... at least I feel that way!
Another hand of friendship has been extended to me. I'm headed over to eat & watch Survivor on satellite with the first and second year teachers. Caribou is on the menu, the first time I will have tasted it!
I mixed up a batch of chocolate chip cookies to share in a rather awkward manner: mixed in a 13"x9" pan (no bowl) and baking them 6 at a time. Ah, the luxuries I am able to do without!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Acceptance
I'm excited! Today I was invited for a steam, Atmautluak style. Being here for only 9 weeks, I didn't think that I would be blessed with such an invitation. Translation: Being invited to a steam bath is a gesture that signifies acceptance. I feel honored.
Monday, March 28, 2011
A Kitten is so Flexible
...that she is almost double ; the hind parts are equivalent to another kitten with which the forepart plays. She does not discover that her tail belongs to her until you tread on it." -Thoreau
Monday morning.
Monday morning.
- Priority #1: Get in touch with tech guy to resolve the password issue that locked me out of my mailbox all weekend.
- Priority #2: Download the Geometry tests stuck in said mailbox.
I scrambled to get those things accomplished, and then concentrated on pulling together some additional resources just in case the lessons I had for today needed an extra boost. Finally ready. Bring on Monday morning, I'm ready!
Just after my 2nd period class arrived, another teacher came in with a list and stack of standardized tests. Apparently today was a district-wide mandated writing assessment. Yep, no classes today. I quickly changed gears and administered tests to the students assigned to me.
It was a nice morning, I tried to make the room pleasant for my testers: Mozart playing softly, water cups on the desks, high protein snacks pilfered from the lunch lady, and encouragement.
There's a lot to be said for "going with the flow".
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Walking on Water
Albeit frozen water.
The only way I could see to get over to the church building was across snow. I heard there is a boardwalk, currently buried. I gingerly started across, remembering the last time I walked across snow like that, in Newtok.
We had been walking, all around the village, when, all of sudden, my right leg sunk down into the snow 3 feet! I didn't even know that I could bend into that position. With the help of Anna and several kids, I was able to pull my leg out... but, no boot!
The helpful children dug down to recover the wayward boot while I hopped around in a fruitless attempt to keep my sock dry. It was pretty funny!
This time, I was alone, crossing in an expanse where there were no signs of life. I wondered how long it would be before someone found me if that happened again. I fixed my eyes on the tiny building that was my goal, and started out. I gained confidence, and thought, "I'm walking on water, like Jesus!"
Ack. I quickly corrected myself... Not like Jesus, like Peter, of course!
It's 1° here. But, as I head off to church this morning, I am grateful that is is cold enough to walk across the tundra on top of the snow.
The only way I could see to get over to the church building was across snow. I heard there is a boardwalk, currently buried. I gingerly started across, remembering the last time I walked across snow like that, in Newtok.
We had been walking, all around the village, when, all of sudden, my right leg sunk down into the snow 3 feet! I didn't even know that I could bend into that position. With the help of Anna and several kids, I was able to pull my leg out... but, no boot!
The helpful children dug down to recover the wayward boot while I hopped around in a fruitless attempt to keep my sock dry. It was pretty funny!
This time, I was alone, crossing in an expanse where there were no signs of life. I wondered how long it would be before someone found me if that happened again. I fixed my eyes on the tiny building that was my goal, and started out. I gained confidence, and thought, "I'm walking on water, like Jesus!"
Ack. I quickly corrected myself... Not like Jesus, like Peter, of course!
It's 1° here. But, as I head off to church this morning, I am grateful that is is cold enough to walk across the tundra on top of the snow.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Speaking in Tongues
Caknaalrianun Mernuinerciutekaq was the theme tonight at the Bible conference in Yup'ik. It means "Rest for the Weary". Although I didn't understand much throughout the evening, I was able to follow along in my Bible, as they made all the Scripture references in English. People were friendly, and I was able to sing along to familiar tunes... I even sang "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" in Yup'ik! At least, my best attempt at Yup'ik pronunciation. Some of those sounds are hard to make!
Flexible Fridays
Most Fridays are half days here, although the principal might decide to have school to make up missed days. Last week they canceled some school days due to a death. The entire village mourns together. But we are ahead enough hours that the kids were able to this afternoon off. Which, I think, is a good thing, because many were bound for Bethel for an Eskimo dance festival, and I was grateful for the time to spend with a student who needs help and on planning.
The current principal is going elsewhere next year, so this afternoon interviews were scheduled for 2 principal candidates. If I understand the process correctly, the candidates were selected by the district, and then the village leaders interview and make their recommendation for who they think would be a better fit. It sounds like they make a swift decision, so the word should be out soon.
