Tuesday, December 9, 2008

CHRISTMAS IN INUVIK

This is a brief posting. The BIG recent news is that I have had to move from my former apartment due to untenable living conditions. More later when I talk to or see you. It was SO much fun doing this in 24/7 darkness and under basically "emergency" conditions. Everything I brought from Ontario had to packed up and moved- AGAIN. The move, for me, into this new building(I'm enclosing a photo) is my 14th residence since my marriage 37 years ago!!I thank God again for sending me angels- many in the form of "Newfoundlanders" who engineered this for me, after their long working days.
It's the dead of winter here now with this being the first day the children have NOT gone outside for recess. The temp. today was -41. They can play outside only up to -37!!! Yesterday(-32) was a brisk walk as I took my choir to the long term care section of the hospital- 15 minutes each way. They sang well and behaved impeccably. I was so proud of their efforts AND resilience, singing and acting as a choir for the first time in their lives. The elders were so appreciative, and as I looked at them in their compromised health conditions, and watched the students interact, I once again was reminded about the needs of God's children wherever they are on this earth.
This weekend is the BIG community concert in the Igloo Church. It looks like QUITE the interesting program. I'm attaching some photos of my students, a glorious sunrise last week, a photo of new friends at our Christmas Church dinner, and a couple of shots from the Inuvik Santa Claus Parade- which lasted for 2 minutes!!!

3 comments:

Anne said...

Hey Cynthia! Wow, what a disaster, having to move! I had to laugh about the kids not going outside for recess - I thought you meant because it's dark out... of course there must be great outside lights in the schoolyard. I'm in Halifax this weekend and today it's about +15 degrees.
Enjoy your last week and I'll talk to you from home!!
Love, Anne

Elaine Polley said...

My goodness! How busy you are! And having to move on top of it! It was 0° last week when I gave several tours. Wore my longjohns. I wonder what kind of a pair of longjohns I'd need for -41°. Hope the concerts go well. I'll talk to you when you get home.
Love,
Elaine

Mongoose said...

There is no 24/7 darkness in Inuvik. There is a period of civil twilight every day.