Freedom to eat among bears

First, a belated Happy Independence Day! July 4th is one of my favorite holidays. It is easy to focus on all the ways our country gets it wrong. There are plenty of facets that are unappealing and, depending on your political and personal bent, your list, while probably different from mine, is a long list just the same.

But this post from another blogger reminded me of how lucky we are. What gets my goat is this idea that, if we just stop invading other countries and being the Big Mean Superpower that we are, democracy will finally flourish, at last able to break free from the oppression of the USA. Maybe "lucky" isn't the right word. I am thankful for all who have battled intently for our freedom, be it through their words, actions, vocation, and--especially--their lives.

Democracy is not natural. Freedom is not "how the world goes." We spent our July 4th like we have since we moved here, picnicking with our church family and celebrating our freedom to be baptized and worship and follow God freely. We are blessed that the most persecution any of us face on a daily basis is maybe a weird look from a friend or family member who doesn't relate--just as they are free to also. Here are some pictures.

Alex wore the kidlet in the baby backpack. The day was rather hot by AK standards. Sadly, those days have been rather rare this summer!


The kids played among the rocks (we've had a pirate-pretending adventure going on for days now)...


...while Pastors Mark, Neil, Tyler, Keith and Jeff dunked people in Eklutna Lake.


I am ever in awe of how many plant species are packed into one square foot of land around here.



Here are Noah and Wolfgang taking in the view...



...as a bear scavenged through our camp!



This particular bear is eating the kettle corn of my friend Autumn! S/he came around multiple times once we all returned. Even after being sprayed with bear spray at one point, the young bear returned at least 3 times at 3 different locations to try to get to the barbecue. As quiet and idyllic as the lake scene with Noah and Wolfgang is in the picture, we were actually hearing the commotion of yells, clapping, and banging as people repeatedly tried to talk this bear into finding a new lunch spot. Later, Alex and I sat nearby as all the kids played volleyball, my eyes continuously checking the edges of our circle for black ears. There's Noah in an orange shirt.