Tidbits from my week...

Hey everyone,

I know, I know...its been forever.  You're probably thinking this girl has got a million things to tell...well...as it happens days kinds of squish together and it turns out you can't really remember everything that happened sometimes...  But here's what I've got.

The picture to the right is some 9th-12th grade ladies and I, who have been coming for Bible study.  I believe I've mentioned it before that I'm co-leading with another lady, however she's been away traveling so it has been just me and the girls.  The girls are amazing and I've been loving getting to know each them more.  Anyway, when I've had the ladies we've been going through a study called Discovering God-which has been awesome!!  So far we have been learning a lot about God's character and who he is, while studying spirit beings, creation, the fall, Cain & Abel, the Flood...  If you feel so inclined--pray for the study that God would use the study to open eyes and ears to the Truth.

Let's see...it has been FREEEZing here ever since we came back from Christmas break!!  Anywhere from -20 to -50....  However, within the freezing coldness I have gone on 2 snow machine rides and climbed the hill in -40 degree whether  :)  Not sick yet!! hahaha.  January has flooooown by and I feel like I'm running to catch up!

This past Saturday we had an optional training I went to about learning how to incorporate technology in to teaching.  The focus was on Garage Band.  If you happen to be on facebook there is a simple podcast I created for one of the activities, where I'm reading a poem by Shel Silverstein.  It was really cool to see all the things you can do, and looking forward to using it more in the classroom with students.

This week on Thursday night, Friday night, and Saturday night there will be Eskimo dancing!!  I believe there are about 4 other villages coming to participate.  It is a great time to be out in the community and get to know people.  Also, the more you watch the dancing you realize each one tells a story about the culture.  Stay tuned for pictures, I'll make sure my memory card is ready to go this time   :)

Hope you're all doing well, and I miss you bunches!!

alluppa

Really cold!  Hi all!  Everyday this week has been AT LEAST -30 degrees F.  For some reason today, someone had the idea to walk up the mountain here-it wasn't too cold until we got to the top and sat for awhile, more wind...at the same time though, it was great!! I hadn't been outside walking around here at all lately because its been so cold.  It was very refreshing.  Also, someone that was with us on the walk said something that I've often thought, "How can people not believe there is a God?"  There is such beauty in God's creation.  I enjoyed making a snow angel and jumping around in the snow; we saw lots of bunny tracks too.  Later, a large group of us went over to a teacher's place and had some wonderful Philippino food.  I also got to maqii, take steam with my friend Sarah.  It is kind of like being in a sauna, reeaallly hot & makes you sweat a ton.  It makes your skin feel great!

I just checked my gmail account this evening also and read an e-mail from my pastor about the readings for tomorrow in Sleepy Eye at Calvary, and was thankful to read,  "This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” ~Acts 4:11-12


I am so thankful for the friends God has blessed me with here.  I've had a great reminder today to remember God's character, it really does shape how we view everything-especially the trials that come upon us each day-whether it be ourselves, our friends, job, or family.  God is good, let us not doubt His goodness, and His perfect plans for us.   


Miss u friends, family!!