Alaska At Last

An Epilogue

2011-05-22T19:30:00.000-07:00

Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.

~Dr. Seuss

Quinhagak, Alaska


Our Tundra

In a 207 Over Western Alaska

I maybe in Anchorage but guess what? That just means so are you:)
....And they all lived happily ever after:)
The End

I thank my God every time I remember you.

Philippians 1:3

It Takes a Village

2011-05-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

Wherever they go, and whatever happens to them on the way, in that enchanted place on the (tundra) top of the forest, (a big girl) a little boy
and (her dogs) his Bear will always be playing.
Winnie the Pooh
From closing lines of The House at Pooh Corner

"Piurua, Quinhagak I'll miss you."

Well folks all good things must come to an end as is so with our adventures in Quinhagak.

Thank you for sharing in these last two years of this amazing journey with me.

I couldn't have done it without you.

Quinhagak...I'll be back soon. You're never far from my thoughts.

For the last time living here, we will hop a 6 seater and fly away.

It has been an experience of a lifetime. I am forever changed, God is Good.
I'm taking each of you with me in my heart.

I'll be looking forward to hearing from you and visiting when you make it to Anchorage!
You know in the Ojibwe Language there is no word for 'good bye' only words for 'see you later'.
That is what I'm going to use here...'see you later'
Giigiwaabimin Miinowaa Everybody!

When our time was up, they escorted us out of the city (village) to the docks (runway). Everyone came along—men, women, children. They made a farewell party of the occasion! We all kneeled together on the beach and prayed. Then, after another round of saying good-bye, we climbed on board the ship (plane) while they drifted back to their homes.
Acts 21:5

Change

2011-05-19T15:22:00.000-07:00

I have accepted fear as a part of life - specifically the fear of change... I have gone ahead despite the pounding in the heart that says: turn back...
~Erica Jong~

This morning's sunrise when I was letting out the dogs.

Alicia and Connie are abandoning me today. We all walked to the beach last night after taking a steam with Karen and fam. It was our last walk to the Bering together. Alicia unbelievably did not get pulled over while driving the 4 wheel earlier in the evening. I'm forcing Karen and Jerilyn to come over to my house to sit and stare at the empty walls with me tonight. Leave it to Pastor Mark at my church in Wisconsin to post the perfect blog for me to be leaving to...Change. I don't like it, I don't want to do it, but it's life and I better just embrace it. So today we've been wrapping up the last of our rooms...literally, Principal Eric makes us cover everything in paper...looks like something out of one of those scary movies where the house is closed up and haunted. School is eerily quiet with no kids today. We're all rushing around trying to get our check out sheets signed and begin that forward march to the next place. I sent my last box at the post office (well, besides my TV which I refused to send until tomorrow because I'm paying for my dish until then and it will be my only semblance of normalcy in my household, which now has an echo because of the emptiness). Bequeathed my P.O. Box 7 keys to Connie with Fannie's (our postmaster) blessing. Gave Fannie a hug and slinked out the door. Went over to Elena's for her baby's 2 year old birthday feast for lunch. Yum, we had walrus kidney and it was sooooo good. I'm definitely a walrus kidney fan. Some salmonberry akutaq and birthday cake flown in from AC. Quyana Elena for the invite. So I leave tomorrow. I can see the change already. As we all know I don't do well with transitions, not too many of us do, but once I get the hang of things in the big city, I'm praying it will be okay. Haven't decided yet what I will do for the continuation of the blog. Might end it and join the facebook phenomenon, who knows:)
Happy Last Day in Quinhagak Everybody!
(sniffle, sniffle)

On the way to work, my last day.

Happy 2nd Birthday Feast

Me, Elena and Alison

Our Mountains this afternoon.

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?"

Isaiah 43:18-19

(Thanks to Pastor Mark's Blog)

Ready Or Not...

2011-05-18T17:06:00.000-07:00

And by and by Christopher Robin came to an end of things, and he was silent, and he sat there, looking out over the world,
just wishing it wouldn't stop.
Winnie the Pooh-The House at Pooh Corner

A Steam Team

This is a Maqii (Steam House)

We steamed around 10 pm on a school night! Wild and crazy I tell ya, mostly because after you steam you sleep like log which makes getting up in the morning not the easiest task. But we did it because we are leaving and we are determined to seize every opportunity when it presents itself! Quyana Karen and family.

This is Alicia driving Karen's four wheeler back for the 2nd time ever in her life after steaming around midnight. This shot was actually captured only moments before she was pulled over by the Village Police Officer for carrying a rider on the front of 'her' machine (Karen)! Hilarious, this was a the first time any of us including Karen had ever been 'pulled over' in Quinhagak. It basically consisted of VPO Jerome slowly creeping up behind us then along side of us until we were forced to pull over to see who the crazy driver was trying to edge us off the road. Luckily she didn't receive a ticket, just a warning and reprimand for Karen to get off the front and climb on back. Oddly enough you can fit as many people as possible on the back of your 'honda' and not be in danger of getting pulled over. Even though every wheeler in town has a caution sticker posted visibly somewhere that reads: DO NOT RIDE ON REAR BARS OF ATV OR CARRY RIDERS OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT... etc I guess riding in the front is just pushing the envelop a little too much even for Quinhagak:)
Anyway it made all of us crack up at Alicia's expense;)

The Wacky Olympics were back by popular demand! Nice work Steph putting it all together. You can see the human pyramid and the musical chairs team unwrapping of a thoroughly duct taped object below as well. In the end Mrs. Z's Red Bulls walked away with first place (a nacho chips n cheese and sherbert ice cream party!) Yum.

Wacky Olympians

Kevin made popsicles for everyone!

Then There's the Annual Beach Party

We kicked off our shoes, froze our feet in the Bering Sea high tide, ran around in the sand and pigged out on hamburgers and hot dogs cooked over an open fire. We do up the end of the year right around here.

Kuinerrarmiut Elitnaurviat Staff 2010-2011

Kevin, Me, Allison and Company

Roasting Hot Dogs

Tim putting another log on the fire.

My Parka Lives On In Good Hands

Johnny takes 'Beach Picnic' seriously

Rain cleared long enough for a sunny picnic


Smore Smiles

What's left? I have to finish cleaning my house and packing. Beyond that I am T minus 48 hours. At that point Quinhagak becomes part of my past and is no longer my present. Ouch, that is a hard pill to swallow. But what a time is has been. I mean just look at these pics. My cup overflowth.

Shout Out To: Felicia who is taking my position next year! Consider this your torch girl and run with it:) To everyone who has been part of my life here! I will miss you to the moon and back! To everyone who has traveled this road with me through this blog! Quyana, I've felt your good company.
And to God...Quyanaqvaa! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You for it all.

"...Paul left the ship briefly to go to the meeting place and preach to the Jews. They wanted him to stay longer, but he said he couldn't. But after saying good-bye, he promised,

"I'll be back, God willing."

Acts 18:19

But I'm Not Ready!

2011-05-17T09:12:00.000-07:00

Why can't we get all the people together in the world that we really like and then just stay together? I guess that wouldn't work. Someone would leave. Someone always leaves. Then we would have to say good-bye. I hate good-byes. I know what I need. I need more hellos. ~Charles M. Schulz

How lucky (blessed) I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.
~Carol Sobieski and Thomas Meehan, Annie

Head Start Graduation

Connie and I attended the head start graduation on Saturday since we had several of the kiddos as our students this year too. It was adorable as you can imagine. One of our little guys only lasted about 2 minutes in his chair before leaping out throwing off his miniature cap and gown and racing around the gym. Others turned around to chat with their neighbors provided proud parents a great photo opportunity of their backs. Some rolled around on the floor and examined the underneath part of their chairs. Little kids are hilarious. They enjoyed the luxury of the night before's fancy prom decorations to boot. Above is one of my friend's boys, she has 3 and they are all absolutely adorable. Sam didn't graduate this year but his big brother did so he was all dressed up for the occasion:) Sam is in the younger head start however, every time I would go to the head start I couldn't resist visiting with him about his trucks and toys. It took a few times but eventually he'd chatter back to me about what he was doing. Then anytime I would see him around the village we'd smile, visit and wave to each other. Maybe it's because he reminds me so much of my own baby brother Sam but he just stole my heart. His mom Elena, tells me I'm not the only one of course! Anyway you can imagine my delight when Elena came up to me at head start grad and said he wants his picture with me! "Really!" I smiled feeling so special! Well that makes two of us:) Cheese!

So a couple of months ago I felt that tug to learn a song in Yupik to sing before I left Quinhagak. Of course I have a hard enough time pronouncing the simplest words, my students will tell you that, as their most belly rolling laughs have been purely at my feeble attempts to pronounce numbers! So when God gave me 'the tug' I quickly brushed it off certain He must be joking..."I'll just sing something in English, I justified myself." Mercifully 'the tug' remained. Shamefully I continued for a month ignoring it. Then one Sunday during church (I mean after, surely she didn't say it during;) Connie turned to me and said matter of factly, "You should learn a song in Yupik to sing at church before you go." Ok, Rachel if you won't listen to the still small voice maybe you'll listen to an audible one God seemed to be saying. "I know," I managed then I continued on with the business of living and not addressing His obvious direction. It wasn't because I didn't want to but because I knew I couldn't. I can't even contort my mouth to make the sounds that this language requires, it comes out all garbled and backwards. My response to God?...It's a lovely thought Lord, but you simply must not understand how hard it is to speak this language much less sing in it! I'm much more comfortable with English...ahum, Quyana. The tug continued. The more I defied and argued about the impossibility and how stupid I would make both He and I look the harder the tug. One week left when Connie asked again, "Have you picked a song?" Truth was I knew the song all along I. It was the only song that was sung in English that very first Sunday in Quinhagak when I was mistaken for a fish plant worker because of my boots, when I cried through the service and had wanted to get back on a 6 seater and go home, when I followed the sound of the bell to get to the church, when I met Fannie and Jerilyn, when my journey here truly began. That was the song God was requesting I sing back to my friends in Quinhagak in their native language. It made mysterious beautiful sense but I couldn't even pretend to begin to even fake a song in Yugtan and if I did no one and I mean no one was going to understand me. "Remember how I told you in the beginning I knew you couldn't do it but I could?" God again reminded me, "Well that fits here too." Tail between my legs, humbled and forgiven, Saturday afternoon before my last time in church I sat down first with one of our 6th grade students to begin the overwhelming process of trying to pick apart the song in the Yupik hymnal into smaller chunks of syllables that made sense in my brain. When she had to go God sent Jerilyn to rescue me. Selflessly she spent 3 hours helping me weed through the rest of the song and be sure I could pronounce the words as best as possible. From there I called on one of my cross country runners and ( recently crowned Prom Queen) Renae to help me sing it. Again for 3 hours we sang it over and over, she agreed to sing it with me in church and it seemed fitting again since the last time I sang at church was with her mom earlier this year. Renae was a Godsend quite literally. Bless her heart she even spent the night at my house so we could be up practicing in the morning before church. I cried through the morning service but managed to make it through, thanks to Renae. Just like that first service in August of 2009 that I cried though. Cayastic Structure Beth Moore would say, like bookends to a season in my life. Wow, I'm going to miss this place and my friends here.

Anyway I had to share because it was a miracle seriously. We were requested to come back and sing at the evening service...so I got all nervous again but I'm thankful God gave me the opportunity and ability to give back. He is so good.

Akkutai Asirtut Kaneryaram

(Where He Leads Me, I Will Follow)

This is the Real Yugtan Version from the Brown Hymnal #230

Akkutai asirtut kaneryaram

Ninerkinrulutingtlu yum irtsakruane

Umyugatlu asirtuk Jesusam

Itlitlu natlunaitlkutaugrkaulune.

CHORUS

Natmun tsiulitranun

Natmun tsiulitlranum

Maligtsikaka

Natmun tsiulitranun

Natmun tsiulitlranum

Maligtsikaka, ang, maligtsikaka

Maligtuluku Jesusak

Nitnirkuktlu Jesusm nasvatlra,

Nitikinrulunetlu kinkame tamin.

Yugunirketlu taminun ilavnun

Itlitlu natlunaitlkutaugarkaulune

Niske kaneryarai taits whangnun

Umyuarniulrianetlu mernuirutsikatse

Maligtakuluku ukferlutin

Ingluarlutintlu anirturtim tunginun.

Below is the Rachel version of Yugtan phonics that Jerilyn painstakingly pronounced over and over with me word by word on Saturday afternoon so I could sing this at church on Sunday as my good bye to the Quinhagak Congregation that I have been able to be part of over the last two years. Anyone who speak Yupik will get a kick out of my hooked on phonics rendition.

Ahk –koo-die ah-ser-dut gah-nugh-yagh-ghum

Neat-nergh-ggun-gggoe-loot-den-shlu you’m Icgh-jaw-kwa-nee,

oom-yoa-ghaw-shlu ah-ser-duk Jesus-aam

ischle-schlu naw-schloon-nie-sch’gut-dow-ghah-gow-loony

neat-nergh-gok-shlu Jesus-aam nuzz-vasch-ha,

Neat-nergh-ggun-gggoe-loo-ne-shlu kin-kam-ee dum-een.

Yough-nigh-geey-shlu dum-ee-noon ee-love-noon

ischlee-schlu naw-schloon-niesch-gut-dow-ghah-gow-loony

nee-ski gah-nugh-yagh-eye die-gee whung-noon

oom-yoagh-new’ll-ghaaa-nee-shlu mugh-new-hut-gee-gaw-gee

mall-igch-dah-goo-loo-goo ook-fugh-loo-den

ing-lawgh-looten-shlu ah-nigh-dugh-dum doo’ng-ee-noon

Nut-moon jew-lisch-ha-noon

Mall-ligch-gee-ka-ka

Nut-moon jew-lisch-ha-noon

Mall-ligch-loo-goo Jesus-aak

The English Translation

This was the version that I heard when I went to church my first full day in Quin. It was really the only English spoken during the service that day.

