Goodbye 2010

It is that time of year... out with the old and in with the new! I got back to Chevak yesterday, and am SOOO glad to be home. Though I am from Anchorage and Dad was from Southeast AK... this is where my heart is the happiest right now. This will be my first New Year's celebration in VAK and I am very excited! Fireworks, good friends, and fun await us! This time of year always makes me miss my dad, as we lost him to Hep C six years ago this evening/tomorrow. He was a rock in my life for sure. And, I was, without a doubt, a daddy's girl. I had a good cry for him the other night, missing him immensely. I know that he would think it is so neat that I am teaching and living in Chevak... he would love it here. One thing dad was always really good about was telling us girls how proud he was of us... those words were lasting. This week I drove into Eagle River for the first time in a long time... many of my memories of my dad were out there, as that is where he and my grandma lived in his last years... and, that is where he passed away. It was hard, and weird. I had a good visit with a good friend, but I would just as soon not drive into that town anymore... it was hard. So, don't be sad for me but think of him on this beautiful evening.

I cannot believe the school year is already half way over... it is just flying by! I completed both of my grad courses with As this semester, which is a very good feeling. I will start the other two here in a couple of weeks and then I will have my much needed summer break of NO SCHOOL :) After that, just one more course and my research project... I'm getting close!

2010 has been a very good year. I have some of the greatest friends all over the world, and they make my life that much more beautiful. My family means a lot to me, and I am very thankful that we got to spend good times together over this holiday break. Someday, I am determined to get my mom to fly out here for a visit... wish me luck, she hates flying! Lol.

I guess this is my year in review. Basically, I am just so thankful for all that I have in my life. It just gets better and better. Happy New Year, everyone... pics to come after the night ;)

New York in December... ahhhh!

Thank you to all who made my NY trip full of wonderful memories! Met a new niece, saw many sights, reconnected with friends, and made a few new ones.

New York bound!

Just the Way You Are

There is something about the word "amazing" that I just love...

"Misty Dawn Nelson's Alaska"

I had to share this beautiful piece of poetry that a friend of mine wrote for me... I consider it to be an early Christmas present. Darlene is a beautiful, strong, spiritual Alaska Native woman who has blessed me on so many occasions with her beautiful words. Many blessings to you this holiday season, Darlene. And, quyana!

Her smile as wide as the Turnagin Arm
Her heart as plentiful as the Denali Mountain
Her hair as beautiful as the Sleeping Lady
Hands filled with purpose, strength, as Mt. St. Augustine
Feet solidly grounded in His love far surpasses Mt.Redoubt
Colorful hearts throughout Alaska beams Aurora Borealis
Running feet as swift as the mighty Yukon River
Shoulders strong as the Brooks Range
Creative as the majestic beauty of the Alaska Range
Misty Dawn Nelson's Alaska gives children cherished hope
Shining her gifts laid out by His hands

Written By Darlene S. Heckler

Snow Pics

Photo Fun with "Good" Kids

This is a short video of my friend Becky Good, her kiddos (Cael and McKenzie), and our friend, John. Beck was trying to get some holiday shots of the kiddos to send to her family back home in PA. I think we had a lil' more fun than we anticipated! PS We are on a frozen lake in front of teacher housing, by the school, and not far from the airport.

Chevak "Airport" ;)

This is a short video clip of a bush plane landing on our airstrip. There is no building for one to "warm up in" or what not. And, yes, this is the type of plane that we must travel in to get from here to Bethel.

A Lil' Tour of VAK

This short video shows the drive from our school to one of the local stores. We pass the Chevak Corp, the Clinic, Tabernacle Church, and end at Our Cache. Earlier in the day we got the truck stuck en route to the dump though we didn't have the camera for that, darn it! Enjoy! ;)

Amazing Grace (Inuit)

Perfect time of year to share this. So beautiful.

Thanksgiving 2010... much to be thankful for!

For some reason, teaching the history of Thanksgiving to my students this year was a much more meaningful and beautiful lesson than has been in the past. It is so crucial that we educate our students based on as much fact as possible. This holiday has always been one of my favorites in that it is generally a time to be with loved ones and show thanks for the many blessings we have in this life... breath alone.

This year I am specifically thankful for deepened relationships, the love of my family, my schooling, being in a profession that I absolutely love, and having His favor in life. I truly believe that I have a purpose and destiny each and every day and I love those moments when you can see all the beautiful steps that God has led you on... high and low, backwards, forwards, turns, through valleys, up mountains, etc. Our life experiences make us who

we are and awaken us to beautiful new learnings. I couldn't be more thankful for the life I have, even when it has its tough moments.

