God Bless the U.S.A.!

  1 + 5 + 5 = DAY 11

Our last and final day on the road took us from Haines Junction, Yukon Territory, Canada to Fort Wainwright, Alaska, USA!  The scenery continued to be beautiful as the day started out at 37` and a little misty and then cleared off to spectacular 68` when we arrived in Fairbanks.  What a way to end our trip!  Highlights of the day were the fantastic pastries from the Hungarian chef, the gorgeous Kluane Lake outside of Haines Junction, and of course, the end of the Alaska Highway at Delta Junction, Alaska.

 The end of the Alaska Highway — Mile 1422

Besides finally arriving at Fort Wainwright, our favorite part of the day was arriving back in the United States of America.  We whooped and hollered (Texas-style) and sang “God Bless America”.  The border patrol agent wasn’t quite as enthusiastic about letting us in as we were about getting back in, but we didn’t have any problems whatsoever.  He just thought we seemed a tad eager about going through the gate.

Our excitement about “being home” got me to thinking, though.  Canada is a beautiful country.  In fact, Mary said, “I wish I could say the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen is in the United States, but I think I would have to say it’s in Canada.”  Banff, Lake Louise, the Icefields are all beautiful beyond words, but nothing felt as good as being back on our home turf, even though we are about 4,000 miles away from the place we consider “home.”  So my thoughts ventured into the spiritual…I wonder if I am as enthusiastic about thoughts of heaven.  Am I as eager to share with others about my home in heaven, to invite them to join me there?  I want to be like the men and women spoken of in Hebrews 11:13-16:

All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth.  People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return.  Instead, they were longing for a better country — a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

The only difference is I have received the things promised.  The Messiah has come and has brought the New Covenant…all the more reason for me to long to join Him in the city He has prepared.

But until then, I will live in this city…the one He has prepared for this season of my life, and I will live to the fullest!

p.s.  Thanks for following us on our Great Adventure to The Last Frontier.  I will continue to post pictures and thoughts about our time here, so stay tuned!