and back to Africa:)

It feels so good to be back on this continent after a year's absence. Even if it is on the other end, it feels so right:) But it almost wasn't so. Getting here was quite the challenge- 20 hours of flights that came after the noted trip below.

After many prayers and helpers...I was able to make it out on time last Wednesday with my roommate Amy and my dog to make all of my flights.

However, it was not an easy feat. It started with a quick phone call that Wednesday morning to verify that we were on the schedule to fly out with Era and that they were sending a six seater so my dog and his crate would fit. Of course, even after two previous phone calls verifying the flight just days before, we were NOT on the schedule. Funny how that happens out in the bush. But I still appreciate Era b/c they definitely made up for it in the long run. So- after a few moments on the phone, we were placed on the schedule again, but unfortunately no flights were going out b/c of the heavy fog that had rolled in over night. This made four of us teachers very nervous due to the fact that we all had flights with important connections. I personally needed to make a 7 o'clock flight out of Bethel, with a two hour layover in Anchorage that gave me just enough time to drop my dog off in cargo land and back to the airport to check in for my flight to Seattle. My roommate stayed on task as we had to check out from our classrooms and the apt, while I called my parents and notified them of the possible changes.

So- we completed our sign out list and got all the necessary signatures to be released from the school, said our goodbyes to the staff and parents that really made a positive impact on my life while in Nunap, and then onto the post office where we both needed to send off the last of our packages. It was all good until we were told that yesterday something jammed up the system and  I had no cash on me to pay for the bill. Cue frustration face. Interesting how things tend to fall apart two hours before we were to take off. Thankfully after a few phone calls- it was determined that a check could be used. Cue happy face.

Whilst this was all going on, the sun began to shine and I heard planes flying in the air. When we noted the good  change in weather, our spirits lifted and we finished up rather quickly and we were then on our way. Bogarts crate and all of our stuff made it onto the boat with the help of Nate and Rachel ( two teacher of the five teachers that really showed me this year what it means to give of their time without thinking twice.) And off across the river to the airport. Within 15 minutes our flight arrived and with some out of the box thinking ( Bogarts crate was used to store some of our luggage ) we made it on time into Bethel. After checking in for our next flight ( Era didn't charge me for my dog's flight and they even charge me less for my chartered flight)- we met up with two more teachers from our village and had one more meal together.

All set to go on the Anchorage flight at 7 p.m and I am a happy camper. Once I arrived it was a mad dash to the ticket counter to check in and then a phone call for a friend to come and pick me up as the cargo company forgot I was on the schedule to be picked up- lovely, right? Thanks to a good friend from my college days,  I was picked up, and taken to the place where Bogart needed to be dropped off. Of course the drama wasn't over just yet as the company looked at Bogart's crate and said that it was too large to go on the plane. Now I am not stupid. I made sure that his crate size was acceptable with both companies- the airline and the cargo company. But they took pictures and sent them to the loading dock, and then they made me call the airline and verify the size. I was very nervous at this point simply b/c there was nothing I could do at that point but beg and plead the point that if he fit on a 207, surely he will fit on this plane. After 20 minutes of making phone calls and measuring the crate many times, the cargo company said that they would see what would happen. So off Bogart went, and myself as well, not knowing if he would make it on the plane.

Thankfully my mother asked my family to pray throughout this entire trip that we would eventually land in Seattle, dog, bags, and all, and thankfully we did. It was quite the trip home. But I am now sitting in a friend's home in South Africa soaking up the warm winter sun after a weekend of viewing some of God's amazing animals with no fences between me and them. What an amazing "reward" after a challenging year in Alaska.

Last Day of School

It's finally here!!!

 The last three days have been a blur of cleaning, organizing and preparing the house/classroom for the arrival of new teachers. 

That is why it was so good to be apart of the upper grades  "Nunapitchuk NYO End of School" event. Nate and Rachel thought of ending the last day of school with athletic events that give everyone an opportunity to exercise and chat it up along the way. I had a blast taking pictures and even trying out some of the events myself. Unfortunately all my pics are on another computer at this time:(

And when the day was over, I said not "good bye" to my students, but instead, "Later- I'll catch up with you next year" as a lot of these guys will participate in the sports events and travel to different villages. Not only that, but it is very easy to see some of them in passing at the airport. 

That being said- I did hear a few quiet good-byes and thank yous. My favorite being the last one from a girl that never ever ever ever ever speaks, ever. I got a quiet, " I will miss you." That was the perfect ending to my last day of school that wraps up my first year of teaching in rural Alaska.

huh...

I wish I could just take a broom and sweep this ice away.

For better or worse...

til school comes to an end, I will rejoice in the moments that surprise me and move past the ones that frustrate me.

A few of the moments that surprised me:

Jarrett brought me a bird that he brought back from his hunting trip yesterday.

It was the perfect thing to receive today as it is Cultural Day today (put on by those that are not from around here- go figure) and I learned a lot from this gift- noted in the videos.

