"I like my job because it involves learning. I like being around smart people who are trying to figure out new things. I like the fact that if people really try they can figure out how to invent things that actually have an impact."
~Bill Gates
I've been in sunny Bethel, Alaska the last 3 days for the annual Lower Kuskokwim School District, www.lksd.org ,"New Teacher Training" Eric informed me before I left the village that it would be similar to 'your freshman orientation at college'. Wow was he right! All these new teachers mostly from the lower 48 have flooded the little town of Bethel http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethel,_Alaska and everyone here knows it. The two grocery stores have stalked up on fresh produce and munchies so when we swarm them to load up our coolers to drag out to our respective villages, they won't run out too soon. Yes, it's true prices are a little higher. 
Tundra is a lot flatter. And the sun is very shy up here. But the district isn't letting that influence its newest hires...they've brought out the big guns or rods to show the rookies what the 'reel' Alaskan experience is all about. 
After the first day, 8 solid hours of information overload, they gave us the proper location to process it all (that's of course if you had time between reeling in Silvers and Kings!). Several of the Bethel High School Teachers offered their expert 'guide' services, boats, roads and precious time to any newbie (with a license) that would like to try their hand at fishing. 
We (my new friends Micah from Oklahoma and Cory from Washington) scored big time when we ended up in the very capable hands and boat of the Dean of Students: Billy. 
Not only did he take us on a fully outfitting fishing trip and tour up the Kuskokwim and Kuskokong River, but he took us back to his home, filleted our fish then his lovely wife, Lynette mixed up a dry brine (you'll have to meet them to get the recipe:) and they smoked our salmon their smoker! He went out of his way and brought each of us smoked salmon the day we were leaving to our villages. What a treat to take home. 
They district bought everyone pizza to take back to our villages as well, now that's quite a to go order, eh? I also got to visit with my friend, Ann who has a job in Bethel. We rented a movie one night and had popcorn with her roommate at her apartment. Thankful to know people in Bethel! Well enjoy the pics and I'll be in touch. Much love!"He handed out gifts above and below, filled heaven with his gifts, filled earth with his gifts. He handed out gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor-teacher to train Christ's followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ's body, the church, until we're all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God's Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ."
Ephesians 4:11-12
Hey Kid, I want to know how the all the inservice is going and does it all count toward your professional development hours?? You look like you are livin' the dream!! Great pictures!! Take Care and God Bless Always!!
ReplyDelete