Our dear friend Gary

Gary was the most interesting man, and our dear friend.

Hearing from so many from Arctic Village

This summer Penny and Bill crossed paths with so many from Arctic Village. It got to a point when they were asked to return to Arctic Village for a summer to grow gardens with our sisters and brothers we miss so much.

Circle, Ak.More of Pastor Jay's time in Circle

Pastor Jay may have come to Alaska on the hottest week Penny and Bill can recall, but a good time was had by all.

More photos: Ashlyn and Elora

Felt the need to see more of our best helpers!!

Circle, Ak. 2018: Best gift of all

The blessing of the 2018 summer was the best blessing of all. Chief Jessica said to us " I simply give in as I totally sign on to your denomination. You have proven to us you're here to learn about us as a people, not try and change us. First with your pastor, then with the Bible School Team. They are exactly like you two, so bring more people from your church". We asked if we could bring another bible school team, she said bring two. We asked if we could bring a work group, then suggested small projects so not to insult the carpenters in the village. She offered up the Youth Camp 20 miles up the mighty Yukon River. I still can't believe she made that offer.

Elora and Bill

From the very first day Elora and Bill became friends and work partners. This has continued for the past seven years.

Ashlyn Crow

Elora and Ashlyn Crow are two of our best helpers and dearest of friends we have anywhere. These two children have been so eager to help water the gardens, also willing to help with anything we would have a need for. Over the years we've had the prevledge of watching them grow into tomorrows Gwich'in leaders, knowing they would be employed at TCC or Doyon Limited. Both of them are so intelligent and will accomplish whatever they set their minds to.
Several weeks ago they were returning to Circle from Fairbanks with their grandmother Ruth Crow and aunt Kim. The Steese Highway is a very tricky highway during the summer months. But when you add a layer of ice, every trip is dangerous.
Too much time past with Elora listening to her aunt Kim in such pain, knowing her sister and grandmother had died. All four were safely seat belted in, yet Elora was the only one unhurt.
Not much has been said about specifics concerning the crash, just the sad fact of the heartbreaks for this family being felt in all the Gwich'in villages. And also in Monroe, Indiana.