This is home

Hey everyone,

So this week is nearly over. Its been a looooooonnngg week and it feels like its never ending. I start to wonder how is it that people have to work 5 days a week?! This is insane. Welcome to the real world sammy. hahah

Anywhooooo,
I am loving my time here in Elim. I am finally starting to get a feel for the community and lifestyle here. Each and every day I am surprised at how wonderful people are here. My first day, I didn't think I would fit in, but more and more I am starting to realize that I do fit in and I feel like a part of the community. As you start to get to know people and more people and more people you don't even realize whats happening, but the place you moved to starts to become home little by little. I am falling in love with Elim. And I am falling in love with the people here.

I went to a community meeting here last night that had to deal with monies from the Nortan Sound Economic Development foundation. There is a lot of money on the plate which enables the community to spend it on things for youth and for the community in general. Its a wonderful thing to be a part of. It is also interesting to hear from the community members what they think is most important for their youth and for their community.

School is going great. Each day the kids are getting better and better at the routine. There is less re-direction and reminders so its nice. At the same time, it gets difficult when my students are sick. I miss having them there and they end up starting all over when they come back in. I have found out that my students love to sing and dance. When I turn a song on, they are right there on the carpet with me. I am in the process of learning new songs so that I can teach them new and fun songs weekly! They think I am so silly, but I think they like it that way! The students in my class had never done the bear hunt song, so we do it everyday ... its so funny to see them following my every move and so cool at the same time to see how interested they are.

Its been a month away from home, but for some reason it feels much longer. Must be because I have been so busy doing so many things. Still no sign of the whales even though they are here somewhere. I look every morning on my walk to school but usually I am too distracted by trying to keep dry from the rain or from staring at the beautiful sunrises that Elim has. A bright pink and orange skyline in the morning over the ocean is just about the best thing you can wake up to besides my mothers eggs, bacon, hash browns and toast. hahah

I miss you all at home, but I think I might stay for a while longer ;)

Love you all,
Sammy