** Note to all that watch it..I am squirmish about such things, but happy about the opportunity to hear my kids talk about it.

https://vimeo.com/42593908

And after this morning unexpected gift, Cultural Day was off to a great start in that my classroom was cleaned up by some of my 6th graders ( I had 10 show up today).









I really enjoyed hanging out with them and just creating as the day went on. Lots of time together provided some interesting topics of conversation, and it really made me thankful to be their teacher.

In the morning, my classroom was to be used to create Dream Catchers. As you can see from the picture, not many of them took their Dream Catchers home (there really isn't a strong sense of ownership) , but it was more about spending time w/ some of my students than anything else.
















I was still a little surprised to hear that the local community members that were asked to come and create drums/ fish nets either did not show up, or showed up way after we started, but I was amazed at how many teachers ( that did what they can to make this a relaxing day for the students ) just let it roll off like water off a duck's back. Flexibility is a definite must out here.

There was a lot going on when a lot of the students started to wrap up their beading, masks,bird houses, etc. and it got a little crazy there for a minute, but that is where America's Home Videos comes in to save the day. With the exception of two students throwing the gauntlet down, things were ok, and the kids enjoyed watching the show. And man alive! I am grateful for the early release- 3 pm.

Now onto finishing up the grades and packing a little more:)

I woke up at 4 ish this morning and took the dog out for a few minutes and while we were outside walking around, I kept hearing some strange cracking noises and every once in a while a loud pop.
Well, now I know what was going on...finally our side of the river is cracking up!

I'd like to see it all move down river, but one of our school aides stated that the middle is still thick as all get out.

While all of this is happening outside of the home, inside it's a PARTY! We are still working on making sure the apartment is ready for its new tenant - it was nice to come into a clean apartment last August. And it is just a good feeling to know that summer is almost here!

Bogart joining in and making some noise.

Good News...... After yesterday I only have two more days of school left!

Bad News....First, I have to survive until then.  :)

SERIOUSLY!  What makes the last two weeks of school so tough.

The kids start are just plain TIRED of being cooped up inside!! I am just plain tired-lol.

It's a beautiful day...

Almost at the finish line of completing my first year in teaching in rural Alaska.  I have heard a few state that they are quite ecstatic about being free to hunt and free to sleep. I can get on that bandwagon, too.

Last full day of teaching....

Finito!

A little cleaning, a little bit of the movie The Adventures of Tintin, and an assembly wraps this day up 30 minutes before we normally let out.

My classroom is pretty much packed up thanks to my students that showed up today. Most of them received a giant cookie ( all organic) that I baked for them, and were pretty wrapped up in organizing and boxing things up for me. The strange thing was that every so often I would see "I will miss you" notes placed strategically around the room. And what was even stranger than that was that it was written by different students. So not what I was expecting considering how   little  positive feedback I received from my students throughout the year. But man- what a good feeling... and it was even nicer to see my students doing so well throughout the assembly and needing few reminders to behave as it was about 90 minutes long.  The ceremony was open to the community, and there was a group of parents present, but I was just hoping for more to show up. Perhaps next year, right?

Not too shabby of  a day, though, all in all. Now only a 1/2 day to finish off the week with two cultural days to follow. I feel pretty good about how much of my checklist is nearly checked off.

To snow go or boat?

Apparently both can still be used at this time. The river still has an ice path strong enough to support a few more travelers.

But to see the river's muddy waters once again brings me a sense of relief...I no longer have to worry about the break up date:)

Quote of the Day:

A second grader was dumping out the pencil sharpener shavings into a trash can all while saying in a frustrating manner,

"Aw... there's still pepper in there!!!"

When we thought it was all over...

the D.O. drops a bomb on us this week, and states that we need to administer one more test- the DRP ( Degree of Reading Power).

I have currently ten out of my nineteen students present, with two other them already asleep after attempting to answer the first ten of the sixty questions.

Goodness gracious. Last minute tests are never a good thing, esp. with only half of the student population is representing ( and not all are firing on all four cylinders) at the end of the school year.

But the good news is that we are all one week away from...
no more tests
no more desks
no more  tardiness

no more "cheaps"
no more "whys"
no more "I am going to do this assignment on the fly"

no more screams
no more yells
no more behavior extremes


But I also have only one week left of spending time with the class that has literally taught me that after 9 years of teaching, I still have a lot to learn about teaching in a cross-cultural setting. I find that out in rural Alaska, it's not about what happens out and about in the community... it's what happens in this very classroom day in and day out.  I was brought to my knees in many instances and floored by all that was happening around me from DAY 1... and I am still saying to myself on a number of occasions, "Did that just really happen?" But it is by the grace of God that I am about to finish this year off with enough knowledge to start next year off hitting the ground running:)

I now know a little more of :

-the importance of when to dig in the heels and when to just walk away.
-when to sit and listen and when to speak into something.
-when to be serious and when throw on America's Funniest Home Videos.
-when to be by myself, and when to walk into the first grade classroom and observe the little ones to just gain some additional insight. 


