Where in the World is Janette Stanberry?

Alaska Wedding Exit

Airplane

Ravn Airlines

I was in a second hand store the other day and saw a copy of the board game 'Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?' Did you ever watch the game show on PBS or play the computer game? I thought as I was looking at it that you're probably wondering how I'm fairing up north.

Copper Mine

Today is my 79th day in Fairbanks. That's gone a bit faster than I thought it would. In those days, I've started a new job, moved into a new apartment, found a car, joined a summer softball team, and even experienced a unique Alaskan Fourth of July. I still feel like I'm getting used to the idea of living here. There's an aspect of moving to a new place that's a bit surreal. Do I really live here? I don't think it's all settled in yet.

Doctor Who came to Fairbanks

I'm enjoying my new job. I work for an organization called the Alaska Center for Children and Adults with their infant learning program. As part of the job, I get to go into people's homes and work with families teaching them to be the 'therapists' that improve their children's developmental delays. It's been fun to meet so many new people, my co-workers are great and the only downside is...the paperwork. I like that part of my job is helping to empower parents. And I pray in every house, not out loud, but I get to bring God's presence with me.

On Wednesday, I moved into my new apartment. It's quite cozy. The family that I live under are lovely and even invited me to dinner my first night. There are a few kinks to work out here in Fairbanks. There's only one internet company that serves the apartment and acquiring furniture is a slower process than I thought it would be. The first time I went grocery shopping for myself, it was a little draining. I felt like I had to remember what you need in a kitchen. And sadly, there's no Ikea in Alaska. Not even in Anchorage. So prayers are appreciated for how to steward my money. Some things just have to wait until the next paycheck. And that's normal. But someone did give me a free lamp yesterday. I was so chuffed.

Those are glaciers

My new car is a Toyota Matrix AWD. I can't tell you how many times I tried to get in on the wrong side the first week of work. I've only driven on the wrong side of the street once. At least it was in a residential neighborhood on the base here, Fort Wainwright. My agency works on Fort Wainwright and Eielson Airforce Base. One day, of course when I was running late, I got the distinct pleasure of a vehicle inspection. They make you open the trunk, hood, gas tank, glove box, etc and give you the opportunity to declare any weapons. The poor soldier who pulled me over then asked how my day was going. Hahaha. I was kind but honest.

Truck for sale? (Kennicott)

I rode the one on the right

Summer in Fairbanks has been a trip. It was pretty hot when I got here. Up to 85 degrees. Then Alaska was on fire and smoke rolled in. That means staying inside. That's pretty tough. I got used to the long days pretty quickly. And my small group and softball team have welcomed me and asked me to hike and to bbqs. It's taking a little time to make new friends. But I'm hopeful. A friend invited me to McCarthy for the Fourth of July. It's a town 8 hours south in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. I got to see my first glacier and drive a 4 wheeler around. And the parade was unique. No fireworks though. The fire danger was too high. I'll just have to wait for New Year's when the sky is actually dark enough to see them.

Lifewater Softball

There are ups and downs of this re-entry process. I have definitely felt the emotions of having to start over again in a culture that used to be my own. But I love being with my family and God has been close even in the frustration. Do I know exactly why I'm here yet? No. But I don' t have to know everything yet. God knows. Most of the time that's ok. As I draw my time with SLNI to a close, September is my last paycheck with them, I think that this journey is just starting. There will be more ups and more downs. Hopefully, more of one than the other. I'm so grateful for all of you. Thank you for journeying with me in prayer, in encouragement, financially and in friendship. I have a pull-out sofa bed with your name on it anytime you're in Fairbanks.

In these next months, would you pray with me for good friends, patience and grace for myself in this process, wisdom in how to steward my money for the new house, winter tires, and winter gear, and for more of God's vision for my time in this city. 

Loving and Leaving

I've been watching the tree slowly began to bloom outside my window. When I arrived back from the States, there were only tiny green pods. Now, nearly a month later, the barest hint of white is showing through. As I've watched them, I can't help thinking that they are taking a bit longer than I thought they would. I think I'm finding that's the way of transition. It takes a little longer than you thought it would.

Iditarod Start

I know these remaining five weeks will go by quickly, but with a slowness as well. The waiting for the next step on the threshold of it. I booked my plane ticket and have started preparing to close accounts and cancel contracts. And yesterday, I told the children that I was leaving, obeying God on this next step of my journey. They took it well but were generous with their hugs.

Baa, Moo

It has been good to be back. Though it took me an extra day to get here. Travel was not as smooth as it could have been on furlough. My first Sunday back was a full house at Antioch. We had our second Easter service as an outreach Sunday. Despite my reservations, our indoor petting zoo was a hit with pigs, bunnies, goats, roosters, a calf and guinea pigs. There were 157 people there, 29 of them children and 2 people got saved.

Immediately following the service, a team of 14 drove to the airport to fly to Budapest, Hungary for a short term mission trip. By all accounts it was a very successful trip with lots of good connections made with the locals and five salvations. God is at work in Europe!

Impact Hungary Team

I have loved my time here, made good friends and seen God do great things. In these last five weeks, I hope to finish this part of the race well. Saying goodbye to those I love is bittersweet. I get to take the opportunity to encourage and make memories and remember my favorite places. Tammy has been doing a great job with the kids and is finding her way. My lifegroup is going strong under the leadership of the Boothbys and Grace. A lovely girl is moving into my room in the house. She came back to church through my housemate.

Over these next weeks, I'll have final discipleship groups, final Launch Pad sessions, final gazes at the beauty of the Peaks and final gatherings at Antioch Community Church. Please pray for God's covering on these and all the to-do items and for wisdom in the decisions to come. I'm still working on finding a job and will be staying with my sister's family for a few weeks at least. Please pray also for the transition period. I've read that there are parts of re-entry that can be challenging.

Favorite Running Sport

I told the kids on Sunday that I was feeling a little nervous about the upcoming move, a little excited about something new, and a little bit sad about leaving them. There's a quote about new beginnings that's rattling about in my head. 'Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.' One chapter is in it's final lines, but a new one's about to begin with the turn of the page.

Sarah's Goodbye Lunch 

I'm hopeful that there will be more opportunities to love, serve and tell others about Jesus, more beauty and creativity and healing, and more friends like the ones I've made here and all of you who have followed me the past 6 1/2 years. Those years are as much a part of your story as they are of mine. Thank you for journeying with me.