July 27
Man. What a hot day. Twenty-seven degrees and muggy. It's the hottest day we've experienced all summer. The heat sure makes the bugs disappear. The kids slept late and Keegan and Bronwyn got to the job site after 11 am. All the excitement and work started to catch up with them. Ike couldn't believe he was working in heat like this in the North.
The kitchen closed at the school yesterday, and Michele was glad her cooking duties were over. She decided to read in the heat and have some down time. Ike and Michele wanted me to say hi to everyone at home. They wouldn't say they are having a holiday, but they are having an adventure.
The kids had swimming lessons today, and Michele took Ezra over. He cried in distress about having to go, but Michele said he jumped right in and was very brave. Naomi did well moving into the class with Diana, and Josiah is always game. Immediately after, the youth swim started. Bronwyn took a break from working to take Evangeline. She was feeling left out. The others went too. Mackenzie tried to keep an eye on Ezra and Diana and Naomi were swim buddies. I think there were more kids than water in the pool. Evangeline quickly changed her tune from enthusiasm to dismay. I don't think she ever did come to grips with the chaos. Ezra handled himself very maturely. He asked very pleasantly, "Bronwyn, could you take me to a part of the pool where I won't get kicked in the face?
I'm writing this in the middle of the day. It may be my only chance. The school will be locked today from now on, and Internet access might be limited. I will blog when I can.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
The Exodus
JULY 26
I gave Estelle a steam shower in the morning to help her chest cold. While I was occupied, Mackenzie took the kids for snack time at the school. Upon their return, my jaw dropped. Naomi was still in her nightgown! She’d walked two blocks and sat with the entire crew in her PJ’s. Mackenzie apparently didn’t even notice when they left, but she said Naomi got a compliment on her pretty ‘dress.’
Keegan continued on the drywall, and Bronwyn and two other girls blew insulation in the attic. Bronwyn said it was the most uncomfortable she’s felt in her whole life. She was itchy and sweaty, working under a hot tin roof (It was 24 degrees). Ike said it was a tough, dirty job and was impressed with their effort. When she came to eat, her clothing was covered in fiberglass. Ezra saw her, and ran to her with open arms. I said, a little too insistently, “Ezra, don’t touch her!” Bronwyn joked with me later. “What am I? A leper? Don’t touch! Unclean! Unclean!”
There was an exodus of volunteers after lunch, with only a handful remaining. Lynn turned to me and said, “Well, I guess it’s just you and me, Elaine.” With all our kids, there were still over 20 people for supper, but it sure felt a lot quieter. I packed Estelle around, trying to be helpful, without much success. At least her cough seemed a bit better, but she does want her mommy.
Mackenzie and Josiah played with Ezra, Evangeline, Naomi, and Diana in the school gym all day. Lynn’s mother, Muriel, built a fort out of blue gym mats and chairs. They had a ball with Judah-Ben, Jesse, and Jadynn. Jesses attached several bungee cords together, pulled them way back, then sat on a flat cart and let the bungee cord zip him along the gym floor. The kids all got in on the action. Diana played with Estelle on a blue gym mat, and later on Estelle had a nap on one of the exercise mats. Ezra adores Jesse and follows him around like a lost puppy. Naomi’s enthusiasm waned so she chose to draw pictures instead, and that kept her occupied for two hours!
Bronwyn is in her glory. The girls have been doing the lunch dishes everyday and it takes them a very long time because they sing the entire time. Bronwyn taught them a new song and they practice and practice and practice. The girls also learned a rhythm at camp. They beat it out with their arms and feet at every meal and their table shakes when they pound it out.
Keegan went biking with Joel and then headed right to bed, so I know very little about his day, except that he expressed an interest in learning the guitar. Kurt will be glad to hear that. Bronwyn and Mackenzie sat and gabbed with me in the evening, which is the only reason I can give you the details of their day.
I gave Estelle a steam shower in the morning to help her chest cold. While I was occupied, Mackenzie took the kids for snack time at the school. Upon their return, my jaw dropped. Naomi was still in her nightgown! She’d walked two blocks and sat with the entire crew in her PJ’s. Mackenzie apparently didn’t even notice when they left, but she said Naomi got a compliment on her pretty ‘dress.’
