Crazy Wildlife

The Ranch is turning yellow slowly and it is officially Fall in Alaska. A week ago we woke up to snow on the top of the mountains which the Alaskans call termination dust which means that the summer is coming to an end. Once we get back to HOT Texas it will be true summer.

Daniel and I went to Kenai last week to visit Joe and Loretta Hammond. We had such a great visit. We went to the beach and took pictures of the inlet; while we were there I collected cool rocks. The beach was sandy and rocky with these huge rocks and tons of tiny ones all along the beach. Joe and Loretta are really good friends of ours from our church in Longview. They are like another set of parents because they look after us. We had some smoked salmon egg salad that they had made-MAN it was amazing! The place that they were visiting was set alongside a lake. Daniel and I went out on a paddle boat and hung out on the lake for a bit. What a workout paddle boating is! We went on a moose run, and saw a HUGE grizzly bear and about 10 moose (2 babies, and the rest older cows). All in all it was a wonderful time of relaxation and fun with the Hammond's. We flew back from Kenai and it was beautiful. We saw about 85 goat, and 5 moose on our flight back. Sometimes it is nice to get away with one another and have a change of scenery.

Here at the ranch yesterday Daniel was flying and I decided to walk down to the camper. As I walked to the camper I came in contact with a moose and her baby. We both did not know the other was there and startled one another. She saw me as a threat and ran after me, thankfully I made it into the bathroom nearby before she reached me. Wow that was scary! I have never encountered a moose like that before. Later on last evening I went outside the camper, still shaken up, to go to the bathroom and turn the corner to the same moose right there about 4 feet away from me. Ah! Thankfully she ran away from me that time instead of toward me! What an experience huh. Now it is just a funny story to tell people.

The days have slowed down here and the night sky is longer. We have had a good time here at Kingdom Air Corps, but we still have about 8 more days here. We are ready to go home, but also really soaking in the last few days and taking all the opportunities that we can get.

Here are some pictures for your pleasure of our flights, trips, and fun:

Flight back from Kenai 

Cook Inlet 

Captain Cook Beach in Kenai 

Along the Nikiski Road 

Loretta, Joe, and Daniel 

Loretta, Kathryn, and Joe 

Can't see it in this picture but a volcano mountain is off the left

CONQUER! 

beautiful beautiful!! 

Moose and her baby on moose run. The baby was sticking right beside her. :)

Termination Dust and cloud blanket. It made the mountains look like they were floating! 

Kathryn and LeReina 

Baby moose and Mama on Ranch. Momma moose was down in the ditch. If you look closely you can see her ear. 

Plane N12714 that plans to fly to Russia 

Thank you for ALL the support and prayers that you have backed us up with. We were talking yesterday (Daniel and I) on our date and we stated that we have endured a lot up here but we feel as though the Almighty Potter is really shaping and molding us into His faithful servants that he has called us to be. Going through tough, confusing times brings wisdom and faithfulness to the Lord. I finished reading the book Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Pastor Cymbala in New York and wow it really encouraged and stuck with me. He stated in his book that the more we realize that we need God the more we will want him. He also stated, "Anytime people get hungry to truly know the Lord, the Holy Spirit puts a shovel and broom into their hands." The more we know we need to God, the more we realize that this broken vessel needs healing, cleaning, and refining. He said so many other things in his book that will stay with me for a long time! This is exactly what I can resonate with at this point and time. The Lord is refining us- what a long process it always feels like and we are stubborn and full of flesh sometimes, but as long as we continually realize we need to seek His face.

"A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. He said, 'Daniel, you who are highly esteemed..." 

"Draw us to You Lord, and begin a new work of grace in all of us. Make us the people you want us to be. Fill our churches with your fresh wind, and fresh fire. Break our pride, soften our hearts, and fill us to overflowing with your Holy Spirit. O God, do all of this so that the name of Jesus will be exalted throughout the earth. Amen." (Quote from Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire) 

Over and Out~ 

Daniel and Kathryn 

Where in the World....