VERSE #1
I can hear my Savior calling,
I can hear my Savior calling,
I can hear my Savior calling,
"Take thy cross and follow, follow Me."
Where He leads me I will follow,
Where He leads me I will follow,
Where He leads me I will follow,
I'll go with Him, with Him all the way.

VERSE #2
I'll go with Him thro' the garden,
I'll go with Him thro' the garden,
I'll go with Him thro' the garden,
I'll go with Him, with Him all the way.
Where He leads me I will follow,
Where He leads me I will follow,
Where He leads me I will follow,
I'll go with Him, with Him all the way.

VERSE #3
I'll go with Him thro' the judgement
I'll go with Him thro' the judgement
I'll go with Him thro' the judgement
I'll go with Him, with Him all the way.
Where He leads me I will follow,
Where He leads me I will follow,
Where He leads me I will follow,
I'll go with Him, with Him all the way.

VERSE #4
He will give me grace and glory,
He will give me grace and glory,
He will give me grace and glory,
And go with me, with me all the way.
Where He leads me I will follow,
Where He leads me I will follow,
Where He leads me I will follow,
I'll go with Him, with Him all the way.

Karen says she is uploading it to YouTube she recorded us on her phone during the service so that link may be coming soon... stay tuned. Oh wait, this just in, it's here. Click on the link below if you want to hear us sing it in Yugtan. Blessings:)

Click Here To Listen to the song on Youtube

The Pic I snapped of my whole Quinhagak Church Family!

Youth Service Choir Singing Sunday Night

Renae and I after 3 hours of coaching me in Yugtan

"If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast."

Psalm 139:9-10

The Time Of Our Lives

2011-05-16T00:51:00.000-07:00

Another turning point; a fork stuck in the road.
Time grabs you by the wrist; directs you where to go.
So make the best of this test and don't ask why.
It's not a question but a lesson learned in time.
It's something unpredictable but in the end it's right.
I hope you had the time of your life.
So take the photographs and still frames in your mind.
Hang it on a shelf In good health and good time.
Tattoos of memories and dead skin on trial.
For what it's worth, it was worth all the while.
It's something unpredictable but in the end it's right.
I hope you had the time of your life.
Green Day, Time of Your Life

What has been happening in Quin these past few days???

The Alaska State Troopers Came To Talk to the Students

Trooper Windire talks to an attentive crew about safety

Principal Eric and VP Les Get their pic with Safety Bear!

A boat on what's left of the ice on the Kanektok

Then Graduation Festivities...

Quinhagak Graduating Senior Class of 2011

Somebody said that it couldn’t be done,
     But, he with a chuckle replied
That "maybe it couldn’t," but he would be one
     Who wouldn’t say so till he’d tried.
So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin
     On his face. If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
     That couldn’t be done, and he did it.

Somebody scoffed: "Oh, you’ll never do that;
     At least no one has done it";
But he took off his coat and he took off his hat,
     And the first thing we knew he’d begun it.
With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,
     Without any doubting or quiddit,
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
     That couldn’t be done, and he did it.

There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,
     There are thousands to prophesy failure;
There are thousands to point out to you one by one,
     The dangers that wait to assail you.
But just buckle it in with a bit of a grin,
     Just take off your coat and go to it;
Just start to sing as you tackle the thing
     That "couldn’t be done," and you’ll do it.
Edgar Guest, It Couldn't Be Done
Read at graduation to our graduates by Pastor Frank

School Board Reps and Guest Speaker

Kindergarten Grads

Friends

And Prom 2011 "The Time Of Our Lives"

'Running From Grace' and Me

Grace and I Open Up the Prom Salon

All Ya Need is a Lil Hairspray

Nels and Annie

Prom Beauties

Grand March

Kevin's Angels

Principal Eric and Einar

Dakotah, Me and Jerilyn

Dancing the Night away

Twirling

Lonnie and I

Prom Court Royalty

Miss Weaver and Peter

Sherry and Nels

On the Runway

Dressed to the Nines

The Lord bless you and keep you;

The Lord make His face shine upon you,

And be gracious to you;

The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,

And give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

How to Begin to Say Good Bye???

2011-05-13T14:41:00.000-07:00

Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so. One day I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return.

~Mary Jean Iron

Fishing and duck hunting on the Arolik

It's graduation and prom today. Time is flying. This week has been full of scrambling around trying to tie up loose ends, wrapping up lessons and classes just general completing of things, multiple trips to the post office, paperwork, paperwork, and some paperwork. Erin is with us from the DO for the last time this week:( A welcomed visitor and friend. We ran to the Arolik Wednesday night with the pups and then out to the cell phone tower last night around 10:30 pm! At bible study they surprised me with a little farewell party which I nearly slept through had Steph not come over to my house and woke me up in time to go. Tak has been trying to bounce around my room all night playing instead of sleeping which he had been doing so well. I kenneled him last night since the night before neither Erin nor I got much sleep because of his nocturnal energy. Let's see what else can I tell you about. I had a note stuck to the outside of my door the other day from one of my students, the funny part? It was stuck to the door with chewed gum...rather ingenious I thought:) Yep, it's just happening...time is going away from me. Oh, read a great book by Todd Burpos "Heaven Is For Real" get it, if you want an inspiring, easy read. Kevin (our amazing speech path) is here again this week too. He had the kids all put their fingerprints on a paper with a precious letter to me...made me cry and of course I've got make up on today for graduation and prom. Go figure. I've been doing that a lot lately...crying, I just don't know when it's going to sneak up on me. I'm gonna miss this time in my life, kinda makes my stomach sick, that yucky homesick feeling. We all have things like that. I think back to when I first arrived crying...it appears to have come full circle...It seems I will leave doing none other than crying.
I am a big baby, I might as well embrace it.

A couple from Quin plucking ducks they caught.

The Kanektok Open Again

Across the melting tundra.

A Hug From Quinhagak - With Open Arms

"I kneel in prayer to the Father. All beings in heaven and on earth receive their life from him. God is wonderful and glorious. I pray that his Spirit will make you become strong followers and that Christ will live in your hearts because of your faith. Stand firm and be deeply rooted in his love. I pray that you and all of God's people will understand what is called wide or long or high or deep. I want you to know all about Christ's love, although it is too wonderful to be measured. Then your lives will be filled with all that God is. I pray that Christ Jesus and the church will forever bring praise to God. His power at work in us can do far more than we dare ask or imagine. Amen."

Ephesians 3:14-21

Roundin' That Corner To Homestretch

2011-05-09T16:42:00.000-07:00

If they could see how the sun's setting fast,

And just like they say, nothing good ever lasts

Well, go on now and kiss it goodbye,

But hold onto your lover,

'Cause your heart's bound to die,

Go on now, and say goodbye to my town, to my town.

I can see the sun's going down on my town

Good night... good night..."

- Iris DeMent sings "Our Town" for last episode of Northern Exposure

Spring Bike

Tak - Early February 2011

Tak (born 1/6/11) Yesterday 5/7/11 - 42 pounds!

Sleepover Party IV

We met at my house at 7:00pm Friday night.

21 Slumber partiers get to try on Prom Dresses

21 sleep overers help the Zylstra's with a garbage run

There was a steady stream of knocks followed by little ones dragging plastics (bag) full of sleeping attire into the house ready for the party to begin. I lost count around 16 and thought it wise to just pray that when all was said and done the right amount would be sleeping.

Spec Ed room turned Dressing Room

Dressin Up what little girls do best

Having already given away all the kid stuff at my house last weekend I decided we would spend the early evening hours at the school. The surprise: the little ones got to try on the real prom dresses which are currently being housed in the special ed room. My room looked like a tornado hit within the first 5 minutes of our arrival. " I feel like a princess!" "Me too!" I overheard conversations. "Oh, you are sooo pretty!" "How beautiful!"

They recruited Carl and Randy to join

" Can we wear these to Prom????"

Spec. Ed. Room turned Theater

"Well girls," I frowned feeling their pain, "I hate to say it, but you are too young to go to prom this year but soon enough you will be able to go. Then you sure can wear these dresses to prom. For now you can enjoy playing dress up." About 10 outfit changes later they were tiring of the fashions show and we settled in to watch The Neverending Story on the Smart Board.

"Who wants to sleep on Rachel's floor?"

Popcorn made, bean bags hauled in, the girls finally snuggled in.

21 Slumber Partiers slept everywhere

Unfortunately the story did end, we cleaned up, wandered out into the 11:30 pm sunshine and loaded into the suburban (an unspecified number of us) and headed to my house where I was unsure if we would have enough sleeping quarters to accommodate 21, 5-9 year olds. As fate would have it much like the bread and fish that fed 5000...my little trailer housed 21 kids, 2 dogs and me!

In the living room, on the couch

Even in the laundry room

We painted nails and drank enough kool aid to dump the honey bucket twice! Whew!

And when the last one finally fell asleep I thanked God then did the same. We woke in the morning to a knock on my door! Traci To the Rescue! Traci had hopped a plane from Eek (not an easy feat in and of itself see my Thanksgiving post back in November for more details on intervillage travel) and blessed us with her presence. She was like an angel walking in. She a great laugh at the sight of me, which I do not blame her I would have too, my hair flying every which way, rubbing the sleep out of my eyes, trying to orchestrate 21 groggy house guests stumbling over each other to pack up blankets, eat a granola bar breakfast and search for lost phones, all without my morning coffee.

Under the table, on the chair, on the bench, under the tree...

In the kitchen

"Well Hello Slumber Party! Good Morning!" She cheerfully greeted hauling her back pack into the entry as she did so many times last year when she was our SIOP coach. She in Quin at least once a month last year (how we became such good friends in the first place) but this year she is back in Eek teaching so this trip was very special as it was her first one to Quinhagak all year and sadly the last one she'd be making for me:) "I'll put the coffee on," she giggled and spent the next 45 minutes helping get the girls out the door. A Godsend! Here's To Good Friends! Good Coffee! and Good Mornings...Quinhagak:) Quyana Trac!

And we all survived to tell about it..

Collecting our Tundra Tan

After the girls had sleepily meandered out the door, several cups of coffee had been drunk, pancakes eaten and highlights of conversation been started we decided to go for a hike!

Traci comes to visit from Eek!

Enjoying the de-iced Bering Sea...1st tide I've seen this sprin

As I said Traci hadn't been to Quin this year and was itching to get out to the beach...that we did. Left at 2:30 pm in our extra tuffs (not quite what you would deem hiking boot material) but in the mucky water of the melting beach and tundra we really had no other choice.

My boys having fun on the tundra

For 8 miles we hiked in our rubber boots all the way down the beach to the Arolik River (something I have never done by foot on the beach the entire way). It was a treat because not only was the day warm enough but for the first time this spring the tide was rolling in the form of WATER!!!! It was like witnessing the Bering Sea have it's heartbeat return after being jumped back to life with paddles! CLEAR!!!

Out with the Snow go in with the "Sand Go"

Ani and Tak played the entire trip and when we all stumbled back into the house around 6:30 pm both of my little furballs plopped down on their bed and slept for 4 hours!

Meanwhile Traci and I lounged around munching on purchased we'd gotten at the store earlier in the day. It was a wonderful unexpected retreat with great company. Of course I was all sad again on Sunday night when I had to say another good bye to a dear friend knowing it would never be exactly like this ever again.

Our Beach Spring 2011

The Interview

During an interview with a prospective employee...we (the staff) always try to ease the trepidation that an applicant rightly feels when considering coming to our neck of the tundra to teach as we've all been in those exact same shoes. Fears about...honey buckets, bush planes, isolation, food, friends, cultural and community nuances etc. This is what we were attempting to do on Friday afternoon with a great candidate who would be a sure fit out here taking my position (keep in mind on Friday afternoons we aren't always on the top of our game after giving 150% all week long) so when Principal Eric made a futile attempt to share that we all understood what this candidate was feeling by throwing out, "...yeah, you know, we all have those ultimate fears that we dread ever happening, like that phone call from home saying that your dad died.." It was slow motion as the rest of us sitting in the meeting waved madly signing stop, cut, do not continue!!!! NOOOOOooooooo we mouthed hoping he hadn't just sealed the deal for our potential new hire! Allison swooped into the talking seat bumping a very obviously worn out Principal Eric and tried to salvage the conversation. We had to laugh after wondering what the applicant's thoughts were after and hoped that we had won her over with the overwhelming positives to embracing an adventure of this caliber.

Cup of Coffee a Teacherly Weapon

Unbeknownst to me, one of my students chose to lay on the floor one day last week instead of sitting in his chair. As I rounded the blue matt (partition) I bumped into the unexpected empty chair next to him, accidentally dropping my coffee cup on his face. "Ahhhhhh!" I shrieked! "Owwwwww!" He howled. "You got bad luck!" my other students chimed in. "Are you okay???" I asked him still rolling around on the floor. I knew my coffee was luke warm at best, I never drink it hot and it had been sitting out all morning. But the cup had bounced off his face. He got up holding his lip which was bleeding. "Oh, man" we both whined in unison. He headed to the bathroom and washed himself off, we checked him out and he was thankfully fine. We called mom and dad to inform them of our fiasco, dad said wasn't surprised, thanked me for the call and assured me he'd be fine and reminded me of his recent recovery from a black eye his little brother had accidentally given him too. My student's only request? "Can I get a new shirt, I hate the smell of coffee." Scary moments in teaching.

