Epiphany

The three magi have come bearing gifts for the King.  Epiphany comes from the greek word "to reveal".
Today is also the day that priests will bless water and chalk to be used in homes.  The chalk is used to mark the names of the three magi over the doors as a witness to their faith and also to have protection against evil.  I will get the chalk this sunday at mass to do that over my door here.  My husband will do the same for our apartment in Georgia.

During this Christmas season, I have been having a stronger calling to cover.  I feel I need to be more humble, and this is the way God is telling me to do so.  So, I have been browsing for coverings that I can wear around my shoulders until I enter the church, and then slip the veil over my head for mass without being so obvious.  I don't want people to think that I am "holier-than-thou".  I am far from that.  I would never think that I am better than someone else. 

Here are a few I have been eyeballing...

I think the ones that I like here will help me cover without a lot of looks because the colors will blend with my hair.



New Year

When people think of New Year's resolution, they usually do the "oh I am going to lose some weight". They start their diet, do well for a few weeks, then go back to old eating habits.

My New Year's resolution is:

1. Pass the ASCP!!!

2. Don't sweat the small stuff

3. Exercise a bit more.

4. Pray the rosary at least 3 times a week, then work back up to daily.

5. Watch my husband graduate, convert to the Catholic faith

6. Move my family to Alaska with me

All of these goals are within reach.  Some will take persistence, but definitely doable. 

Interesting Facts

I have learned a great deal about the natives, like the Yup'ik.  They have such a rich and beautiful culture, and then there are some wierd things about them too that I just don't understand.

I have noticed that they don't discipline their children.  Their children are not horrible in public, they play, they're a little loud, but they are free spirited. Most of the children in the lower 48 are just plain horrible due to the lack of respect to their parents and any other elders in their lives.  The Yup'ik children have respect for their elders. 



Elder and child


Speaking of children, when a woman gets pregnant, she gives her first born to her mother.  They believe in giving their children away to other family members and to people who cannot have children due to reasons beyond their control.  The reason that they give their first born to their mother is because they don't want their mother to be alone in her old age.  If the young mother has another child, then that child is given to her sister if she has any or to any other person that does not have a child already in her family.  They also do outside adoptions and tribe adoptions.  Very interesting on why and how they do that.

The Yup'ik live off of the land.  They hunt, fish and do whatever to make sure their family is provided for.  They still carry on old traditions. 

When I was here in Fairbanks, Alaska, I had many Yup'ik, Koyukon, etc as friends, but never really noticed their culture due to me being only a child when I lived here last in the 80's.  I also had a lot of friends here whose parents were in the military.  Alaska was beautiful then and is still beautiful today.  I absolutely love being in Alaska, it's a place all its own.  Very different from the lower 48.

Week 1

This week has been pretty rough due to being away from the girls and Rob.  My emotions have gotten the best of me at times, but I am pulling it through it.  I have moved into temporary hospital housing.  I did go see the 3 bedroom apartment, but I do not think I can live with 2 younger females.  I don't need the drama in my life.  Younger females tend to have soo much drama, that it's sickening.  I applied for permenant hospital housing which is right behind the hospital.  It would be perfect for me.  I really want to live by myself. We'll see though

Time Change

I have not been able to get on Alaska time yet.  When it is 5 pm here, it is 9 pm in Georgia.  So 4 hour difference.  Yesterday around 4-5 pm my time, I got extremely sleepy.  I was ready to start heading to bed, but could not since I was still in orientation.  No amount of coffee could of kept me awake. 
After orientation me and another person that is a pharmacist intern walked to Subway for dinner, and then to the AC store.  The AC store is a mini version of a ghetto Wal-Mart.  Prices are REALLYYYYY HIGH!!!! I thought I was going to faint looking at the prices.  I had to pick up some stuff until Rob can start sending me care packages.  My bill was 102.00!!!!!! I bought 2 bananas, frosted flakes, 1/2 gallon of milk, apples, disposable bowls and 2 spoons, water, peanut butter crackers, and a knit hat.  i needed something to cover my head during the winter time.  The jackets are EXPENSIVE here.  I have to get a PO Box today so I can have something shipped in from Amazon.  I have sweaters to hold me over till then.

I will post more pictures today sometime

Day 1 in Bethel, Alaska

I arrived here in Bethel, Alaska lastnight.  Oh wowzers, I was horrified.  I cried myself to sleep.  I am extremely homesick, but I know this is all for my family. 
Bethel is different then what I am used to. I am used to the Fairbanks part of Alaska.  The more civilized areas still has a lot of culture.

Bethel, Alaska

Everyone has been really nice here.  Very informative.  I found out today that drowning is huge here.  There is a big river here that freezes during the winter time, this river also becomes a "road" to other surrounding villages.  When people start driving on these "roads", sometimes the ice will break and they fall in the freezing water, hypothermia sets in fast because the water is above the heart.  Also during the spring and summer months kids play near the water, and therefor drown because they do not know how to swim. 

Anchorage, ALASKA

I have touched down in Anchorage, and I am starving.  So I am sitting in Chilis eating. 

The flight into Anchorage was absolutely beautiful.  Just the way I remember it.  I am already noticing the Native Alaskans here.  So rich in culture.  The trees where a beautiful golden yellow.  I haven't seen that color in years. 

I have taken pictures of the mountains from inside the airport.  I already have my camera ready for my landing in Bethel.  That is going to be a treat.

Will post more tonight after my tour of Bethel!!!!