Last Thoughts

So, my year in Kasigluk is over and I'm now back in Peoria. I've thought a lot about my time in Alaska. I've often asked myself was it worth it. I don't know. A lot has changed for me since I returned. I'm adjusting - slowly. I'm not certain how I will feel in the fall. Will I miss the village, the kids, the staff? It's all rather confusing at the moment.



But I did love the experience. I didn't mind the isolation. In fact, at times I feel much more isolated here in Peoria than in Kasigluk. I certainly was never alone there. We were a group working toward a common goal. That I enjoyed. I didn't mind not having running water. It was a little inconvenient at times, but everyone in the village lived this way. I was glad to be away from the television. The constant barrage of negative news is depressing. I didn't miss the mindless television programs, either. I read more books than I have in ages. I didn't care that I didn't have a telephone or reliable cell phone service (although at times it was annoying). I didn't miss going to the grocery store or coffee shop every day. I didn't miss spending money daily on frivolous things. And, I didn't miss not having the internet at my house.



I learned to enjoy the sunset in the evenings and the groups of kids asking, Can we visit? I looked forward to the Saturday night card games. I loved watching the progress as kids learned to read. I enjoyed each feast, potluck, throwing party, dance, game, and activity that was held. I learned a lot about the Yup'ik culture. For that I am grateful. There is a real sense of community in Kasigluk. I was fortunate to be a part of it for a short time.