Kids say the darnedest things...

I had just put on my running gear and was headed out for a jaunt when a couple of my younger students strode up to the house hoping to visit. "Not tonight," I apologized as I shut the door and trotted down the steps, "I'm going running." They followed me out onto the road watching to see what I'd do... "Hum," Tyrone observed obviously looking at my backside, "Well if you're so skinny then why is your butt so fat??" Evidently my running pants aren't flattering and Tyrone defines running and skinny as synonyms. Trying not to be shocked at this very unassuming non-sugar-coated comment, I responded, "Well, Tyrone it's really not nice to tell someone their butt is fat or to even talk about their butt at all." "Well it is though", he argued this time pointing in case I had misunderstood, "Look at it." "Hum," well I don't have to look at it because it's behind me and anyway then it's a good thing I'm going running. "Okay, well can we go with you?" they were on to the next topic, drawing the impromptu failed social skills lesson to a close. Off we all jogged toward the dump.

Graduation & Prom 2011

It's here. The week they've all been waiting for since the beginning of high school. Graduation! We have six senior boys graduating this year. Each of whom, will be sorely missed by students and staff alike. Congratulations Boys! Go out in to that world and do great things!


2011 Kuinerrarmuit Elitnaurviat Seniors

The Girls Picking Out Prom Dresses

America's Next Top Models

We've also had lots of girls in trying on all the donated dresses from Steph's Church in Nebraska, my church in Wisconsin, Megan Baldino and friends from downstates and Allison Kirchoff. We have managed to collect quite a selection. Stay tuned for the updates of how prom pans out.

Sherry's Birthday Last Week at Bible Study

Happy Birthday Pie to Sherry

Spring Winds

Let's go fly a kite!

Jerilyn's girls on their new bikes!

The store got a shipment of kites in this week. The kids were out running around this weekend with masses of kites hovering over the village. Fun.

Shout Out to All Mothers:

Happy Mother's Day Yesterday!

A song of ascents.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—

where does my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD,

the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—

he who watches over you will not slumber;

indeed, he who watches over Israel

will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD watches over you—

the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

the sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep you from all harm—

he will watch over your life;

the LORD will watch over your coming and going

both now and forevermore.

Psalm 121

I Can See It From Here

2011-05-05T18:39:00.000-07:00

"Who is Chris Stevens? Who AM I? Who are any of us? Are we one person fixed at birth? Do we grow like a snowball coming down the mountainside of life, or can we change, shed our skin? A caterpillar becomes the butterfly, leaving the remains of his former self behind. I look at my yearbook photo--Wheeling Central Catholic High School, Class of 81--and I wonder who that stranger is. Dang if I know. Maybe that's the point, maybe we're not supposed to know, maybe that's what this earthly joy ride's all about. Like Robert Frost said, 'We dance round in a ring and suppose, But the Secret sits in the middle and knows.'"

-Chris In the Morning, Northern Exposure

Feliz Cinco De Mayo! I can't say we are having any fiestas up here but the thought did occur after Mike called this morning and reminded me. All that unraveled today was what I coined "Blood and Tears" De Mayo! Maybe something was in the water, or it could be the circle around the sun right now but I had several cryers and two bleeders. What a peculiar day! I suppose that's just fitting considering last night's fiasco down on the beach. It was such a glorious evening I just wanted to run toward the mountains with the sun on my face, dogs at my feet, wind in my hair... you can picture the scenario. I failed to take into account however the multitude of mini-rivers springing up from the melting tundra snow, flowing down across the beach toward the sea. It was these trickling cascades of water that were washing away not only the solid beach ice but also the frozen gritty sand that had been deceivingly keeping me surefooted. Of course about 1/4 mile down the beach the previously sloppy but sandy surface morfed into a slick, slip n slide and yup, you already know, out went my feet from under me and slam to my knee. "OOOOOWWWWeeee", I whimper scrambling to my feet and looking around to see if anyone witnessed my gracefulness. Nope, just the dogs and they seemed unphased, galloping about slapping the silty, wet mud all over each other. But it was such a beautiful night that I couldn't let one little fall stop me from inhaling my surroundings...I got up and kept on trucking until....splat! Wham! Down again on the same knee! 'Kneedless' to say I didn't jump up again as quickly that time. Ouuuuch! I stumbled forward and for some unintelligent reason decided to keep on going...until Swoosh! Smack! AHHHHH! Yep, that was my other knee. I laid there in the mud for a moment trying to identify why I had thought it was a good idea to continue on. Through the pain I was relieved that nobody saw me. Attempting to climb to my feet, mud from head to toe futilely wiping at it only succeeding in smearing it everywhere, I winced to myself and looked up. To see the chuckling, smile filled face of a local hunter who had enjoyed a front row seat to my stupidity here in the middle of nowhere. Of course, I wallowed around a bit longer hoping the pain would lessen. I offered a feeble wave and motioned that I would be limping back momentarily, yep just as soon as I could hobble to my feet again...it was a long, long trip home. Why do I share this story??? Because if it makes you laugh even a little then my black and blue knees weren't for naught.

I'm still at school. It's 6 pm. The girls are trying on prom dresses to get ready for the big day next Friday!

Tomorrow is our final sleep over party at my house. It's gonna be bittersweet! And Traci is coming to visit from Eek so that will be fun! Last time I'm gonna see her until who knows when too... man, I just don't like all these endings.

God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand. I'm an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking. You know when I leave and when I get back; I'm never out of your sight. You know everything I'm going to say before I start the first sentence. I look behind me and you're there, then up ahead and you're there, too— your reassuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful— I can't take it all in!
Psalm 139:1

We're Nearing the End Friends

2011-05-02T12:11:00.000-07:00

How hard it is to escape from places. However carefully one goes they hold you - you leave little bits of yourself fluttering on the fences - like rags and shreds of your very life.

~Katherine Mansfield

7th Annual Singspiration

The village was bubbling every household spilling over with guests. Kids from all around this region and beyond were busy meeting and greeting old friends and making new friends. I did catch the majority of the events but I did go the church this morning and got a beautiful snapshot as the pews were filled and the message was pressing. "Watch and Pray" Pastor Larry reminded us.

Arolik Run

Ali, Riley, Ani, Tak and I made the spring's first jog out to the Arolik River and 8 mile round trip, yesterday. We started out hoofing along in the the sunshine, ran through several downpours that we watched creep toward us across the vast tundra...I'm thinking whoever deemed Montana "Big Sky Country" had never set foot in the tundra of Quinhagak, Alaska. Thankfully we ended with the sunshine returning and warming our chilled bodies. It felt so good to get out.

Walking on Sunshine

Took a walk to the beach today with Terri and Emma. Across the tundra we ooooowed and ahhhhed at the green plants already breaking through the permafrost sprouting toward warmth, splashed through puddles and finally played only the quickly disappearing ice formations at the beach. Little girls and puppies alike had a great time. Dogs are fast asleep now, I can only suspect the girls are in the same form. I would be but I won't sleep tonight if I do;)

Chef Kevin featured at Teacher of the Year's

Kevin our fabulous speech path rode into village last weekend and spiced up the place. He had the kids on survival excursions, cooking desserts, playing games and then made spaghetti for the bible camp kids during Singspiration and for us hosted at Tim's house. Yum. Thanks Kevin. It was a good weekend. Hope yours was too.

Shout Out To:

Adrienne and Lonny Happy Birthdays this weekend!

I've told you this ahead of time, before it happens, so that when it does happen, the confirmation will deepen your belief in me. I'll not be talking with you much more like this because the chief of this godless world is about to attack. But don't worry—he has nothing on me, no claim on me. But so the world might know how thoroughly I love the Father, I am carrying out my Father's instructions right down to the last detail. "Get up. Let's go. It's time to leave here."

John 14:29

Road's Gone Now We Have A River

2011-04-28T17:02:00.000-07:00

You'll look up and down streets. Look 'em over with care.
About some you will say, "I don't choose to go there."
With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet,
you're too smart to go down any not-so-good street.

And you may not find any
you'll want to go down.
In that case, of course,
you'll head straight out of town.

It's opener there
in the wide open air.

~Oh, The Places You'll Go, Dr. Seuss

In the

wide

open

air.

A great shot, notice the drying smelt and ptarmigan

The New Quinhagak River

Impromptu Bridge the Village scrambled to build.

Kids playing in the new river.

"Quinhagak" in Yupik it's name means "A new river channel". Our foundation around this tundra village is all gravel. And this week our new river channel decided to flow right smack dab through the village separating uptown from downtown! The village maintenance crew had to bust out all the big equipment to dig out the path the water was headed through before it eroded more of the road than necessary. From there a make shift bridge was placed over the river. We are no longer driving the magic school bus to work as the bridge is just not quite structurally sound enough to be sure it would withstand our weight.

We also had some vandalism go on the other night, part of which resulted in the office building of the Coastal Villages Regional Fund being set on fire. Several four wheelers were stolen and the 'gas station' (small out building where one can purchase gas during certain hours and days from the store) broken into.

Big trucks, little trucks, and four wheelers

Seems like everyone has been on edge lately, I'm chalking it up to spring fever. We all get a little crazy this time of year, everything changing. Seems everyone is waking up kinda grumpy and groggy from the long winter hibernation. It'll pass. All is well otherwise, the weekend is nipping at our heels and I for one am eager. I have a bit more packing to do;) From the fast melting tundra...this is Rachel saying Pirrua.

Fire at CVRF

Fannie's new tundra efficient prototype home


Me and Terri Under the Table at Fannie's

Shout Out To: Joshua Mac Skime...turning 31 on the 29th! I love you little brother of mine:) Now off you go into your thirties;) Happy Birthday! And to everyone joining us in Quinhagak this weekend for the Annual Moravian Youth Singspiration! The village will be busting at the seams with visitors from all over this region in no time. Welcome To Quin Everybody!

"By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that's not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise." Romans 5:1

Dream a Little Dream With Me...

2011-04-27T23:34:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Hollywood! What's your dream? Everybody comes here; this is Hollywood, land of dreams. Some dreams come true, some don't; but keep on dreamin' - this is Hollywood.

Always time to dream, so keep on dreamin'.

Happy Man Pretty Woman 1990

Quinhagak School Gets a Flag Pole

Culture Week

Tearing Ptarmigan

Making Story Knives

Sewing Eskimo Dolls

If you were here at Quinhagak School this week you would be amazed at the hustle and bustle of cultural activities taking place. In Steph's room they are building dog sleds out of Popsicle sticks with a dog team creation of clay. Moving across the hall into Dora's room they are weaving pot holders. In Grace's room chubby little hands are sewing eskimo dolls. Zig zagging over to

Making Kuspaqs

Ali's room 2 of our community member elders are sewing kuspaqs while the girls are weaving with looms, making pillows and tearing ptarmigan.

That was a sight to behold, downy white feathers flying around the room, each of the girls' heads covered with a light dusting of them, Ali standing a mist the whole shebang orchestrating and futilely trying to blow the floating fragments of wings away from her face before they settled. In Mr. B's room they are carving story knives, I had to laugh as several 6 year olds greeted me at his door sporting safety goggles that looked more like helmets and saws as big as their bodies in hand. All around the room kids are sanding away while Jim has wooden blocks vice gripped to his desk power sawing what would eventually be a story knife. In the high school wing they are hunting, fishing, beading and carving.

Making Dogs and Sleds

Meanwhile in our own room Adam and Moses are building a fish trap. And in the gym Jamie, Connie and Sammie were demonstrating and teaching Native Youth Olympics: Lots going on up at the school this week. Come on up and check it out.

NYO Seal Hop

NYO Arm Hit

NYO Alaskan 1 Leg Kick

Making a Fish Trap

NYO Stick Pull

NYO Stick Kick

A Job in Anchor Town!

Happy to report that I got word yesterday that I did in fact get a job in Anchorage for next school year. Here goes the next step in our Alaskan Adventure. Thank you to all of you who were keeping me in your prayers!

"No matter how much you dream, how much useless work you do,
or how much you talk, you must still stand in awe of God."
Ecclesiastes 5:7

Happyaq Easteraq

2011-04-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

Easter is not a time for groping through dusty, musty tomes or tombs to disprove spontaneous generation or even to prove life eternal. It is a day to fan the ashes of dead hope, a day to banish doubts and seek the slopes where the sun is rising, to revel in the faith which transports us out of ourselves and the dead past into the vast and inviting unknown.

~Author unknown, as quoted in the Lewiston Tribune

"Good Morning Quinhagak!" He begins the morning salutations over the VHF. He was answered by 2 or 3 greetings. Yep I was up early today for the Easter Sunrise Service, pulled on the Xtra Tuffs (snow's been steadily melting these last few days with the rain and everything is soaked) slipped into the army issued parka (my favorite piece of all weather attire;) I plodded out the door.

Spring Thaw 2011 The Flooding Begins

It's still dark at 6:15 am today. I hook up Mutt and Jeff to their respective sets of steps then set out in the direction from which the bell tolls. As one foot steps in front of the other, I'm there again, transported to my first morning in Quinhagak. It was a Sunday, it was raining then too. I had been begging God the whole day and night before to just let me get back on one of those tin cans with wings they call planes and go home to my family. My eyes were red from tears, my stomach sick with the unknown, I stood surrounded by unfamiliar faces. I had followed the bell that day too. The bell which hangs just outside the church in a little building that could look like a really tall outhouse. The bell that is rang before every church gathering. An invitation to us all here in Quin, Come to Church Quinhagak! Jesus loves you:) Crunch, splosh, splish, crunch I splash through the snowy slush toward the road and smile at the thought then offer up a quyana to the Lord for somehow keeping me put, back then in spite of myself. I can see the dark sky starting to glow a lighter shade of blue toward Eek mountain. This place, this road, this walk to the church...it has all become home to me.