As we get older we also learn more and more about forgiveness and restoration. Recently, I learned that my ex and his girlfriend became engaged and are having a baby. And, from the bottom of my heart, I actually can say that I am really happy for him. What a joy to have that. To love and be loved, these are life's greatest joys. And, having a baby? Wow, Lord knows I feel that is one of the greatest gifts one can bear-- truly amazing. I can't say that I wasn't at first shocked... I had to digest the information... but, after that... I can say that I am genuinely happy for the ex. And, that is a good feeling. I have heard that his fiancee has written some unkind things about me in a public manner. Though I have never met her, I have forgiven her and wish them both well. There is much to be thankful for in this great, big, beautiful world. I have to say, thought it's not always so easy, forgiveness is a beautiful thing.

As I think of all that I am thankful for this Thanksgiving, I will keep singing, keep dancing, keep dreaming, and keep rising to the challenges that bring us to our greatest strengths. I am looking forward to a long, restful, quiet holiday weekend in the VAK. Turkey, potatoes, fresh fruits and veggies, sweet yams... and good company. Missing my family is always something I am good at doing this time of year, but it makes me more thankful for them. Besides, Christmas break is just a few weeks away! ;) Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, everyone and enjoy the pics!

Gobble, gobble!

Misty

Mario & Luigi in VAK

First quarter has come and gone and parent-teacher conferences were enjoyable! I got to spend time really talking with a lot of my parents. It was fun because there were a few parents I didn't know, but I got to know... and then there were quite a few parents who I already knew which was really nice, too. I cannot tell you how much I delighted in parents telling me about the things they already knew their child is learning in school because s/he talks about it at home! That makes for a happy teacher! One parent told me that her son asked if what they were watching on television was fiction or non-fiction... how awesome! And, I love that the parents share things like this with me... gave me a big, fat smile.

Today we celebrated Halloween at school, which is pretty much a norm here. My mom sent me all of our old Halloween costumes so my kiddos got to play dress-up with them today. They took such great care of them and shared so nicely. My students are always working hard so I really love when we can do these kind of silly, laid-back activities. I will never lose sight of the importance of imagination, fun, and enjoyment for young children. Some of my friends from elementary and middle school messaged me and told me that they remember coming to our house when we were younger and trying on all of these costumes! Fun to think of all the memories that have been made in these costumes over the years. This year, a good friend of mine out here dressed as Luigi and I dressed as Mario. The students all over the school know who they are which made them pretty fun costumes. We are going to have to think of something fun for next year ;)

Tomorrow is our Halloween Carnival which brings in a huge number of community members. I will be running the duck pond and look forward to seeing all of the kiddos in their excitement!

Next week, November will be here which means Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Before I know it, Christmas vacation will be here! There is much teaching and learning to be done in the next quarter, and I am looking forward to it!

Winter is in the air...

Stay warm,

Misty

Wrestling Has Begun

It was a beautiful day here in VAK. The weather was warm, no wind, the sun was out, and the bit of snow we have was reflecting the sun. It was an earlier Saturday for me than others... I woke up to three alarm clocks... my reg clock, iPad, and phone. Typically, this lady likes to sleep in on Saturdays, but our wrestling season has begun and we had a meet last night and this morning. When I was in high school I was a wrestling manager for a few years, taking care of stats and that kind of stuff. They were fun times. I don't think I started to understand wrestling until my last year, and I find myself getting it more and more even though it is a sport I never would have otherwise been interested in. Anyway, I was pretty excited when I moved to VAK and learned that wrestling is one of their main sports. Teachers tend to wear a few hats in villages and resources can be limited so it is nice to be able to help out and score when we have meets. I actually really enjoy it.

After scoring some matches I worked the open library for a few hours. Students are able to come in and read for a bit and then get on the computers. Overall, it went pretty well. I thought I'd get some work done, but I kept pretty busy just making sure things went smoothly. It's always nice to get time out of the classroom to get to know the kiddos more.

As I left the school I was so glad I had started my day early because otherwise I might have missed out on the beautiful weather. I sat on my porch (which has a lake view) and watched a handful of kids ice skating, pulling each other on a sled, and playing kick the can. I just sat there thinking about how nice it was to see them outside getting fresh air and making use of the things around them. It really made me wish I had ice skates though... I wanted to join them! Clear skies, sounds of kiddos playing together, and the sunshine beaming down. Truly beautiful.

