Dear Resurrection,

 It's been an exciting four months in Fairbanks, Alaska, and I can't believe that so much time has already passed! I'm a third of the way through my internship and July seems as though it's right around the corner-though with the temperatures hovering around -20 F, July being "right around the corner" might be no more than wishful thinking.

Since I'm writing now during the season of Advent, the difference between light and dark is amazing. Today the sun came up around 10:30 A.M. and sunset is scheduled for some time around 2:30. On the shortest day later this month, we'll be treated to (at most) about three hours of low sunshine during the day. One of the most incredible things about moving here for the year is seeing how radically different the pace of life can be, how radically different an understanding of light and dark can be. When we say "a light shines in the darkness," it really means something incredible! It means a hope for an end to full-spectrum lamps, vitamin-D supplements, fur-lined parkas, and a little bit of hibernation. While this time is enjoyed for what it is-a time for enjoying the wintertime on snow machines and skis and sleds pulled by dogs-there is an even greater anticipation of the Christmas season, where light starts returning to the cold places at the end of the map and the rhythms of the world continue as they always have.

Christ Lutheran Church has provided plenty of food (garden carrots and potatoes, and moose!), and plenty of warm clothes and company to make me feel at home. It is a joy to be part of a community here that is proud of who it is. I'll be back in Virginia this March and look forward to joining another congregation that is proud of its identity! Until then, though, I think of my church family and home often and keep you always in my prayers. If you find your pen hitting a page, I am always happy to receive a note here and there.

Many blessings!