A New Lake by the Old Store

I follow Carrie and Elena in, John is holding the door. There are a handful of people scattered among the last 5 pews (nobody really cares to voluntarily sit front and center). I slide in next to Pauline smile and whisper "Happy Easter!" She nods and grins. Jerilyn and Karen walk past and sit in the pew ahead of us. We smile at each other and mouth "Hi!" They are up early too, we all took maqii last night at Liz's... a super hot one, so by all rights we should still be sawing logs. I'm there again almost standing outside myself looking at the deja vue scenario. But this time my eyes are red from last night's hot steam. This time I stand surrounded by familiar faces of my friends. This time my stomach is sick at the realization that This Time of my life is very quickly drawing to an end. In less than one month, I will say good bye to my home in Quinhagak, Alaska and I'm not ready. I'm more scared and nervous to leave this place than I ever was to come here. But these are the journeys that we travel. Unknown, new, different, change everything that is awaiting me on the other side of May 20th, 2011. That's my take off date. Booked the tickets for all of us...Ani, Tak, and myself. I wish life had a set of brakes. I spent last week trying to squeeze in as many interviews in Anchorage as I could. I'm praying for the right job well actually any job at this point. Again I find myself at the 'flying through the air having to let go of one trapeze bar in order to grab the other' phase right now. Unsure if (a) there will even be another bar to grab and (b) if I can get a good enough grip to hang on! Ahhh, but all too well we know these circus events are the same ones that God uses to stretch us, strengthen our faith, increase our obedience. And so at this moment I'm sailing through the air in a free fly...having to let go of one to reach the other. The blessing in all this? I'm taking everyone with me. Quinhagak has taken up permanent residence my heart, property has been staked and it is coming with. Isn't it amazing how much love we can have in our hearts? I don't think there's a maximum capacity and that is a beautiful thing. Anyway we sang a few Yupik hymns, Pastor Chingliak shared the liturgy, we bundled up and made the annual symbolic Easter walk to the grave yard. Then as the sun began to crawl over the mountains masked by the rain clouds, and facing the dozens of painted white wooden crosses jutting out of the mounded graves every which way, we huddled up, sang a few more hymns, and Pastor Chingliak completed the liturgy. Turning to leave we greet each other with a handshake or a hug "Happy Easter". As we walk back along the road to the church I feel sad that this time will be over. Then God reminds me "What is dead will be made alive." I get it. This Time may never be again this side of heaven but what do I know of the next place... Maybe on our way to heaven God will let me walk with my friends in Quinhagak like we did this morning...who knows;) God knows:) Happy Easter Everyone. Hallelujah Christ is Risen!

Running Karen and I started our running regiment again this week since the spring weather is cooperating. What's new? We've temporarily added climbing. Taking advantage of the remaining piles of snow heaped into a miniature mountain range by new housing, we 'climb' them.

This was not here last week!

Snow Pile Islands

Packing My goal was to get at least half my 'stuff' packed up this weekend. Sending it on to Anchor Town this week. I have noticed that've packed a few things I would like not to be packed but I do not have the energy to unpack and repack so I will be going without.

Walking the "Puppy!"

Distributing the kid's playroom (aka spare bedroom aka Mike's room) is totally empty. This weekend when they knocked on the door, "Can we visit?" My response was "As long as you take a minimum of 5 things with you when you leave." The room was cleared out in no time. Word travels fast around here:)

Hunting everyone has been out bird hunting. Jeremy showed up at my door with a swan that was bigger than him. "The birds are back!" he announced with the white feathered proof slung over his back. Yep spring time is trying to pry its way back into the tundra folks.

The Flying V Returns

Ali and Einer

Principal Eric in the Alaskan Tuxedo and Addy

Dennis and Les

Me and Alicia

Allison, Steph, Big Jon & Ali

Marsha and Dennis are hosting the annual Easter dinner at their house this afternoon. Always a fun time. Where ever you might be out there in this world, "Have a Blessed Easter."

Shout Out To: Meg and Cheri! Thank you for generous donation of beautiful dresses sent up to add to our collection for this year's Prom 2011! The girls will love them Quyana:)

Sunset on the the Bering Sea

At noon the sky turned dark and stayed that way until three o'clock. Then about that time Jesus shouted, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" which means, "My God, my God, why have you deserted me?" Some of the people standing there heard Jesus and said, "He's calling for Elijah." One of them at once ran and grabbed a sponge. He soaked it in wine, then put it on a stick and held it up to Jesus. Others said, "Wait! Let's see if Elijah will come and save him." Once again Jesus shouted, and then he died. At once the curtain in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, and rocks split apart. Graves opened, and many of God's people were raised to life. Then after Jesus had risen to life, they came out of their graves and went into the holy city, where they were seen by many people. The officer and the soldiers guarding Jesus felt the earthquake and saw everything else that happened. They were frightened and said, "This man really was God's Son!"
Matthew 45-54

Something Bigger Than Yourself

2011-04-21T22:02:00.000-07:00

"What I've experienced today is people connecting through their deeds, gestures, hopes. I think that is the story of the Special Olympics."

—Sean Dorman, volunteer in charge of the Global Youth Summit

To start us out we had an incredible send off by our own school! A pep rally complete with us running in to gymnasium with "Welcome to the Jungle" blaring! We played the Youtube video from Special Olympics Alaska of the partners club for the entire school to introduce them to what we were doing. It was perfect!

We had cake!

Willis attempted to play for money

We Played Basketball

We had Pizza

We Flew the friendly skies

We are Basketball

Saw lots of Flying Wild Alaska!

We Met New Friends

We Ate more pizza

We Played More Basketball

We Ran Races

We Long Jumped

And Jumped

We Tossed Bean Bags

We Visited with Connie's Dad

We Made Our Team Sign

We scootered through the obstacle course

Team Quinhagak

Then we flew to Bethel and participated in the 1st ever Bethel Unified Special Olympics Tournament! It truly was hands down the best experience this year. The kids participated in everything from a basketball tournament, long jump, 50 meter dash, bena bag toss, obstacle course and relay race to a shopping trip at the AC, lunch at Front Street Cafe, doing hair, painting nails and wearing formals to the dance. Our kids and chaperons alike had an absolute blast! From Friday to Sunday we were running around Bethel Regional High School living it up meeting new people and cheering each other on.

Our Team Sign

We met more new friends

We Got Dressed Up

We Danced the night away

We Laughed

We Danced some more

We Smiled..A lot

We Boogied

We did the Twist and Shout

We Learned a new line dance

We put our hands in the air

Yum

Is this seriously on the menu?

We ate Lunch at Front Street

Special Olympics

Shout Out To: Everyone who volunteered to make such an incredible event possible! Quyanaqvaa! We appreciate you!

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

2 Timothy 4:7

Here We Go!

2011-04-15T12:15:00.000-07:00

"Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."

~Special Olympics Motto


Our Athletes and Student Partners

The 1st Ever Unified School Tournament held in Rural Alaska!!!

The Whole Gang Ready 'To Go Bethel'

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

The Business of Living

2011-04-13T15:53:00.000-07:00

They say it's an ill wind that bloweth no man to good. I think our own Dr. Joel Fleischman will attest to that. For those of you who missed it, Maggie scored a one round decision over Dr. Fleischman last night. Right jab to the old honker. Pow! T.K.O.
What better sign that the coho winds are once again upon us…
My advice this year, don't fight them, embrace them.
Know your enemy.
~Chris in the Morning, Northern Exposure


Sammie's House. I just thought this was a great shot.

The Wild Wild West
The Alaska State Troopers dropped in to visit us last weekend. Well not so much to visit as to confiscate several community members for a little remediation else where. Reminded me of the day Gram and Grampa called very concerned during my first year when another Quin local had found his 15 minutes of fame as the star of the reality show Alaska State Troopers, which of course, Gram and Gramp had been tuned into. I assured them I was not in danger as I feel quite safe here. Everyone knows everyone and watches out for each other. As a matter of fact it was the other community members who called the troopers to come pick up those few in need of appropriate behavioral reminders. All is well out here in the wild, wild, west.

You and Me Going Fishing on the Ice

John Teddy took Connie and I on an ice fishing extravaganza up river this weekend. We loaded up on JT's four wheel and hit the snow go trail. All was going great until we appeared to be off-trailing all over the frozen river. I admit I got a little nervous, wasn't this the river that was flowing with water only days before due to the high tides. Haven't we had some relatively warm days. Shouldn't we be a little cautious I wondered to myself as John free wheeled all over the drifts and potentially unsafe cracked ice...so when we suddenly sploshed and dropped into a small pocket of thawed ice I leaped off and scrambled to the bank. John proceeded on while Connie tapped his shoulder to draw his attention to the missing cargo.

Me laying on the ice trying to dig out the hole

"What are you doing? I didn't think I was driving that crazy!" John confusedly questioned me. "Oh, I didn't fall." I assured him of his sufficient driving skills, "I jumped." "You jumped? Why? This ice is good. It's very deep," now he was puzzled, "Jump off a perfectly good four wheel?" he shook his head. "John," I tried to justify, " I was going to save you in case we went through." "Humph," he shook his head again, "you will help me chip our ice hole and then you'll know." Okay and to the left you can see me trying to reach down into the 4 foot deep hole (still no water) to dig out the chips of ice John had hacked away. I would later have to dive into that same hole after the stick fishing pole as a fishy fishy took off with it when I wasn't paying close enough attention. Shocker right? Yeah, yeah. Soaking wet up to my elbow but I saved the stick. Anyway I wasn't so nervous about the ice on our way out, but we also took the road by land just to humor me.

"Let's Go For Coffee!"

This is Connie and my new mantra. We love the idea of being able to go to the store and have coffee. Even though we haven't done it yet. We will, oh, yes we will.

Beach Wanderings

The latest trek to the Bering yielded these fine specimens of kodak momentry. The sea ice is melting into all kinds strange shelving unitish pieces. We saw our very first sea gull of the summer/spring. It must have been lost. There were no other sea gulls but it was like seeing the dove with an olive branch. We identified with Noah and the Arc. Chris just informed me that sea gulls mean only four more snows. Hum, I think we've already had 4 more since we saw the sea gull.

The Hat Unveiled

Friday night Dennis and Marsha were gracious enough to let me crash their pleasant evening. I finally finished the infamous lynx/beaver hat (malaggai in Yup'ik). Dennis officially has the patience of a saint walking me through this stitch by painful stitch. It is finished and being modeled by Jerilyn's daughter here.

It's all in the 'temple'

This just in...the ushers can tell if you are chewing gum from across the church by watching your temple. Sneaky, sneaky.

Brrrr. The weather has been cold here. Cold, cold, cold. It's light out til 10:30 and freezing all day.

Shout Out To: Coastal Villages Regional Fund, the Native Village of Kwinhagak, Bethel Native Corporation, Alaska West Outfitters, and Bethel Regional High School for the very generous donations each of these entities gave us which has enabled several of our intensive students to attend the1st Annual Bethel Regional High School Special Olympics Invitational!!! This is the first time Special Olympics Unified School Program has been hosted in rural Alaska!! What an incredible experience for our kiddos up here! Thanks to Zach Kramer at BHRS heading up this whole show. This is going to be amazing and we get to be part of it! Our kids are so excited. Again, Quyana to those who have helped us make this possible for our kids. This is going to be wonderful for our student athletes attending all of whom have never had the opportunity to travel with a team, stay overnight, participate in sports, or go to a restaurant . We had money to buy matching team warm ups (they all look so professional!) and are borrowing the school basketball uniforms. There is a formal dance Saturday night so we pulled all the prom dresses out of storage. The girls picked out dresses and the boys got suits. I can not wait to see the fun that happens this weekend! I'll be filling you in! Have a great weekend yourselves!

"The wind blows to the south and turns to the north;
round and round it goes, ever returning on its course."
Ecclesiastes 1:6

Going Coastal

2011-04-08T05:30:00.000-07:00

Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day.
Winnie the Pooh

The Banks of the Kanektok swell dangerously close to houses
when the strong winds and high tide team up to cause overflowing atop the winter ice cover.

Our beloved Kanektok River washes through residents' salmon drying racks/houses and over wintering boats once thought by their owners to be anchored 'on shore'. Adam shared an interesting fact...Did you know that the word 'Kanektok' is actually the 'Gussack's (white man) slaughtered rendition of the Yupik word 'Quinhagak' and of course, it stuck. Anyway this lovely hurricane like weather and flooding has gotten us on the evening news on Channel 2 again last night. We're kinda famous up this way, ehhhhh;)

Presenting Le Vill'age Walmart

Here it is everybody! The new, improved and enlarged Native Village of Kwinhagak Store! The Qanirtuug! During the grand opening day as I mentioned previously we were in the throes of a full on blizzard, which we still are..yeah, it's going on three days of howling breezes and sleeting, snow. As you can barely see through that snow, it certainly didn't stop us from coming out by the droves to grab a hold of one of those fancy carts, take a few spins around the aisles and listen to that foreign 'beep beep' of the new high tech scanners at the registers. Connie is Vanna Whiting the coffee counter to the left and to the right you can see the lines at the check out and tables where I'm anxious to sit for hours and enjoy watching some people watching over a cup a joe. What an exciting addition to our little community!