Keegan continued on the drywall, and Bronwyn and two other girls blew insulation in the attic. Bronwyn said it was the most uncomfortable she’s felt in her whole life. She was itchy and sweaty, working under a hot tin roof (It was 24 degrees). Ike said it was a tough, dirty job and was impressed with their effort. When she came to eat, her clothing was covered in fiberglass. Ezra saw her, and ran to her with open arms. I said, a little too insistently, “Ezra, don’t touch her!” Bronwyn joked with me later. “What am I? A leper? Don’t touch! Unclean! Unclean!”
There was an exodus of volunteers after lunch, with only a handful remaining. Lynn turned to me and said, “Well, I guess it’s just you and me, Elaine.” With all our kids, there were still over 20 people for supper, but it sure felt a lot quieter. I packed Estelle around, trying to be helpful, without much success. At least her cough seemed a bit better, but she does want her mommy.
Mackenzie and Josiah played with Ezra, Evangeline, Naomi, and Diana in the school gym all day. Lynn’s mother, Muriel, built a fort out of blue gym mats and chairs. They had a ball with Judah-Ben, Jesse, and Jadynn. Jesses attached several bungee cords together, pulled them way back, then sat on a flat cart and let the bungee cord zip him along the gym floor. The kids all got in on the action. Diana played with Estelle on a blue gym mat, and later on Estelle had a nap on one of the exercise mats. Ezra adores Jesse and follows him around like a lost puppy. Naomi’s enthusiasm waned so she chose to draw pictures instead, and that kept her occupied for two hours!
Bronwyn is in her glory. The girls have been doing the lunch dishes everyday and it takes them a very long time because they sing the entire time. Bronwyn taught them a new song and they practice and practice and practice. The girls also learned a rhythm at camp. They beat it out with their arms and feet at every meal and their table shakes when they pound it out.
Keegan went biking with Joel and then headed right to bed, so I know very little about his day, except that he expressed an interest in learning the guitar. Kurt will be glad to hear that. Bronwyn and Mackenzie sat and gabbed with me in the evening, which is the only reason I can give you the details of their day.
Monday, July 27, 2009
A Day of Rest?
JULY 26
Aaaaah. Sunday morning, a non-work day. In theory. Bronwyn, Mackenzie, and I, packing Estelle, made pancakes and homemade buttermilk syrup for everyone for brunch while Lynn cooked the sausages and prepped everything else. Josiah stayed with the sleeping little guys in the trailer and we communicated with our hand radios. The night before, Keegan stayed with the teenage boys at the Hanthorns and when he woke up, he relieved Jo of his duties so Josiah could flip some pancakes. After the batter was made, Bronwyn had to skip out to practice her violin for church. The syrup was a big hit, and one lady, Esther, was impressed with Josiah and Mackenzie’s pancake flipping.
The worship service was at 1 pm, which is standard here. With people staying up late in the long summer sun, a morning service would not be too practical, or at least not well attended. Last week, the church was framed, this week the sanctuary had drywall, and people commented on the progress. Bronwyn accompanied the praise songs with her violin and a penny whistle, along with Annah, Ruthie, and Paul on guitar, and a man (Don, I believe) with his harmonica. The church was pretty full with people from the project, and we outnumbered the regular church members with all our extra bodies.
Estelle had another horrible coughing fit. It is no fun seeing your baby choking on her own phlegm. She has often had an episode after lying back in her ‘rocking’ chair, so there will be no more of that. I’m kicking up my own probiotic intake and of course, she’s getting chiropractic care, but she is still fighting it. I know it will run its course, just like it did with the other guys, but for those of you so inclined, please keep her in your prayers.
After a wonderful turkey dinner, Keegan and Bronwyn went with the teens to watch some more bike jumping into the lake at the ‘Second Pit,’ as it’s called. Ike and Michele went along to take some pictures, and Paul was there too. Ike and Paul even built a new bike jump for the kids to try. As Ike said, “Well someone has to make sure they don’t break their necks!” The kids never used the jump, though. And to my surprise, both Keegan AND Bronwyn gave it a try, and Michele has some good snapshots. Unfortunately, as I have been doing my blog entry on the school library computer, I won’t be able to include any pictures-yet. Those kids sure know how to make their own fun. Lynn was impressed that at least they had decided to wear life jackets. The teens said the PFD s were multi-functional. Besides being flotation devices, they provide some extra padding, too.
