Friday, February 8, 2008

Alaskafied.



I wish it was Alaska-fried, but that would indicate heat, and if Alaska lacks anything, it is heat. Have you ever woke up in the morning, started your car, hopped in, drove down the road at top speed, looking out into the Mountains while the thermometer read -17 degrees and said to yourself (out loud of course, because having people think you are crazy is the only way to live) "GOD, you rock, because your creation takes my breath away and your peace is real when I breathe the air that you breathe."


If you have not, then come to Alaska, because it is worth doing it at least once.
Ministry up here in Alaska would seem longer than the greedist kid's Christmas list, but for some reason, things move a little slower and at their own pace. I had been doing a little of this and a little of that, until recently, when my heart and attention were swept up by a survivor of human trafficking. Have you ever looked in the eyes of human trafficking? It is a lot different from what the articles and facts described, it is real, painful and more times than not, unfathomable.
Alaska has a lot of natural beauty, which is well maintained, but unfortunately, the beauty of the people, their needs and safety is often forgotten about by both the national and state governments. I have listened to the cry of the homeless for basic health care, as well as the natives for a basic education. These are important issues in this state, because there is not an easy exit, no matter which direction you take.
Did you know that 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys will be sexually assaulted before the age of 18 and that 1 in 4 college women will be a victim of rape or attempted rape, in the state of Alaska? That is three-times the national average.
I am in awe from the God that I see in these people who have nothing, who are struggling to keep their children warm at night and who ignore burns/frost-bite as if they were allergies. What happened to the American dream and taking care of the great citizens of this country? The truth is that we left them in the cold with enough money for a bottle of liquor.

3 comments:

Susan Rose Francois, CSJP said...

Hi ashley,

I've added you to the Sister Bloggers page. Welcome!

Peace,
Susan

Sarah said...

Hi Ashley. From the other side of the world where it's warm and we pray often for an end to the drought I wanted to say Welcome to SisterBloggers.
I'd love to come and see Alaska some day but for now it's the sunburnt country for me =)

Subhasis Chattopadhyay said...

I have never seen snow...and can't imagine the cold at -17. but seeing the pic u posted I feel the splendor of God. & seeing the hot 47 degree C loo blow, I too have learnt to say " God, you rock"...