December 17th, we loaded our carry on luggage and checked in 2 boxes each. Each box filled with memories and household items we chose carefully over the last 3 months.

Our first plane ride was only 45 minutes to Washington D.C. We were thankful that the storm coming up through Florida didn’t delay our plane or cause too much turbulence. We did have some fast jolts that made our tummies a little woozy but other than that it was a smooth flight out of Wilmington. We all had tears in our eyes with the realization that this was really happening and it wasn’t just a dream. We landed safely in D.C and we looked for our second terminal as soon as we got off the plane.

A sweet stewardess took our photo on our first plane! (So sweet)

We loaded up on our second plane from D.C. to Dallas and that was a smooth ride as well. 3 hours later we stepped out into the great state of Texas! The girls really enjoy the Dallas airport and we are really familiar with it. We headed to the Skylink (a fast shuttle) in hopes of getting to our next terminal in time to rest and have lunch but when we arrived at the Skylink it was closed due to maintenance. We hung around trying to decide whether we should wait for it to start up again or if we should start our journey on foot. Mind you we have 6 carry-on bags and two little girls that struggle to carry one! So, Ethan and myself loaded up our bags and we all started walking. The airport security guard told us it would take us about an hour to walk to our terminal. We were shocked and dreading the long walk. But we started walking, stopping along the way to catch our breath and wipe the sweat from our brows! In 20 minutes or so we could see gate C19! Praise the Lord! Either we walk fast under pressure or the Lord moved the gate closer, either way I was thankful. I wouldn't have been able to make it another 5 feet.

We made it to our gate and spread out like we were going to camp out there.

My mom gave the girls their Christmas presents early! They were able to mess around with their new Chromebooks while we enjoyed our layover in Dallas.

It was time for us to load up again. This time our plane will be airborne for 8 hours straight!

Before our trip, I bought two inflatable squares that I used to extend the girl's chairs. Allowing them to lay down during our flight. Best purchase ever!!

I watched some movies, read my Bible and said some prayers. That got me 3 hours into our trip haha

Halfway through our trip I couldn't help but notice the lady in front of me. She had a stack of papers and she flipped through those papers for a couple of hours straight. After a strenuous look, I recognized a name, Jesus. The title said Blood of Jesus Confessions. The next page said Prayers for my Children. Page after page, minute after minute, she was deep into her study. The Holy Spirit led me to write her a letter. I was going to write her a letter and give it to her as she departed the plane. I found one of the girl's brown markers but I couldn't find a paper. I remembered the waste bag. The bag meant for trash and yucky stuff. I grabbed the bag and began to write.

“It is so beautiful to see you sit for hours and be in God’s Word. I am currently on my way to Alaska on a mission. For the last 2 years I have been a youth pastor and I have been in children’s ministry for over half my life. The Lord is moving my family, my two daughters and my husband of 10 years, to Alaska today from North Carolina. We have sold all of our belongings including vehicles and furniture to make our journey. The Lord is going before us and allowing us to part of His divine plan. I couldn’t help but notice your paper with the prayer over your children. I have two daughters that I have been so blessed to teach them about Jesus and His love. We are hoping to impact the lost and focus on Kingdom work. It is so inspiring to see you proclaim your faith in public for all to see. I always encourage my youth to be bold in their faith, to shine the light, and to proclaim the name of Jesus to the world! Thank you for doing just that!

Matthew 28:19

Denise Baca

I gave her my letter on the plane as we were all getting ready to head off on our mission. She said “What’s this?” and I said “A letter for you!” and then she left.

I love how God showed up on that plane!

After 20 hours of traveling, we finally made it! Anchorage, Alaska! Our new home, our new adventure!

We loaded up all of our boxes and drove out into Anchorage. It literally looked like we were dropped into a snow globe! I have never, never experienced anything like this before! Please do me a favor and visit us in every season, you will not be disappointed.

Thank you for all the support and prayers! We love you all ❤️