T.O.

Our time in Toronto is quickly happening. Each day brings new activities and timeless memories. In the last two days we have gone to the Science Centre, Hockey Hall of Fame, and CN Tower. The students are having fun, but not really at those events. They do not really do well in museums and tours. They are enjoying the out of rez atmosphere and opportunities. The boys have been pulled toward any store that sells video games, while the girls are sucked into, well, any store. Money is quickly becoming an issue with the students because they are spending it so fast. Today was payday back home, so a number of them were being linked money from worried grand/parents back home.

We have noticed some interesting things this week. It was remarkable for Claire and I to accompany our kids on the bus coming into Toronto. Once we hit Canada's Wonderland, their eyes became dialated, mouths open, and shrieks of excitement. Admist this though, several comments (at least three) were immediately made by some overwhelmed students. Their comments reflect something like, "I want to go home." The tall buildings, thousands of walking pedestrians, and constant noise made a number of our kids quickly wish for the solace of Deer Lake. It probably did not help that we were attempting to drive up Bay St. from the Lakeshore at 4:30 pm.


Amanda, Claire, and I often discuss the troubles in relating our lives in Deer Lake. When we returned at Christmas and March Break we are asked about our experiences. Our stories provide some background information, and our blog provides a somewhat consistent story and pictorial representation of Deer Lake. To truly experience Deer Lake you need to spend a substantial amount of time with the people. As an example an interesting situation took place one night while we were trying to fall asleep this trip. The lights were out, but the kids were talking. One of them asked, "What would you do if you won the lottery?" I provided a variety of things: house, debt, investments, and material things. After a few seconds of silence I returned the question. They responded together by saying, "paved roads." With all that there is in the world, the kids could only dream of having their own paved roads. A place to skateboard, play basketball without the ball hitting random rocks, a path to bike, and something most of us have always taken for granted.



We apologize for the lack of regular blogs, but our hotel at the Delta Chelsea did not have free internet. As well, we were always busy throughout the week to take the time and blog. The rest of our week is now over with the kids having fun at our final events. Unfortunately the bus was having problems and we weren't able to go to paintball. We used the money instead to take everyone to the Hard Rock Cafe. Wonderland on Monday was bitter cold at times, as a rain made everyone damp and chilled. We left the park at 6:00 pm and stopped for dinner at the closest service center. Back on the road by 7:00 we drove straight through to Thunder Bay. The bus driver stopped twice to pick up a coffee for himself. The students were pretty good with almost all falling alseep for some time. We arrived in Thunder Bay at 1:00 pm and are enjoying our final afternoon out. Tomorrow is a bright and early with another 9 and a half hours on a school bus to Red Lake.

PS> Tristan has bought another two sets of clothing. Although we are not sure if that includes all articles of clothing!