We've Arrived!

10 days ago we left KS for the great state of Alaska. In some ways it feels like we've been here for a month already. We spent the first few days catching up on sleep, settling in and adjusting to life here (like how the sun doesn't rise until 9:30). We spent time observing everything going on here and figuring out what our roles would be.

KBM Admin Building - our apt is on the top floor, left side

View from our living room window (sun rising at 9:30am)

Now that we are starting to feel settled, we have begun to establish what our roles will be here. Preschool. Kind of what we expected, but not completely. It's been a growing experience for us already - to let go of our preferences and desires to work with older kids, and be willing to serve where needed. Carrie will be the lead teacher for the 3's and younger 4 year olds during the mornings with planning time in the afternoon. She is definitely feeling under-qualified for the job and is already realizing the need to rely on the strength and wisdom of the Lord as opposed to her own.  Luke will be working with grade school kids in the early morning before they go off to school.  Afterwards, he will be working with the 4's and 5's for the rest of the day being a support teacher in the morning and a lead teacher in the afternoon.  He will also supervise both 3's and 4's as well as 4's and 5's in the afternoon making sure everything is taking care of.

The summer might look a little different as far as our roles, but we'll talk about that when the time comes.  

We have had some time to do some fun things on the island.  Our first day here was gorgeous so we were able to enjoy the beach that is on the mission property.  We've also had time to do some hiking in some beautiful places.  Most of the days have been rainy and cloudy, but on the days that have not been, we've more than likely gotten out and done some exploring.  Ted and Kathy (Carrie's uncle and aunt) have been showing us around town and around a little bit of the island.  We look forward to spending more time with them and just exploring around more of the island.

One funny story just before we end our post and I'll try to make is short.  On our second day on the island, the sky was clear and it was sunny outside so Carrie and I went for a little hike.  I always bring my camera on a hike and before we left I checked the battery and I had about 18% left (figured that would be enough).  So we're hiking and I've taken a few pictures not really watching the remaining battery life.  As we're walking I glance to my left and about 30 yards away, there's a Bald Eagle perched in the tree.  Carrie and I are both thinking, "This is so cool!"  So I bring my camera up to my eye and instead of seeing the eagle in my sight, I see, "Battery exhausted."  NOOOOOOO!!!   This just bums me out.  So we enjoy watching this eagle for a few minutes and we eventually leave because we had to get back to the mission.  At our staff dinner that night, we just can't wait to tell people so we share it almost immediately like it's something you would rarely see.  There response?  "Oh yeah, see them all the time."  WHAT!?  Yeah, there everywhere.  Since then we've seen a lot.  Anyways, lesson learned...always have a charged camera battery because the first eagle you see could be your last.
 

Keep us in your prayers as we continue to adjust.  Love to all!