Me, Ali & Big Jon, and Allison posing with our free gifts of food in the blizzard
at the Grand Opening of what the kids are calling "THE BIG STORE".

When Teachers Hand You Lemons

Eat 'em!

The boys were enthralled with the lemons I had bought while in Bethel for the detox week (which Connie and I completed and celebrated last night with a pizza!). "Wow, I seen those in movies." Bobby observed as I took one out of the fridge to cut up and add to my delicious nalgene of water. "You've never seen a lemon eh?" I commented, "Well, you really need to taste it then." I handed them each a slice and grabbed the camera. Enjoy the results for yourself;) It was unanimous by the way they all like lemons and even had to recruit a friend to come over and try one. Did I mention I'm gonna miss these kids?

Principal Eric on the VHF
Where else in the world does the principal get on the VHF from the school office in the morning and roll call the students who need to get there behinds outta bed and up to the school for the last day of STATE TESTING... yep. To which a variety of community members respond "Repeat, Please." "Was so and so on that list?" "Okay, Good Morning." I love it!!! It's the village version of 'Twitter'. Immediate intercom to everyone in the greater Quinhagak area! I bet all principals would like that instant access now and then. Principal Eric is a pretty lucky boss.

"I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness into a pool of water, and the dry land into water-springs."
Isaiah 41:18

Hey?! Where Did Spring Go?

2011-04-05T20:41:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow doesn't scare me for I have seen yesterday
and I love today. ~D.H.

Yesterday in Quinhagak

And Today...

Statement as of 3:52 PM AKDT on April 06, 2011

... Blizzard Warning remains in effect until 7 am akdt Thursday...

Blizzard conditions with visibilities reduced to near zero have overspread the coastal regions this afternoon as the powerful Bering Sea low moves towards the western coast. An additional 2 to 6 inches of snow accumulations are possible overnight. This snow will combine with east to southeast winds of 25 to 50 mph to produce blowing snow that will keep visibilities reduced to near zero... especially along the coast. Warmer air will overspread the region during the morning hours and snow will change to rain most areas... especially from Bethel south and east. However... cold air will arrive from the west and winds will again increase by Thursday afternoon. Blizzard conditions could redevelop during the afternoon hours... especially along the northern coast. Precautionary/preparedness actions... A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to white-out conditions... making travel extremely dangerous. All travel and outdoor activity is strongly discouraged.

Just ventured outside to relieve the dogs. We were nearly blown off the steps.
Yup, it's perdy gusty out there. Everybody's been talking about the warning of high tides combined with these high winds pushing the shore ice up onto land.
This might be nearing the worst storm for wind
and snow that I've experienced so far.
Even sent out the phone tree in case of school cancellation.
The blizzard, however has not proven to be strong enough to keep locals from enjoying the grand opening of our long awaited new village store. Which was hopping despite the danger of getting stuck in the parking lot. It was surreal. You walk across the small gravel parking lot weaving between four wheelers and snow gos then you enter what seriously looks like Walmart! Which is exactly what one of our coworkers commented as she was sitting at a table near the little coffee counter.."Welcome to the Village Walmart." And it was, even down to the lines at the check out. We were all stunned, jaws on the floor gawking at the shelves full of anything we could imagine. Kids were gleefully running up and down the aisles pushing mini shopping carts. Then the store gave away free gifts of food. I got a snack box with a cheese block shaped like a bowling pin and some pretzels and honey mustard. So kind. Anyway we're all hunkered down using rugs to try to block the obviously drafts flowing every which way through the house, tundra air conditioning.

Could These Two Be Any Cuter?

We went for a walk to the Kanektok River with Connie and Sally yesterday.
The boys were eagerly and intently awaiting Sally to come out and play.

The Three Amigos

Shout Out To: My dear friends Celeste and George welcoming their
brand new baby girl into the world yesterday! Welcome aboard Lily! Congratulations Mommy and Daddy:)

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever."
Hebrews 13:8

Skinning Rabbits

2011-04-03T21:09:00.000-07:00

"Do you know what the motto of the state of Alaska is, Joel?"
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it?"
Maurice Minnifield to Joel Fleischman, Northern Exposure.

Skinning Rabbits...

The boys showed up as promised Saturday afternoon for rabbit skinning 101. We busted out the trusty hunting knife (a quick crowd pleaser) and away they went. Connie and I sat back supervising and warning..."Watch your thumb! Watch your thumb! Watch you thumb!" All digits remained intact. Once the rabbit was freed of its skin the boys began washing it in my sink. All was going well until bloody water began to pour out of the cupboard below the sink! "WHAT is going on now with this ridiculous sink NOW!" I threw open the cupboard doors to see my garbage bags and cleaning products drifting around in the water spilling out of the metal pipe from the sink which had separated from the plastic pvc pipe which takes it the rest of the way to the ground. "Man!" I whined, "Well guess you'll have to finish it in the bathtub." It worked out okay but my bathroom looked like something out of a low budget horror film when all was said and done. In the end my freezer was up two rabbits ready for eating. Never a dull moment.

Another One For The Blog
OK 4:00 am Saturday morning Tak is howling from his kennel, I stumble out of bed and head toward his cries, "Okay, okay I'm coming. I hear you. Need to go potty?" He bolts out the kennel toward the door I try to stay on his heels, but I'm asleep. Whining at the door he sits waiting, I unlock the deadbolt and shove him onto the steps. He never wants to cross the threshold alone but once he's on the steps, he b lines for the ground to relieve himself. I lean against the wall still sleeping and wait until he scratches to come in moments later. I'm on my merry way back to my cozy, warm bed when Ani starts in (making sure not to be left out). "Ok," I mumble, "but you get the leash." He doesn't always return on his own accord. So I'm hanging out the door giving him just enough line to get to the ground and do his business when the interior entry door behind us slams shut. Tak immediately starts whining and scratching from the inside. Now I am awake, the interior door of my house is shot, the knobs spins, it doesn't work. Once that bugger is closed you can't open it unless you have a key or something flat you can wedge between the latch and the door frame to pop it (this is the same door that is being held together at the bottom with duct tape from Ani's previous tunneling shenanigan last year). Anyway, do you suppose I had my keys on me at 4am?? Nooooooo. Nope, I had successfully locked Ani and myself in the entry. What you I use to pop the latch??? Ski poles? Ski boot? Slippers? A rug? The boiler? Aha! Eureka! Ani's dog tags on his collar. Luckily they worked and we were held captive only long enough for me to wake up.

Birthday Parties
Allison's birthday party was hosted by Jim and Steph last week complete with ice cream cake, Chinese cuisine, helicopter party favors care of Ed, and live music provided by the "Pederson Kids".

Yet Another Reason for Duct Tape
Connie laughed and laughed as she stared at the fine specimen of candelry you see pictureed, "You know you've been in Alaska too long when you duct tape a broken candle." Hum, I giggled appropriately I hadn't even thought it odd until she pointed it out. But I can't give Alaska the credit, in my life the credit for the wonderful world of 'Duct Tape can fix anything' is totally due to my mother. Besides, I had to save this candle that didn't make the trip home from Minnesota over Christmas because it smells just like pine trees!

A Wolf Or Not A Wolf... that was the question yesterday on our walk to the beach. It was bounding across the tundra. We all tried to get a better look, Connie, me, Sally, Tak and Ani well sort of..... Turned out to be a feral village dog. But it definitely got our hearts pumping.

Lights, Camera, Action

Some of our kiddos are headed the Bethel to put together a cultural movie. They have been working on their version of the traditional Yupik story about The Man Who Became a Wolverine. They transformed Alicia's class into a studio with a green screen and all. Good work Miss Weaver and company!

Detoxed
We are on our 5th day of a 7 day body detox and I feel great. Quyana Ali for sharing the plan!

And... THOU SHALT NOT CHEW GUM!

Midway through the 2nd song during praise and worship at church yesterday I was tapped on the shoulder and handed a tissue by one of the ushers. I could only assume he must have thought I was crying as I had been rubbing my eyes, so not to embarrass him I thanked him and took the tissue. He continued to stand there reaching across the two people between us, shook his head no and corrected me "Your gum." I think I must have turned three shades of red. "My Gum?" I stood there stunned as the Yupik Hymns continued all around me. Connie at my side nearly choked on her words. So almost zombie like I took my gum from my mouth, placed it in the tissue extended to me then obediently albeit completely confoundedly handed it back to him. Everyone around me just kept on singing as though the interaction never happened. Okay seriously, where's the hidden camera? I did not just get de-gummed at church?? I'm not sure I was ever even de-gummed in elementary school (because I never would have chewed gum for fear of breaking a rule). "What just happened?" I hissed to Connie looking for a reason not to be so embarrassed that I wanted to crawl under the pew (the pew evidently being why the de-gumming is occurring at all but we'll get to that later). "I have no idea," she whispered back worried her whisper might draw attention. "Was I blowing bubbles? Was I smacking or chomping or pulling it out of my mouth and twirling it around my face???" again I muffled. "No," Connie assured from the corner of her mouth staring straight ahead trying to look inconspicuous, "I honestly don't even know how he knew you had gum. I didn't and I'm sitting next to you." I was at a loss? What just happened? I humiliatingly questioned myself over and over during the rest of the service, needless to say focusing on what Pastor was preaching was down the drain with my people pleasing personality significantly publicly shamed and now overly concerned (obviously something I need to work on, I know and I own it). I wanted immediately to run to the back of the church (that's where the ushers sit whom I will now lovingly refer to as the Village GPSOs) and explain my grievous error. "See, I'm on this detox healthy body thing and I'm trying to stick with it and this gum you made me give you is what is helping me do this, seriously I think this is the first time I've ever chewed gum at church. I promise I'm a responsible adult." Of course I couldn't do that it would only draw more attention to my already blatant wrong. So I did what any good, Christian girl would do...I stewed. For more than an hour in church I tried to figure out why I had been de-gummed. From maybe he thought he was doing a good deed thinking I couldn't sing with gum in my my mouth to...evidently the 11th commandment that was only given to our church in Quinhagak. Anyway...I did ask him after if we had some unknown rule of no gum that I'd never heard anything about. "Janitor doesn't want to clean it up," he responded. "Oh," was all I could manage confused as ever. I shook Pastor's hand and proceeded out the door still feeling like a scolded 5 year old. So I've been asking around today and I've discovered thankfully that I'm not the only victim of being publicly de-gummed. Several empathizing souls confided, "I heard you got your gum taken at church yesterday. That happened to me too, last week and I saw it happen to... so and so and so and so." Seems we might have enough to start a de-gummed support group "Hello, My name is Rachel. And I chewed gum in church and got it taken away." Okay, okay really... the actual explanation: the church janitor was disgusted at the amount of gum stuck underneath the pews which he had to continually clean (and I guess I don't blame him. This is church after all have some respect, right?) And so it goes...the outcome we now have: ABSOLUTELY ZERO TOLERANCE ON GUM and they've put the man (usher) power behind it. Expert gum chewer sharp spotters they are people, they can peg you 10 pews away. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

"Don't ruin God's work because of what you eat (even gum: Rachel Aside). All food is acceptable, but it's wrong for a person to eat something if it causes someone else to have doubts."
Romans 14:20

April Already??!

2011-04-01T00:02:00.000-07:00

"If the sign of a cluttered mind is a cluttered desk, of what, then,
is an empty desk a sign?"
~Albert Einstein

My Desk

My Partner in Crime's Desk

Nuff said:)

Get Off The Road

The Alaska I drove to is on the left. The Alaska I could only fly to is on the right. My advice to all you adventure seekers, Alaska bound explorers, you in pursuit of something different, something real: This is what I'll tell you "Get Off The Road" find the path less traveled by and fly it! Anya and I were discussing this topic exactly while she was here working in Quin and staying at my house last week. (Aside: Thank you for the steak Anya) So those of us who consider a bush plane our 'honda civic' also refer to Anchorage with it's surrounding cities perched all along Alaska's few highways and byways, "the road system. Around this time of year when everyone is shuffling jobs trying to figure out if they are staying in 'the bush' or headed 'to the road system' one finds oneself attempting to imagine life differently than this simple hearty way we've been enjoying. "You going 'to the road system'?" you might be asked. "Yes, I'm looking for something on the road system," someone might inform you. Point being if you want to experience an Alaska like no Princess Cruise could ever dream of sharing with you, meet a people who will welcome you like coming home, be somewhere that can never be replicated and Lord willing will never disappear then you have to "Get Off The Road:)"

Instead get in the plane,
get on the four wheel,
get in the boat,
get on the dog sled,
get in the skijoring harness,
get on the snow go...
whatever it is just
'Get Off The Road.'
I dare you:)

Tak, Ani and I went for a jor down to the the beach tonight to the back drop of a stunning sunset starting to sink in to the sea. We stopped long enough to hear the ice cracking. Ani ran like I've never seen him, I'm pretty sure he was training Tak. So fast that I was having a hard time keeping up on my skis and biffed at least 6 times! He was working hard. Tak was suited in his oversized harness and galloping along behind trying to keep up. I was so proud of them.