God seems to always have us waiting. Someone once told me, "God shines a lantern where you can only see the next step you are about to take." As we our on our mission trip we look forward, anticipating the next step of what God has for us. We get anxious, resteless, and uncertain. The calling that God puts on our lives as Christians is clear, yet fuzzy all at the same time. Doubt and the nature of man tend to get in the way of what we are so passionate about. When all the passion, motivation, and drive is gone, are we still willing? Right now in this moment the sense of where, when, how for our future is cloudy. Everything is clear until you get to the pass and Oops not ready yet so we have to just wait. Waiting for what God's plan is for us is always the hardest part. Missions is a state of being. A missionary lives to invest into people's lives no matter where God has called them to or wherever to stay. Daniel and I have had the oppurtunity to get to know individuals, couples, and experienced people. Life on the Ranch is amazing when it comes to the array of people that come through here. We have had so many random, different, new people here. Some are from the highway that drop in because they see the sign and get curious such as: a canadian couple that only spoke french (we just so happened to have a volunteer here at the time from canada that speaks french :0), a missionary couple, etc. People that come to work on the ranch come from all over the state and the world. A few examples--russia, japan, switzerland, north carolina, texas, new york, new hampshire, michigan, etc etc.  The Lord has brought us here for the summer and even though we don't understand all that he is trying to teach us we know that he is near. A daily reminder, an hourly reminder at that, is to be still and know that he is God.

As for what is happening here on the ranch now that we are back is Daniel has been flying a lot and helping with sightseerers and then I was asked to put together a video of camp. Last sunday we had a service for the camp to give testimonies and tell stories. We had a rocking worship band, an awesome video, and a few testimonies/ stories from camp. We also did the memory verse with ALL the motions in front of a bunch of adults; what a way to set the stage. Daniel did a testimony about camp and really shared his heart for what the kids go through and what we have to send them back to. He is a great speaker; I told him he should be a pastor! Today we were supposed to leave for Port Alswourth to visit some friends that we just met while helping direct camp, and well we have to wait till tomorrow. The weather was fogged in, so to be safe we are waiting till morning. After we visit Port Alswourth we are going to visit some friends that came up from Longview,TX to visit a friend in Kenai. We have a busy week of traveling ahead of us, well really only a few days. Daniel and I only have about 2 1/2 weeks left here in Alaska so it is slowly closing up on us.
Well the night is dawning-NOT :)- and it is almost time to settle down.

By the way thank you for all the birthday and anniversery wishes! The day was a great one, and we had lots of fun! Thank you for all of your support and prayers for our lives.

Hope all is well across the states, the country, and the world with you guys as well! We look forward to sending a video of our time here and tell you all about it, and post pictures!

Over and out~

Camp and Float Trip Pics

Here are a few camp and float trip pictures for your enjoyment! :D

CAMPERS OF THE WORLD UNITE

Wow it has been a long time since we have been able to blog to you guys. Last time I blogged we were discouraged about our time here on the Ranch. On July 11th we departed for the Brooks Range for camp. We took a couple hours at the Palmer airport, and then set off for Fairbanks in which we came upon some turbulence, SCARY, but we all ended up making it perfectly fine. We then made it to Paradise Valley in great time. The Lord blessed the day with great sunshine and beautiful fluffy clouds. We have always seen it as hilarious that the campsite (an old mining grounds) is called Paradise Valley because the view is great, of course, but once you step out of the airplane; swarming mosquitos. Ah!

Daniel and I were designated as the activities directors of camp this year. We came in with a great plan and plenty of supplies. We also came in with willing hearts and with the thought, "Blessed are the flexible, for they do not get bent out of shape." The kids camp I (Kathryn) was a counselor as well as working alongside my partner Daniel as activity director. Daniel did such a great job in implementing the games that   were planned. As it said it is better to go in with a plan than not have one at all. We had a plan but we definitely remained flexible because things changed constantly. Camp in the Brooks Range is much different from camp in the Lower 48 (as alaskans call it). The village life is not easy living. The kids of the village deal with and experience much more than should experience and so therefore in a sense the kids hearts are tougher. Life in the village leads many to depression, alcohol, and drugs, or worse. The kids as they come to camp are overwhelmed by the sense of love that they receive from the staff. As we received kids this year it brightened our hearts; some of the kids ran up to Daniel and I screaming our names- oh wow what a way to stir our hearts! Kids camp had its amazing moments, as well as challenges. The campers and staff memorized the armor of God, Ephesians 6:10-20, which was a great way to encourage them. This verse also brought a lot of spiritual warfare as well; the kids kept complaining that they were bored or that they wanted to go home, and then the next minute they would be so excited in a game. They really clung to the staff and the love we had to offer. As always the kids LOVE piggy back rides, face paint, singing Father Abraham and Bananas of the World, screaming and yelling with joy, and filling the world with their smiles. We had to deal with plenty of sad and homesick kids but what a joy it was to see them smile and be overwhelmed with joy when you see what they live in and the lack of joy they have there. We love those kids; our flesh states I am tired and ready for them to go home, but our hearts scream for them because we know what we send them back to!

