Learning Something New Everyday

On Friday morning an elder and her assistant came into the school and talked with the students. They posed the question "What do we use the land for"? The students then brainstormed different things. They came up with hunting, fishing, wood, medicine (I learned that they use this root (we can't remember the name) but they boil it and use it for colds and sore throats). Greg and I also learned that they use the "gum" from trees for toothaches. They shape it and put it around their tooth and it soothes the pain. The last thing they use it bear fat to soothe cuts.

Greg's grade 9's think that eating bear is disgusting. I didn't hear my grade 8's say anything about it. It was a nice presentation and it was great for the students to talk about their land. I really hope that more elders come in and talk about different Native traditions and culture with the student.

This is the Elder Obeak, here she is showing a beaver trap.

This is the beaver trap set up.
There were 3 different traps. They all looked the same but caught different things.

Oh yah I found out they hunt and eat lynx here too.

Spring is in the Air

Last night after supper Greg, Amanda and I decided to take a walk. It was a beautiful day. The days have started off cool in the morning but in the afternoon it is warm, the sun is shining and it is beautiful. We thought we would share some pictures of our walk and what all the snow looks like. The beginning of the Winter Road in Duck Lake.

Deer Lake Road Signs. This is for the big trucks that come in off the winter road, so that they know where they need to go.

My amazing husband! I love Greg so much, he is my rock and I definitely couldn't do this without him.

Winter Road
This car is apparently the "dog killers" (man who goes around and kills the dogs that are not tied up. He gets paid to do this) car. Someone stole it and set it on fire months ago. We also thought this picture would give you a good indication of how deep the snow is. In some spots it is even deeper.

Deer Lake jail cell. This is their cot.
Deer Lake jail cell toilet. I thought it was pretty cool how the toilet came right off by the place where you washed your hands. I have never seen a toilet like this.

NAPS detachment. This is the Jail house.
The piles of snow outside our house.

Winterpeg lives up to its name!

We have finally been affected by Northern travel. We woke up this morning and got our things ready (groceries, bags, bins) while watching Coronation Street (really, the Polish maid?). Northway had informed us that the shuttle would arrive between 10 and 12, sort of like the plumber. So we lugged everything down to the lobby at 9:58 am, we weren't going to be late. At 11:15 am, I decided to phone them to find the whereabouts of our shuttle. They then informed me that all flights had been cancelled for the day. RJ had left his number so I phoned him. He wanted to find out if we had made it to Winnipeg and where we were staying. So subs are being planned for tomorrow in grade 8 and 9. Good Luck!

After getting off the phone we wen't back to the front desk to extend our stay. It was kind of funny because all 75 minutes of us waiting, the clerk had asked if she could help in anyway. We figured she must have known. We requested the same room and lugged all things right back up. We converted one of our rubbermaids into a modified cooler with a newspaper and three trips to the ice machine.

Claire went online to find the closest movie theatre and mall. Enjoyed another movie, Limitless, and last dinner, Montana's. Here's hoping that tomorrow is a good weather day. (Sort of).

March Break

Well, our March Break vacation is already almost over. It was a great break and we did so much. Last Thursday we flew out of Deer Lake to Winnipeg and spent the night. Greg and I then boarded a plane at 5:15am (gross hour) and were able to make it home for 8:39am. This was great because we basically got all day Friday at home. We were also able to surprise Greg's mom on Friday. She did not think we were getting home until midnight on Friday.

We did a lot of different things on our quick break. We hung out with family a few times. Did A LOT of shopping! I had my hair done and got a massage and Greg went to an Ice Dogs game. Our favourite time was spending it with families.

We really enjoy and treasure our families. It is great to see Greg's siblings with their significant others as they prepare for their upcoming weddings and the excitement that goes with that. We also really enjoyed watching my sisters with their boyfriends, and getting to know them better, as couples, and being able to hang out without fighting. It is so nice to be able to value your siblings and enjoy spending time with them and not just fighting with them. I also enjoyed seeing my brother. I am so proud of him! He is working so hard in school and it is really great to see him passionate about something.

I love my life in Deer Lake and the experiences that we have had there. Greg and I have not only grown closer as a married couple, but we have strengthened and grown closer to God. This has been such an awesome experience. However, even though I love Deer Lake it is still hard for me to leave home. I hate missing out on family times and dinners. I don't like missing the little things, whether it be my siblings dropping by on their way to or from work, hanging out with our friends or being able to talk to Meaghan on the phone almost daily!

So far I have not left home without getting emotional! I always cry. To those of you I have had to say goodbye to, if you feel I have left quickly or abruptly it is only because I am trying NOT to cry. It doesn't mean I love you less:).

Greg and I have arrived safely in Winnipeg. We landed at 2:30(local time), we cabbed it to the hotel which is really close to the National Airport. We rested in our room for a little while (Greg watched a little March Madness). We then went for dinner and went grocery shopping. We spent a ridiculous amount on groceries (Mom you will be glad to know we whole wheat blue menu pasta), but Greg reminded me that some of the stuff we bought is going to be lasting us until June, so it makes me feel a little bit better.

Our flight from Winnipeg leaves St.Andrews airport at 1:30ish so we should be back in Deer Lake by 3:30. Then it is back to the grind Monday!