Bronwyn and Keegan barely got themselves dried off before they went back to the Hanthorns with Mackenzie for a teen party. Two of the older boys from Whitehorse are leaving, so Lynn wanted to give them one last hurrah. They ate pizza, looked at Michele’s pictures on the TV, and watched a movie together. I was unsuccessfully trying to get children to sleep, but I did manage to slip over and see some of the photos. Michele came to my trailer afterwards and we prayed over Estelle and chatted until the kids returned, but maybe sleep would have been a better idea, because it was almost 3 am before we saw their faces or our beds.
Aaaaah. Sunday morning, a non-work day. In theory. Bronwyn, Mackenzie, and I, packing Estelle, made pancakes and homemade buttermilk syrup for everyone for brunch while Lynn cooked the sausages and prepped everything else. Josiah stayed with the sleeping little guys in the trailer and we communicated with our hand radios. The night before, Keegan stayed with the teenage boys at the Hanthorns and when he woke up, he relieved Jo of his duties so Josiah could flip some pancakes. After the batter was made, Bronwyn had to skip out to practice her violin for church. The syrup was a big hit, and one lady, Esther, was impressed with Josiah and Mackenzie’s pancake flipping.
The worship service was at 1 pm, which is standard here. With people staying up late in the long summer sun, a morning service would not be too practical, or at least not well attended. Last week, the church was framed, this week the sanctuary had drywall, and people commented on the progress. Bronwyn accompanied the praise songs with her violin and a penny whistle, along with Annah, Ruthie, and Paul on guitar, and a man (Don, I believe) with his harmonica. The church was pretty full with people from the project, and we outnumbered the regular church members with all our extra bodies.
Estelle had another horrible coughing fit. It is no fun seeing your baby choking on her own phlegm. She has often had an episode after lying back in her ‘rocking’ chair, so there will be no more of that. I’m kicking up my own probiotic intake and of course, she’s getting chiropractic care, but she is still fighting it. I know it will run its course, just like it did with the other guys, but for those of you so inclined, please keep her in your prayers.
After a wonderful turkey dinner, Keegan and Bronwyn went with the teens to watch some more bike jumping into the lake at the ‘Second Pit,’ as it’s called. Ike and Michele went along to take some pictures, and Paul was there too. Ike and Paul even built a new bike jump for the kids to try. As Ike said, “Well someone has to make sure they don’t break their necks!” The kids never used the jump, though. And to my surprise, both Keegan AND Bronwyn gave it a try, and Michele has some good snapshots. Unfortunately, as I have been doing my blog entry on the school library computer, I won’t be able to include any pictures-yet. Those kids sure know how to make their own fun. Lynn was impressed that at least they had decided to wear life jackets. The teens said the PFD s were multi-functional. Besides being flotation devices, they provide some extra padding, too.
Bronwyn and Keegan barely got themselves dried off before they went back to the Hanthorns with Mackenzie for a teen party. Two of the older boys from Whitehorse are leaving, so Lynn wanted to give them one last hurrah. They ate pizza, looked at Michele’s pictures on the TV, and watched a movie together. I was unsuccessfully trying to get children to sleep, but I did manage to slip over and see some of the photos. Michele came to my trailer afterwards and we prayed over Estelle and chatted until the kids returned, but maybe sleep would have been a better idea, because it was almost 3 am before we saw their faces or our beds.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Work Hard, Play Hard, Sleep Hard
JULY 25
We woke up to no power. I plugged the space heater in the night before and it tripped the breaker in the daycare. I didn’t get much sleep last night. There’s a husky dog across the street, and he sounds like a wolf howling at the moon. The dog had Diana convinced anyway. I also heard the haunting sound of a loon, which I love. My appreciation of nature, however, does not extend to the ‘bulldogs’ flying around. Those flies are huge and fearsome, and there buzz is nothing compared to their bite, I am told.
Keegan and Bronwyn went back to work. The siding of the church is almost done, and much progress has been made on the kitchen and living quarters. Josiah, Naomi, and Diana went swimming. Kenzie baked a chocolate cake for supper. Ezra had a blast playing at the Hanthorns. Josiah has been the go-to guy, running errands to and fro on his bike. Mackenzie made use of her time with the little ones, teaching them the bible verses she learned at Kamp Klondike. She is a studious one. She even had Evangeline giving it a go. “I am the Good Shepherd. I know my sheep, and my sheep know me.” Except when Evangeline says the last two words, it sounds more like Naomi’s nickname-NOMIE. And since the verse starts off with ‘I am’, Evangeline thinks she is the good shepherd. Lots of deep spiritual truths going on there!
