In Mountain Village, Let the Adventures Begin...

Waqaa! (A Warm Greeting in Yup'ik)

Welcome, year two in Mountain Village (MOU) is underway.  I arrived in MOU on Saturday, August 11^th.  Since then, my new roommate and I have settled into our housing and have begun to make it feel homey.  To be honest, I was feeling a bit uncertain about the school year coming back.  However, I soon began to feel excited when kids on the playground began to greet me, remember me; and was greeted by parents & community members.  It has been quite the homecoming. 

Black/Blue Berries

Salmon Berries

With only being in MOU for about one week, I have actually done a good amount of things already.  Gathering of new teachers and returning teacher for dinner or supper is common occurrence, which began almost as soon as I was arrived.  A great gathering of friends took place down by the track for a bonfire one evening.  The track is on the outskirts of the village where people like to go to race 4 wheelers.  I love walking there.  It is so beautiful.  The trail ends at a bend in the river, where there are some larger trees as well, gorgeous, one of my favorite places here.  Another day, a group of us went out berry picking.  I stuck with blackberries & blueberries, and just ate the salmon berries.  The salmon berries are a little over ripe right now, kinda squishy.  The craziest thing I suppose I did since being here was swim in the Yukon River.  It was a very random act, but a lot of fun.   It reminded me of polar plunges I’ve done before.  However, through the influence of others, we actually remained in the water for quite awhile.  I practiced my side-stroke, doggy paddle, and froggy swim and got a fair amount of exercise when going against the current.   J   That evening ended with watching The Hungar Games, which I have lots of thoughts on, but will not go into now…  Last night, my roommate and I hosted our first game night, which included Catch Phrase & Cranium.

Kristy (new roomie), Amanda, I
 on a rainy windy walk up the hill.

Currently in MOU at Covenant Church we have no permanent pastor.  This month however, we have a man named Herb filling in for us.  It has been a joy and a blessing to have him with us.  We have also heard from the church board that there are two potential pastors they are looking at for our church.

I am excited for this year and look forward to seeing how God will use me and other believers here for his glory.  We have had school in-services since this past Thursday, and Monday will be our first work day.  Due to construction at the school, we have not been able to get into our classrooms yet.  School will start this Thursday!  I can hardly believe it! 

Prayer Requests:

-Wisdom for the church board in choosing a pastor.

-The 1^st day of school for teachers & students-Thursday.

-I would rightly reflect Jesus to those around me, continue & build new relationships with people in MOU.

-Believers here would speak the truth in love, & not be silent when words are needed.

* To my church family at Calvary-thank you so much for all of your encouragement in the Lord and your prayers.  They are a refreshment to me in each day, and I miss you each daily.