Thank you Wasilla

By To the editor:

Thank you Wasilla!!! I came here in 2012 as the pastor of King of Kings Lutheran.

In addition to being a pastor I was privileged to be a part of Mat-Su Special Olympics as a partner for Bocce Ball, an assistant coach for Track and Field, and as the head coach for Bocce Ball. The athletes, the coaches, the partners, the Community Management Team, the parents/care givers will always hold a special place in my heart.

Another community group I became associated with was the Wasilla-Knik Historical Society. It was great to learn about the community by being on the board. The Annual picnic, the annual Hobo Jim concert, the annual Alaska Day Dinner and Dessert Auction, the Mushers’ Hall of Fame and Knik Museum, my fellow board members made me feel more connected.

Another Group I became involved with was the Valley Arts Alliance and especially their annual radio show at MATI in October. It was just the hobby I needed and the people putting on the show made me feel at home right away and year after year.

Actually, there was yet another group I became a member of but I never met most of the people associated with the group and that was Alaska Hiking on Facebook. Because of their suggestions I was able to hike some wonderful places in the Mat-Su that I will dream of for the rest of my life.

When we had to get out of Dodge my Family’s favorite place was Seward. I will walk through the Sea Life Center in my mind the rest of my life. Encountering two bears on the way down Mount Marathon and living to write this will always give me reason to thank God.

I have loved and appreciated my Brothers & Sisters in Christ at King of kings. There is no greater joy than to join with you to praise the One who called out of the darkness of unbelief into the marvelous light of faith in Christ.

Another group I was very privileged to be a part of was being one of the volunteer chaplains at the Mat-Su Hospital. The COVID gave me a year off and I could not imagine all that the hospital staff had to do beyond medical when family, friends, and clergy were not able to come in. Last week I was able to serve there one last time.

For five years I was on the board for Heartreach. I love how HeartReach is all for making Wasilla families strong.

I appreciated the Alaska Club, our Family Doctor, Susie Dillon. I appreciated both Jacob Mann from the Frontiersman and Josh Fryfogle from The People’s Paper for always making time and finding space to highlight a church or community event.

Now I am moving to Minnesota to be a pastor there. I thank God for each and every one of you that touched my life. Thank you!

Robbin Robert,

Wasilla