I guess it was a long day for Evangeline, because she fell asleep upright in her chair at the dinner table. Michele helped me cart the kids back to the trailer. She had a good sleep, until 11 pm, that is. Keegan and Bronwyn went to the lake again to wash the drywall and insulation off themselves with a swim, and to watch some more extreme sports. Joel and his friends from Whitehorse went over jumps on their bikes into the lake. Bronwyn hopped in the shower when they came back but just then Annah showed up to invite her, Keegan, and Mackenzie to watch a short sledding movie. We went in the daycare where she and the little guys were. Bronwyn was singing at the top of her lungs in the shower. She was so loud, she couldn’t even hear us calling her name until we shouted. Annah laughed, and then laughed some more, because Ezra, Evangeline, Naomi, and Diana were all running around in their underwear because they were so hot. Not one of our earlier nights.
We woke up to no power. I plugged the space heater in the night before and it tripped the breaker in the daycare. I didn’t get much sleep last night. There’s a husky dog across the street, and he sounds like a wolf howling at the moon. The dog had Diana convinced anyway. I also heard the haunting sound of a loon, which I love. My appreciation of nature, however, does not extend to the ‘bulldogs’ flying around. Those flies are huge and fearsome, and there buzz is nothing compared to their bite, I am told.
Keegan and Bronwyn went back to work. The siding of the church is almost done, and much progress has been made on the kitchen and living quarters. Josiah, Naomi, and Diana went swimming. Kenzie baked a chocolate cake for supper. Ezra had a blast playing at the Hanthorns. Josiah has been the go-to guy, running errands to and fro on his bike. Mackenzie made use of her time with the little ones, teaching them the bible verses she learned at Kamp Klondike. She is a studious one. She even had Evangeline giving it a go. “I am the Good Shepherd. I know my sheep, and my sheep know me.” Except when Evangeline says the last two words, it sounds more like Naomi’s nickname-NOMIE. And since the verse starts off with ‘I am’, Evangeline thinks she is the good shepherd. Lots of deep spiritual truths going on there!
I guess it was a long day for Evangeline, because she fell asleep upright in her chair at the dinner table. Michele helped me cart the kids back to the trailer. She had a good sleep, until 11 pm, that is. Keegan and Bronwyn went to the lake again to wash the drywall and insulation off themselves with a swim, and to watch some more extreme sports. Joel and his friends from Whitehorse went over jumps on their bikes into the lake. Bronwyn hopped in the shower when they came back but just then Annah showed up to invite her, Keegan, and Mackenzie to watch a short sledding movie. We went in the daycare where she and the little guys were. Bronwyn was singing at the top of her lungs in the shower. She was so loud, she couldn’t even hear us calling her name until we shouted. Annah laughed, and then laughed some more, because Ezra, Evangeline, Naomi, and Diana were all running around in their underwear because they were so hot. Not one of our earlier nights.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Work, Eat, Play, Sleep
JULY 24
Bronwyn was raring to go in the morning to help out at the church. She was put on insulation duty. Keegan was out there, too, helping Ike and doing drywall. Bronwyn is having such a good time here that she said if she had known what fun McPhoo would be, she probably wouldn't have enjoyed Inuvik so much. Mackenzie made some bread in our breadmaker so she could contribute. I have been pretty much useless, juggling a baby and little ones, without the assistance of my older two. A very humbling experience. But Josiah and Mackenzie, and even Diana, are doing all they can to help out.
All started swimming lessons. Ezra and Naomi were first. The instructor warned me beforehand that he really didn't like teaching younger children because he has to be nice to them, but he was the only one qualified. He needn't have warned me; he was great. Naomi was like a fish in the water, and the instructor said she needs to be bumped up a level. Ezra was scared to start because of the depth, but in no time he was paddlilng all over the place. He swam, with a lifejacket. over 5 lengths of the small pool. But maybe he was just trying to keep warm. Their lesson was a whole hour and their teeth were sure chattering when they were done. Diana went next with Jesse, then Josiah with Judah. The pool is so close to the school where we eat, that they just walked there by themselves. I have no idea how it went for them. I guess I should find out!