And where else in the world can you answer a knock at your door at 10:00 at night only to find two smiling proud boys wanting to share their most recent hunting success "You want a rabbit?" Jacob offers holding out the still warm fuzzy future meal to me. "We had a super good day!" Andrew joined excitedly "Look we have our guns on the four wheel." (I peek over his shoulder and nod with affirmation). "I shot three," he added. "Yep!" chirped Jacob still holding the rabbit toward me. "You want it?!" they asked again almost in unison. "Wow! Guys, what great hunters you are! Of course I want it. Quyana, my heroes! Just one thing...Can I freeze it first?" (not wanting to perform the obvious right at that moment). "Yep, you can freeze it. And you just peel the skin, cut it here and take out the guts when you want to eat it and it's easier to skin frozen anyway. Yep, we want to give our extra rabbits to old people," Andrew shared as he motioned where to cut the belly. "Well is that ever good of you," I try to sound encouraging and not disappointed, "Alright then this old girl, I can't wait! Yum, thank you so much!" I smile taking the warm bunny into my hand, Tak and Ani bouncing around excitedly at my feet. They smile satisfied and head back to their four wheel Jacob yells, "Even you're not old." Relieved I close the door, rabbit in hand, "Not for you boys," I scold my dogs as they jump at the hare flopping around in my hand while I head for the freezer. Humm, looks like rabbit stew is on the menu next week. I'll let you know how it goes:) Oh, I'm gonna miss these kids.

Shout Out To My FAMILY: Dad, Mom, Sam and Josh Happy Birthdays on April 8th, 16th, 16th and 29th. I love love love love you! And Kimmie and Auntie Bean, lots of April bdays in our family.

My Harley Riding Parents

Sammie and Joshie
My Boy Scout Brothers

"What I'm interested in seeing you do is: sharing your food with the hungry, inviting the homeless poor into your homes, putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad, being available to your own families. Do this and the lights will turn on, and your lives will turn around at once. Your righteousness will pave your way. The God of glory will secure your passage. Then when you pray, God will answer. You'll call out for help and I'll say, 'Here I am.'" Isaiah 58:6

The Rest of (Today)'s Story

2011-03-30T00:00:00.001-07:00

Bernard: As you may know, I spent the last three months in Africa. A wondrous, magical place. But as shadows lengthen across the KBHR window, thoughts turn to homecoming. Journey's end. Because in a sense, it's the coming back, the return which gives meaning to the going forth. We really don't know where we've been until we've come back to where we were. Only, where we were may not be as it was because of who we've become. Which is, after all, why we left.
Northern Exposure, 1990

CAMA-I (Ja-my) It is a warm greeting that you would use when you haven't seen some one in a very long time, something like the Yup'ik version of "Hello! How the heck are ya? It's been a while, eh?!" And so it is after this greeting that the annual dance festival in Bethel is named. Dancers come from all over Alaska, even the world, to participate. Bethel Regional High School turns into the main stage for 3 whole days of drumming, fan dancing fun. People also come from everywhere to buy and sell their native crafts: ulu knives, kuspeqs, seal skin mittens, hats and parkas, ivory, mastodon and baleen whale jewelry. Deciding not to miss an opportunity to meander the taxi infested streets of Bethel, I hopped a plane Friday night and joined in on the bustling weekend. Columbo was persuaded that he also should see for himself what all the fuss was about so he stopped by from Anchorage too.

From the Internet

Ear plugs securely wedged in and enjoying the view from my seat directly behind the pilot for our 50 minute flight to Bethel from Quin, forehead pressed against the tiny scratched up Plexiglas windows I watch snow gos 500 feet below us pulling heavy duty wooden sleds zipping along the 2 thin lined trail etched out for miles in the white blanket spread. There's a river in the tundra that is breaking up. The brackish tundra waters stain the white snow covered ice brown. Spring is coming already I think to myself. The rudimentary system of roads that are imprinted all along the frozen rivers and tundra will disappear for the people of the delta who take good advantage of the expanded winter travel opportunities. The plane dips and bobs on the wind currents, the dulled hum starts to put me to sleep as I imagine being bundled up and riding those snow gos the 70 miles from Bethel to Quinhagak on the temporary ice trail that forms for those 8 months out of the year. I smile thinking of our own trusty maintenance men Bob and Joshua..."Bobshua" as I like to refer to them.

Snow go Trail Truckers
Bobshua drove the school suburban on the snow go trail all the way to Bethel so it could get fixed. The alternative would be to wait until spring break up and send it (very expensively) by barge. So the economical adventure was decided upon. Bobshua reported that the trip there was 8 hours of crawling along the 70 miles with a good shovel and 4 wheel drive. A few short weeks later after the repairs were made at the local Bethel autobody shop they drove the return trip. Thankfully while the trail was still frozen. And now we have a suburban again. Quyana Bob and Joshua.

Earrings and barrettes
Purchased this beautiful ivory hair barrette from Paul Beebe one of our village elders here in Quinhagak who hand carved the whole thing! All of it, from the seal and the piece it sits on to the wooden stick and the fish fixed to the end. I love it. Then while perusing the many goods at Cama-i, we found a gorgeous pair of bone earrings. It was shopping therapy village style.

Boxing up the Groceries
Of course I took advantage of the AC in Bethel and did some grocery shopping, picking up odds and ends for other teachers left behind. I had to smile as I visited with all kinds of people I've met over the last two years. You run into everyone at the AC it's like a reunion every time you walk in! Then you pay way too much money for only a couple items, grab a box from the pile and pack up your expensive goods so they will be air worthy. I'm gonna miss that...boxing up my groceries in Bethel to merrily fly the home to Quin. It's like Christmas.

Come on ring those bells
At Alison's advice I have tied a bell to the door knob of my house in hopes of training Tak to ring it when he has to go potty. He has rung it twice. I won't tell you the ratio of accidents to successful potty calls. Pray for us, we are both on a large learning curve.

Sunshine on my pillow at 10pm makes me not tired. That's right it is still light out at 10:00 pm here in Quinhagak. We are all awake and running around at hours when we should be cuddled up in our beds. We say things like..."Wow! How can it be that late already?" and "It doesn't seem that late." and "It's WHAT time???" Then every morning we drag our underslept bodies into school, stumble around the coffee pot and compare bedtimes. We do get lots of extra walks to beach again. And as you can see, the kids are taking good advantage of the light and 'open water' on 'Lake Quinhagak' just between the NVK building and newer housing.

Celebrations!

1st graders celebrated completing their 120th lesson in language by skiing a couple weeks ago. What a hoot!

Resignation

To submit (oneself) passively; accept as inevitable.
To give up (a position, for example), especially by formal notification.
To relinquish (a privilege, right, or claim).

After much deliberation I submitted mine to the district office. I am incredibly torn and homesickly grieved about it. In my heart of hearts I know it is the right step at this time for me but oh, how I step so slowly, so hesitantly, so sadly and with so much love in my heart for this little coastal village on the Bering Sea called Quinhagak. Every moment that slips away from me now feels like I want to chase after, call it back. Plead with it don't go yet. Just wait. I'm not ready, not yet. And thankfully it is also not quite time yet either. I've been given the gift of cherishing each moment I have left in this precious place in time. The feeling in my stomach when I try to imagine the idea of leaving Quinhagak is much the same as the feeling I had the first time I ever left home. Knowing it has to happen, things will never be the same again and wanting nothing but to cry in my pillow and keep things just the way they are forever. How can two years impress on a heart what I thought took a lifetime.

"When you enter a town or village, don't insist on staying in a luxury inn. Get a modest place with some modest people, and be content there until you leave." Matthew 10:11

Yesterdays

2011-03-24T15:06:00.000-07:00

"How did it get so late so soon?"
~Dr. Suess

We have seen: The Four Corners of the Moon

The view of the moon going down the other morning on our bus ride to school.
It was square? Made us wonder if the radiation from Japan is making its way here.

Speaking of driving the bus...
We have approximately 3 stop signs posted around Quinhagak at different 'intersections' if you will. I think of them as more for teachable moments than actually functioning, since it is the rare occasion that you do meet another vehicle at the same time. Anyway as we passed by one today I slowed down, looked both ways and continued creeping along, while declaring out loud,
"Farmer Stop."
Connie and I giggled that "Eskimo Stop" is an more appropriate term
when considering our village locale.

Below are my tired puppies, feeling a little overworked:)
Have a great weekend everybody.

"If God doesn't build the house, the builders only build shacks. If God doesn't guard the city, the night watchman might as well nap. It's useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don't you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves?" Psalm 127:1-2

Today

2011-03-21T23:58:00.000-07:00

"Right now I want a word that describes the feeling you get
--a cold, sick feeling deep down inside--
when you know something is happening that will change you,
and you don't want it to but you can't stop it.
And you know, for the first time, for the very first time,
that there will now be a before and an after, a was and a will be.
And that you will never again be quite the same person you were."
A Northern Light Jennifer Donnelly 2003

These are the moments that make you laugh.

And then keep you smiling.

They're the kind of moments you might

wish terribly that you could bottle right up.

So you could pour them over on those other days.

Yeah, maybe even especially so you could just pour them all

out on those other days.

You know, those ones that try really, really hard

to make you cry.

My deepest sympathy to my friends Connie, Ken
and Family in the recent passing of his mom.

"Do not be afraid, little flock,
for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."
Luke 12:32

Here in Quin

2011-03-19T00:37:00.000-07:00

It is not down in any map; true places never are.
~Herman Melville

It has been a week here. Some good stuff, some bad and quite a bunch of in between. Very sadly we have had the passing of a family member of many dear friends and colleagues. Our prayers and love go out to them. We've had freezing temps leap into the warm winds and melt some of our drifts. We've ended the third quarter of our school year, where on earth does the time go??? Grades are due. We've started working out again after school to Chalean Extreme and have the sore muscles to prove it. Karen's been letting me try out her super cool 'shape up' shoes while she's been home sick. We've all been taking turns with this wild tundra flu lately too. A couple schools in the delta have even had to cancel school for lack of students and staff! Erin our technology guru visited from the district office this week always a treat! As did Kevin our fab speech path a sight for sore eyes to us all, where have you been all year? It's fun when familiar faces bless us with their presence and expertise every now and again. We've missed you guys! Fannie fed Connie and I walrus, yep, the hair and all. Stupidly I asked,"Am I supposed to eat it everything?? The hair EVEN?!" Fannie raised her eyebrows nonchalantly and told me all about the benefits of walrus hair on one's digestive system. Hummmm....? A few nights later she beat me at scrabble playing my letters and hers, lol. Anyway, I just wanted to touch base with you all. We miss you but we're doing alright. With love from a cozy view of the edge of nowhere:)

"How beautiful are your tents, Jacob,
your dwelling places, Israel!"
Numbers 24:5

Real Rural Weekend

2011-03-14T16:55:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Mr. Sendak, for reminding us that we should never lose touch with the wild and untamable spirit within us all... Even up here in Alaska, we're turning our back on the beast. We've opted for the zoo, where the lion can't eat you instead of the jungle, where he can.

- Chris In the Morning, after reading "Where The Wild Things Are", Northern Exposure

Sun is back so we were out and about in Quinhagak this wild weekend.
We've been Walk'N and a little Work'N

Ski Jor'N

Allison K and I stole Tucker from the Zylstra's.
We headed out the the beach with he and Ani
to go ski joring:)
Allison ski jored...
for the first time!

Mush'N

Addy went mushing...
for the first time (that day).
Steph took her brand, new, very own, dog sled out mushing
with Bela and Marley...
for the first time!

Ski'N
And Alicia went cross country skiing...
for the first time!

Snow Go'N

Sherry, Alison and I crashed Tim and Diane's Hunting Trip...
for the first time.
Inviting ourselves along!
Quyana Tim and Diane,
we LOVED it!
Hope you still enjoyed it too:)

Hunt'N

We let Tim look and look and look for the caribous... but he never found them...only a fluttering flock of ptarmigans, a fleeting little fox and about 1 foot of splish, splashing standing water on the Arolik River as we zoomed up Bessie Creek to 'peek' around. (Tim assured we doubting future water skippers that it was safe). And he was right. We only got a little bit wet and nobody sunk.

So I guess Tim was skunked...
for the first time.

Alison Z drove a snow go...
for the first time!

And finally Chill'N
...which feels like a first;)

Shout Out To: Allison K Happy Birthday on the 29th!!

"Warn the rich people of this world not to be proud or to trust in wealth that is easily lost. Tell them to have faith in God, who is rich and blesses us with everything we need to enjoy life."

1 Timothy 6:17

Full of Phenomena

2011-03-11T10:44:00.000-08:00

Bernard: Those Northern Lights are some kind of weird psychic, something?
Chris: Yeah.
Bernard: What causes them to do that?
Chris: Well, this is just my guess, but I think that high speed electrons and protons from the sun are trapped in the van Allen radiation belt. Then they're channeled through the Polar Regions by the earth's magnetic field where they collide with other particles and create a brilliant luminosity.
Bernard: What does that have to do with us?
Chris: I swear man, I don't know.
Northern Exposure, 1990

Taken from the Internet

Auroras and Tsunamis

The last two night skies up here have been ablaze with dancing auroras. Ani, Tak and I wandered out to the dumpsters around 11:00 last night only to find out this morning that the show was around 9 pm. We are hoping for an encore performance tonight.

You've heard the tragic news of the earthquake in Japan? We are paying close attention to the advisories up this way regarding tsunamis. So far it seems like all will be okay. We'll be praying for everyone over there, so scary.

National Weather Service, Anchorage, Alaska 12:30 pm March 11, 2011

...THE TSUNAMI ADVISORY CONTINUES IN EFFECT FOR THE COASTAL
AREAS OF WASHINGTON - BRITISH COLUMBIA AND ALASKA FROM THE
OREGON-WASHINGTON BORDER TO ATTU ALASKA...

PERSONS IN TSUNAMI ADVISORY COASTAL AREAS SHOULD MOVE OUT OF
THE WATER... OFF THE BEACH AND OUT OF HARBORS AND MARINAS.

