This Too Shall Pass

Life is full of learning experiences. Every day we are blessed to live and every day we choose to live, we encounter the good, the bad, and the ugly... no matter who we are or where we come from. At any given moment should someone ask me to list the blessings in my life, I could do it without hesitation. I am very thankful for so, so much.

There are also trials, tribulations, and tests that I encounter. Sometimes we find ourselves in situations and wonder how we got into them. Sometimes there are people in our lives and we can't help but wonder how they got there and what purpose they serve. This is something that I have struggled with lately. I do believe people are in our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime... but sometimes it is really difficult to understand the valued purpose of some people's placement... we can't always see. But, I still can't help but believe, there is a purpose.

I am a firm believer in investing in relationships. People have so much to offer one another-- different perspectives, advice, knowledge, experiences, love, friendship, etc. I love hearing people's stories... I don't tend to only know people by their name. I want to know where they are from, what makes them who they are today. And, in return, I tend to share my story with others.

I have had quite a journey in my young little life. The thing is sometimes when we share our stories, we risk the fact that the other person won't treat it with care. They don't understand the significance of knowing somebody's story... the responsibility of holding another's heart in their hands. I have a hard time with this. Relationships take a lot of trust, in any dynamic, and when this trust is broken... it can take some time to heal. So, be careful with your story... your heart. It is yours to take care of and yours to value.

Speaking of healing, many of you know I just had a minor surgery performed. Things went well and I am recovering nicely. Mild endometriosis was the diagnosis. Thankful for a doc that is helping me take care of my body, and so very thankful for all the friends and family supporting me along the way. You guys are blessings!

I made it back to VAK and it feels soooo good to be home. There is nothing like sitting in the Bethel airport and hearing, "MISS NELSON!!!" :) Love my kiddos.

Be well and thanks for keeping up with me!

Dream Big

"I hope your dreams take you to the corners of your smiles, to the highest of your hopes, to the windows of your opportunities, and to the most special places your heart has ever known."  ~Author Unknown

"Auntie J"

This blog posting has taken me awhile to compose. I really wanted to make sure I had some time to sit down and write, and January to present has been kind of a whirlwind. So, here I am. 

When I was quite young... prior to Kindergarten age... my mom met my stepdad and the rest was history. Through the union of Mom and Rick, my sisters and I inherited quite a large number of people as family. We grew up calling many of our parents' friends "aunt" and "uncle."

We were also introduced to a very vibrant couple that soon adopted us girls as their grandkids. That couple would be Auntie Joyce and Uncle George. There really isn't a lot I can say about the two besides the fact that they had a marriage that truly exemplified love. They were very affectionate, supportive, kind, and honest with one another. They were partners in life... they had each others back, if you will ;) 

Sadly enough, I received a phone call on January 25th informing me that Auntie Joyce had passed away due to Leukemia. In her late 80s, I have to say I think she lived a pretty darn good life. She had lots of family and friends that she spread a lot of love to. And, she has left us all with plenty of good, happy, and funny memories. Auntie Joyce was full of so much spunk. In fact, she nearly always whipped everyone at holiday Texas Hold 'Em tournaments! 

I am very thankful to have had this woman in my life for so many years. I was pretty bummed that I didn't get to spend more time with her in her last months, but I am very thankful for the love that her and Uncle George have always extended to us "Nelson girls." I hope to one day to be in a love that is as strong as theirs.

So, the reason I titled this posting "Auntie J" is because in the Cup'ik culture, young children are often named after family members that have passed on. I have worked with an awesome aide and friend for the past three years that I have been in Chevak. I couldn't ask for a better sidekick. Well, when she heard of Auntie Joyce's death, she nicknamed her baby girl "Auntie J" (her baby's name also begins with a J). This was a very kind gesture and touched my heart. Though sometimes I feel sad that I am away from my family in Anchorage when there are tough times, I am glad that I have family out here, too.

Feel free to check out Uncle George's book called The Tents (www.thetents.US)... on many weekends you could find him at the Anchorage Borders signing copies. Uncle George and Auntie Joyce really do have a neat story to share.


***One fun little fact I like to share about Uncle George and Auntie Joyce is this... Auntie Joyce had a twin sister... Uncle George had a twin brother... they married each other! :D

We will miss you, Auntie Joyce.

All my love,
Misty

Ride to the "Airport!" :D

My lovely co-worker and I on our way to the local "airport"... yes, this is our Flying Wild Alaska :)

Beautiful March... spring has sprung!

Gorgeous Chevak sunset. View from my porch :)

Such a beautiful sight!

Students from last year had their artwork on display in Juneau at the State Capitol building!

Go, Chevak! Check out the Art in the Capitol program ;)

Me standing next to the airplane that some of our high school students built this school year!

It's almost ready to fly!

Iditarod/Iditaread 2011

The students' reading log... for each day they read for 30 minutes, their husky will be moved to the next checkpoint along the Southern Iditarod Trail.

This is a map of the Southern Iditarod Trail (used during odd years), posted in the hallway outside of our classroom.

Don't forget to check out www.baltostruestory.com for the history of the Last Great Race!