Fairbanks, Alaska, 1:13 p.m., Alaska time (three hours behind from where I used to live in Tennessee!)~

Dear All~

Just to let you know that we have arrived safely here in our new home state of Alaska.  We got in yesterday afternoon and I am beat.  I am not used to these excruciatingly long treks; it's too hard on my body .... I am in so much pain right now I could just SCREAM!!

Thank God Roberto and the older children (Jubaki, Eshe', Kibarake, and the triplets, meaning Keloki, Koji, and Kenji) have been a big help to their Daddy and me.  I don't know what I would do without them; I certainly can't handle the major jobs; my health just will not allow it.  Sometimes I feel bad for making them do so much, but I can't help it.  Roberto keeps telling me not to worry, but the problem is I DO.  I have alwyas been a big worrier.

I have been in bed most of the day.  I am wracked with pain.  No, nothing like from when I had the pain after being burned and then having flesh eating disease afterwards, but I still have pain, thanks to my MS and fibromyalgia, and when it acts up, I have to lie down or take it easy.  It's also hard for me to get around easily some days.  So I often need help, and I am so thankful that my husband and kids understand what I go through day after day after day.

Our new house is beautiful.  It is a log cabin and it has six bedrooms and two baths (plus it is accessible for my wheelchair or crutches, which I really like!).  It has huge picture windows, a big fireplace in the center of the livingroom area, skylights, and so much room, much more than our old place back home in Tennessee.  I think I might like living here, but it is so cold here.  It's in the negative teens and twenties as I type this, so I am lying underneath the electric blankets on our bed, trying to keep warm, so I don't hurt so much.

I don't know if I am ready to handle the extreme cold temperatures.  Being thin like I am, I get cold so fast; when I do, I HURT.  So I try not to get out in the wintertime so much.  I stay in, where I try to amuse myself with reading or doing crossword puzzles or listening to music if I am not taking care of the children.  That's why I have always loved spring and summer because at least it's warmer and I can get OUTSIDE.

Roberto starts his new position as head of the burn unit at Fairbanks Medical Center tomorrow.  He is very excited; I am excited for him.  I know it will mean more hours, but it will also mean more money; with a family our size, we need all the extra money we can get!  This is why we moved to Alaska.  Roberto was offered the job and he couldn't refuse.

Just pray that once we are settled in, I can find a job as well; know it won't be easy, being disabled and all, but I am willing to try just about anything.  And besides, I can work while the kids are at school and get home before they get out for the day.  I have to do something with my mind or my hands as I am able, or else I may go crazy with boredom! I always do!

Well, I hate to go, but Eshe' wants to show me something on her laptop; she's all excited about it.  I will write in here again soon; if not, Roberto will.  Take care and may God bless you always!

~Love, your friend in Alaska, M'buti Ayala.  :)