set around 10:30, now it’s a little closer to 11:00. It’s pretty cool. Interesting. I have yet to see a sunset here, because I’ve been asleep. I don’t think I’ll see one here. I’ve been told that each day Alaska receives 6 more minutes of sunlight. The other night I was watching the weather report and as the weather woman gave the forecast for the evening she said that the night would be full of sunlight. It just sounded weird- night full of sunlight. What? The job is going well. I’m enjoying it! Last week and this week we are spending deep cleaning guest rooms and preparing them for opening day. It’s a lot of work, but good hard work- I’m working on my muscles ;)  Sunday half of the housekeeping staff arrived making the work load for me and Alison(housekeeping manager) lighter. I also happen to be the oldest one in our department most are 18-21. Alison is just a couple years younger than me. She’s a lot of fun and we get along great! She also attended Utah State. (Yea! Go Aggies!) The food is yummy! I’m doing good controlling my portions. (good work, Katie!) The staff here at the Kenai lodge are friendly and laid back. I’m excited to get to know them all better and make new friends. Other interesting things- the toilet paper and tissues are from a company called Eco Soft and are made from recycled paper products. Yeah recycled toilet paper! ;)  I’ve only seen wild bunnies, birds, and squirrels. Yep, no bears or moose yet. Oh, the mosquitos are as big as they say. I am happy! I am happy I’m here! I’m excited for more of this  adventure and what the summer will bring! I’m excited to grow, learn, and to be in the mountains, and to be in a place that I’ve dreamed of coming since I was a young girl. I’m grateful for this opportunity! I’m thankful to Heavenly Father- I’m thankful for Him. I’m becoming closer to Him as I learn to more completely trust Him and rely on Him for help, guidance, and knowledge. I love Him. I have such peace in my heart and mind. I know the peace I feel is sent from God through the Spirit. I’m thankful for who I am and what I know about who I am and can become. God is real. His plan is perfect and filled with happiness and peace. I need God and He needs me to be true to who I am- to the covenants I have made and will make. Alaska is amazing! Masaya Ang Aking Puso :)