Transition to teen camp is always the hardest day because you dislike saying goodbye to the kids but love seeing the teens as well. This transition day is the hardest mostly because the staff are worn thin and out of strength, tired, sick, and in much need of a nap. In loving the kids we give ALL our strength and ability towards them and thus left with nothing (so it seems) for the teenagers. Teen camp was in a lot of ways a breath of fresh air. The teens had a deep deep desire to know the Lord more. This does not mean we did not have our challenges but in no way was it like what we face with the kids. The teens had troubles with smoking and had to be sent home, but in some weird way the Lord moved in that and their hearts were changed in a big way. A lot of people come expecting for people to get "saved" but there is so much more to missions than "saving." Discipleship is a HUGE part of what mission is all about. Yes, the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ is needed to disciple but it is important to know that the Lord will lead them to a point where they are ready or they are already saved and thus need direction and discipleship. Teen camp was an example of discipling; we used the same scripture for the teens but went in depth of what all the armor of God meant and how we can implement this Scripture. We also played lots of fun games: Human stratego, 4 square, wreck the castle, swimming, tug-O-war, etc.

The Lord was with definitely with Daniel and I the last week of camp. Daniel went on the float trip during teen camp instead of the original plan of myself going on the trip. This left us being separated which ended up being a great thing. I got to air drop a note and some candy to Daniel while he was on the float trip. Man the Lord was definitely withe me and he gave me peace, as well as gave Daniel peace to know that He was with us. The Lord was in all of camp even with the frustrations, and we took a STAND against the devil's schemes.

Ephesians 6:10-20
       Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take a stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, and against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God so when the day of evil comes you will be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist and the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all of the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare fearlessly as I should.

Over and Out~
Daniel and Kathryn LaFon

Update: First Day of July

Hard to believe that it is already the month of July. We have huge plans made for camp and for planes, as well as other events. Camp planning has been a great opportunity for me (Kathryn) and my future teaching. I love planning and organizing so much, but I have to say I am ready to be at camp now. Camp planning has been stressful because of the easy-going nature of the ranch. Those of you who really know me know that when it comes to planning I am not necessarily easy-going. I have had to learn to flexible and open to having the plans not done on time. We are working towards that, and working towards making the Ranch and camp more organized and structured, but it definitely takes a lot of time. Growing is an on-going process! For me (Kathryn) time on the ranch can often get lonely with planning-which is another reason why I want to be at camp. I love people and love interacting and serving people so just being by myself most of the day can often be discouraging. I have had a few great conversations with older ladies who inquire about our lives, as well my dear good friend Laura who I met up here. I am hopeful for more great conversations.


News on Daniel: He is working on getting his 60+ hours for his mechanics,but as for his instructors license he has not gotten many hours as of yet. He has felt overwhelmed by not being able to get done what he came here to do. Daniel has a servant heart and he loves to be able to help out where he can, but honestly it feels like he is forgotten when it comes to flying. He has gotten flightseeing hours, but he really needs instructor hours. Pray that somehow Daniel is able to obtain the flight hours he needs and be able to be remembered by the leaders. 


Honestly we have been discouraged the past couple of days, but we really need prayer in seeking the Lord about this in making sure our hearts and our attitudes are in the right place! We are still so excited for camp and excited to be here just having a hard time understanding the situations that have come across.. We appreciate the prayer support behind us and glad to have you guys to lean on! 


Good things to report are: we went formation flying with a bunch of 150 airplanes last night. It was so fun and I took tons of pictures and videos of our flying. They did three different formations: a diamond, stacked, and staggered. It was funny because the boys got their fighter pilot voices on and were really getting into it. It is every boys dream to formation fly. It was beautiful outside and man was it so cool to see the breaks and the way that the planes moved together in formation. I do not know much about flying-I am learning- but man was it beautiful to see the guys working together and to see their love for flying. What a passion they have for what the Lord called them too! Although I have been discouraged the past few days last night really was an uplifter to my heart and soul. We went glacier hiking with a couple of our friends and Man was that beautiful! The glacier is so cold, and we tasted the water and it was really pure! We had fun walking and hiking along the glacier, but I always forget to wear my hiking boots when we go hiking so I had to really work to make sure I didn't slip since I just had my tennis shoes on. Time really goes by when you are doing fun things like that- we were gone maybe two hours of just hiking. After we hiked we went four-wheeling and man was that it exhilarating! I have never done that in my life, and was a little nervous but it was one of the best things I have ever done. Daniel and Brad had a great time going over big bumps, and going as fast as the four-wheeler would go. This weekend we have a big event at a guy's house that owns a HUGE house and property with: tennis courts, runway, basketball courts, ping-pong, pool tables, bowling alley, four hangers, and more. Needless to say, he loves sharing his home with us and with tons of people. This guy and his wife are such givers and have great hearts. 