Count Your Blessings

We are getting ready for the Winter Carnival tomorrow. Pretty excited bu not really looking forward to the chaotic classes. We have been forewarned that things will be wild, but in the end home is just around the corner. We will definitely take some pictures of the day.

This week has been Spirit week, so everyday the students have had a theme to dress up in. Monday was wierd hairdo and stuffed animals/pj's day. We both were sweats to work. Man that was nice. Tuesday was hat and sunglasses day. Most of the grade 8 and 9s don't participate. Today was the funniest though as it was formal day. One grade 9 boy wore a suit. He actually looked pretty good in it, but there were some subtle oversights. Underneath his dress pants, was the bottom of sweats he wears because he doesn't have snowpants. The best was the fake flower in his breast pocket. It was one of those fake flowers that you would find in the attic or closet floor or from an old box that has junk in it. The flower really topped the outfit.

I know I said the flower was the best, but something actually made it a whole lot funnier. Today was picture day. The grade 9s and I had our class pictures and this boy, being one of the tallest in the class, was front and center in the back. So picture a class of 17 people all wearing sweats or jeans and old sweaters and one person front and centre wearing a full on suit with a clip on bow tie.

The influence behind this new post were recent feelings we have had about Deer Lake and what it has provided Claire and I. Obvsiouly there have been the financial gains and experiences, but we have felt closer to loved ones back home, notably our parents. Seems weird to have gone this far away to grow closer with others. Claire has a daily email conversation with her parents and we look forward for the two conversations we have with my parents. Of course Facebook, email and Skype allow us to stay connected with others as well. We are really, really looking forward to coming home and seeing familiar faces again.

Dedication Needed

So we apologize for the lack of recent blogs. We have been busy finishing things before we head home for March Break. This week flew by. We'll start off with the last weekend though. Blaine, the NAPS on duty took us to the checkpoint on the Northern Road. It is a little shack, as the pictures below will attest, at the other end of the lake, roughly a 10 minute drive. Typically there are two people working 12 hour shifts. This must be one of the most boring jobs as there is nothing to do. There is a little generator to give light and a wood stove for heat, but nothing for entertainment.

This week we also had a staff meeting where we planned a winter carnival. Each teacher is responsible for creating an activity where two teams could play each other. Claire is doing a tug-of-war, while I originally planned to play soccer in the snow. Chances are that I will switch and do a three-legged race though. The Carnival will be on Thursday and the students are pretty excited. The teachers are also pretty excited because it means there are only three days to plan for next week.

During the week Claire and I drove to the store (insert crash joke here) and passed an 18-wheeler driving on the ice. Pretty something to see something that heavy on nothing but ice. They have to go slow, but it means new materials are coming in. One of the gas stations had a sale on for gas, $7/gallon. Another popular item to come on the road is houses. More trailers, but they will be homes for families.

On that subject, Vicky, the Native Language teacher has moved into the empty teacherage with her family. Her house had been built on a site where deisel fuel had been dumped. As well, several weeks ago the sewage lines broke and her house has been without sewage. They tried to fix it, but were unable to. Vicky notified the Band office and they began work looking for a new place. Different system up here. Reminds me of the story of my grandparents having to apply for a house in Hollad after the war.

Another bit of exciting news, in a way. Last weekend there was a letter of intent form in our mailbox. They are starting the process of employment for next year and wanted to see what teachers had planned for next year. It was non-binding so Claire and I immediately signed it. We have heard that they are hoping to hire two more teachers from the outside. It will be interesting to be here another year with people who are new and wide-eyed like we were to start.

Last bit of news, is more of a muse. When we started the year, Claire felt a little closed in, with only being able to fly out three times a day. As well, Claire's homesickness flares off and on depending on how her day went. We are quite fortunate though. Through Skype, email, this blog and the phone at school, we are able to connect almost immediately with anyone at anytime. The best part is, that none of those mentioned cost anything. I know we have stated this before, but I'll say it again. We are truly enjoying ourselves up here. We have made great friends, gained valuable working experience and enjoyed new challenges. While this job isn't perfect, because we all know no job is, it is perfect for us right now.

A picture of the outpost.

Deer Lake's version of a welcome/information center.

The man in the centre was on duty. Blaine on the right. He is dedicated to his job. One day his new vest came in the mail and he was like a kid on Christmas morning. But complete dedication is needed for survival up here. Everyone from the outside, teachers, NAPS, nurses, need to be dedicated to their work to make it. No half-hearted effort.

This is a picture of where the Northern road goes. Apparently it is like this for most of the way. Narrow roads going through a thick forest, with no lights, help close by, or CAA standing by. Any takers?

The small box was the generator while the outhouse is there for, uh, relief.

Claire getting herself into trouble.

As promised, this is a the aftermath of The Wreck. Hard to tell with the snow, but it's there.

A somewhat better view. I have yet to go through a day where it isn't mentioned/retold to someone else. The best was afterschool before our big car bingo. About 10 staff were in the main office talking and discussing a variety of topics. It came up that the car needed to be driven to the T.V. station for the winner. I volunteered to drive it and Maxine, our secretary joked, "Sure. As long as you stay on the road this time." As most of you know though, I am always the first person to laugh at my mistakes and don't mind being the butt of any jokes. My goal is to laugh as often in the day as possible, even if it is at my own expense. Life is way too short to get upset at times like this.