Feeling at Home in Colville

Jennifer and I have both noticed a shift in our thinking and perspective this past week.  The season of transition has come to an end and we truly feel we are at home now.  We are at peace and loving our new pace of life.  Yesterday was a testament to our sense of belonging in Colville Lake.  

A few weeks ago our Slavey teacher, Linda, taught both Jenn and I how to sew mitts.  This past week a shipment of furs came to the school and Linda gave us both our own rabbit and beaver fur to make mitts.  Yesterday, after a pancake breakfast, Jenn and I sat down and got to work on sewing our mitts.  There is something so relaxing about hand sewing mittens.  Jenn chose to make hers with beaver fur, and I am making mine out of rabbit.  They will be so warm in the winter months.  

One of our coworkers had mentioned that she had a pile of wood to cut and we decided that we would like to help her with that.  However, there was on problem with that plan - Martin is away and the school chainsaw is locked up in his house.  So with homemade jam and bannock in hand, Jenn and I ventured over to the Chief's house to see if we could borrow his for the afternoon.  He was more than willing to share and seemed to think it was funny that the two caucasian girls wanted to spend their saturday cutting wood.  

The most efficient way to heat your house in the Arctic is using a wood stove.  Both Jenn and I are becoming masters of fire starting.  The wood here is so dry and perfect for burning!  Jenn, Louie, and I have decided that we will save money and gather our own wood for the winter.  It is a fun adventure and really great exercise! 

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After an afternoon of wood cutting, Jenn and I came home and made some homemade soup and bannock (so thankful for our big Costco shop before we came).  We are getting really good at being creative with the food we have.  No recipes are needed.  It is just a matter of taking what is the cupboard and hoping for the best.  There has only been one fail so far.  

When we thought our day was over and were winding down for bed the phone rang.  It was, Janat, one of our friends from the community.  The community had spontaneously gathered at the gym for volleyball match and they wanted us to come and join in.  We both jumped at the opportunity.  It was so much fun!  All ages were welcome and everyone was given the opportunity to play.  My students found it quite funny to see Ms. Evans be so terrible at something.  I loved it!  Such a good day!