Notes from Alex

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  • William Duncan Memorial Church: A Century of Legacy and Faith

    A Beacon of Faith: The Enduring Legacy of The Big Church In the heart of Metlakatla, Alaska, stands a majestic structure known to all as the William Duncan Memorial Church. For over a century, this iconic landmark has graced the community with its towering presence, embodying the spirit and perseverance of its people. Built by…

  • Rising Above: A Journey of Hope and Restoration

    Embracing Hope: A Journey from Turmoil to Triumph In the heart of a world clouded by confusion and turmoil, there exists a sojourner on a profound journey of discovery. This journey is not merely about navigating the winding paths of life, but about understanding the Creator’s purpose and presence within it. As the sojourner moves…

  • HOPE in the Heart of Metlakatla

    From Isolation to Unity: A Community’s Journey of Hope The small yet resilient community of Metlakatla, Alaska, has faced its share of challenges, but nothing quite like the isolation brought on by the lockdowns of 2020. The global pandemic forced people into their homes, away from the warmth of family gatherings, the joy of community…

  • Walking Through Grief: A Mother’s Legacy

    Finding Light in the Darkness: A Mother’s Unyielding Spirit In the cold, dark depths of a late December, surrounded by the quiet stillness of winter, I found myself grappling with the most profound grief I had ever known. My mother, Roberta Atkinson, had been taken by cancer, a relentless foe that ravaged her body but…

  • Words to live by…

    A Day with Uncle Solomon It was a warm July day in the late 1990s, and I had a rare day off from my job flying seaplanes in our quaint hometown of Metlakatla. These days off were always a treasure, and I knew exactly how I wanted to spend it—visiting my Uncle Solomon Atkinson. Uncle…

  • Rising from the Shadows: The People of Metlakatla, Alaska

    From Pain to Promise: The Journey of Healing in Metlakatla In the tranquil yet resilient community of Metlakatla, Alaska, the First Nations People have woven their lives into the fabric of the land, waters, and skies for generations. The deep-rooted traditions and culture of the Tsimshian people stand as a testament to their enduring spirit,…

  • Courage in the Heart of Metlakatla

    Facing Fear Together and Finding Strength Within Returning to Metlakatla after years away, you felt a mix of excitement and nostalgia. The familiar sights and sounds of your hometown brought a sense of comfort, but something was different. As you walked through the streets, you noticed a palpable sense of fear among the people. Faces…

  • Beauty for Ashes

    Testimony: Beauty for Ashes From Brokenness to Beauty: A Journey of Faith and Restoration I want to share a powerful testimony of how Isaiah 61:3 has come alive in my life. The scripture says, “To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment…

  • Dancing in the Wind: Embracing Our Beautiful Chaos

    Finding Strength in Our Imperfections Once upon a time, in a quaint village nestled between rolling hills and a shimmering sea, lived a community of people who embraced the beauty of being perfectly imperfect. Their lives were a tapestry of vibrant colors, woven with threads of joy, sorrow, triumph, and struggle. In this village, there…

  • Coming Home To Metlakatla

    Embracing a Vision: Hope, Prosperity, and Healing in Metlakatla As the plane descended through the clouds, the familiar sight of Metlakatla, Alaska, came into view. The lush green forests, the shimmering waters of the bay, and the small, close-knit community nestled on Annette Island brought a wave of nostalgia and warmth to my heart. This…