Fashion Gone Fishing.

It’s true.  I have decided to trade a summer of wedges for a summer of waders.  On June 7th, with a one way ticket, I will be flying on an Alaska airline flight, taking full advantage of the original destination of this particular airline, and actually landing in Anchorage, Alaska.  Approximately 186 miles south of Anchorage and a puddle jumper away, is the Ninilchik Riverfront Lodge.  This is where you will find me slinging halibut, splitting salmon, and guarding against grizzlies.  Okay, I may have watched one too many episodes of The Deadliest Catch but I figured it was only appropriate given my summer whereabouts.

But really.  

June 7th is the day that one of my best friend’s Tamica (photo above from our road trip to the Tetons), and I set off to Ninilchik, Alaska for the summer.  Being in a season of life with time and resources to share, we were made aware of a number of volunteer needs a particular fishing camp had.  Following weeks of prayer,  conversation, and many God winks, it became rather evident that God was asking both of us (despite feeling rather un - qualified), to go.

It’s not rescuing girls from sex trafficking in Thailand, nor building water wells in Kenya, and it’s even wildly surprising considering that Tamica and I met in Los Angeles and have a background in the fashion industry, but it’s the Kingdom work that we believe God is beckoning us to join Him in right now.  The reminder that He calls the un - qualified.  That He relishes in willing hearts that choose to say yes even when the calling appears to be most radical (or radically strange)! (But I will share more of Tamica and I’s story in a blog post to come).

In addition to delighting the taste buds and experience of all the campers and volunteers through extraordinary food service and hospitality, we will be developing and hosting a weekly women’s Bible study for both those attending the camp and those a part of the local community.  We will be responsible for sharing the stories of the camp by writing, photographing, and overseeing the camp’s blog throughout the summer.

But even despite outlining the details of our volunteer responsibilities, God always seems to have a few more things up His sleeve.  The ones that come unannounced.  This being noted, Tamica and I have joyfully resolved to live solely by the leading of the Holy Spirit, and very much look forward to building relationships, serving, encouraging, and pouring out His love in everything we put our hands to.  And yes, this may include the wrangling of a Nemo weighing 120+ pounds (okay, well Nemo isn’t really a halibut, but you’re following). ;)

We know that we will most likely get eaten alive by mosquitoes.  We know that we may come back and intimidate some men with our newly developed ability to chop wood and gut fish - thus actually probably lessening our chances of finding a husband.  We know that we run the risk of looking like two blondes (no offense) on multiple occasions.  We know that we may try to make friends and take pictures with the moose before learning that they charge you like a car racing down the highway and are responsible for more deaths than the grizzlies (but honestly, we handled the bison in the Tetons, so really, what's there to fear?).  We know that we may go stir crazy and spend hours carving our names in the bark of the trees (let us know if you would like us to carve your name as well).  We know that when the sky lights up, it’s not a UFO flashing its high beams at us, but rather is the Northern Lights. 

But.  We also know this from Isaiah 55:8.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways, declares the Lord.  As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."  

And we know that for this summer, it means Alaska.

Whelp, there’s only one thing left to do (besides attempt to challenge this learning curve before us) - Bering Sea fishing licenses, here we come! :)

3 P.S’s.

1. We are taking all suggestions and bucket list requests.  A) If there is something you have always wanted to do or see in Alaska, but are not quite sure if you will get the opportunity, we would be happy to attempt/photograph/film it for you. B) Or, if there is something you have already done and seen in Alaska and think we should do the same, we would love to know!

2. With the lack of consistent internet and phone, we welcome, beckon, and encourage you to join us in the act of pen - paling and care packaging.  It would fill us with immense glee should we so happen to hear from our community back home.

For ease and assurance of delivery, you can send packages via UPS or FedEx to the following address:

Knepper’s Alaska Fish Camp
16560 Brody Street
Ninilchik, AK 99639

For love notes and letters, you can send them to the following address:

Knepper’s Alaska Fish Camp
℅ Chelsey Taylor and/or Tamica Sloan
PO Box 39556
Ninilchik, AK 99639

3. Finally, we ask you to rally around us with prayer.  Prayer for our time in Alaska - that it is fruitful and spirit led.  Safety is also important (especially to our mothers).  Which, please also be praying for them as we can only imagine what they really think about their two daughters moving to Alaska for the summer. ;)