Five more days....and then seventy more days of rest...and then back to reality of it all.

Last full week.

River is thawing out and I am ever so grateful for this! I was able to enjoy the sights and the sounds yesterday while I was resting at home trying to down as many nutrients as I could to kick yet another chest cold. Not fun considering that I have only this week left in my classroom and I really should be here with my students.
While they were working at school, I was at home watching  as some of the locals were ice fishing and testing their snow gos on the part ice/part slush/mostly water paths to the other side of the river.
It was quite the show.

Today and the rest of the week will consist of putting together awards for my students for their assembly on Thursday, sending a few more boxes home, working on a few more grades, and packing the classroom up.

It doesn't feel like the last week of school as it is still chilly here and I associate the last week of school with warm weather and winds. But the nice bright sunshine will do- for now:) 

Getting near the end.

HOT DOG- only one more week of teaching!!!

I cannot wait to begin my summer travels as things are slowly starting to pick up around here. There has been a lot of testing, and end of the year assignments/ staff meetings like no other and strange behavior to top it off- that is for another time!

 Winter is still holding on as we had strong, cold winds last night and I am back to wearing my down coat.

But that doesn't stop the festivities. The community came to school today to celebrate  the graduation of three students. It was good to see  joy on the faces of family members of those that were able to put on the cap and gown. Graduation rates are so low out here and it is quite the accomplishment to complete all of the high school requirements.

During the ceremony Amy and I put up a "photo" board for prom, and whether or not it will be used...it was good fun to be creative with a bulletin board. There are so many times that I have wanted to put up creative, colorful boards up on the wall, but things are so easily ruined here and I just hate to see torn paper on the walls. It was quite the revelation to put up the Beverly Hills Hotel on the board ( Hollywood theme) and have parents ask me where that place is located. My face lit up and I wanted to share with them that it is a hotel located on Sunset Blvd- an amazing street with so many things to do and see....but I know that what is extremely exciting for me may not be for someone else, so I just said California.

After working on that board- Amy and I took off as we were ready to head home and rest.  Everyone is wrapping up the year including many of the students who do not find a reason to come to school at all now that testing is over.

BUT there was a heartwarming experience today when one of my students asked if I was to return next year. I replied, " Are you going to miss me?" Knowing this particular student, I was expecting a "Heck no!" But it floored me to hear him say, "Maybe. Are you going somewhere?" I stated that Toksook Bay is my next destination, and of course, my very intellectual yet strong headed student that gave me a run for my money this year yelled out that his aunt lives there and that he'd liked to go to school there.

Let's just say that one could here a pin drop it got so quiet. I looked at him and proceeded to shake my head repeatedly back and forth signaling NO. We left it there after  I saw a giant smile cross his face.

So that is where we are at: Slushy snow, one week to go of teaching, and hopefully a warmer weekend. Cheers!

Oh, what a beautiful day!

The sun is bright.
The sky is blue.
The birds are about.

People are out and about. Got some VPO's checking out the river status.

And pretty soon these boats will be put to good use.

And this one is ready to join a hunting party...the birds are calling his name.

Bones in the Backyard.

It's always nice when Bogart finds treasures in the backyard. Like this, for instance...his new "bone." 

Someone kindly left this giant animal leg behind our home. Nice, right? We now have a new route for our evening walks- all in the opposite direction.

Crack up.

We are seeing more and more large cracks in the river. It is my hope that this all happens safely and quickly so that way we all have an easy way across the river in 2 1/2 weeks when we break for summer vacation.

Winter to Winter.

When the winter weather holds out here like it has...
snow falling, wind blowing, temperatures changing,
I find that my kids and their  attitudes (as well as my own) reflects the weather's strange behavior. When you have a student that flips out when having to solve the problem 11 divided by 6- rips the paper to shreds and then takes off like the wind....you know the school year just needs to be over.

They are SO ready for summer break, and I am just ready for warm weather.
Forget vacation...I just want to see the boardwalk again, feel the sunshine on my face w/out the snot freezing in my nose, and be able to take my kids all outside without them saying, "It's too cold!!!"

 Caitlin is hopeful that next week will be warmer & perhaps we can get our students together for a few rounds of hoops to keep them motivated in the late mornings...hopefully being the operative word. I am still averaging 1/2 my students with another round of strep rolling through-please pray for my health as I would like to avoid that at all costs;)

Movement!

So this morning we r/c this email:



Hello______________,

I'm up in Napaimute monitoring the break-up here.  The ice moved through this afternoon - starting around 3:00 and stopped an hour later.  The water has come up 5 inches in the last three hours.  There is a large open expanse of water upriver 1/4 mile.  I put a post on Napaimute's web site - http://napaimute.org/

and I am kind of excited to see what our part of the river looks like when we start seeing some movement. I understand that villages can be put into danger if the ice builds up and floods the surrounding area, but it is my hope that that will not be the case for this year.