Christmas Letter.

To my beloved friends and family,

I have decided to do my annual Christmas letter on my blog this year - while it may seem less than personal, I apologize. What a year! I can't even believe 2014 is ebbing closer and closer, it's not creeping it's sprinting towards us - are you ready?! I am but let's recap the highlights of 2013 just for kicks and giggles.

I guess the biggest changes in my life this year were moving to Alaska (Soldotna) in June, which the beginning months of the year were spent praying and planning this move. This has been one of the best decisions I have made as an adult. I found my dream job, unexpectedly. I remember having a conversation with my dad after being interviewed rather convinced that I was going to turn down this position out of fear of not being able to cope and handle the cases I oversee, it was "too professional" and "I didn't have the experience or qualifications" but behold! it's everything I have wanted: working with children and families who are at risk of neglect and abuse in the school setting. I was able to mark off my bucket list: Catch a fish!!! a rather large milestone is that December 5th marked 6 months of living in Alaska, and I couldn't be happier!! It's actually gone so fast.

More recent new is that it's cold here in Alaska but gorgeous. I find myself wishing for the extreme negative temperatures as those are the clearest of days with a blue sky and best time to view the mountains (of course to enjoy this, one must wait until 10:30 for the sun to appear.) The dark doesn't bother me too much, I wake up most days around 5:30 to be to work by 7:30am which this always involves a stop at the coffee shop - for my choice of beverage.

This weekend, if the weather cooperates will involve me, coffee, and my camera. Selfies may occur - Moose mug shots may as well. I know. I know. I have promised pictures for the last few posts but seriously guys. I want/need to take pictures of the view here and what winter in Alaska is really like!

From my winter wonderland to yours,
Much Love,
Rachel

P.S. I hear I will be bringing in the New Year with a game of Fire Ball :D