A Sunny Day

From sun shining on fall leaves to snow floating in the air, a month has come and gone. Alakanuk slowly reveals itself as I continue to receive opportunities to get to know more people, as people invite me into their lives, and as I continue to build relationships with my kids, their parents, and others. My daily struggle to find words to describe all of my experiences begins with my incessant worry is that my descriptions will be lackluster. However, I must try!

One day a few weeks ago, the warm sun called one of the other teachers and I out to go walking to the store. I didn't realize I'd regret my decision to not bring my camera so profusely on a shopping trip. The store wasn't my main area of interest. It was the path to get there.
There are three stores in Alakanuk. The Native Store, the Annex (I believe it's all of the Native Store's overflow or outdated items), and Dave's Store are our only options for food. Since the village runs close to the river along one gravel road, each end of the road is called "downtown" and "the other end of town."

I personally enjoy walking the trail that goes off the gravel road, through the trees, past a pond, past some fish-drying racks, over a log or two, and through a gravel parking lot. The sunlight cast off beautifully clear reflections from the pond's calm surface. As we walked within' eyesight of the majestic Yukon River, I had to pause a few times for what I called, "Visual Soak-olization" and what others may refer to as "an excuse for Miss Out-of-Shape to refill her fat lungs." But, nonetheless, that beauty needed to be captured in the camera I didn't have with me. I had to try mentally store the scenery.

Here are some pictures that I had taken from the trail on a different trip to the store.

Now, that leg of the trip is just to connect back to the gravel road next to the T.C. (Tribal Council), Annex, and Catholic Church. Then, you walk down the gravel road, past the tank with graffiti, past the muddy child playing on the road with rocks (which, by the way, the rocks are closer to boulders than gravel and could easily sprain an ankle) at the end of her driveway, past a row of "new" housing, past the one restaurant, and finally you arrive at your destination-- Dave's Store.

I don't think I was limiting my products to healthy that day. My shopping bag consisted of Lucky Charms, Mountain Dew, the last bag of bagels in the store, and cream cheese. The price was... unreasonable. My friend got two heavy bags full of groceries which I cheerfully helped her carry. One comparison I can make between Alakanuk and Europe, is a backpack is usually required when grocery shopping. This way, you already have a shopping bag in case they don't have one. And, heavy items in plastic bags are not the most comfortable items to carry for a mile and a half.

The walk back to towards the teacher housing was proving that God is the most amazing artist. As the sun dipped lower and the colors got warmer, everything had a cheery glow. I hurried to grab my camera and head out for another quick walk. My goal was to find some water that would show some good reflections before the day was gone. I was excited for my little photography adventure. Even my roommates dog, Briar, was excited to come with me.

When the day is done, my mind is still whirling with tasks I need to accomplish with my teaching, plans I need to prepare, and phone calls I need to make. My job is really never done. But, that day while taking pictures, I realized I had been running so fast, and I remembered I could take a few seconds to pause and enjoy life.

Many have told me that moving my life and starting my career in a new place at the same time is not going to be easy. So I can't expect to clean out every cupboard, or master a brilliant plan to have my class meet AYP goals, or build a solid relationship with each and every student in one day. Therefore, in my biggest efforts to be the best teacher I can be, I tried to push out my thoughts of school and focus on finding some balance. Whether I take a few minutes to practice photography, or play a new guitar chord, or cook warm homemade bread, I have seen how letting go of some of the stress is actually beneficial. Balance is good. Productivity is more prevalent when we have balance in our lives. Plus, who couldn't agree that life is more fun when we love, laugh, and learn?

A few pictures to encapsulate the airport that one sunny day...