Wow, here we are already in the beginning of March. Time sure does fly by.
This weeks news....the dentist has returned, and once again the workroom has been turned into a dentist's office. He realized what a great site Tunt is ;) The water guys are also back, I think the colder it is, the more they like to work.
Temperatures have dropped again, and in the last few days windchills have dipped to about -35 F and -38C. Tonight Kat and I braved a walk to the store, and found an eclectic assortment of stuff. (like a bucket for pooper scooping :P and a tea kettle) The walk to the store was bitter cold, but the wind pushed us on the way home. Planes cannot fly for school sports or other school activities when the temps drop to -35 F...it's too dangerous, even with snowpants, coat, and all skin covered. Planes will not fly when the ambient air temp is too low. Travis and some students were headed to Bethel yesterday but were stuck in the village due to the cold temps.
The highlight of my day today...I received sermon tapes in the mail from my church at home, it was so nice to hear a sermon and it spoke to my heart. God is good.
May you have a wonderful weekend, God bless.
Friday, March 02, 2007
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
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!!
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.
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?
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.
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.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Sledding
What a beautiful day--Who will win the distance race?
That little one...loved the ride down but hated the climb back up.This past week brought some beautiful weather. I was able to escape the classroom for a bit to go sledding with some of my kids :) We had the opportunity to take the speech language pathologist with us. She is from Texas and this was her first time sledding.
A nice break from school work :)Happy 2007
I have included some pictures of my time at home--and some people very important to me.
Spruce Hill Church 12/27/06--This is an 18 ft. tall Christmas tree from a nearby farm
Grandma and I
Well...here we are more than 2 months since my last post...what a slacker I've become. I was home for the holidays and had a wonderful time, it was great to see everyone and just have time away from work.
Everything was so beautiful--snow on the ground and frost covered trees.
A bit of snow?
Spruce Hill Church 12/27/06--This is an 18 ft. tall Christmas tree from a nearby farm
Grandma and IWell...here we are more than 2 months since my last post...what a slacker I've become. I was home for the holidays and had a wonderful time, it was great to see everyone and just have time away from work.
Rach, Mom and I at our Family Christmas 12/28/06
We have a lot more snow in the village, and it continues to fall, but the temperature has been decent and we have much to be thankful for. I have been without water all of this week again, this means showering and using the bathroom at the school--makes life interesting. I had guests for supper last night. We (well at least I) had a delightful time. Rocky has been a good little trooper, not chewing nearly as much and has been very content. He and Iain became friends over the holidays.
Everything was so beautiful--snow on the ground and frost covered trees.This week we will have two funerals in the village, so things have been a bit irregular due to the days of mourning and trying to get back into routine after break. This week brings our third set of parent teacher conferences, I need to hurry up and get all my progress reports in. I am also taking two classes this semester...must have thought I was more bored than I really am. :) Enough of an update...enjoy the pictures :)
A bit of snow? Sunday, November 19, 2006
Crazy Busy
Well....it's been forever since I updated, I'm sorry...I'll try to do better.
Well...lots has happened...
Halloween: we had a carnival at school, the kids were done with class at 12:30 and all staff and students then assembled in the gym. The students were divided into groups, with at least one high school student per group. The day was fun, and teachers were exhausted by the time the day was over....it's more exhausting to do a carnival than to teach all day.
Beginning of November....we had election day and voted for a new governor and oil tax as well as the local election.
Staff and students have been plagued with sickness. Nasty colds going around and one case of whooping cough among staff.
Last weekend I went on a trip as a chaperone for NYO (Native Youth Olympics) it's an interesting experience. The activities take a tremendous amount of strength. Our Jr. High team took 5th overall out of 11. Pretty good...this is the first time we've had an NYO team for several years.
This weekend Kat and I ventured out to Bethel it was a great get away. We spent 1 1/2 hours sitting in the newly remodeled airport (curtousy of Nick and his HS class)....needless to say our toes were well...numb might be an appropriate term...it's freezing cold out there. The first Yute plane came said "we don't have any seats" Kat and I were wondering what in the world...but smiled and laughed as we were starting our adventure. The plane came a little after six and I made my first ever trip going to or from Tunt in the dark. We could see all the lights from neighboring villages, and when flying into Bethel...Bethel looked like a metropolis. Let me tell you, Bethel is a HUGE city, with a grand population of maybe 6,000 people. Upon arrival in Bethel we checked in at the hotel dumped off our stuff and left for the grocery store. I spent entirely too much much on groceries..but it was worth every penny for the fresh produce and goodies that I purchased. We ordered out from our favorite place for supper friday night...I had americanized mexican food...this time the Enchilada's were not vegetarian enchiladas (last time they were made with Tofu). We had very happy tummies.
