It’s a special place. The people are adventurous, the landscape is unbeatable, and the culture distinct. Alaskans have pride in their state, but it’s not like Texans. Texans have to be loud and boisterous about “everything being bigger in Texas” or whatever, but Alaskans know that they are awesome without even saying. It’s a silent pride, because anyone who visits will automatically feel and see the uniqueness and glory of this place. Cars are dirtier, beards are longer, grooves in the road remain from winter-studded tires, it’s never really dark (I’m going to miss having so many sunlight hours!), everyone is a good driver, the United States is referred to as the “lower 48”, and just about everyone owns a truck and a dog.
Going back home I feel a little braver. In Alaska there’s no distance too far, no adventure too tough, and no task too daunting. Alaska puts everything else into perspective and makes you realize that there is beauty everywhere and that the world isn’t so big after all. The people here welcome strangers, tourists, and summer workers with open arms—watching them leave at the end of the summer while the residents stay to tough out the cold, dark winter and keep Alaska running. During my job I would always ask the residents two questions: Are you originally from Alaska? No. How long have you been here? 20-30 something years. It seems that once people come here, they can't really go back.
I learned a lot from my job too. Working on call as a technician with pretty late hours taught me: I really can’t sacrifice evenings of social time!, doing handyman work brings a nice immediate satisfaction when done well, know what you’re getting into before you do it, and work as a team in whatever you do. I was alone a lot during the days, whether on a job or waiting for one, and that was tough. I definitely became better friends with myself, but I learned that it’s really a high priority for me to be around people and work and live together. I made many great, possibly life-long, friends while out here. Curtis, Devin, Stephanie, Emily, Rebecca, Gordon, Cohan, Lisha, Benji, Tanner, and Grace to name a few. The singles ward took me in and made me one of their own and gave me a family.
I’ll always remember my 2.5 months here in Alaska. It was such a blessing to be here. Forever I will recall Alaska as a beautiful, special, adventurous, tucked-away haven of the world. May God bless forever, The Great Land.
