Settling In

So it's been about a month and a half since we've arrived in Kodiak and we've finally set into a routine with work (although it looks like it might change once again within the next month).  Carrie is leading the 3s and 4s during the mornings and I have been serving as an "anything you need" teacher in the morning for the 4s and 5s and then leading the 4s and 5s in the afternoon.  We're getting the hang of things but we're still way out of our comfort zones.  Playing with the kids can be so much fun, but teaching them and having them in a classroom can be a whole different ballgame.  I am still working with the grade school kids in the before/after school program every morning before preschool which has been a lot of fun.

Apart from work, we have been doing some hiking and getting to know the other people who live on the mission.  I have been visiting the youth group of the church that Carrie and I have been attending and will probably end up helping out for the year.  We've been eating more fish in the last month and a half and will continue to eat more fish than we ever have in our entire lifetime.  It's been only salmon and it has been good, but Kodiak is known for it's fishing industry and I'm sure there will be other fish to try.  Along with all the hundreds and hundreds of bald eagles we've seen, there have also been some buzz around town that bears are awake!!!  Part of me is like, "why are those bears awake?  Go back to bed!!"  But the other part of me is like, "let's go find a bear!"  So, I'm excited to think that we might see one sooner than we thought.  

For this summer, Carrie and I have decided to stop working the preschool program so we can help with the day camps the mission run for the 1st through 8th grade kids in Kodiak.  This decision was made with the faith that God will provide Carrie and I the funds we need to satisfy our ongoing expenses. 

Living here hasn't always been easy, but this place is extremely beautiful, we are surrounded by a wonderful community and we know this is where God has us right now.

You'll see me doing this a lot on every hike...maybe a little too much. 

Rain gear: Check.  

Hello!

This is mission beach which is actually on the mission property. 

Fort Abercrombie is a beautiful place.  The ground is covered in moss and on a good day you can catch the sun streaming through the trees. 

Reflection on Woman's Bay. 

Adolescent Bald Eagle.  It takes 3-5 years to become "bald." 

Here are some prayer requests that we have:

• Wisdom for both Carrie and myself as we plan lessons and teach this kids.
• That the love of Christ would flow through us, even when kids are being...well...kids. A little extra dose of patience now and then wouldn't hurt either. 
• For Carrie, that the planning for the 3's and 4's program would come more easily and that it turns into more of a joy than a burden in the coming days and weeks.
• That we can continue to build good relationships with the people on the mission and with the kids who come here.  
• For our marriage, that it is continually strengthened day to day.