My experience of living here truly became a love-hate relationship, or perhaps I should say a hate-love relationship. The moment this wide-eyed cheechako stepped off the plane of ego and onto the Last Frontier, an unforgettable journey began to unfold. Like a precious gift bestowed upon a child, I embarked on a journey toward my soul.

I came from a visual stance of “what you see is what you get.” It was an extroverted state bent on viewing the world as it was on the surface, full of people who display superficial personas and cling to an air of artificial optimism. Everything my old state had to offer was right before my eyes and very predictable: sunny days, mild predictable winters, and four full seasons. I was full of ego-conscious energy and walked with a highly elevated attitude before coming here. I thought I was ready for anything. It didn't take long to figure out how unprepared I was for my new environment.

The first year went by and, as most people predicted, I hated Alaska. I hated her dark, cold, damp, isolated existence--as if it could even be called an existence, I thought to myself at the time. I wasn't sure I could survive another winter, let alone three.

Alaskan winters have a unique way of slowing us down just enough to prepare for the approaching darkness. Winter’s arrival offers a welcome reprieve from the summer's frantic pace. When we see “termination dust” on the mountain, we know Old Man Winter has just handed us his calling card. It's now time to nestle down into a deep, relaxing hibernation – a perfect opportunity for self-reflection and introspection.

Slowly, as one year began to roll into the next, something wonderful happened to me. I found an elegant pattern of simplicity awakening inside. Now I was surrendering to Mother Nature’s ways, instead of resisting and dreading what she had to offer. As I ceased to struggle against her -- like a salmon driving against the current, I began to naturally and gracefully flow into the cycles of change taking place around and within me. I surrendered to the spirit of this land, letting it carry me where it willed....toward my destiny and fate.

It often takes several years before we can fully appreciate the rich rewards this land bestows upon us. There is a strengthening of character that takes place within us, and for each the experience is different. For me, it was the discovery of a project I hadn't realized I was working on until it was complete: an internal bridge toward wholeness. During its construction I reconnected three parts of myself into one -- mind, body, and soul.

Sturdy and resilient is the bridge I've built while living in Alaska. It holds me up as I journey between the two extremes of brightness and darkness that dominate in this great land, and in this world.

Thank you, Alaska, for opening the eyes of a child, and for rediscovering the heart, mind, and soul of a woman. I will miss you!

Julie Krause has been living with her family in Alaska for 7-1/2 years. On military assignment, they expected to stay four years, but opted to stay longer. Soon enroute to Idaho, Julie is already feeling homesick for the Last Frontier.