Saturday morning I woke up a little before six and laid there...a little after seven Kat says "are you awake yet?" I laughed and said yes. She turned on the light...and we went to the freezer to get our containers of ice cream. We returned to the room to eat ice cream and watch stupid cartoons. We got motivated and went to another grocery store, came back packed all our groceries from the previous day and headed for the craft sale. The craft sale was a bit disappointing this year. I did find some cute earrings and have a request in for my fur hat. :) We checked in at the airport early; they were able to get us on an earlier flight (ours was supposed to leave at 4...we left a little before 3) our groceries were delievered later. (Well...the 20 lb. turkey in my duffel bag flew on our plane...LOL--adventures). It was a nice weekend, and a welcome break; and a wonderful thing....Ehab was waiting to talk to me when I got home. :) (he's 11 hours ahead of us). It is getting much colder outside and days are getting shorter. Right now the temperature is about 8F or -13 C with a windchill of -4F or -20C. This morning sun came up about 9:15 and set around 5:00.
Hope you all have a wonderful week,
Well...lots has happened...
Halloween: we had a carnival at school, the kids were done with class at 12:30 and all staff and students then assembled in the gym. The students were divided into groups, with at least one high school student per group. The day was fun, and teachers were exhausted by the time the day was over....it's more exhausting to do a carnival than to teach all day.
Beginning of November....we had election day and voted for a new governor and oil tax as well as the local election.
Staff and students have been plagued with sickness. Nasty colds going around and one case of whooping cough among staff.
Last weekend I went on a trip as a chaperone for NYO (Native Youth Olympics) it's an interesting experience. The activities take a tremendous amount of strength. Our Jr. High team took 5th overall out of 11. Pretty good...this is the first time we've had an NYO team for several years.
This weekend Kat and I ventured out to Bethel it was a great get away. We spent 1 1/2 hours sitting in the newly remodeled airport (curtousy of Nick and his HS class)....needless to say our toes were well...numb might be an appropriate term...it's freezing cold out there. The first Yute plane came said "we don't have any seats" Kat and I were wondering what in the world...but smiled and laughed as we were starting our adventure. The plane came a little after six and I made my first ever trip going to or from Tunt in the dark. We could see all the lights from neighboring villages, and when flying into Bethel...Bethel looked like a metropolis. Let me tell you, Bethel is a HUGE city, with a grand population of maybe 6,000 people. Upon arrival in Bethel we checked in at the hotel dumped off our stuff and left for the grocery store. I spent entirely too much much on groceries..but it was worth every penny for the fresh produce and goodies that I purchased. We ordered out from our favorite place for supper friday night...I had americanized mexican food...this time the Enchilada's were not vegetarian enchiladas (last time they were made with Tofu). We had very happy tummies.
Saturday morning I woke up a little before six and laid there...a little after seven Kat says "are you awake yet?" I laughed and said yes. She turned on the light...and we went to the freezer to get our containers of ice cream. We returned to the room to eat ice cream and watch stupid cartoons. We got motivated and went to another grocery store, came back packed all our groceries from the previous day and headed for the craft sale. The craft sale was a bit disappointing this year. I did find some cute earrings and have a request in for my fur hat. :) We checked in at the airport early; they were able to get us on an earlier flight (ours was supposed to leave at 4...we left a little before 3) our groceries were delievered later. (Well...the 20 lb. turkey in my duffel bag flew on our plane...LOL--adventures). It was a nice weekend, and a welcome break; and a wonderful thing....Ehab was waiting to talk to me when I got home. :) (he's 11 hours ahead of us). It is getting much colder outside and days are getting shorter. Right now the temperature is about 8F or -13 C with a windchill of -4F or -20C. This morning sun came up about 9:15 and set around 5:00.
Hope you all have a wonderful week,
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