East Tennessee LaFollette Mission Team in Willow, Alaska

The LaFollette Mission Team got settled in today at LaFollette United Methodist Church. Startling, is the adjustment to the 4 hour time difference.

To fill in time this morning most members went exploring and were treated to their first views of Denali Mountain. Wikipedia says this is the tallest mountain peak in North America. Even though the team is 160 miles away from the mountain, the peak could easily be seen by driving less than 2 miles from the church.

The team headed back to church and was introduced to the church at the 10:00 am worship service. Invited to play an instrumental flute solo for worship was Alexandria Crabtree. She is a member of Caryville United Methodist in Caryville, Tennessee and is on the Band Staff at Berea, College in Berea, Kentucky.

Following worship, team members got to meet parishioners during a time of fellowship. Several of the church members expressed ties to family and friends in the East Tennessee area.

Later, the team enjoyed a grilled hot dog lunch before leaving for Hatcher's Pass. This is a historic gold mine and tourist attraction. More information can be found on the link above.

Tomorrow the team plans to begin work at the job site at 9:00 am. The plans are to install doors and windows in a new parsonage that is being constructed. A full slate of other weeklong mission activities and mixers are planned for church members.

Life is very different in Willow, Alaska than in East Tennessee.

There is running water and electricty but a shaky septic system. Team members are being asked to use an outhouse. The computer is old and slow. Cell phones may or may not work. The people are hardy and filled with a generous spirit. Their love for God and care for each other are evident.

The team members eagerly anticipate learning more. Photos are available online here. More will be posted as they are available.

Keep viewing this blog for more updates from the East Tennessee LaFollette Mission Team as we serve in Willow, Alaska.

LaFollette Mission Team Arrives!

A tired but excited LaFollette United Methodist Church Mission Team arrived at the Anchorage Airport at 7:00 pm local time this evening. Members from Willow United Methodist Churches were on hand to greet the team members and drive them the approximately 2 hours to the church where they will be working and staying.

Plans are to attend morning worship tomorrow. Look for more updates to come.

Back on the road again

The car is fixed. Thanks to a tremendous amount of help and support from Jacksboro UMC Gayle and Allie are back on the road. It's a little late but we're going to try to make it to at least Brandon in Canada tonight. The breakdown will cost us yet another night on the road but at least we're on our way now.

I'm posting the receipts here so everyone can see what we spent. We'll have some extra eat-out expenses and the extra motel bill for tonight to post later.

The car repair bill won't photograph. Because the guys at West Acres All Stop were very nice the bill to them only came to $563. I'll post a screenshot of it and whatever tonight's motel bill is going to be as soon as it shows up in Pay Pal. Thanks everyone! See you in Alaska!

LaFollette Mission Team Members Break Down in North Dakota

The timing belt gave out in Minnesota. We got towed as far as Fargo, North Dakota. The two members of the LaFollette Mission Team will evaluate based on word from the car repair shop tomorrow.

Wisconsin

We are in Menomonie, Wisconsin heading to Canada. I have seen several red-winged blackbirds and deer; fortunately, they all seemed to be in good mental health. At least, they stayed a good distance away from the interstate. The terrain at this point consists of very gently rolling hills, with mostly farmland. All in all, it's not a bad state to be in, unless you want sweet tea. I'm very much looking forward to crossing the Canadian border later today--it will mean that we are one step closer to Alaska!

written by Allie

Indiana to Canada

This is Allie posting here. Mom (Gayle) and I are now in Indiana on our way to Alaska. We hope to hit the Canadian border tomorrow. It's been fun so far, and has been a great chance to polish my map-reading skills. I am looking forward to learning how to build a house with the team as well as exploring Alaska itself. I can't wait to see what new things I will learn on this trip!

First Team Members Leave. View photos of the PT Cruiser and follow their blog here.

The first team members are on their way to Alaska. They'll be traveling 4,100 miles over land and will meet up with the rest of the team in Anchorage. The car is loaded with their gear and with team supplies of food and tools. It was a load but the team members still had space to see out their car windows.

The rest of the team will fly out on Saturday, June 20. Keep checking here for updates.

First Mission Team Members Leave for Alaska Friday, June 12.

The first mission team members are set to leave for Alaska on Friday, June 12, 2009. Team members Gayle Crabtree and daughter Allie Crabtree will be traveling the 4,100 plus miles to Willow, Alaska by car.

The ladies will be carrying team supplies and will meet up with the rest of the group at the Anchorage airport. The team will then travel together to the mission site where they will begin their work.

The ladies are calling it the mother-daughter trip of a lifetime.

You can keep up with Gayle and Allie on the blog Youve Been Reviewed or follow them on Twitter.

LaFollette UMC After Church Lunch for Mission Team

After church, why not join the folks at LaFollette United Methodist Church for lunch? It's a spaghetti lunch with all the trimmings. There is no set cost. Donations are accepted.

The mission team will be heading to Willow, Alaska. They are tasked with helping to construct a new parsonage there. The funds from the lunch go to buy construction supplies to help build a home in Willow, Alaska.

This is a great time to have a good meal and help a cause. Why not come out and join us? Team members will be there and will gladly tell you about the upcoming trip. See you at lunch!

Yard Sale at LaFollette UMC helps Alaska Mission Trip

The yard sale at LaFollette UMC helps the Alaska mission trip. Funds from the yard sale go to buy construction supplies. The money will help the team build a new parsonage in Willow, Alaska. The yard sale is set to start at 8:00 am and will run until after lunch (at least). Donations of items and funds are welcome. Tell your friends and come support this worthy cause.