TSUNAMI ADVISORIES MEAN THAT A TSUNAMI CAPABLE OF PRODUCING
STRONG CURRENTS OR WAVES DANGEROUS TO PERSONS IN OR VERY NEAR
WATER IS IMMINENT OR EXPECTED. SIGNIFICANT WIDESPREAD INUNDATION
IS NOT EXPECTED FOR AREAS IN AN ADVISORY. TSUNAMIS ARE A SERIES OF
WAVES POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SEVERAL HOURS AFTER INITIAL ARRIVAL
TIME.

Tak Harnessed The new dynamic duo begins "Tak and Ani". We ski jored out for Tak's maiden voyage the other night. He ran like the champ (of Martin's pups' bloodline) that he is! He didn't pull, he's too young but he loped along with a leash all the way to the beach then he plopped his little rump down, looked up at me and smiled, "I'm done." So I gathered him up in my arms and skied back carrying his precious little cargo self. Ani seemed to like being the 'big dog', "Watch and learn short stuff. This is how it's done." I just hope he picks up on house breaking as well as he's picking up on running around. I've been cleaning up a lot of puppy messes. But he has been going every time we are outside too. I'm also trying to kennel train him. He goes in at night and cries and cries and cries...it is heartbreaking but I just can't have another dog that refuses to 'Kennel Up' with out a wrestling match.

"Hello From Quinhagak!"

Sunshine On Our Magic School Bus Makes Us Happy! Let There Be Light!
Days are getting much, much longer here in Alaska! Sun is jumping up over the mountains by 7:30ish am in plenty of time for morning bus route. She's not diving into the sea again until 8ish in the evening either! And we are gaining 6 minutes of bright, shiny, rays a day! Yeee haaa bring on that midnight sun!

"But it is God whose power made the earth,
whose wisdom gave shape to the world,
who crafted the cosmos."
Jeremiah 10:12

Life is Too Short, Embrace the Dork in You!

2011-03-09T11:18:00.000-08:00

As they say the early bird gets the worm,
but it would be wise to remember
it's the second mouse that gets the cheese. ~A Real Thinker

We are family... The whole gang together again in Hayward, Wisconsin for spring break! What a blessing:) Here's Gram, she can't even get away from us if she wanted to now. Sorry Gram.
Birkebeiner - Easier said than skied...Especially when you get into town the night before from flying all day. But I know I wasn't the only one as the gentleman sitting next to us on the flight from Seattle to Minneapolis was studying the trail elevations, intense guy. Wonder if he got first?Birkie Fever was in the air all around town as skiers and spectators alike flooded in by the droves. Roads were closed down, snow was hauled in and all available sleeping quarters filled up. That's Birkie weekend in Wisconny. The temps were less than ideal as nordic type after type swooshed by with frostbitten extremities, my own nose, ears, and toes included! My toes still aren't quite right but that's par for the course;)

The top pic is my 'Angry Faced Mainstreet Finish'
(so said my lil bros)

To the left early morning pre-race jitters.

To the right frost bitten with frozen eyelashes at the finish

These are the before and after pictures for your viewing pleasure. Go ahead laugh, we all did. What a treat to see so many old friends out on the trail. It should be noted that I was in fact 2 years too late for this 3rd Wave placement where I found myself very ill prepared, having trained on only our beloved tundra flatland by tennis shoe! I flung my bag toward the kind volunteer at the bag drop truck while gingerly jogging by in my ski boots. I was late as usual since lil bro Sam and I made a narrow miss on the time factor; my wave was being counted down as I arrived on the scene. I scooted under the rope and couldn't help but grin with my blue trimmed bib claiming this Wave 3 spot earned 2 years back when I was in shape! Immediately saw a couple dear friends from my Hayward church family suited up and ready to take off with me! Like I mentioned I had chased after Wave 3 (PB and probably last) and finally made it back in 2009! Last year I was 'in village' unable to get home to ski and this year by a stroke of luck and God Speed I made it 'down states' in time to grab the newly waxed skis from New Moon and take my place hitting the trail! From that point on it was ultimately an uphill finish quickly falling back with my usual Wave 4 friends who welcomed my return (that's my take anyway). It kinda felt like a dream as I would see familiar faces at every food station. Logically I took the opportunity to gather hugs and visit while the rest of my Wave 3 swished past. There was a more meaningful purpose this year beyond waves and bibs, that was to ski in honor of a dear friend from Hayward who is battling ASL. He is strong, kind man who touches the lives of anyone lucky enough to be around him prayers for him went up as skis slid along the snow. This year was also skied on Allison's behalf in memory of a friend of her's who passed away far, far too soon. So it meant a lot to be home on the trail this year sometimes racing up a hill and other times slowing to watch the trees pass. Intentional. And when the first Wave 10 speedster zinged by on Lake Hayward (the homestretch) I cheered him on, "Take it home super skier guy! Finish strong for all of us just chugging along!" You know I couldn't have been happier on my birkie birthday when my second worst time trek was finally complete. Greeting me at the finish was my amazing, crazy, wonderful family and friends. An incredible day, truly a Gift from God. Thank you and Quyana everybody, you were all part of it in every capacity. My cup overflowth!
Anchor Town
Stayed in Hayward for 5 days then flew on back to the big city to participate in a few of the Fur Rondy Festivities. These turned out to be...

The ice sculpture park downtown. My favorite was Manny the Mammoth...I call him that because I love that movie. Columbo found his favorite bumper sticker. And we got to pose at the Eskimo ice sculpture: "Hello from Anchorage!"
Not much for sightings of the dogs (we missed the ceremonial start) my bad, I know. But since I'm starting my own dog team (if only in my dreams) I didn't feel too distraught, except for missing Martin (my favorite musher of all time, mostly because I love his accent). We did however, spy this Sasquatch...evidently he's alive and well and partaking in the Fur Rondy Festivities in downtown Anchorage much like the rest of us. I even got this very rare snapshot of him as he meandered along with the reindeer runners.

Speaking of, we did manage to catch the...

I think it should be running from the reindeer.

Here they are...all kinds of hardy, fun loving souls, giving what they do in Spain a healthy Alaskan twist!
Each runner and reindeer for themselves. It was an experience to behold let me tell you.
My favorite? The Reindeer Wrangler to the left...watch out Marlboro Man there's a new sheriff in town.Where's Waldo?

Happy 3rd Birthday to Alivia!
What's most important is that we did make it to the ultimate event happening during Fur Rondy...
Alivia's 3rd Birthday Party
Complete with cake, ice cream, pizza and all the boys trying to figure out how to put together her newly unwrapped baby doll pack and play.
Shout Out To: Tanya and Rod welcoming their brand new first born baby boy Gunner into this wild world! Happy Birthdays to Amy Lou, Anne, Tanya, Stephanie and BrookE!
Celebrating you all:)

"...And now, my dear daughter, don't you worry about a thing..." Ruth 3:10

Already I Beat You!

2011-02-17T10:57:00.000-08:00

A good snow machine costs $2000 and lasts 4 to 5 years. With dogs you've got regenerative powers. Snow machines don't have pups." ~Lou Schultz

"Well, if you would just drive like your from Wisconsin not Minnesota..." says to me the Principal who shows up this morning to rescue us in our beloved and buried Magic School Bus with a 'SERVING SPOON! You're also probably wondering who's futilely, yet courageously digging away under the bus with the only tool we had aboard (our window scraper) none other than Connie! Jills of all trades we bush teachers are! Always be prepared: That's our tundra motto. "A serving spoon???!! Are you serious???" Connie and I wondered at Principal Eric. "The message I got was that you guys couldn't figure out how to get the bus into 4 wheel drive." So evidently a serving spoon was going to be our humble pie as he gloated around 'putting it in 4 wheel drive'. At least I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt, I hate to imagine the alternative, that after his 10 years in the tundra he thinks a serving spoon is sufficient. Much to his dismay, we KNEW and "ALREADY!!!" We had a blizzard blow in last night, and though it doesn't look like it from the pics we had cleared the other seven drifts 'Minnesota style': Can't go over it, Can't go under it, Can't go around it, We're gonna have to go through it! We seriously had no choice as the other route we normally take was blocked with someone else's buried vehicle. The kids were cheering "Yay Connie and Rachel We Can Do This! Go Bus Go!" Connie and I were determined. All riders bared down. I revved the engine more for the show than speed, got a nice run at it and...'POOF'. Sadly, for Mudville that last drift proved to be too much for even the Magic School Bus, posing more as Rollagon. We ended up sending the kids 'by walk' and a few others 'by 4 wheel' since we weren't too far from the school. Principal Eric tucked his tail and went back for shovels. We spent the next 20 minutes unearthing the Magic Bus. Of course today was the only day I have ever decided to leave my house without a hat and mittens! Murphy's Law;) All in a school day's work!
Warm Fuzzies Alive and Well in Quinhagak
Thanks to Mrs. B everyone has been telling everyone else how much they appreciate one another lately. Kids and teachers alike wander by the 'Warm Fuzzy' board to see if they might have a note of kindness. I remember my high school geometry teacher Mr. Simon reading us the Warm Fuzzy story. Funny how things come full circle.
The Pups They love to crawl under my bed, relentlessly chase Ani and their mother, Seeker around the house until they finally find short lived relief on the couch (which the pups will be able to jump up on in a few more days I'm certain). They climb the kids, pull the blankets off the couch, drag shoes and boots all over the house. They are so cuddly and adorable and so hard to keep up with! LOL Principal Eric is threatening to take them home today. Good thing I won't be around after tomorrow. Surly I'd be going through heavy duty puppy withdrawals.

Yeah but what's up with that title you ask? Today in Ali's math class I was playing an intense game of Place Value Top It against Jeremy. Having been beaten twice I was overly zealous to shout out my victory half way through the 3rd round "Already I beat you!" I cheered at Jeremy. Ali was walking past as I declared his defeat. "Spoken in perfect Yup'ik," she observed with a grin. It's true. Much like Spanish reversals, Yup'ik has the same kind of thing going on when a fluent speaker uses English. Apparently I'm picking it up (the reversals, not the Yup'ik;)

Shout Out To: Quyanaqvaa Megan and Bridget for spreading the word to Joy and Karen who sent us a box of beautiful brand new prom dresses! A few of which are already on display in the hallway!

So for real I think this is my final post for awhile! Have a great spring break.

He orders the snow, 'Blanket the earth!'
and the rain, 'Soak the whole countryside!'
Job 37:6

"She Maqiis Like a Man"

2011-02-16T19:00:00.000-08:00

"I'm grateful to you. If it weren't for you, I'd be in Cicely right now and I'd still be running that rat race, still locked in that commute. I'd be totally stressed, I'd be totally ignorant of what my life could be. I'm happier now than I've ever been."

- Joel to Maggie after his time upriver, Northern Exposure

The Yup'ik Maqii

Salmon spots, hhhhooooo weeee, hot, everybody in we're going to pour, everybody out it's too hot in here! Add a little more water, it's good. (To the right a typical steam house with wood someone collected up river drying out and ready to burn.) Owww, my skin is burning turn around and put your behind to the stove and your face on the floor just like you learned in elementary school fire safety, hot air rises. Are you sure we can fit more? There's always room for more! Don't forget your maqii hat so your hair doesn't burn your face and your ears don't melt! Let me out, let me out, let me out...open the outside door a a smidge, could you? So we can get some frigid air in. Time to wash, stove is cooling. Fill up you basin and grab your scrubber. That's how we do it. Add a little cold river water from the barrel and a little hot water from the stove. Suds it up and rinse off same way clean water. Back out to the drying/cooling room and your on your way. (To the left several artifacts they found at the dig site this past summer what you see is what they still typically use in a steam bath: the dipper for pouring water on the hot rocks, and the basin to wash with.) In the steam is where you learn stuff, stuff that you wouldn't get to know unless you steamed. Traditionally that was how it was, the older women would educate the younger women and the same with the older and younger men. I thought of this the other night while we were all in the cooling part of the steam when Liz, my friend Karen's mom was turned facing the rest of use almost as if she were teaching a class. She was telling stories, her sisters would jump in with more tales and we all listened intently. I thought that this might just be a peek at what it was like traditionally. Made me feel honored to see and be part of this strong even ancient tradition carried on. To tell you the truth, I'm not sure I can go without a steam every weekend. My body craves it now. Anyway regarding the title of this blog post... while steaming the women were talking about a friend of theirs who they steam with now and then. Evidently she takes super hot steams and can withstand the heat much longer than anyone else (this is a thing that men are known to do, they try to see who can stand the heat the longest). So one of the girls made the comment,"Yep, she maqiis like a man!" It made me laugh.

Excerpt taken from:
The Aleknagik Way: Alaskan Style By:
5th to 8th Grade Student of Aleknagik School
In our community we also have maqiis that our elders taught us how to use and make. Maqiis are steam houses that we wash with the same gender. The room is heated by a wood stove that is an old gas tank made into a barrel stove. The chimney is aluminum and sticks up through the ceiling and is changed once a year. On top of the stove there is a small wired fence that holds about twenty rocks and a water basin. We use this water basin to have hot water. The rocks get heated by the stove and when heated they get very hot. Then we put water from the water basin over the rocks and this makes steam. We call this splashing. The dipper we get the water from the basin with is a one quart coffee can on the end of a stick that is about two feet long. There is usually a large basin that holds a lot of water for the dipping. There is also a cooling room and that room is bigger than the heated room. The reason it is bigger is because it will have less hot air and this helps the people that are too hot to cool down. The heating room is smaller so the hot air is suffocating. Most of our village elders use maqiis,rather than a shower or bath. Most even say it is better than a shower or bath. We have two-three people (in Quin we have no limits if you can squish in you're good) in at a time in the maqii. Usually these people will sit together on bench chairs (in Quin we don't have bench chairs we use Le' Floor) and have conversation and bathe. Sometimes it gets so hot that people will get as low to the ground as they can. They do this so they can stay cooler and breathe.

