Thursday, February 22, 2007

BRRRR!!! but what an amazing sunset

Tonight, Kat, Iain, Rocky and I all went for a lovely walk...very frigid but beautiful. We walked along the river from near my house, all the way down around the runway and airport. We then followed the boardwalk back into the village.







Bundled up from the walk....current temperatures read -1F and -18 C with windchills of -18F and -28C









Incredible eh?--Taken while we were standing on the river



Taken by the airport, while standing on the river...so pretty

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Who-Hoo!!

The only thing I can say is WHO-HOO!!! I feel like I've just finished a week of finals.

After about 15 hours of paperwork preparation and testing of a student. I had my biggest IEP meeting to date. I feel so much lighter and more relaxed now that I have that out of the way :) I have also completed my training for the alternate assessment....good reasons to celebrate I'd say :)

Now, the remaining task at hand is to catch up on my homework and I'm good to go.

Hmmm...other news....the washeteria has closed down indefinitely. This means that there is no laundromat for the people to use. The school washers have become more busy than ever.

This morning we had another incredible sunrise, and it was so clear once again the mountains were visible in the distance. Sun was coming up by the time I left for work, days are getting longer :). I wish I could try to explain the sunrises and sunsets; God has done an amazing job with His creation.

Happy Wednesday, have a wonderful day!!

Monday, February 19, 2007

Tundra Times

This past week, sped by in a blur, and the weekend flew by even faster. Already nearing the end of February and we are in our 24th week of school...unbelievable.

Contracts came out and I have signed on for another year in the Tundra. Love the job, and feel I am getting to know the ropes and learning new systems for doing things. Next year the position could be a bit different, as we currently have two special education teachers and funding from the district office will only allow for one special education teacher next year. Travis or I may end up with new or additional job duties.

This week, I am in the midst of preparing for my biggest IEP meeting ever....will be a time to learn more and ask questions to people if I don't understand, and spend many hours in the next couple days in paperwork :P I am also working on completing my training for being an Administrator for the Alaska Alternate Assessment, I have had 10-12 hours of polycom (2 way video) classes, and spent about another 5 hours working on training on the internet from home. This week I am giving a practice test, which will be sent to the district office. The people in the district office, sped department, will grade my scoring of the practice test and then I should be a certified tester for Alaska. The actual alternate assessment won't take place until March and into April.

Hopefully..I will be able to get out and go jigging in the near future, maybe once I catch up on homework and school work :)--or maybe I should live life and go before I get that done...if I wait it may never happen ;) The weather has cooled off a bit but was clear and beautiful...today temps were about 0F and -18C; windchills are back between -20 and -30 F.

Verses I'm focusing on this week...."I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" and "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him."

May your week be peaceful and filled with joy.

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!
wishing all of you a beautiful day
Some of my Valentines--I love being a teacher :) don't those melt your heart?

Monday, February 12, 2007

News

What do I have for news...hmmmm???

To start with, Kat and Iain had a beautiful wedding, the weather changed from frigid to sunny and beautiful and the day was perfect....Again CONGRATS!

The most exciting news that I have is that I HAVE WATER!!!---yes again, I went a few weeks with no water; let me add it makes things more interesting when you have the stomach flu and no running water...YUCK!

The weather here has been warm, around 32F/0 C however it has also brought on a surge of rain (great for the water tanks :) and many days we've had no planes due to wind, freezing rain etc.

One afternoon I saw a new person arrive, wondered who in the world this qassaq man was....the next day upon arrival at work I discoverd the staff room rennovated into a dentist office, complete with dental chair, and all things you see in a dentist office..The dentist took up residence in our workroom for about two weeks.

Throughout part of this time the water treatment building people were here, working from 7 am to 9 pm. making constant noise. This also meant water in the school was turned off for a weekend and a few weekdays after school. Hopefully the new water treatment center will be up and running with decent water by May. :)

As for me, my work load is gradually picking up speed. I am taking two classes and find the subject matter interesting (most times). I am working on getting my teaching license renewed for next year. I am certain about staying in Tunt. for another year, and beyond that....only God knows. I've had some opportunities and information sent to me for positions in Africa; God will open those doors if/when the time is right. I continue to think philosophically...I know that the semester I had philosophy was the worst of college....but now it's the way I think....who would have thought??
God continues to show his faithfulness, it is hard sometimes to stay on track and remain accountable while I'm up here. I have been blessed with online friends who either encourage me by sharing my beliefs, or challenging me because we have different beliefs. Though it's difficult...God continues to show me that He loves me more than any man in this world ever could and I need to have faith in all areas of my life---faith as a mustard seed, that will grow and branch out. We need to have a desire to follow, and act upon that desire. Desire can be asking the one we are closest too--our Heavenly Father, "ask and it shall be given unto you"

In the past few months, some of my online friends have challenged me and prompted me to do more research about the relations of religions...what are there similarities, and their differences? What are the fundamental beliefs in these religions? Most of the research has been in regards to Islam and Christianity; I've learned many things and come to understand more of what I believe, and to ground myself firmly. I've also had the chance to think, bounce questions off of, and discuss with my good friend, Abdelghani,who will explain the views he holds and ask about my views. I believe God is doing something with my online interactions, and is using it as a ministry field for myself and others. Sometimes this something...means life lessons that tug on the heart and pull and pull til you wonder what makes you stand. All in all...God is faithful, and "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"

Not sure that I have any other news for now...Have a wonderful day.