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! ;)