We picked up a couple kids on our way home from the basketball game last night. Where are you going they asked. "Uptown." I joked. Jerilyn laughed from the seat behind me then corrected, "That's downtown, we are uptown." "Really?" I inquired surprised. "Really, " she again informed. "So I live downtown?" "i ii," she responded with a Yuktun affirmative. "Then I live downtown but I work uptown!?" I again questioned putting it all together in my little brain. "i ii," she again confirmed. "Wow, that 3/4 mile commute just got a whole lot longer. It must hard to live all the way downtown and work way uptown. You know how it is, fighting all the rush hour traffic. Everyday part of that crazy rat race. Poor me I never realized how tough I had it in this bustling village." I never knew I was a downtown girl.

I forgot my student today! We have an after school program in Quinhagak. Everyday from 4 to 5 students come in for extra tutoring in math or reading. Well tonight I had one student. How difficult is that? She came in quietly sat down behind my make shift wall/partition (one of the big, blue wrestling mats I stole from the gym) and waited for me to finish what I was typing. The problem? I completely forgot she was there as I excitedly made plans to walk down to the store (a relatively big deal since the store is the only place in town you can go ) besides and the post office (which is often closed by the time I get done with work) with Connie and Ken. Out the door we went. She didn't say a word. The only reason I know is because her teacher, my friend Alison, came in later and said, "Wasaa came back to my class and said you left to go to the store?" I don't think I've laughed so hard in at least 2 days or so! Alison joined me. Oh, my goodness! I did totally leave her sitting there behind the blue mat and she must have heard me all happy to get out of school. I hope she realized I'd forgotten she was there and wasn't just ignoring her! Luckily I was able to tease her because she skipped out on me last week so I told her it was my turn to ditch. Tomorrow we're even and we start fresh. She came over to visit tonight so we are square.

Carlton, one of our district superintendents is here in Quinhagak visiting us! He is actually the man who recruited me way back 2 years ago (which feels like yesterday and ten years ago all at the same time). Principal Eric couldn't resist the opportunity to take a walk down memory lane asking permission of course to drag me along...to my first 24 hours in Quinhagak, Alaska... little did I know but they actually had bets on whether or not I would make it. Sherry gave me 8 days and the Boss Man had me packing up and sneaking out in the shadows of the night. We all know my ability to transition is rocky at best but experience has shown that if I can just ride it out it usually turns out okay, not always but usually. Trust me it stems way back to needing to call home in the middle of the night for my parents to come get me at my own cousin's house 1/2 way across town and it hasn't changed all that much except for prayer. Isn't it wild what God can do! I really was in shock when the plane dropped me off on the runway August of 2009 and headed back to Bethel, "Wait for me!" I silently cried watching it fly away. Three rainy, windy, gravely miles through the vacant, treeless, flat Alaskan tundra separated me from the village I was to call home for the next year. I was offered a ride by my now good friend Lily in the back of her little Ranger pick up then kindly plopped down at teacher housing in the middle of the road wondering which tin sided trailer was mine. I distinctly recall Principal Eric popping his head out his doorway and surprisingly calling out "Rachel? Is that you?" I don't even think I could squeak a word out I'm sure I just nodded. "How did you get here? We didn't know you were coming? Welcome to Quinhagak!" From there I was whisked away in the rusty, old, broken, down suburban as he excitedly gave me the 5 minute grand tour which was entirely a blur. My stomach progressively tightened, my throat was trying to choke me and I fought tears with all the energy I had left. All I wanted was nothing more than to go home to my cozy comfort zone where nothing stretched me or caused me pain, to wake up in my own bed surrounded by my own family, friends and stuff. Oh, that God would always, always, always, push us out of our 'zones' because out there on the the edge...that my friends... out there is where you really begin to live...and learn to trust Him! Obviously all bets were off and I'm happily on year two, Praise the Lord and give Him all the credit! Never ever would have imagined it in my first 24 hours, that the tundra would become my play ground, the ocean a back yard and the people my close family. But it has and I am such the better person for it. What can you really tell in the first 24 hours of change anyway? Nothing, best I can figure. Thoughts go something like this: I don't know where I am, nothing is familiar, I don't know anyone and that all makes me sick to my stomach and I have to pee in a bucket. At my loneliest moment...seriously that's when God really said 'Trust Me.' And I really said back, "I can't." And He really responded,"I know you can't. But I can." Then somehow with my weakest crying-est puny-est microscopic-est ounce of trust He did! One moment, one hour, one day, one month, one year at a time...He did. But what he did was simply reveal to me what I couldn't possibly see in the first 24 hours... you see I've been blessed beyond comprehension out here on the edge of nowhere. Met the dearest of friends who I do not deserve, experienced real living from the heart that I never could have understood, was given respite for sorting out what is important and what is not in life, and learned to be more thankful. I absolutely know it in my knower that this is one of the most precious gifts from God and I nearly missed it for wanting my comfort zone, but for the grace of God, eh? So my wonderful friends I hope and pray you have moments on the edge with Him that make you know it in your knower too:) All that from a visit by Carlton. And Carlton...Quyana for making the effort to meet with me 2 years ago at the Perkins in Hayward, it has made all the difference.

To Anchorage and Beyond! We're gearing up to head into Anchor Town to attend the statewide special education conference next week, hopping a prop plane on Friday night. Then on to Wisconsin and back. Don't know if I'll be posting while globetrotting around. Lord willing, I can give you the low down on the adventures upon my return maybe even get to run into a few of you live! How bout that! Have a great couple of weeks everyone!

Shout Out to: All you Februarians!!! Happy Birthdays! to Melissa Dawn, John Teddy, Miss Alicia Weaver, Auntie Shelly, Cousin Stu, Jenny and Christopher Lewis (if yours counts) belated to Donna, Jerilyn, Jasenut and Justus! Let's here it for the amethysts! You all have the best birthday month ever.. but what can I say I'm biased;)

"There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after." Ecclesiastes 1:11

ATTA BOYS!!!

2011-02-12T12:33:00.000-08:00

We didn't lose the game; we just ran out of time.

~Vince Lombardi
(That quote was chosen in your Packer honor too, Principal Eric)

Ref Felipe/Yute Air Extraordinaire
The T-shirt he wore underneath his ref shirt said
"I'm just gonna nod my head and act like I'm listening."
I had to laugh as he was getting read the riot act after the game by some fans,
took off his ref jersey, smiled at them and nodded.

If you didn't get a chance to make it the the Quinhagak School Jim-nasium this weekend, especially Friday night's game, you seriously missed out on some good old fashion basketball like it was meant to be played. When all was dunked and swished the Kwig Eagles won by a heart wrenching point. But our Seahawks rocked the court like champions. I don't think there was a fan in the bleachers that could stay seated more than a minute or so we were jumping around as much as the players! Bleeding black and gold folks. Intense was an understatement, not sure the Delta has ever seen a game so good. It didn't really matter who officially won the game, those boys on both teams were busting at the seams with giving it their all. This morning's game was no different, we've definitely got some talent running around up here. Seahawks made an amazing comeback after the 3rd period closing a 15 point lead to 6 points in the last minute of the game. If I was ever not a basketball fan I am converted. My team of choice though, forever when asked will be the Quinhagak Seahawks, end of story!
Nice work out there guys! You make us proud! The sportsmanship between the teams was humbling. After each game the opposing teams would huddle up and chant for whoever they had played, example, the Kwig Eagles after winning Friday night chanted "GOOD GAME SEAHAWKS!!!" and vice versa.
And let's hear it for Coach Jim (the Hallelujah teacher) Barthelman. Way to go Coach!

Don't be jealous or proud, but be humble and consider others more important than yourselves.
Philippians 2:3

Spirit Week

2011-02-11T18:11:00.000-08:00

"SEA - HAWKS!!! SEA - HAWKS!!! SEA - HAWKS!!! WOO! WOO! WOO!"
~Our Quinhagak School Cheer (you should really hear us live in the Jim-gym)

It has been a week of Sea Hawk Spirit up here! We have our annual Boys Basketball Tournament this weekend. Students and teachers of all ages have been steeped in preparation by partaking in Hat Day, Qaspuk Day, Blue Clothes Day, Sweats Day and Black/Gold School Colors Day! My personal favorite? 'Sweats Day'! Who can seriously resist rolling out of bed in the morning and trotting off to work in your favorite pair of cozy sweatpants??? This is Karen and I sporting our matching Qaspuks complete with the school mascot embroidered on the front pocket that Anya made for us.

As I type games are being played in the gym. The whole staff jumps into action volunteering for all kinds of duties: set up, break down, scoreboard, contribution of food for the coach's lounge, shuttle service from the school to the airstrip and back, working door collecting money (my job;) and general supervision. Some of our stellar students in Mrs. B's class assisted with crowd control by making and posting helpful signs to remind everyone about the rules:) (See the pics, look closely you'll giggle) The school is transformed into a hotel as the teams are assigned a classroom to call home for their stay in Quinhagak. It's a time for families and friends from different villages to reunite! Everybody around the Kuskokwim Delta knows everybody else but you don't always get to see each other for the lack of accessibility. Enter school sports tournaments! They are like a big party and such fun to be part of:) Our Seahawk boys play tonight at 7:30! Come on out and cheer if you are in village:)

UAF We've had some new friendly faces around the school this week. Through a grant the The University of Alaska in Fairbanks gives future teachers in the education program the opportunity to spend one week in Bush Alaska at a village school shadowing, participating and even jumping in to teach a few lessons. What an incredible experience for these up and coming teachers and what a great way to broaden some horizons to get more excellent new teachers into our rural Alaskan communities! We've been fortunate in Quinhagak to have 3 such future teachers with us since last Monday! The kids (and teachers) have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them and seeing their faces popping in our classrooms. What a blessing they have been! They have saved the day several times when we needed another body to keep things moving smoothly, being more than willing and capable to step right into the teacher role! Quyana Ashleigh, Kelly and Nick! You all are going to be stellar teachers. I hope some of you decide to join us out here in the 'real Alaska';) Aside: they shared with us that other future teachers placed in different villages said to them "No fair you get to go to the Hallelujah Village!" What beautiful thing to be known for:)

I guess winter decided to stick around a bit longer too. Our springlike temps took a nose dive 60 degrees two days ago. This morning's numbers were "take away 18". Return the typical tundra February. Tell tale signs: two sets of frozen pipes in teacher housing. And the kids are playing in more than out, "Can we visit?" They have been good company over the last few days as you can tell. And yep, that's my Tak in the pics. Those puppies just keep on growing! They are hilarious when they're out running around the house. They pull my rugs all over the place. Trying to corral them is like herding cats. It amazes me to think that some day they will be part of a sleek uniformed dog team working together to pull a sled across the frozen tundra doing what they were made for! Right now they seem to be made for peeing on the floor, crawling under the beds and licking our faces:) "Eewww," Tyrone proclaimed pulling Tak away from his face and setting him on the ground, "He smells like spu-gudy!"
"Spu-gudy? What's spu-gudy?" I wondered out loud what Yupik word that might be, never having heard anything like it. "You know, like what we eat.." he stated as if I was from the moon " Spu-gudy."
"Spa-ghe-tti," Wasaa jumped in with the well enunciated translation, "He's saying Spa-ghe-tti."
"Oh," I laughed picking up Tak to verify, "Hum, Tyrone you might be right. His puppy breath does kind of smell like spu-gudy."

The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing.
The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.
John 6:63

Spring? You Sprang?

2011-02-07T17:00:00.000-08:00

"You know what I prayed? In February I actually prayed for spring to come to relieve us of this oppressive, relentless, dismal, dark winter. What was I thinking? I must have been out of my mind. How could I forget the mosquitos? It's like the state bird of Alaska."
- Joel, Northern Exposure

Is there something wrong with this picture??? We sloshed and slid to school today. A good inch of water is now lapping the sheets of ice after the rain fall all last night. Slippery is an understatement for our ground conditions. Bus almost slid off the road into the telephone pole in slow motion this morning. "Are we okay?" one of our little passengers inquired. Tom slid past the bus trying to get on this morning, Connie to the rescue again. Slid right into the bus making my way over to get it started. Sidney reported he slid down his steps and had to go back inside to change his soaked pants. And when Adin and I tried to return to the kindergarten building which we have to travel outside to get to, we found an ice bottomed puddle about 4 inches deep awaiting us at the last step. "Well, climb on!" I squatted down enough for him to become my piggy back passenger. "Good thing for the Xtra Tufs today!" Splish, splash, slish, splash "Sure hope we don't fall..." I love my job. "Weeeee!" Adin giggled. I also hope he doesn't expect that chariot ride everyday from now on. Seems we all had some kind of slick story to share this morning. Trying to keep the rubber side down up here! Hope your weather is better than ours.

Now in Quinhagak, Alaska

36 °F

Feels Like 30 °F

Overcast

Sunrise / Sunset

9:38 AM
6:19 PM

Wind(mph)

Today

38 °F

Rain

100% chance of precipitation

"God alone knows the way to Wisdom, he knows the exact place to find it. He knows where everything is on earth, he sees everything under heaven. After he commanded the winds to blow and measured out the waters, Arranged for the rain and set off explosions of thunder and lightning, He focused on Wisdom, made sure it was all set and tested and ready. Then he addressed the human race: 'Here it is! Fear-of-the-Lord—that's Wisdom, and Insight means shunning evil."
Job 28:23-26