Our big three and the Hanthorn big four were last and all are in agreement that their instructor is great. Bronwyn said she could tell he actually wanted them to learn something, that it wasn't just a job for him. He has been all over the world and he was in New York on 9/11, adminstering first aid. I told the kids they should talk to him about his experiences. He could probably teach them a whole lot more than swimming skills. He loves to teach kids 10 and over because he can teach them so many valuable skills. We'll see what transpires. It's just our 7 kids in the class, so it's almost like private lessons.
Things were ticking along at the job site. Paul was helping Ike with the siding, one man was doing the railing, and many more were inside working on various things, including Keegan and Bronwyn. The building inspector came by, and Ike told the kids it might be a good time for them to take a break! Before we arrived, one of the main organizers of the project, Myrna,fell from some scaffolding and broke her femur. She had to be airlifted to Yellowknife.
We had a sing-along after supper. Michele had made yummy meatlof. Mackenzie helped with dishes, and spilled a bunch of bleach all over herself. Bronwyn and Ruthie led music on their violin and guitar. They did a good job. Ezra passed out song books to everyone, whether they wanted one or not, or whether they already had one or not. He came back to me and whispered, "Mommy, I am being a good servant handing out books." Naomi was tired of singing, so she played in the gym. Evangeline sat on Annah's lap and then alone on a chair, mouthing sounds to the music. We had a prayer and sharing time and it was very nice. One fellow commented how impressed he was with the teens. He said they were such a good bunch, who also knew how to work. Then we were off to bed, and it is amazing how much quicker and earlier everyone is falling asleep. Hooray!
Bronwyn was raring to go in the morning to help out at the church. She was put on insulation duty. Keegan was out there, too, helping Ike and doing drywall. Bronwyn is having such a good time here that she said if she had known what fun McPhoo would be, she probably wouldn't have enjoyed Inuvik so much. Mackenzie made some bread in our breadmaker so she could contribute. I have been pretty much useless, juggling a baby and little ones, without the assistance of my older two. A very humbling experience. But Josiah and Mackenzie, and even Diana, are doing all they can to help out.
All started swimming lessons. Ezra and Naomi were first. The instructor warned me beforehand that he really didn't like teaching younger children because he has to be nice to them, but he was the only one qualified. He needn't have warned me; he was great. Naomi was like a fish in the water, and the instructor said she needs to be bumped up a level. Ezra was scared to start because of the depth, but in no time he was paddlilng all over the place. He swam, with a lifejacket. over 5 lengths of the small pool. But maybe he was just trying to keep warm. Their lesson was a whole hour and their teeth were sure chattering when they were done. Diana went next with Jesse, then Josiah with Judah. The pool is so close to the school where we eat, that they just walked there by themselves. I have no idea how it went for them. I guess I should find out!
Our big three and the Hanthorn big four were last and all are in agreement that their instructor is great. Bronwyn said she could tell he actually wanted them to learn something, that it wasn't just a job for him. He has been all over the world and he was in New York on 9/11, adminstering first aid. I told the kids they should talk to him about his experiences. He could probably teach them a whole lot more than swimming skills. He loves to teach kids 10 and over because he can teach them so many valuable skills. We'll see what transpires. It's just our 7 kids in the class, so it's almost like private lessons.
Things were ticking along at the job site. Paul was helping Ike with the siding, one man was doing the railing, and many more were inside working on various things, including Keegan and Bronwyn. The building inspector came by, and Ike told the kids it might be a good time for them to take a break! Before we arrived, one of the main organizers of the project, Myrna,fell from some scaffolding and broke her femur. She had to be airlifted to Yellowknife.
We had a sing-along after supper. Michele had made yummy meatlof. Mackenzie helped with dishes, and spilled a bunch of bleach all over herself. Bronwyn and Ruthie led music on their violin and guitar. They did a good job. Ezra passed out song books to everyone, whether they wanted one or not, or whether they already had one or not. He came back to me and whispered, "Mommy, I am being a good servant handing out books." Naomi was tired of singing, so she played in the gym. Evangeline sat on Annah's lap and then alone on a chair, mouthing sounds to the music. We had a prayer and sharing time and it was very nice. One fellow commented how impressed he was with the teens. He said they were such a good bunch, who also knew how to work. Then we were off to bed, and it is amazing how much quicker and earlier everyone is falling asleep. Hooray!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The Move to McPhoo
July 21-23
Did you think something happened to us? It's been three days and this has been my first chance to catch up. On Tuesday, we did alot of running around, laundry, packing things up, and had a delicious meal with Ike and Michele. We got so much done, that by 11 pm, Ike and Michele suggested ,"Why don't we just get on the road?" So just like that we left.
