Sometimes I am overwhelmed when I stop to consider the life God’s blessed me with. I’ve said before that being an Alaska bush teacher is not just a job but a lifestyle, and things can be pretty hectic, but I love it. When I’m walking home from school after a long day at work, and I breathe in the fresh, unpolluted air, I can’t believe how great it is that we are 400 miles from the road system, away from the typical hustle and bustle. One of the many reasons I wanted to move to Alaska is because of the unpolluted environment - it really is the last frontier! The crispness fills my lungs and sometimes I just stop where I am to look around. When you walk through the village, or even just step outside on the porch, you see the island hills across the river and can witness some of the prettiest sunrises and sunsets you’ll ever see. I look up at unbelievable sky, the vastness of this place, without skyscrapers or cars, no real businesses to speak of, just cabins with people who live the simple life. I just stop, overwhelmed by the moment, I thank God for the good life, for the simple life.
Thanksgiving was great. The village had turkeys flown in, and even better than that, they were actually affordable! We cooked turkey and dressing and a potato casserole, and joined our friends for a fun afternoon. It’s interesting to an outsider how close you have to be to everyone here. I mean, you work together, live together, and socialize with them after working hours. It’s really great how we all get along and they have become my family.
After all the blizzards we had (in the span of 2 months there have been more blizzards than we’ve had the whole 2 previous years I’ve lived here) there is more than enough snow on the ground to add to the holiday cheer, and our Christmas decorations have been up long enough that we are all set for the end of December. The days are quickly getting shorter, which means we are inside longer. So around November of every year I go ahead and hang Christmas lights just for some added fun. In the beginning it was to help compensate for cabin fever, so I’ve kept up the tradition.
Next Friday, the 16th, we are all heading back to the lower 48 for a nice 3 week vacation. Audrey will stay, and I will be sad to come back without her! Life will carry on though.
