Posts
After a break to visit my family from Thanksgiving to Christmas, I am back to traveling the U.S. speaking with various groups about Insight Resources International and what we do. My travels have taken me to Alaska, where the average temperature in Elim, where I am visiting, is approximately -25F (-32C) or so. I am told this is not common for this area during this time of year, but nevertheless, it is cold.
Despite this, the trip is turning out to be very enjoyable. The locals have all been friendly and welcoming, and the accommodations are warm (and really, in this weather, that's the primary concern). I am traveling with Al and Velma, who are visiting their daughter and speaking with the local people about the work we are doing in Africa. The people here are interested in our work, and we have learned a lot about life in the village. Perhaps for me, the most radical concept to absorb has been the idea that you can only get in and out of town by plane. I can honestly say I have never been anywhere that has only been accessible by plane before. Beyond that, life here is much like you would expect in an isolated community - resources are limited (and therefore expensive), people tend to have a stronger sense of community than most places in the U.S., and everyone knows everyone else (and, by extension, everyone knows that you're new in town).
Once we finish our stay here, we travel back to Oklahoma and then on to Texas for a few weeks. I'm not sure if I look forward to the warmer weather, or dread the impending radical shift in climate. Either way, my next post will probably be from Texas.
Have a happy New Year!
