It has been over a month since I left Kong to head back to PA. I made a stop in Anchorage, and for those of you who dont know, I will be teaching at a Christian school in Anchorage this fall. I pray everyday that the Lord will give me peace and excitement for this next journey in my life.
So, since my post back in March...
Wow, how God changes hearts. The day I handed in my resignation was one of the most challenging days I've ever had. I knew it was only a matter of time before everyone in the village knew, and I wanted my kids to know first... I didnt think there was anything in this world that would be harder than it was to tell all of my students that I wasnt coming back...
The closer I was to leaving, the harder it became. My kids wanted to spend time with me, visiting my house, and wanting me to visit them in town. Other kids shut me out and refused to listen to me because they knew I was leaving. A good friend of mine came to visit me in Kong, and that week gave me just a glimpse of what it was like to have someone around. We went into the village, and I must admit, having Josh there must have given me a bit more confidence in myself or something. That Sunday night, I played piano for the Church service. I wasnt even that nervous, like the first time I tried to play back in October. (Emphasis on the tried to play. I was so nervous, I chickened out halfway through and walked out of the building.)
But the real change happened the last 2 weeks I was in Kongiganak.
With school winding down, and my time running out, I realized this would be the last time that I'd get to spend with these kids. I know teachers have told them before that they'd come back and then they never do... and I hated myself for thinking that could end up being me.
The day of graduation I played piano, and my choir (Love those girls!) sang, and might I add, it was wonderful! Afterwards, I spent some time talking with a friend of mine, Kendra. It was the first time that I realized I had missed out on a friendship that I wished I had spent more time on! (Kendra, I would have LOVED spending time with your family. You're a wonderful mom, and a great friend to me!) I met someone else that day, who made more of an impact than he will ever know!
Through him, I met his wonderful family. I went out of my comfort zone. I met his friends, who I quickly considered mine. I wrote a song, and actually sang it in front of everyone at church! I got to spend time with Kendra's children. I learned how to cut seal, and I even made seal stur-fry for dinner.
Because of him, I met Gene, Jan, and the rest of the Otto's. I learned what it meant to be truly hospitable. I spent an evening laying on the floor playing piano and singing with my kids. I even steamed with his sisters and mom, and LOVED it! (Oh, and Yuki, your yupik meal was delicious!)
All along, I needed one good friend, someone to help me know what was acceptable, and what to do, and God blessed me with Jesse. Jess, there arent words to explain how thankful I am to have met you, and have you in my life. I pray that the Lord continues to bless you, and that someday I will be able to share the kindness you showed to me.
Every day since leaving Kong, I've missed my life there: my kids, my friends, the culture, the Church. I have no idea what the future will bring, but I do know that everyone in Kong has changed me.
Every text message and phone call from a 557 number forces me to take a deep breath and relay fulling on the Lord. So Eski and Charlotte, you guys were right. I am missing home. I'm homesick for the place that I've grown to love.
And to the rest of you, thank you for all the prayers during the rough months leading to now. There were times when I didnt think I could go one... and wow... God works in wonderful ways! If anyone of you ever wants to visit Alaska, let me know. I'll be living in Anchorage, but would always love an extra excuse to go to Kong as well!
To all of you in Kongiganak: Thank you for accepting a stranger into your homes. I will never forget all you have done, and I hope to see you all soon!
