Its been exactly 2 weeks today that I arrived back here in Inuvik. After a whirlwind Christmas in Ontario, hectic travel delays, and thousands of people crowded at airport gates, I was struck by the "quiet" winter beauty here when I stepped off the plane. All of the trees were covered in a shimmering frost, and everything seemed covered by a stunning white blanket.
The first week back at school was filled with lots of "Happy New Year Greetings", and these amazing young students seemed to be genuinely happy to be back at school. It continued to strike me watching them while I was on duty, how much they love playing in the snow! They race out at recess and start sliding down a small hill behind the school on pieces of cardboard. They never seem to tire of it- especially when one considers that the snow arrived for good on September 28. Meanwhile it is complete darkness at that hour of the morning.
On January 6th, the sun officially came back just on the horizon for 39 minutes. Because it was cloudy here that day, we couldn't see it, but the following day was clear, and the children raced to the window in my classroom to see the small part of the golden orb as it peeked up on the horizon. I'm attaching a photo. Then, last Saturday evening a sunrise festival was held here to celebrate the return of the sun. It was truly a feast for the eyes as hundreds of people made their way ouside of the town to experience the warmth of a HUGE bonfire, enjoy hot chocolate, while viewing spectacular fireworks against the backdrop of a glorious FULL moon. I loved every moment, and realized again how lucky I was to be able to live my life for a while in this amazing part of Canada.
The aboriginal people here are simply wonderful.Family and the "land" mean everything to them. They have a deep connectedness to the world around them, and therefore to their Creator. They so value nature, and treat it with great respect.What a priviledge to live with such spiritual people!
I'm finding it hard to get out of bed these days, more so than in December, but each day now will start to be longer. We have also had an amazing 3 days with temperatures in the+3-7 degrees!! It has felt like summer after some days in the past 2 weeks of -40's with wind chill!!
Thinking of you all, and especially missing Paul and the Golden Girls these days!
