Monday, November 12, 2012

Voting and Romance in Bush Alaska

Last Tuesday we had the privilege of voting for the first time as residents of Alaska.  We voted for the president at the Bingo Hall.  It was very official and yet old fashioned.  First, the ladies working knew who we were, but they had to check our I.D. anyway as is required by law.  We voted on paper ballots behind an old fashioned curtain that reminded me of going to vote with my dad in the early 80s.  When we were done we got "I voted" stickers written in Inupiaq.  By the time we got home and turned on the T.V.  the election was pretty much declared. We felt a little sad that our votes were not even counted yet.
Last Wednesday, November 7th, John brought me coffee during my morning reading group.  I was so impressed that he brought me coffee that I didn't notice the huge bouquet of flowers behind his back.  My students asked me if it was our anniversary to which I replied, "No."  John promptly said it is an anniversary for something read your card.  I opened a card that read thank you for saying yes 17 years ago.  I almost started to cry.  It was the anniversary of the day John proposed to me.    My students started chanting, "John loves Misty, John loves Misty."

Now remember we live in bush Alaska, which means the flowers came from Nome on a plane.  I don't even want to know how much that cost.  I do know that I married a sweet, sweet man and I am thankful he asked me to be his wife.

Sunday, November 4, 2012

October Fun!

A Wedding in Nome

One of the best things about teaching in Brevig is meeting Jennifer Diana.  She is a wonderful English teacher from Washington.  When we first met I knew instantly that we would become kindred spirits.  She helped our family get through many lonely, cold days last school year.  She became a permanent part of our family dinners, game nights and occasional trips to Nome.

This summer, Jennifer, called with some exciting news.  She had reconnected with a friend from middle school and was sure that he was her one true love.  We were very happy for her.  Wayne came to live with Jennifer in Brevig this fall and on October 18 we had the pleasure of witnessing their wedding.  It was an intimate ceremony which included the bride and groom, his mom, me and John served as the wedding officiate.  In Alaska, everyone can marry one couple as long as you have official papers by the courts declaring you a marriage commissioner.  The marriage ceremony took place on Middle Beach in Nome.    And that is how Jennifer Diana became Jennifer Miranda!  Here are some pictures of the happy couple:)




Halloween

Halloween in Brevig can be pretty scary.  Kids love to dress scary, I mean really scary!  This year our school hosted a haunted house ran by the teachers.  Claire and Cate were all ready to go until the lights went off and the music came on.  Needless to say, daddy had to take them home.  I stayed and helped, and had a blast scaring people.  Below are some pictures of Claire and Cate from the Halloween parade, and a photo of my sweet, but scary kindergarteners.


 Isn't she a precious little angel!
Claire as bloody Mary Poppins!

Signs of Winter

On November 4th we walked to the beach to see how icy the water is now.  Here is a picture of chunks of ice in the water.  It will soon be frozen solid enough to drive across to Teller.

 This time of year is Native Alaskans hunt seal.  Here is one we saw on the beach this morning.  Soon it will be skinned and butchered.  Almost every part of the animal is used.  The fur makes very warm hats and gloves while the meat is pretty yummy.
Another one for Team Jesus!!!

This month during a family devotion, Cate asked us to pray with her as she asked Jesus into her heart.  We were so proud of our little five year old.  The next day at school I took our class to the library to pick out their weekly book.  Cate picked a pop up book about Jesus.  The next day I looked up from my desk to see her sharing the book with some classmates and telling them about Jesus.  I pray that this love for God continues to grow and mature in her little heart.