Day 1

Well, welcome to my little blog. Thanks for stopping by. I am not quite sure where this will go, but I am glad you are apart of it. Yesterday was one of the longest days I have had in a long time, on top of two of the most packed weeks i have had in a long time. Yesterday, Off The Wall and Polen finally finished out two week Seize the Summer tour. We had spent two weeks on the road, challenging the Church in five states to seize the summer for Christ. We finished in East Greenville, Pennsylvania, which is where my day started.

I awoke at 4:30, ready for a long day of traveling. My flight left from Philly to Boston at 8:15, and the airport was an hour away. That accounted for such an early wake up.

I was blessed to be flying to Anchorage from Boston... I found the best deal out of Logan airport. So, I landed around 9 and got to spend about 6 hours with my family before heading to the airport again to start my long anticipated trip to Alaska.

God has been so faithful... I only had six hours with my parents and sister, but they were quite enjoyable. I got to see the Atlantic and eat at my favorite diner on the North Shore before I left. I got to Logan around 5 as my flight left at 6:15.


At Logan, I found a Barnes and Noble and started browsing through it. I saw the controversial book, Love Wins, by Rob Bell and after fighting with myself for a few minutes, decided to buy it and read it on the flight. To hear my thoughts on it, check my other blog, "The Heart of Life".

The flight to Minneapolis felt rather long, much longer than 3 hours. It probably had something to do with the fact that reading Love Wins was not the most enjoyable experience I have had in Christian literature. That, coupled with the fact that I ran out of trail mix half way through the flight causing my stomach to make those noises telling me i need to eat.

Minneapolis was beautiful. The sun was setting as we landed. It was bout 830 central time. The flight to Alaska was jammed. Not one open seat. Unfortunately, i didnt get an window seat. I asked the guy at the desk if there were any available, and he sorta laughed at me. I guess people grab them ASAP. So i ended up getting the aisle seat, which is second best to the window.

I realized something about myself while flying. I love to travel. But I dont enjoy it nearly as much when I do it alone. I have been flying alone a lot the past few years since i moved to Ohio. There was definitely a sense of independence at first, but now i just feel lonely and find myself wishing I had a companion who enjoys airports, the feeling of taking off, and turbulence as much as I do.

It was a long flight. About 5 and a half hours. I slept off an on for some of it. I think i probably dozed an hour total.

it was good to get off the plane at midnight. It was even better to see Seths face waiting for me at baggage claim. the mustache was funny, but he looked way more legit with longer hair and glasses. He is one of the only 20 year old that can rock that look. he had his tight jeans, chocos, and v neck t as usual.

Alaska is just as i remember it. The air is so fresh. It radiates the scent of life... the mountains clear and snow peaked. God created a special place when he made Alaska. It only makes me imagine more what heaven will be like. We landed as the sun was setting, somewhere around midnight. Only in Alaska.

We got back to Seths house after 1230 cause of baggage. Thankfully, my guitar came in... and surprisingly in tune!

I fell asleep next to my good friend on the floor of his living room somewhere after 2.

Life is good and so is God. He is continually faithful and has blessed me with so much.

Thank you Lord.

check back tonight for today's post.


from Anchorage Alaska,


JN