We said goodbye to Vern and we were on our way. We drove half an hour out of town to the Gwich'in Territorial Campground and camped beside beautiful Campbell Lake under a brilliant orange and pink sunset. Bronwyn and Mackenzie slept in Ike and Michele's trailer, as they've been doing since the Johannsons got here. Estelle sat on the bed, just staring out the window. I think she was enthralled by the beautiful view herself.
We woke up on the 22nd and Ike and Michele and our two girls were already gone. We hit the road and arrived in McPhoo at 3 pm. It was so good to see Lynn and all the kids. Some of the siding is on the church now and the Mennonite crew had stayed up until 5 am to finish installing the kitchen cabinets before they left. Over 15 people have left in the last 2 days. The crew is getting a little lean, and it's good that Ike is back, I think. From my vantage point, Ike appears to be putting the remainder of the siding on himself. More people are working on the interior. Michele is back working her magic in the kitchen.
Kurt and I tried to get organized, figuring out where to park the trailer. Right now, we are parked next to the daycare, beside Ike and Michele, and the owner was gracious enough to allow us access to the water and bathroom. All the girls, save Estelle, and Ezra are going to sleep there. What a blessing! A copious amount of available water is a comfort, considering all the unforeseen spills and accidents that are sure to come. We ate supper with everyone and during the sing-along time, Kurt and the kids did a few numbers-except for Naomi, who just wasn't in the mood. Kurt packed his bag for his next job and the day was quickly over.
This morning, we got up early. REALLY! We were up at 7 am, and Kurt and I left the kids sleeping and headed to the school so Kurt could catch a ride with Paul back to Inuvik. Kurt is headed for Tuk, then back to Banks Island, until mid-August. We might see him briefly then, or it could be a long two months before he returns. I hope it's the former. Keegan was an early bird too, and moved 24 sheets of drywall.
I watched the small Hanthorn children this morning. Bronwyn got involved, too, and two of the men lowered her into a water tank so she could clean it. Mackenzie is itching to do something big and important, but the children are not allowed in the kitchen, so she is being helpful wherever she can. She entertained alot of kids today.
After lunch, I took Ezra, Naomi, Diana, and Josiah swimming with 3 of Lynn's kids, and another lady, Cara Lee (imagine that, Cara!), brought hers. The pool here is tiny. The building is not heated and the water is only 3 feet deep from end to end. Ezra was frazzled because he couldn't touch the bottom anywhere, and despite Josiah's best efforts to soothe him and encourage him, and Ezra's best efforts to remain calm, I decided he had had enough.
The kids played at the Hanthorns' while I tried to do some tidying. Estelle was fussing, so Lynn 'pushed' me out the door so I could give Estelle a nap in the trailer. She slept for two hours. She had a horrible coughing fit at supper last night, and I think a few people were fearful for her recovery.
The Kure kids and the Hanthorns are having a great time together. Josiah biked around with Jesse and Judah-Ben, Keegan played a strategy game with Ruth, Bronwyn went with Annah and Sarah to watch Joel's buddy do a flip in the lake (on a bike?), Jadynn adores Estelle, and all of them have been running around and playing games in the gym. I think the kids love it here already. I might need a little more time to adjust to the change- new location, absent husband, and trying to keep tabs on my kids. But then, when have I ever accepted change quickly and gracefully? Well, here's my chance.
Did you think something happened to us? It's been three days and this has been my first chance to catch up. On Tuesday, we did alot of running around, laundry, packing things up, and had a delicious meal with Ike and Michele. We got so much done, that by 11 pm, Ike and Michele suggested ,"Why don't we just get on the road?" So just like that we left.
We said goodbye to Vern and we were on our way. We drove half an hour out of town to the Gwich'in Territorial Campground and camped beside beautiful Campbell Lake under a brilliant orange and pink sunset. Bronwyn and Mackenzie slept in Ike and Michele's trailer, as they've been doing since the Johannsons got here. Estelle sat on the bed, just staring out the window. I think she was enthralled by the beautiful view herself.
