The Beginning of My Second Year in Chevak
Well, I am back in Chevak. This is not only my second year teaching, but it is also my second year teaching second grade. Our official first week of school starts tomorrow.
It is SO good to be back. I cannot count how many times I have heard, "Welcome home." And, it really feels like home.
I came back to Chevak with news that I was moving into my own unit. So between getting settled into my classroom and the new place, I have been staying pretty busy. It is definitely a treat to have my own space and to decorate things to express my personality.
On Wednesday I was invited to take a steam which I was so thankful for though I was reminded of Lena. She was the first person I ever took a steam with. We have lovely and funny memories of that first time. In some ways this steam was bittersweet. But, I am a firm believer that it is good to remember. And, I was amongst great company. I am so happy that I was able to take a steam so early in the year- thank you, Susie!
The first weekend of each school year marks TundraFest. This is a time when other villages come to Chevak to yuraq (Eskimo dance). This year Nitemute and King Island joined us. The festivities began on Thursday night and just ended last night, on Saturday. This was a good time for me to get out and visit with Chevakers that I have haven't seen since the spring. It sure was a good time.
Also, yesterday I had the opportunity to go out by boat to one of the Ulroan's camps for berry-picking and burgers :) The whole family went out. The ride was beautiful- my first one of the year. There weren't too many berries, but it was so relaxing to be out on the tundra and just be in peace.
This evening I heard someone say, "Making connections makes life changes." He said, "We cannot just work, work, work. Even if this mean staying up late (which we do for TundraFest)." I really appreciated hearing this because that has been something I believe and want to make sure I remember this school year. Out in the village, it is very easy to be in our classrooms for much of our spare time and to get stressed about school-related stuff. But, we have a choice not to and I am making that choice. I want to make sure that I make time to play, to connect, and to have me time.
You have heard me say this a time or two, "Life is too short." Well, I absolutely believe this and I heard something else today to add to that thought: "Watch carefully how you live your life. Be wise in how you live, making the most of every opportunity." I LOVE this! Spoke right to me.
Thank you for following my blog. I look forward to another great year out here in Chevak and plan to keep this updated once again.
Quyana Cakneq :)
Can you guess who that is in the picture on the wall?! ;)
