Mt. Redoubt Eruption

Here is a picture of the recent volcanic activity at Mt. Redoubt. It hasn't really affected us, thank the Lord, but it's caused a lot of flight problems. Pretty fascinating stuff, if you ask me. So far Redoubt has erupted about 20 times. If your interested in following the eruption status, go to the Alaska Volcano Observatory website at http://www.avo.alaska.edu/.

Jason flew out to Peru today...a last minute opportunity that seemed to work out perfectly for him. Hopefully he'll be able to make it home in a week, as there are hundreds of people who's flights have been cancelled and they're still waiting to get back home to AK. Keep Jason and the Kingdom Shakers team in your prayers as they are in Peru experiencing some fantastic ministry opportunities.

Happy St. Patty's Day!

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Buckelew Farm - Three Points, Arizona

I am having an amazing time in Arizona with my sister and her family. We took an outing to Buckelew Farm to find pumpkins to carve. We had so much fun. The only thing missing was Jason.

The last hike

We've seen the end of summer. We had a few really nice days in late September and now (get ready for this) it's SNOWING! I have to admit, I've very excited to finally have some snow on the ground. We've had such a cold, wet summer, why not have some white fluffy stuff to play in?

Below are a couple snapshots of us hiking up "the Butte." We went with our friends Shiloh & Hillary, who are also living with us for the time being.

It's all fun and games until somebody gets hurt. And believe me, this hike HURT!

Jason needed a little help getting off the mountain.

So did Hillary, so Shiloh strapped her to his back like an elk and hiked her out of there.

Proud to be an American

Every other year, Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage hosts an "Air Show." This year I went with my brother and a few friends. What an AMAZING event. The main attraction this year were the Thunderbirds, a U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron of F-16 Falcons. I really can't think of what to say that could possibly do justice to how awesome it was to see them. I was at the Air Show from opening to closing and I was in awe the entire time. It's such an honor that the Air Force allows us civilians to be a part of the action, even just for a day.

Below: The Thunderbirds Perform

Jamin (my brother) and I in front of the F-22 Raptor

Our neighbors to the East, a member of the Canadian Air Force in his F-18, talking w/ Jamin.

C-17 Globemaster

And so it begins.

Commercial Fishing season is upon us, and with it comes the journey to Naknek. It's exciting to see our crew come together and to see the dynamic of how they work with each other. We really feel like we have a great thing going this year!

The journey will begin tonight at high tide when the Brutus (our boat!) will leave Homer harbor and begin the 1/2 day journey across Cook Inlet to Pedro Bay. The weather has been beautiful, so we're hoping for calm seas. At Pedro, the boat will be pulled from the water and trailered across a mountain pass to be dropped into Pile Bay in Lake Illiamna. From there, they will cross the lake and navigate down the Kvichak (Kwee-jack) river to Naknek, "home port" during the season.

Crew of the F/V Brutus (L to R): Garrett Laner, Jason Benner, Joshua Veldstra

Garrett is new to fishing and to us. He's an avid outdoorsman, like Jason, and a hard worker. Jason met him on a job in Denali National Park this winter.

Joshua fished with us last year and proved to be an excellent worker and a fast learner. He takes ownership in the opperation and always has a positive attitude.

Jason and I are both very excited about this season. We know that we are set up for success and we're praying for provision and safety. I am hoping that our family and friends will remember the guys and pray for them throughout the season too. I would appreciate prayer for myself too, as I am staying home in Palmer this year to "hold down the fort."

Love to you all! Joanie

6 years and counting.

June 1, 2008