In response to my writing prompt about Easter traditions, many of my students wrote about coloring and finding Easter eggs and about even getting presents. However, I couldn't help but smile to find out that people also like to go manaqing (ice fishing) or rabbit hunting. Personally I can't laugh at anyone else's Easter traditions when mine have started including Nerf Wars with my cousins. The common thread is that we usually find something that we enjoy to do with the people we love. Today I hope to Skype my family who are all at my aunt Kathryn's house.
At 1, I'll go to the Easter service at the Catholic church and then cook a ham dinner with my roommate. Yesterday, I made my mom's famous crescent rolls as well as a new little trial cinnamon bun (they passed the test because I think I ate three yesterday).
Today I think about the man who named me after his mother- Itegmaralria. He tells the class I am God-given and that there is a reason God sent me here to teach them. Itegmaralria in Yupik means "precious gift from God." I believe after long prayer and with certainty that I was meant to move here and teach. However, the reasoning is unclear as it seems that most times it is difficult to foster respect in the classroom, it is almost impossible to work in unity as a school and staff, and discouraging to find any genuine friendship. I am trusting God chooses where he places my next step and I don't feel it's my place to wonder why. In Hebrew, my name, Jana, means "God is gracious" or "God's gracious gift."
In Swahili, Jana means "Yesterday." I know God has led my yesterdays. I am so thankful that he promises newness of life, love, and laughter because He sent His son to give us the most beautiful love story of all. Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Happy Easter to everyone!
Yesterday, my students had fun with Easter supplies sent up from my aunt, Kathryn. She always knows how to celebrate!
Students got to decorate foam Easter eggs
Students got to decorate foam Easter eggs
Who's going to win? Bunny or Chicky? We voted... I believe bunny won. 
We tried a few different styles of Easter eggs
Rubber bands
The fun disposal of our dyes when we were done. The students saw a kindergartner eating some of the colored snow. I wonder how that vinegar snowcone tasted?
