Showing posts with label Chevak. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chevak. Show all posts

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Planking in Chevak

On a fall evening, John and I decided that it was a good night for a fall fire. We headed to the store to get some snacks, but I warned him that I'd be bringing my camera... we were going to plank along the way :)




My coat got pretty darn dirty from this one! 

And, he caved.


Determined.





Planking... sometimes, you just have to do things out of the ordinary...

Friday, August 26, 2011

Year Number 4!

That time of year has come... school is back in session! The past few weeks have been busy-- shopping and shipping, traveling, unpacking/getting settled, setting up the classroom, and getting set for the school year... WHEW! :)
Bethel to VAK... ready for my fourth school year!


I am super happy to say that my mama came to Chevak with me to visit for a few days. The weather was cruddy, but we still managed to have some good mother/daughter time. My mom got to see my cute little apartment, meet all of my new co-workers, and meet many of the wonderful faces of Chevak that have been part of my life for the past few years. We both shed some tears when she got on that plane :( It was a little hard to see her go, but I am so proud of her and so thankful that she came out... it meant a lot! <3
Mom and I at Bethel Beans Cafe waiting for our flight to VAK

Mom about ready to get on her first bush plane!

Mom-- Chevak style :)

Our ride from the airstrip to my apartment

Giving mom a tour of VAK (dump, cemetary, post office, stores, river, etc)

Mom at one of our local stores (where I do most of my shopping)

 This year has already proved itself to be a whirlwind... we have many new staff members (great additions!) and there are many new changes, overall. I have moved up to the third grade (I looped with my kiddos from last year) and that has been AWESOME. It is sooo nice to already know my students, they know my expectations and classroom routines, and I know their academic levels... love it! Teaching has begun! :)
Send-off dinner for mom, welcome dinner for staff


Aside from teaching a new grade, I am working on my master's project and have the goal of graduating in the spring (2012)!!! There is much to focus on and some steadfast work to be done, but I know I can do it all if I just set my mind on it! (a Cup'ik value). It has been interesting trying to get my mind back in school/work mode... I have been EXHAUSTED every day after work this week! Lol. I ask for your prayers and good juju as I work on getting my master's project together, perfected, and submitted all in good time. Thank you so much, in advance ;)

I am looking forward to a great fourth year of teaching here in Chevak and will do my best to give the occasional update, however, I am thinking I will be pretty focused on work and grad school this semester. Thanks for following my Alaskan blog!

Until next time,
Misty Dawn

Monday, March 28, 2011

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!

Monday, February 7, 2011

January Pics of Chevak

 Driving towards the dump...
 Beck and I outside of the new village housing
 Twila's new home!
 We have some of the most gorgeous sunsets.
 John and I attempting to get our mail from the Post Office to our homes... thank goodness people are generous and offer lifts :)

 Yuraqing (Eskimo dancing)
 Drummers in the sodhouse.


 Fellow teachers and student
 Kiddos outside taking a "fresh air"
 Gospel night 
Teacher pic 2010-11

Monday, January 24, 2011

Snow Storm Jan.23: Teacher Housing

This video was taken on Jan 23, not 22 :) I went on a short walk to a friend's house in teacher housing. Due to the intense wind and storm, you may not be able to hear my voice-over. Enjoy!

Friday, October 29, 2010

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