A couple of bulletins:
The current principal is going elsewhere next year, so this afternoon interviews were scheduled for 2 principal candidates. If I understand the process correctly, the candidates were selected by the district, and then the village leaders interview and make their recommendation for who they think would be a better fit. It sounds like they make a swift decision, so the word should be out soon.
A couple of bulletins:
- Anna said that I left out the part of her story yesterday where the dog was growling at the children who tried to coax him out from under the table! Maybe I subconsciously omitted that part out of consideration for my BBC family, who have been worried about Anna and wild dogs! Apparently she isn't safe from them, even while at school.
- For those of you who have tried to comment but have been required to open an account to do so, I think I fixed the settings, all should be able to post!
I found out from a student that the Moravian church in the village has a Bible conference this weekend, so I'm going to check it out. Should be interesting, it's all in Yup'ik!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
"I jokes!"
The kids at school often use that phrase in the same way I would say, "I'm just kidding!" Accompanied by an infectious grin, it tickles me and makes me smile.
Water: Ice was melted and the tank was refilled this morning, no stench entered my room to interrupt my teaching. I am grateful. I thought it funny that Anna, of all people, declared us to be "hardcore" to not cancel school!
And, speaking of Anna, she made me smile with this amusing anecdote:
"A dog got into the school somehow... and it ran underneath the table I was sitting at, hiding at my feet. It was scared and wouldn't come out... I calmly got out of my chair and one of the kids ended up taking it out."
Life is ever interesting in the bush schools!
Water: Ice was melted and the tank was refilled this morning, no stench entered my room to interrupt my teaching. I am grateful. I thought it funny that Anna, of all people, declared us to be "hardcore" to not cancel school!
And, speaking of Anna, she made me smile with this amusing anecdote:
"A dog got into the school somehow... and it ran underneath the table I was sitting at, hiding at my feet. It was scared and wouldn't come out... I calmly got out of my chair and one of the kids ended up taking it out."
Life is ever interesting in the bush schools!
Waterless
No water came out of the tap this morning at my house.
No water at the school, either.
Verdict: empty water tanks, time to refill.
I wondered if we would have school today...
"Yes, this happens every once in a while. They will just bring in the honey buckets, and boy, does it get smelly. Especially in your room, you are in just the right spot."
I'm praying for either the tank to be refilled quickly, or that the Lord would give me the grace not to throw up today. That kind of stink has not been my friend, historically speaking.
I'll update you later!
No water at the school, either.
Verdict: empty water tanks, time to refill.
I wondered if we would have school today...
"Yes, this happens every once in a while. They will just bring in the honey buckets, and boy, does it get smelly. Especially in your room, you are in just the right spot."
I'm praying for either the tank to be refilled quickly, or that the Lord would give me the grace not to throw up today. That kind of stink has not been my friend, historically speaking.
I'll update you later!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Mail Call
The first of my mailed from Anchorage totes arrived today! It is ridiculous how exciting it was to open it and unpack the thing. It's nice to have some extra clothing and a choice of shoes, even though I wear my boots so much.
I can't wait for the rest of my supplies to arrive, especially the food!
I can't wait for the rest of my supplies to arrive, especially the food!
Did you ever see the Brady Bunch episode where...
...the washing machine overflows?
Not quite as dramatically sudsy, but my first attempt to do laundry left me in flood! Apparently the drain pipe is frozen. The good news: All that water just drained under the house all by itself. Which is a good thing, since I don't have a mop and I only have 2 bath towels that I am reserving for my own use!
Not quite as dramatically sudsy, but my first attempt to do laundry left me in flood! Apparently the drain pipe is frozen. The good news: All that water just drained under the house all by itself. Which is a good thing, since I don't have a mop and I only have 2 bath towels that I am reserving for my own use!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Sea Legs
Today I felt like I am starting to get my sea legs, like I am just beginning to get a sense of the rhythm of the school and the village. Time is more relaxed here, which I expected... to a degree. I was given a schedule of the periods for the day... and it was different than the one posted on the classroom wall. I asked a colleague which one they went by... and she said it didn't matter, that whenever I was done with them, to send them on, and if I was into something, just go ahead and keep them.
It is quite different than the high school world where bells rule!
It is quite different than the high school world where bells rule!
Monday, March 21, 2011
The Crosswinds are Fierce. We'll give it a try, but might not be able to land.
...says the pilot as Anna & I buckled into the 3-seater airplane.
Every one of my senses were alert as we hurdled through space in a vehicle that seemed no bigger than a Corolla.