Here are a few pictures for your enjoyment! Keep us in your prayers-we really need it right now! 

Take a Hike :)

Hey Guys~

Daniel and I are working hard here on the Ranch, and with some fun mixed in as well. Since we are activities directors and Daniel is getting his CFI rating we have been so busy. Daniel has flown a few times and met with a good friend JC Harder for flight instructor training. He is getting lots of guidance and wisdom. Pray that he obtains all the hours he needs and has the mental strength to retain all the information he needs to retain. He has also been helping with some flightseeing trips up to the glacier. Daniel and I and another couple went glacier flying yesterday and it was so beautiful! The Lord hand is definitely upon those mountains. They are so gorgeous and you cannot help but want to praise the Lord when you look upon them. It is like God said "Hey I am here and these are for you to know my majesty." I look at the mountains and just know that he speaks even more beauty into people-Wow what an amazing thought. Knowing that God loves us more than the birds of the air and the lilies of the field is a hard lesson to learn; this lesson is a daily one for me. I have been working hard with the planning for camp and activities. Stan, a camp director, has offered his assistance in our planning, and we are also working with another couple that is not on the ranch currently. This couple is a huge help and we are working together as much as we can with the distance. Camp is set for July 12th-25th and we have a kids camp, teen camp, and a float trip up a river this year. Pray for myself that I let the Lord lead me and discernment for planning. The Lord is going to move in mighty ways with camp this year and we can already feel the Lord's presence calling us to him in seeking about Bible camp and the kids that will be there. Tomorrow morning early Daniel and I have a conference call with all the lead staff to sort and organize- pray for clarity and direction. 

For the fun stuff- We have gone on a hike up a mountain to what we call "Dan (another Dan) Spot" and man is that a hike! The hike consists of very steep hills and we always have to watch out for moose and bear. It is thrilling! Yesterday night we went down to the river. We all piled up in the back of a truck and drove as far as we could, walked on the four-wheeling trail, and then went off trail. Needless to say, we finally made it to the river an hour and a half later. It was an intense hike down and even more up. The hike was so fun and lots of laugh of course. Our group had to saw a log so that we could slide it down a hill in order for us to get across a bank to get to the main river. This task was not an easy one and we all made it without getting too wet. Daniel and another guy went even more off trail and spotted a moose not too far from him and the moose decided they weren't good enough to trample. Thank God! Oh the dangers of Alaska. We have made great connections with the big group of new people here and love hanging out with them. 

I have included a few pictures for your pleasure of our hike, glacier flying, and our river hike! 

Hope you Enjoy!

Hope to tell you more soon!

Over and Out~ 

Daniel and Kathryn 

River Hike

KAC

Hike 

Daniel and his funny quirks

Glacier Flying 

Welcome to Alaska

Hey supporters~

We are in Alaska and are hitting the ground running. Yesterday we got a chance to re-unite with people that we met last year as well as make connections with some new people. Since we came in early Sunday morning we spent all day yesterday just resting and hanging out. Daniel played basketball with some of the boys and I ran, and then we played cards with a bunch of the young people our age.

The climate of the ranch is always exciting, liberating, and active so we are already starting on plans for camp and for our time here. Dwayne- the director and owner of Kingdom Air Corps- has entitled Daniel and I the job of Activities Directors. We do not know all that this job entails but we are excited, anxious, and ready to serve in any way that we can. We want to make camp as exciting as we can for these kids, while also inviting God to come and move within all of us as we reach out. Camp is a working progress. In our time today Monday June 20th we have met with Dwayne about a lot of the in's and out's of the KAC ranch and talked briefly about Bible camp. Daniel and I are meeting with a camp director today that has done camps for years and directed them as well. We are excited for the many connections that will come and for the chance to be servant learners as we embark on creating a camp that will benefit the hearts of the kids, counselors, and every individual working with camp. Today we are kind of fogging in and so the planes have been inactive with no flying today.

Pray that we make great connections with people, have clarity of thought and discernment with camp planning, and favorable weather for Daniel and others to fly in.

Pictures to come soon :D

Over and Out~
Daniel and Kathryn