Hello All,
Minus the horrible heat the lower 48 had this past summer,
it was everything I could have asked for.
I was able to relax, refocus, and even prep a bit for teaching year
number two. Even in the heat, it
was so nice to get out running and biking almost every day. I enjoyed buying fresh cut flowers,
veggies and drinking plenty of lattes!
I loved all the traveling to visit family and friends I was fortunate to
do. Thank you to all who housed me
and took such great care of me while I visited – from Washington to Connecticut
all the way down to Florida. It was a blast! I also was able to join my
previous church's high school youth team on their outreach to Standing Rock, South Dakota. So, now it’s your
turn to come north and visit me, send me your itinerary!
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| Blackberries |
School has been off to a great yet, as always, busy
start. I have 16 third graders
this year. After my first year of
teaching and having such a wonderful class I thought it might take longer to “like”
(as much as last years group) this new group, but they got me on day one. They are such a funny and positive group
of kids! I have been taking some
“school” myself; all online courses, which I have learned, are not my
favorite. I now appreciate my
professors and class discussions that were face to face so much more. Nothing
official in terms of a master program, but credits that will help me move in
that direction one day.
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| Raspberries |
I picked a bunch of berries this season. I really found my liking for it; I
think it’s a mix of competition in filling my bucket faster and faster each
time and then finding the good spots.
But even more than that, it has been really relaxing for me, and then you
know me, feeling productive at the same time. I wish I could bottle the smell
of tundra.
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| Salmonberries |
I am co-coaching volleyball again this year, which started
up last week. Lots of athletes
this year and a young group! We head to St. Mary’s this coming weekend for our
first games. Also, at school I’m co-leading a high school group called, Natural
Helpers. It’s a group of students
that are picked and dedicated on making our school and community better. We have weekly meetings and will be
doing elder visits, big brother/ big sister program, teen suicide prevention
discussion/retreat, and family events throughout the year. It was kinda unexpected and last minute
thing to be apart of, but I’m really looking forward to working with these high
schoolers.
It has been so encouraging getting back to church here in
Scammon Bay. There are lots of
neat things God has been doing with the youth. As you feel lead keep us in your prayers as we seek to
follow the Lords direction.
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| My friend's daughter who is also Addie's trainer. |
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| Adalae |
My roommate and I gave in and took in a pup a few weeks
ago. Her name is Adalae, (Addie). We are pretty sure she is mostly a
Labrador, but may have a few other breads mixed in. I have had a family dog my whole life, but it’s a whole
different deal trying to figure out the best training tactics on your own. But I’m glad we have her, she forces me
out walking/hiking even when I think it’s a little too chilly.  | |||
| our group |
We just got back Friday from a two-day teacher training in
Hooper Bay. All the primary
teachers in the district met there.
I had such a neat time with my colleagues, I’m so glad to work with
these ladies, they have taught me so much! We laughed so hard together they are such a hoot. I was even given my Yup’ik name, which
was very special. Quyana for making trainings fun!
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| flying home from Hooper Bay |
Well, I think this blog post is my longest yet. Hopefully I
will find more time to update! Thanks for reading. Have a wonderful fall; drink a pumpkin latte for me!