I watched the instrument panel, wondering what all the wild fluctuating needles meant. I studied the back of the pilot's head, wondering what his skill level was. I saw the tundra below and the mountains in the distance.
I heard the uneven engine roar so loudly we couldn't converse during the flight.
I had the smell and even the taste of the fuel swirling about the cabin.
I felt the lurching of the plane as we were buffeted by the wild winds.
As we approached the icy runway, I saw the pilot's neck muscles tense. He hoisted himself up by a bar from the ceiling to get a better look. He turned the plane around, and started the decent. We circled around, and made a beautiful landing!
The principal was waiting for us on a 4-wheeler. "I didn't think you'd make it in, the crosswinds are fierce today."
I'm thankful that I know the One who calmed the sea. I know it was by His hand alone that I am here.
Every one of my senses were alert as we hurdled through space in a vehicle that seemed no bigger than a Corolla.
I watched the instrument panel, wondering what all the wild fluctuating needles meant. I studied the back of the pilot's head, wondering what his skill level was. I saw the tundra below and the mountains in the distance.
I heard the uneven engine roar so loudly we couldn't converse during the flight.
I had the smell and even the taste of the fuel swirling about the cabin.
I felt the lurching of the plane as we were buffeted by the wild winds.
As we approached the icy runway, I saw the pilot's neck muscles tense. He hoisted himself up by a bar from the ceiling to get a better look. He turned the plane around, and started the decent. We circled around, and made a beautiful landing!
The principal was waiting for us on a 4-wheeler. "I didn't think you'd make it in, the crosswinds are fierce today."
I'm thankful that I know the One who calmed the sea. I know it was by His hand alone that I am here.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
A Curve Ball
The plan was that I would fly into Bethel on Friday evening from Anchorage, and Anna would be returning from the coastal village of Nightmute. Unfortunately circumstances in the village delayed our reunion. It's all good, though: I enjoyed the company of Anna's wonderful housemate, and used the down time to create this blog. And, the Lord saw fit to calm the winds and ease the storm for a couple of hours this afternoon, and Anna walked through the door at around 5:00, just about 24 hours past her original target.
Alaska lesson: Keep your plans flexible, weather can change at a moment's notice!
Alaska lesson: Keep your plans flexible, weather can change at a moment's notice!
Guerrilla Shopping
The village I am going to is not connected to the road system, so things needed are flown in. So, I took a day in Anchorage to do what experienced bush teachers call "Guerilla shopping". I came from Washington with 2 fifty pound suitcases and a cooler loaded with household goods and clothing. (a LOT of fleece!)
Here are details for those who crave them!
Once I got to Anchorage, I bought some plastic storage bins and mailed everything I had brought in the cooler, to free it up for its intended purpose. Alaska has a special shipping rate within the state to accommodate all the remote area residents, so I saved quite a bit mailing what . The post office is also open until midnight, and opens up at 6 am.
I got up at 5 am, and got to the post office to mail those first bins. No lines at 6 am, it was a breeze!
Super Walmart was the next stop. I went to the one that has the Bush Shipping Department. I loaded everything on my list into a shopping cart, and headed to the back of the store. The Bush Shipping Dept. rang up my purchases and for an extra 10%, boxed everything up and shipped it off for me.
I then hit Costco. This was mostly for the items I would carry with me in the cooler: meat, veggies, eggs. But, I did manage to also fill a bin to mail with those shakes I like so well.
Once I had purchased, sorted, shipped, and repacked, I was ready to head to Bethel and see Anna!
Here are details for those who crave them!
Once I got to Anchorage, I bought some plastic storage bins and mailed everything I had brought in the cooler, to free it up for its intended purpose. Alaska has a special shipping rate within the state to accommodate all the remote area residents, so I saved quite a bit mailing what . The post office is also open until midnight, and opens up at 6 am.
I got up at 5 am, and got to the post office to mail those first bins. No lines at 6 am, it was a breeze!
Super Walmart was the next stop. I went to the one that has the Bush Shipping Department. I loaded everything on my list into a shopping cart, and headed to the back of the store. The Bush Shipping Dept. rang up my purchases and for an extra 10%, boxed everything up and shipped it off for me.
I then hit Costco. This was mostly for the items I would carry with me in the cooler: meat, veggies, eggs. But, I did manage to also fill a bin to mail with those shakes I like so well.
Once I had purchased, sorted, shipped, and repacked, I was ready to head to Bethel and see Anna!
Alaska? Really?
I mailed my application for Alaska teacher certification on March 1, prayerfully considering seeking a teaching position in the future. F-A-S-T forward: Certification received, a position opened up for the last weeks of school; pack, pack, pack; shop, shop, shop; and here I find myself in Alaska!
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