Finding the One Whom My Soul Loves

The Files Take Alaska!   

The Files have invaded Alaska, and with them, their sweet Madison has transitioned from being "Alex's girlfriend" to being "our future daughter-in-law."  I would like to tell you that we were all "surprised" by this turn of events; however, we have all been in cahoots with Alex for more than a month now.  Miss Madison was the only one who was completely "in the dark" about his proposal plans for her during this visit to Alaska. Even Ethan was in on the action, and only once did he give us occasion to feign heart attacks when we thought he was going to tell her.  Boy, did we all breathe a sigh of relief when all he shared was that Alex hadn't obeyed all of the traffic laws earlier in the day!

The Proposal

Monday, April 27, 2015, dawned early and rainy. Alex's original plans included a stop at Beluga Point (Madison's favorite sight seeing destination), followed by a quick stop at the Tesoro Station on the Seward Highway for snacks, before continuing on to the Conservation Center.  The closer we all got to Beluga Point, the more anxious we all became -- all, that is, except for Madison.  We were fortunate enough to see moose, mountain goats, and eagles on the way there, but the crisp temperatures, high winds, and rain clouds forced Alexander to "hurry" his plans more than we think he originally intended.

As they approached one of the higher look-out points at Beluga, he allowed her to move further ahead of him as he slowly reached into his pocket where he had safely hidden her ring.  It was a precious few moments from that time until she said, "YES!" and we were so thankful to have been a part of their special day.  We were only there as "the photography crew" -- but what a blessing!  In an earlier blog I posted about the importance of "keeping our eyes wide open" so we wouldn't miss those precious moments.  That was definitely a memory we will not soon forget!

The weather continued to turn yucky, but even the rain clouds couldn't chase away both of their sunny (and grossly giddy) dispositions!  Once we stopped at Tesoro, we made a game changing plan that proved to be an even greater memory and one of my favorite highlights of the Files Taking Alaska!  Due to the weather, Michael suggested we search out Portage Glacier instead of visiting the Conservation Center.  We all shrugged and said the typical, "OK...whatever," and away we went.  Most of the trails near Portage were still closed for the season, and Michael (very uncharacteristically!) was not carrying any type of "protection" for hiking.  Keep in mind...this was NOT the original plan; but we learned that from now on, guns are not optional! We could have hiked to the actual glacier had we been better prepared -- so we WILL be prepared next time!

Once the women overruled the men from hiking more than mile into the Alaskan wilderness without weaponry, a new idea emerged.  Having driven so close to Portage Glacier, we were but a tunnel drive away from Whittier, Alaska.  Since none of us have ever been to Whittier, it was time to make some memories on the Prince William Sound!  For those of you that don't remember, I'm a bit of a claustrophobe; and guess what?  The tunnel that individuals must use to get into and out of Whittier is an existing train tunnel -- 2.5 miles long (the longest in the world!) -- and is currently used by vehicles and trains (you take turns with each other!)  As I am screaming, "Are you kidding me?" my dear, sweet husband is giggling -- no guffawing! -- as we drove into the tunnel.  I think Mrs. Renae would have let me reach out and hold her hand if she wasn't eyeing the light at the far end so intently.  Meanwhile, Michael and Mr. Johnnie were taking snapshots, laughing, and attempting encouragement with the phrase, "This is cool! Now this is cool!"

Whittier, Alaska
Housing for Most of It's Nearly 300 citizens
No Kidding!

And...truth be told...it WAS cool! And amazing, wonderful, awesome, magnanimous -- pick your favorite adjective!  The uber, creepy tunnel ride was necessary for some of the most amazing views we have seen thus far.  We rode through the small port town of Whittier, which is only open approximately 2-3 months each year.  I would HIGHLY recommend that you each google Whittier, Alaska.  Currently only about 300 people reside there, and most of them live in a 14-foot apartment complex that was built by the US Army many years ago.  In fact, Whittier used to be an Army post, and there were two such structures, but the Army "moth-balled" one of the buildings when they exited Whittier many years ago.  Don't worry...we had to look up "moth-balled," too.  The dictionary defined "moth-balled" as "machinery or building(s) that are no longer used, but that are kept up for future use."  Don't you believe it!  The only  thing the "moth-balled" building could be used for is a scary movie prop!  Mr. Johnnie said he would like to go inside; Ethan said he would never go inside; and Michael said, "I think I see someone inside!"

We made our way to the far side of Whittier and found where the glacial water melts into the Prince William Sound.  It was actually possible to walk from the shore down onto the rocky beach and into the Sound.  Mrs. Renae had on her waterproof boots and was the only one who purposefully got wet!  I won't tell you who actually fell into the water from all the excitement!

Madison pulled her camera out and exclaimed, "THIS is my favorite Alaskan view of all time!"  To which poor Alex dropped his head and said, "Ahhh...I should've waited to propose here!" We all laughed then played the great tourist part by taking lots of pictures!!! We were able to make it back through the tunnel without having to wait an extraordinarily long time.  The tunnel actually closes at 10 p.m. each day now, and if you don't make it out you are stuck in Whittier -- "NO EXCEPTIONS!" the sign states!  Within the next three months more than 700,000 visitors will pass through there.  It was definitely an eclectic little place and since we were the only ones there, it was a veritable paradise!

Making Memories in Whittier, Alaska

The next few days went by in a blur, filled with Facebook posts, Madison blog updates, wedding dress shopping, registering, and wedding planning in general.  I was not aware, but apparently it is now "necessary" to have your own wedding website.  Madison has taken that additional "stress" in stride, and actually I can understand how something like that would make it easy for bride and groom, as it eliminates having to answer the same questions dozens of times.  In the midst of all of the "fun," though, Alex has had to work and finish exams.  That hasn't been his favorite, but today wrapped up his final exam and presentation, so he is good to go until next Fall.  And... I so appreciate the File ladies letting me tag along to the bridal store.  Since I will only ever be the "mother of grooms," that was such a nice treat.  I'm not certain Renae and I were much help though, as Madison is one of those rare young ladies that looks great in any style of clothing -- there weren't any of her picks that we didn't like!

Hiking the Butte
Palmer, Alaska

And now, we are sadly preparing to say our temporary farewells (Lord willing) to the File family. We know they are anxious to get home to familiar surroundings (especially their grand daughter Whitley), but it seems as if they only just arrived.  We were thankful for changing weather (as rain rolled in each afternoon, and there was only one day of hail); and we were able to get some great walking/hiking in at Hatcher's Pass, the Palmer Hay Flats, the Butte, and just around our neighborhood.

Ethan Atop the Butte

Before Alex and Madison said their goodbyes this afternoon, we took several engagement photos in case they are not able to coordinate any additional pictures over the summer.  Because Alex had to travel into Anchorage for an exam and presentation today, we were limited on photography backgrounds.  Leave it to the Lord to "show up and show off" when we least expect it.  As we were winding down photos so Alex could get ready for work, Madison poked her bottom lip out and said, "I'd really like to go somewhere with a big mountain or have something Alaskan in the background." It was as if the good Lord said, "Cue the moose..." because a large female moose meandered into the bog where they had been taking pictures! Literally!  We couldn't decide if we should stay or run!  So...we stayed, but poised ourselves to run!  And...we were able to get some pretty amazing shots! Only in Alaska!

Alaska Engagement Photo with Moose Photo-bomb

Please pray for the Files as they return to North Carolina on a red eye flight tonight.  And please continue to pray for our Andrew.  He is currently in this midst of final exams at Lee University through early next week before traveling to North Carolina for the summer.

Missing you All!
Until Our Next Adventure...



"It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go..." Song of Solomon 3:4