Monday

I knew once I got here I would be happy-- I love the village children and the slowed down pace of life. It reminds me of being in Tenakee, except instead of little dread-headed hippy children it's multiple generation Alaska Natives (specifically of the Bering Straight area). The children are so curious and so social. This morning before class, a group of 6 kids found me prepping for the day and introduced themselves to me. They always ask first, "What's your name?" They're not afraid to ask as all. The school day began at 11am- lunch at 2:30 and then the second group finished at 7pm. The timeline is very different for summer school because the sun is up all day and kids stay out very late.

After school I took my first trip to the village store. On the way walking down the road, several children followed me on their bikes and asked, "What's your name?" I had one young girl actually offer to lead me to the store (only a short minute walk down the dirt road). I purchased traditional village food: top ramen, canned soup, more coffee, and spaghetti-O's. Yes-- spaghetti-O's, which I'm pretty sure I haven't eaten since I was at least 6-years old. On the way back from the store several young woman on a smoke-break stopped me and started chatting. I was so thankful for them initiating conversation-- it makes the experience of walking down the road significantly less awkward. I mean, a very white girl walking down the road in a skirt--- yeah... screams teacher. They women new I was teaching summer school and they even asked if they could come and watch my art class! I don't think Shayn (the general summer school teacher) would appreciate a bunch of adults coming into his room, but I was flattered and excited at their interest.

In other exciting news- Lady Gaga's new album came out today: verdict... a little raunchy and sacrilegious, but significantly better than her first album (except not Bad Romance... that's at the top).

Also-- I'm finally reading The Shack. I bought it three years ago and haven't opened it until I was in the Nome Era airport. Everyone should read that book-- I know I'm a little late with that message. I remember hearing about it at church in high school and a little buzz about it the first year I was at Whitworth.

More soon---