I have finally taken some time to clean house and I got another paper done for my grad class... half-way through the semester! Though I love taking classes and only have a few left to go, I dream about a time when I won't be writing papers on the weekends ;) I have yet to take a break from school, and though I say I will when I am done with my master's.... we shall see. I can't really even fathom a life without my messenger bag full of syllabi, books, and work! It sounds kinda dreamy! lol

The first round of PT conferences will be this week, along with fall festivities (aka Halloween celebrations). I have a Creme Brulee candle burning and decorations up... hoping to decorate sugar cookies with my kiddos this week sometime. November will be here before we know it, then December and it's off to the Big Apple for some fun family time.

All is well in my world. Thanks for keeping up with me ;)

Misty

Living in Two Worlds

This is in response to a poem called "Two" regarding living in two worlds...

"You are a blend of two people.

You have the privilege of knowing two worlds.

A struggle it might be, but an advantage it is,

To see the world through two lenses.

Do not close your eyes to one,

But instead, keep them both wide open."

~By Misty Dawn Nelson

"Wherever you go, go with all your heart." ~Confucius

"Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it." ~Buddha

Quite often I use this blog to document new experiences that I have in life... mostly relating to my work, school, or travels. Tonight, I am compelled to write from my heart about my heart. Without the heart, I most certainly cannot experience all of the others...

I have been on this incredible journey of life. Making new friendships, breaking off old ones, "dating", seeing more of the world, understanding people's stories... all of this helps me to understand my own journey. There are always ups and downs and, as my profile states, I like to capture as much beauty as I can for this life is too short not to recognize the good.

But, sometimes we have hiccups. Recently I had a hiccup. Almost like a mini-earthquake. Not quite as huge as others I have had in the past, but this one tugged at my heart. I won't share all of the details, but I will share as much as my heart will allow.

The last three years have been a time of healing, restoration, growth, and discovery. They have been filled with so many wonderful memories, and a number that I'd just as soon forget. I have been very hesitant to put my heart on the line after some big heartache in the past. Mostly, I have been making the most of this time to, for lack of better terms, surrender. I am kind of catching up with myself and figuring out what my end goal is. My purpose, my destiny, my value, and worth. It's been quite a ride thus far.

Well, not too long ago, I put my heart on the line. Something I don't do very easily. I am strong, stubborn, independent, and, at times, I can be a tough cookie to crack. If you know me well, you know there are reasons for this. Well, I got hurt when I decided to "risk it" in recent events. It was hard. I had knots in my stomach, a lump in my throat, and too many thoughts in my head. Let me tell ya, it didn't feel the greatest... (Hallelujah for girlfriends!).

But, I do believe things happen for a reason. And I am truly thankful for that. The more experiences I have in life, the easier it is to "see the forest through the trees." Thank God for that. Trials and temptations grow you. They make you and break you. They stretch you. Sometimes, it hurts. But, it's good. I know myself more. I know where my heart lies. It is within and no matter the hurt or ache I might experience, it is still within. Nobody can take that away (well, okay, maybe a surgeon lol). I have a choice to let it harden, but thank God that instead I feel more enlightened. So, I will move forward with this Timothy Childers quote in mind, "To hide the key to your heart is to risk forgetting where you placed it." I refuse to hide the key.

Keep warm,

Misty

"Don't be reckless with other people's hearts, don't put up with those who are reckless with yours." ~Mary Schmich

... beautiful video, as well...

Sara Bareilles, Ingrid Michaelson - Winter Song

I absolutely love this song! Such a neat video... Ingrid and Sarah have beautiful, beautiful voices. Guarantee I will play this song many times throughout the winter season. Enjoy!

Thank You, Carrie!

Dear Carrie,

Thanks so much for sending the big book of different cultures to my class. It was a nice surprise this morning! ;-)

Warm regards,

Miss Nelson

A Beautiful Goodnight

A Chevak sunset view from my front porch. Gets me every time.

Teacher Pics: Year 1, 2, and 3

Third Year... 2010-11

Second Year... 2009-10

First Year... 2008-09

Beautiful Day to... fall in the river! :)

The pics are in order from bottom to top... enjoy!

Beautiful, but WET, sunny ride back home.

Denise, Kirby and Reggie

Me and Denise... always an adventure when we go out by boat!

I think she thoroughly enjoyed watching me fall in :-)

Woohoo! The fall was worth the catch!

Ah, yes... I was FLOATING in the river!

Reggie getting his manaq set up.

Denise preparing our manaqs.

Okay, so I didn't really shoot the bird... but, makes for a good pic, right?! ;)

I handled it for only a second... then, the gagging began! :P

And... the hat was placed immediately back on my head... UGHHH!!!

YAY! Denise and Kirby rescued my hat!

Reggie with our fishing bait... nice and fresh.

Beautiful Day for a Picture Walk