We woke up on the 22nd and Ike and Michele and our two girls were already gone. We hit the road and arrived in McPhoo at 3 pm. It was so good to see Lynn and all the kids. Some of the siding is on the church now and the Mennonite crew had stayed up until 5 am to finish installing the kitchen cabinets before they left. Over 15 people have left in the last 2 days. The crew is getting a little lean, and it's good that Ike is back, I think. From my vantage point, Ike appears to be putting the remainder of the siding on himself. More people are working on the interior. Michele is back working her magic in the kitchen.
Kurt and I tried to get organized, figuring out where to park the trailer. Right now, we are parked next to the daycare, beside Ike and Michele, and the owner was gracious enough to allow us access to the water and bathroom. All the girls, save Estelle, and Ezra are going to sleep there. What a blessing! A copious amount of available water is a comfort, considering all the unforeseen spills and accidents that are sure to come. We ate supper with everyone and during the sing-along time, Kurt and the kids did a few numbers-except for Naomi, who just wasn't in the mood. Kurt packed his bag for his next job and the day was quickly over.
This morning, we got up early. REALLY! We were up at 7 am, and Kurt and I left the kids sleeping and headed to the school so Kurt could catch a ride with Paul back to Inuvik. Kurt is headed for Tuk, then back to Banks Island, until mid-August. We might see him briefly then, or it could be a long two months before he returns. I hope it's the former. Keegan was an early bird too, and moved 24 sheets of drywall.
I watched the small Hanthorn children this morning. Bronwyn got involved, too, and two of the men lowered her into a water tank so she could clean it. Mackenzie is itching to do something big and important, but the children are not allowed in the kitchen, so she is being helpful wherever she can. She entertained alot of kids today.
After lunch, I took Ezra, Naomi, Diana, and Josiah swimming with 3 of Lynn's kids, and another lady, Cara Lee (imagine that, Cara!), brought hers. The pool here is tiny. The building is not heated and the water is only 3 feet deep from end to end. Ezra was frazzled because he couldn't touch the bottom anywhere, and despite Josiah's best efforts to soothe him and encourage him, and Ezra's best efforts to remain calm, I decided he had had enough.
The kids played at the Hanthorns' while I tried to do some tidying. Estelle was fussing, so Lynn 'pushed' me out the door so I could give Estelle a nap in the trailer. She slept for two hours. She had a horrible coughing fit at supper last night, and I think a few people were fearful for her recovery.
The Kure kids and the Hanthorns are having a great time together. Josiah biked around with Jesse and Judah-Ben, Keegan played a strategy game with Ruth, Bronwyn went with Annah and Sarah to watch Joel's buddy do a flip in the lake (on a bike?), Jadynn adores Estelle, and all of them have been running around and playing games in the gym. I think the kids love it here already. I might need a little more time to adjust to the change- new location, absent husband, and trying to keep tabs on my kids. But then, when have I ever accepted change quickly and gracefully? Well, here's my chance.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Visitors Popping By and Listening In
JULY 20
We had a nice morning. We puttered around and had breakfast. Naomi and Diana soon found their way to Michele and Ike’s trailer to draw pictures. Kurt and Ike and Estelle went for a walk down by the river. Yesterday, we heard engines roaring down there, and we could see a couple of people zipping around on the water-on snowmobiles!! It was all fun and games until one ran out of gas, and started to sink. You should have seen the huge billow of smoke.
Bronwyn has been practicing her violin in the laundry room, by the ‘potty house’ (as Ezra calls the campground washrooms). It keeps her out of the bugs and wind but she has found playing there disconcerting, nonetheless. One fellow came in to do laundry, but he never left. He sat down to listen to her, and she could feel his presence behind her. She turned around, and he said, “Don’t mind me. I’m just listening. Keep playing.” Another time, an older lady was sitting on a bench outside the laundry room. A friend came up and Bronwyn overheard her ask, “What are you doing?” The lady replied, “O, I am just listening to that girl play her violin in there.” Bronwyn, unnerved, thought she should find a new spot, but I told her if people were enjoying it, she had more reason to stay put.
