I have arrived in Alaska and am doing well. I arrived in Bethel, AK Monday evening at 8 PM. It was such a smooth flight it was unbelievable. I would never mind flying if it was always like that. Not one wobble, bump, dip - you name it. Smooth sailing! At the airport, I was met by a representative of Lower Kuskokwim School District who took me to the Long Hotel, where I stayed the next three nights.
Our meetings were very good. The first day we discussed curriculum. One of our first activities was to introduce yourself to someone sitting near you. I introduced myself to the girl next to me only to find out she was from Troy, IL and her family was from Ohio near Cincinnati. Her last name was Martin. My g-g-g-grandmother was a Martin. We simply decided we were related. She had those Lane blue eyes.
In the evening we went fishing. I hooked my first silver - about 15 pounds - only to lose him. I got him to the boat, but we didn't have a net. We would have easily landed him had we had a net. I still can't believe the guy who took us out forgot to put the net in the boat. They remove everything out of the boat after they are done b/c of theft. He simply didn't put the net in the boat. What a shame! It would have been a great picture. But the six people on the boat were my witnesses to the one that got away!
More training on Wednesday. I spent the evening shopping - looking for things that I might need. On Thursday, we had our cultural training. It was excellent. We learned the feather dance and a few Yupik words. In the afternoon I went to the grocery store for a few things and spent $300. Next time, I will give you my list. Believe me, it's a fairly short list! I needed meat, milk, and paper items. I wanted to buy as much as I needed b/c our principal had rented a charter and that meant I wouldn't have to pay for shipping. We are going back for more training on Monday evening, so once again, I am making my shopping list.
We arrived in Akiuk/Kasigluk on Thursday evening around 7 PM and immediately the kids came out to meet us. The town is fairly empty right now b/c there is a feast at a nearby village. So, we met about 7 or 8 kids. I told them my name was Maria and they immediately said Mar - eee - a. I can't really put the pronunciation in here. It almost sounds Spanish they way they say it. It's really cute.
And, yes they love to visit. I try to allow them in at all times. They come in, walk through my house and look at everything, sit for a few minutes, and then leave. They come back regularly - I'd say probably 3 times a day. Last night the group came over to say Hi while I was eating split pea soup (Healthy Choice), and they wanted to see what it looked like. They all wrinkled their noses and one brave boy said ick! So, I asked them what their favorite soup was and their response was Moose Soup. Mmm. . . I'll let you know.
I have met quite a few community people and school people. I have enjoyed myself immensely thus far, so I am glad I am here. They have not had a special education teacher here at this school in two years. The teachers are all having dinner together tonight, so I need to get back to my apartment. It's about a two minute walk from my classroom.
Later-
Maria
Akiuk, Alaska 053.JPG
Our meetings were very good. The first day we discussed curriculum. One of our first activities was to introduce yourself to someone sitting near you. I introduced myself to the girl next to me only to find out she was from Troy, IL and her family was from Ohio near Cincinnati. Her last name was Martin. My g-g-g-grandmother was a Martin. We simply decided we were related. She had those Lane blue eyes.
In the evening we went fishing. I hooked my first silver - about 15 pounds - only to lose him. I got him to the boat, but we didn't have a net. We would have easily landed him had we had a net. I still can't believe the guy who took us out forgot to put the net in the boat. They remove everything out of the boat after they are done b/c of theft. He simply didn't put the net in the boat. What a shame! It would have been a great picture. But the six people on the boat were my witnesses to the one that got away!
More training on Wednesday. I spent the evening shopping - looking for things that I might need. On Thursday, we had our cultural training. It was excellent. We learned the feather dance and a few Yupik words. In the afternoon I went to the grocery store for a few things and spent $300. Next time, I will give you my list. Believe me, it's a fairly short list! I needed meat, milk, and paper items. I wanted to buy as much as I needed b/c our principal had rented a charter and that meant I wouldn't have to pay for shipping. We are going back for more training on Monday evening, so once again, I am making my shopping list.
We arrived in Akiuk/Kasigluk on Thursday evening around 7 PM and immediately the kids came out to meet us. The town is fairly empty right now b/c there is a feast at a nearby village. So, we met about 7 or 8 kids. I told them my name was Maria and they immediately said Mar - eee - a. I can't really put the pronunciation in here. It almost sounds Spanish they way they say it. It's really cute.
And, yes they love to visit. I try to allow them in at all times. They come in, walk through my house and look at everything, sit for a few minutes, and then leave. They come back regularly - I'd say probably 3 times a day. Last night the group came over to say Hi while I was eating split pea soup (Healthy Choice), and they wanted to see what it looked like. They all wrinkled their noses and one brave boy said ick! So, I asked them what their favorite soup was and their response was Moose Soup. Mmm. . . I'll let you know.
I have met quite a few community people and school people. I have enjoyed myself immensely thus far, so I am glad I am here. They have not had a special education teacher here at this school in two years. The teachers are all having dinner together tonight, so I need to get back to my apartment. It's about a two minute walk from my classroom.
Later-
Maria
Akiuk, Alaska 053.JPG
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