There's nothing like being curled up on the couch on a snowy Sunday morning with a good cup of coffee (Yes, I said snowy. It's not currently snowing, but there's a light dusting on the ground from yesterday). One nice thing about our church here is that it doesn't start until 11, and it takes about 3 minutes to walk there. And we could leave at 11 and still be on time! It's really good to get to sleep in two days a week.
Teaching here is good and exhausting. Since it's my first year there's the normal figuring out of the curriculum, grading, how to teach certain topics, getting to know the school, and keeping the kids engaged in what we're learning, in addition to the challenges of teaching in the Bush. Fortunately, I have an awesome staff to work with, and everyone is helpful and supportive. Not going to lie-- there have been days that have ended in tears, but God is good, and I've been able to go back the next day. Most of the time I really enjoy my students and what I'm teaching. Each day is different, and best of all--No more boring Spanish videos!!
Outside of school we've been getting to know people through church and just walking around town. Drew has gone hunting and brought back several geese (which we've then had to clean and cut up, but more on that in another post). I've been playing the viola in church, which is fun, and going to craft night up at the school. A couple weeks ago I went and sang with a group that gets together and sings every week or so, and we sang some hymns and gospel songs, and (I listened mostly) some Y'upik (the native language) songs.
It's a beautiful country up here. We're about a mile from the Bering Sea, right between a river and a small mountain. Out our front window, past the town, is just miles and miles of marsh and tundra, thousands of tiny lakes and bogs. There aren't really any trees around here, but there are some bushes and tall grasses that have changed color with the Fall. The days get shorter very quickly. Already the sun doesn't come up till 9:30 am and sets around 8:00 pm. It's been in the low 30s this week (those are the highs) and windy. The wind is almost strong enough to knock you over if you're not careful!
There's a lot to tell about, but I should close this for now. I hope to start writing more often, so check back soon! Thank you all for your prayers and support. We appreciate them more than you know!
