Peace, LOVE, and Happiness (for many, many reasons)

February 2014

And here we are…in February, the current month. I was only a few months behind :)

February has been an exciting month here in New Stuyahok. Not only did we celebrate Valentine’s Day, but we also stayed busy last weekend with several events including a spirit week, the New Stu Showdown (basketball tournament with boys and girls teams from three other villages plus our own), carnival, and a kiddy carnival.

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday were filled with basketball games galore. It was really fun to watch everyone play and have the opportunity to see kids I recognized from the past five summers of basketball camp, as well as coaching volleyball this year.

Carnival included many events, but the one I participated in the most was the Junior Miss Pageant. Several middle school girls participated in a pageant where they had to give a speech, perform a talent, and show off some formal evening wear. I had the honor of being a ‘judge’ for the pageant and it was so fun to watch the girls stand in front of the whole village and be brave enough to speak and dance and sing in front of them. (I definitely did not have that kind of courage at their age!)

We also were blessed by a short visit from our friends from Iliamna. They arrives Saturday morning to watch their sons play basketball in the Showdown, so we were able to enjoy their company during the game as well as during lunch and a relaxing time at our houses.

On Monday, we had a kiddy carnival where school ended a little early so that kids could participate in the “Kiddy Carnival.” There were many games and activities that were run by teachers and student council members and it lasted for a couple hours. The kids all had a blast and came to school the next day showing off all of the prizes they won!

In other news, this past Monday also brought forth contracts. I am excited to say that I will be returning to “Chief” Ivan Blunka School in New Stuyahok in the fall for another year! :) I am blessed to be to be a part of this village and surrounded by such awesome friends, new and old, who encourage me daily in my walk with God.

Last night, we had several kids from New Stuyahok, as well as, the boy’s basketball team from Port Alsworth over to our house for a great time of fellowship and worship. It was AWESOME!

Sending love and warm wishes to all of my friends and family who have been surviving this crazy winter back in the cold, snow-covered, lower 48! We finally got a little bit of snow here yesterday and enjoyed that (see some silly pictures below). It’s warm (36 degrees) and windy (always windy) again today.

We frolicked and played, the Eskimo way...

Walking in a winter wonderland!

PS. More great news that this month has brought is that my friends will be staying as well! Not only my coworkers, but also my roommate, Doni. Praising the Lord that He has shown her His will AND that it is to return to Stu again in the fall! She's a great aunt, an amazing roommate, and a wonderful adventure buddy!

Dec/Jan Update

December 2013

Wow. I’ve fallen far behind with this blog and I shall do my best to give an update of the last few months

December first…

December was a great month as I got to spend the first half of it closing out my first semester as a teacher in New Stu and the second half celebrating Christ’s birth and the new year with family and friends!

The first semester was a bit crazy as a first ‘full year’ teacher, living in a new place with many new faces, and coaching volleyball, but I loved every minute of it. Every insanely busy minute was wonderful and so enjoyable. I absolutely love being able to pour into the lives of the kids here in my class, on my team, in the hallways, or even on the weekends. They bring so much joy to my life and remind me why I came here in the first place…to show Christ’s love and hope in this place.

On the last Friday before Christmas break, we finished the school day making cards with finger paint and eating yummy treats. Then, once school was out, it was off to our house to get our bags and head to the airport to get to Anchorage.  We made our way back to Grand Rapids after a few delays here and there.

It was so great to see my family and friends! I celebrated Christmas with my mom’s side of the family in Michigan and then we drove to Minnesota/Wisconsin to see my dad’s side of the family. It was a very busy break, but thoroughly enjoyable! I loved every minute that I was able to catch up on life with friends (face to face).

January 2014

January…Well, I was blessed to be able to ring in the New Year with my cousins in Minnesota and then spent a couple more days with them before heading back to Michigan.

Winter in Michigan was getting real, so we departed for Chicago a bit early to ensure a safe drive a day early. I was picked up by the party van (aka the Owens’ van) and we arrived safely in Chicago the evening before our flight. We enjoyed some great conversation and fun times on our little trip and were off to the airport in the morning.

We arrived safely in Anchorage and did a little grocery shopping before heading off to Iliamna (a village nearby) where we stayed with friends for the night before flying into New Stuyahok. The weather was windy and the runway was icy, but thanks to our incredible pilot, and the Lord’s hand, we landed safely and all in one piece. I had a few days to plan and prepare (and attend inservice) before students arrived on Monday.

January is a bit of a crazy time here as the Russian Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on the 7^th and the New Year is celebrated a bit later as well on the 13^th, which just happened to be the first day of school. There were a few absences that day as many students and their families had traveled to nearby villages for starring. [I was able to witness a starring at a neighbor’s house where people from the village of many ages came, sang, greeted us, and ate. It was a neat experience (and helped me relate to my students better when they tried to describe it for me.)] The first few weeks back into our regular routine were a bit of an adjustment for the kids, but that is to be expected, especially with so many activities right before school.

The end of the month; however, brought an unexpected event. I am overwhelmed and so grateful to the many, many people who have prayed for my family, especially my mom, and have stepped in to help in any way they could, whether with meals or just their presence! It is SO comforting to know that my family is being taken care of even when I cannot be there. What a blessing it is to be a part of the body of Christ!