Update

So we figured we should provide an update, as it has been some time since the last time. This week we booked our flights home for Christmas. Exciting! It seems more real now that there is a way booked home. We have been warned that our flights are tentative as it depends on the weather. Speaking to another teacher, she is a Native from Kenora and has been in Deer Lake for five years, she informed us that twice she was delayed, one for later in the afternoon and the other for the next day. It will be disappointing to miss our flight, but we are prepared (me a little more than Claire, actually nix that A LOT more than Claire).

We did have an answer to prayer this week. Claire has been feeling really anxious lately, about school and the students and doubting her ability and impact on the students. Being away from our families also did not help her. On Wednesday we had a staff meeting and afterwards, back at our place, Claire had a huge breakdown. During this time, Claire prayed for help. Not 15 minutes there was a knock at the door and it was Julia, our principal. She came in and stayed for over an hour, chatting and providing background stories. There was no reason for her to come and has never done this before. What an answer to prayer!

The week has flown as it is a short week. In lieu of Remembrance Day, our school has tomorrow off. We have report cards to complete and midterms to write for the grade 9s. As well, the Mission Air guy was unable to come last night, so he is flying in tomorrow afternoon. Every payday a man comes in with a ton of groceries and food he sells. The prices are steep, comparible to the Northern, but are fresh. One thing he brings in is fast food. You can buy a Big Mac from MacDonalds for $10. A bucket of 10 piece chicken from KFC for $40 or a Little Ceaser's pizza for $10. You can also fax and order in before an he will bring in anything you want. This week we ordered a head of Broccoli to eat. The Northern has them, but they are pretty disgusting. The tops are already brown.

We are getting pretty excited for Christmas and the new experiences Deer Lake has to offer. We found out that the community has a Christmas parade where the school dresses up two busses and goes through the community handing out candy and food baskets to the elders in the community. The school also puts on a formal dinner and concert for the community. We are looking forward to experiencing their traditions and events involving the community. Last week there was a feast put on by Tikanagon, the child services of the North. We found out some awful truths there about the situation with foster children and the harsh reality of how it works. As an example, there is someone from the community who fosters children and was given a baby boy to look after for a while. She was given his boy, born in another community, and does not know his name, birthdate and any other personal information. All she knows is that for the time being she is to look after this boy. Pretty sad.

All in all our stay here has still been good and we have learned so much. We continue to look forward to the things we have yet to learn.