Day 14: Anchorage

Chugach Mountains

 

 WE HAVE ARRIVED!!!!! After 14 days, numerous hotels/motels/cabins, 2 countries, 12 states, 2 territories, all forms of terrain and animals, and 5,287 miles later we pull up to Elemendorf, AFB.  I still can't believe that I finally lived a dream of mine to drive across not only this country, but some of Canada as well!  After eating a nice breakfast in Tok, we were on the road by 8am; Anchorage bound! Our very last leg of the drive was bumpy again, but it became a beautiful sight for sure. Numerous mountain ranges surrounded every side of our car and we crossed over a gazillion more creeks and lakes and rivers. 

Matanuska Glacier (in the middle)

 The coolest thing we saw were the glaciers.  I felt like I was looking at a cartoon drawing.  It was UNBELIEVABLE; an enormous block of ice wedged in between these ranges, serving as a light among the vast, rugged mountains. We finally reached the base around 1:30pm, checked in, and found our TLF (Temporary Living Facility).  Luckily we passed through some loophole and were given a place with a kitchen, which apparently we aren't supposed to have since we have no children.

Layne's new squadron patches

 Praise the Lord we weren't given yet another hotel room to live in for the next month or two.  I don't know if I could have gone that long without being able to cook and have our own food again! (Layne ate like 12 burgers and we had fries with everything...blah) We unloaded my car, went into town and got Layne's hair cut, and then went to the commissary to start the process of restocking our pantry.  I made spaghetti for our first dinner in Alaska and it was wonderful. =) Our hotel suite (TLF) overlooks the mountains; everywhere you go you can see them... it is so cool. 
The base is huge and I am excited to start exploring it and the town.  This is another new and exciting start not just here, but for my LIFE.  I am a newlywed, married to an amazing man, and I finally get to start shopping for our very first house! A home I can decorate and call my own.  It is again something I never thought would happen.  God has so richly blessed my life I can't even describe it in words.  Just to be alive, healthy, and have a loving family is blessing enough.  But all of this... a new Godly husband who loves me and provides for me, an unforgettable 2 week journey, and living in a dream location...it's overwhelming and I am so undeserving. I miss my family already, but I know I am where I'm supposed to be.  These next 3 years are going to fly by.  I'm going to continue my blog to track our adventures in the 49th state of America, a state that seems to be another world away from what we are used to.  Layne is now a part of the 525th fighter squadron (pronounced as five-two-five) and the mascot is a bulldog! We are still able to keep a part of GA with us no matter where we go. =)  Go Dawgs! ;)

I've got to go get ready now... we are about to meet our realtor to begin the house hunt!! Wish us luck!

Bye for now,
Jenni