Family

Alaska, and particularly Southeast Alaska (that part of Alaska the rest of Alaska isn't necessarily convinced is a part of Alaska) is home to unique cultural phenomena. I know; everyone wants to say their home and region is culturally unique; I get that. But Alaska is Alaska; a place unlike any other.

Needless to say the weather presents certain challenges to those who live here. Friends north of us are dealing with sub zero temps, while our own "balmy" daytime highs leave me feeling almost guilty; but not guilty enough to move north. Daytime does not necessarily mandate daylight, and where else in the world do people talk about vitamin D consumption as a part of daily conversation?

Distance can be a challenge. Here in Southeast each city constitutes a functional island, since one cannot drive from one to the next. And distance creates a felt sense of isolation. Some like the isolation, while others do not. There is talk of the State building a road from Juneau to Skagway, connecting us to Alaska and the outside world, even Canada I guess. The general populace here is split; right down the middle, each sporting bumper stickers that say "Build the Road!" or "Don't Build the Road!"

Many if not most of us living in Southeast Alaska are away, a long way away from hometowns and family. So when it comes to the holidays Southeast Alaskans make due by forming functional if not actual family connections. Such was true for us this past Thanksgiving weekend.

Deb and I were/are without our children. Our friends the Hanley's, also without their children invited us to join them (note comments on distance above.) Their friend Colleen was attempting to fly from Anchorage to Sitka but was stuck in Juneau (note comments on weather above.) Andrew the "first nephew" of Alaska was home caring for the "first dog" of Alaska, and they both joined us for feasting as well. We became a family; Alaskan style.

The night before Deb and I helped serve Thanksgiving dinner to the students at UAS. Even for those few hours it felt like a family gathering. And the deep-fried turkey ruled, until it was ruled by the locusts that consumed it.

Southeast Alaskans crave family because they are away, a long way away from family. This cultural phenomena gives the Church in Alaska a wonderful and sacred opportunity: to create gospel communities that feel and function like family. Alaskans are unique, but not all that different from anyone else - they want to be near their family.