Waqaa-Welcome to Quinhagak Everybody

"Home is where you start from." T.S Elliot

I'm here in Quinhagak with some of the most wonderful people north of Canada. Above is my house, come on over anytime you are in the neighborhood. Saturday, I had a rough first day, tired, homesick, and just slightly overwhelmed. Thank you to all my family and friends who were on the receiving end of my needing to hear a familiar voice that day. Your prayers were heard and I felt them almost immediately. Sunday I woke up rested and to the tolling of the church bell, at which point I slipped on my rubber boots, trudged out into the rain and over to the church. I later found out that my rubber boots identified me as a seasonal worker at the 'fish plant'. I was asked a few times if I worked there and was a little confused. Anyway, the entire spirit uplifting service was in Yupik! I understood very little, but the songs and words were so beautiful. I recognized a few of the tunes. One kind man handed me a hymnal that had the english words to the song we were singing. It was called I Know Jesus Leadth Me, the words couldn't have been more perfect. I was choking back tears but landed right in the arms of Fannie the piano player on exiting the church. She hugged me, welcomed me to Quinhagak, insisted I come over and have lunch with her family (which she assured me was my family as well). A few laughing and crying hours later, several cups of coffee,a bowl of her homemade chicken noodle soup (yum), and at least 3 different kinds of smoked fish (double yum)and they had me feeling a whole lot more at home. What a gift! An honest to goodness answer to prayer! She was sent by God with the best hugs and laughs in the village! From there my Principal Eric and his wonderful wife, Sherry and kids, Addy and Einer welcomed me into their home. I'm sure they were a little worried I might jump the next plane back to Anchorage. Not going to say the thought didn't cross my mind. The only reason being that change is hard, its scary going to a new place that is far away, different from what you are used to and where you don't know anyone. It basically equals 'culture shock'. This was my emotional state Saturday after I stepped out of the 6 seater plane onto the gravel runway of the wide open tundra and hitched a ride the 3 miles into Quinhagak with the local family I flew in with. Anyway, later Sunday, Sherry invited me to go with her to mush their dog team behind the four wheeler. That was a blast and I might even be adopting one of the dogs. Stay tuned. Today Jim, Steph (my neighbors and teachers) and I fished the Kanetok River and caught 6 silvers! Steph was the angler of the day reeling in 3 fighters. Jim was busy tending to my snagged and snapped lines so was only able to haul in 2 and I managed to land 1! My first silver! I am in Bethel right now for new teacher training hence my internet access. I don't have internet at my house yet but should be getting it soon. Here are some pics from our flight in to Bethel this afternoon. David, who was the other passenger pointed out the heart shape in the tundra, then he added "Love is in the air." Funny. Enjoy! I miss you all! But am enjoying my new home:)

"Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless-cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help." 1 Peter 4:8-10