Stuck in Kotlik

Hello Everyone,

Ben and I recently went to a Tsunami bowl in Kotlik, AK. We brought 5 Mountain Village high school students. We got there around 3:00 on Monday afternoon. As soon as we got our bags situated and ate dinner, we went to an eskimo dance that was put on at their community center. Well, little did we know, this was an eskimo dance for a bride and groom. We picked that up as they were doing the dollar dance. I felt very awkward, but Ben assured me it was ok and we just kind of giggled. It was a lot of fun anyways. After the eskimo dance we went back to the school where we were staying. The kids were practicing their presentation that they would be giving the next day. After a lot of high school girl giggles, boys chasing after the girls, the kids finally went to sleep around midnight. The next day, we woke up bright and early and ate some breakfast along with everyone else who was participating in the Tsunami Bowl. Are you wondering what the Tsunami bowl is? Well, there were three teams and each team wrote a 20 pg. paper, and made a powerpoint presentation on something related to oceanography. Mountain didn't do a paper because there was not enough interest in doing so. Following the presentation, they had a quizbowl where they were asked various science/oceanography questions. Mountain took 2nd place in this section! We got 3rd over all, but I believe that is only because we didn't turn in a paper which was a huge portion of the grading.

I have said this again, but I will say it again, I'm so not meant to teach high schoolers. I have SO SO SO much respect for my amazing husband, Ben. I have the patience for 26 Kinders, but not for 5 high schoolers. It was kind of stressful for me as I was always wondering what they were up to. They like their space and not to be bothered by teachers. :) I don't know if I will sign up to chaperon high schoolers ever again. Did I mention Ben is amazing?!? He kept me sane throughout the trip.

Well, we were about to leave Kotlik on Thursday, but then got a call saying we were on a weather hold. I had been talking to Mountain teachers and they had mentioned that the weather in Mountain was awful. Snowing like crazy, blowing winds, cold temperatures. Just lovely. I still had hope though.....until the email came, planes were canceled for the night and we would try again the next day. So, that meant another night away from the high schoolers, sleeping on the floor of the school. Ben and I were jazzed about this. (note the sarcasm) We had to find ways to entertain these kids for another night. We made them nachos, put on a movie, let them go to the computer lab, and finally went to bed with hopeful thoughts of making it home the next day. So, that brings us to today. We FINALLY made it back to Mountain! The weather was still pretty bad. We got taken down to the airport and it was snowing like crazy and visibility wasn't too great. We were waiting for our plane outside on the runway and out of nowhere came the plane. We were so excited/nervous thinking about whether or not this is safe to be flying. Well, the plane ride ended up being really smooth and in no time we landed in Mountain even though the weather here was pretty awful. Apparently we were the only plane that flew today. All other planes were on weather holds and eventually got canceled. Is all I can say is that I'm SO happy to be home!

We got home around 12:30 and I couldn't wait to see my Kinders. They can always put a smile on my face. So, I walked into the room after not showering in 3 days, wearing the same clothes that I left in, and they all came towards me and gave me hugs telling me how much they missed me. It was a wonderful feeling.

Ben and I are SO SO SO excited that we will be leaving for Anchorage/Minnesota in 2 1/2 weeks! We look forward to meeting up with many friends and family! I want to say thank you to Ben's family and my family for all the wonderful Christmas stuff that has been sent to us. Our house is wonderfully decorated to Christmas thanks to you! :) Quyanna! (thank you in Yupik)

With love,
The Harvey's