I recently returned home from Greenland, a land that took my breath away in more ways than one. With only about 56,000 people living on this vast island, most are native Inuit, whose resilience and connection to the land are deeply inspiring.
One of the first things I wanted to do when we stopped in a village was visit the local store to see what kind of produce was available. I learned that a supply ship comes just once a month. When we were there, the only fresh items in stock were potatoes and onions — a reminder of the challenges of Arctic living.
Greenland’s mountains are stark and treeless, but along the foothills, I was surprised by the burst of autumn color. Low shrubs blazed with glowing orange leaves, turning the tundra into a painter’s palette.
Wildlife here is equally striking. Greenland is home to the musk ox — an ancient, thick-coated animal with long, shaggy hair that allows it to survive temperatures as low as 40 degrees below zero. We also spotted polar bears and small Arctic rabbits darting across the landscape.
This land may seem harsh at first glance, but look closer and you’ll find beauty, community, and quiet endurance. It’s a place that lingers in your heart.
