Month Gone By Fast

I took a moment to count up how long we've been in school. This is our 5th week. It's hard to believe that I've been in Alaska this long. Where did the time go? It feels like time is moving slow until I look up at the clock. This experience is making me wonder more and more about time. How can it feel so slow but be moving so fast?!

In other news, I'm surviving here. My students test me as a person everyday. They make me better. I like to think I make them better too. I know for one, my little friend Daniel is not as out-of-control. He can follow directions. He can be nice to my other little friends. I think that has to do with me. However, that is just a thought. I like to make sure they know how much I love seeing them everyday. Everyday, we read my morning message to them. It usually starts with "I'm so happy to see you all here today." When the kiddos miss some school, they come back and I like to tell them "Hey! I'm so glad you're here. I was worried and I missed you!" If they don't have a lot of people showing them they care...they have at least one; that one person is me.

When it comes to village life, I'm doing pretty well too. I'm really close with two of the new teachers, Anna and Mary. I also feel like I can hangout with the other teachers too. A bunch of us all went berry picking last Sunday. I will save that memory for a long time. It was Peter (the high school science teacher), his family, Nancy (the high school social studies teacher), Anna, Mary, and I. I picked about 2 cups of berries! I'm learning all about the traditions. For instance, it is tradition to give your first born to your parents to raise. It is also tradition that when a boy catches his first large game, he give all of it to the entire community.

I miss home more than words. But I feel at peace here. I feel as though I'm in the right place. It's a weird and lovely feeling.