Michele and Ike wanted to run some errands and tour around so they took Josiah, Diana, and Naomi along for the ride. While they were gone, we had some unexpected visitors. The mayor of Inuvik and the photographer from the local paper, The Inuvik Drum, showed up. They wanted to welcome us and feature us as ‘Tourists of the Week’ in the newspaper. I guess my acquaintance, Paul, from the pool did tell them about us. They brought an assortment of gifts from the town: a water bottle, a camping water bag, key chain, pins, posters, two T-shirts, 2 bags, a promotional video of the Dempster Highway (featuring all the places we’ve been), and a 2-for-1 coupon for an Arctic River Boat Tour. They took our names and our picture, and left. Too bad for the three who missed it. Kurt will have to pick up a paper on Thursday when he comes back here for work. We told Ike and Michele they should use the boat coupon, so tomorrow they are going to try and arrange a tour.
Later in the day, a group of local kids came and did jumps with their bikes on our hills. It is a regular occurrence and causes Josiah quite a bit of stress. "Mom, those kids are in our campsite and they're biking right through!" And Ezra yelled so loud today, I'm sure the boys heard. "MOMMMMMMMM! Those boys are BAAAAAAACK!" We've got a rubber mark all along our driver door where someone got a little too close and dragged their handlebar across as they were going by. It's not too bothersome but I do keep an eye out for Ezra and Evangeline. There is the chance that they might take a wheel to the head if they are not visible. Today, the older boy said to Jo, who was standing on the hill, "Hey little dude, could you move out of the way please?" He did. Josiah decided to take a different course of action today. He took 11 of Mackenzie's freshly baked gingersnap cookies and shared them with the boys. Ah, yes, placate them sugar.
Michele made us a tasty Mexican meal. Then she went for a walk with Kurt and a buggy full of kids. While they were gone, another visitor showed up. Sam Bird, from Calgary, just arrived in Inuvik to work with the same company as Kurt. I met him last time we were here and Kurt has worked with him before. Kurt had invited Sam and his family three times this winter to our house to go skiing, but it never worked out. It was funny to meet him again here, 3500 km from home. Kurt and Michele returned before Sam left, so we all sat outside and visited. When Sam left, we put the little kids to bed and we finished off the evening with Bronwyn playing her violin for Ike and Michele in their trailer, and then a late night movie with the kids.
We had a nice morning. We puttered around and had breakfast. Naomi and Diana soon found their way to Michele and Ike’s trailer to draw pictures. Kurt and Ike and Estelle went for a walk down by the river. Yesterday, we heard engines roaring down there, and we could see a couple of people zipping around on the water-on snowmobiles!! It was all fun and games until one ran out of gas, and started to sink. You should have seen the huge billow of smoke.
Bronwyn has been practicing her violin in the laundry room, by the ‘potty house’ (as Ezra calls the campground washrooms). It keeps her out of the bugs and wind but she has found playing there disconcerting, nonetheless. One fellow came in to do laundry, but he never left. He sat down to listen to her, and she could feel his presence behind her. She turned around, and he said, “Don’t mind me. I’m just listening. Keep playing.” Another time, an older lady was sitting on a bench outside the laundry room. A friend came up and Bronwyn overheard her ask, “What are you doing?” The lady replied, “O, I am just listening to that girl play her violin in there.” Bronwyn, unnerved, thought she should find a new spot, but I told her if people were enjoying it, she had more reason to stay put.
Michele and Ike wanted to run some errands and tour around so they took Josiah, Diana, and Naomi along for the ride. While they were gone, we had some unexpected visitors. The mayor of Inuvik and the photographer from the local paper, The Inuvik Drum, showed up. They wanted to welcome us and feature us as ‘Tourists of the Week’ in the newspaper. I guess my acquaintance, Paul, from the pool did tell them about us. They brought an assortment of gifts from the town: a water bottle, a camping water bag, key chain, pins, posters, two T-shirts, 2 bags, a promotional video of the Dempster Highway (featuring all the places we’ve been), and a 2-for-1 coupon for an Arctic River Boat Tour. They took our names and our picture, and left. Too bad for the three who missed it. Kurt will have to pick up a paper on Thursday when he comes back here for work. We told Ike and Michele they should use the boat coupon, so tomorrow they are going to try and arrange a tour.
Later in the day, a group of local kids came and did jumps with their bikes on our hills. It is a regular occurrence and causes Josiah quite a bit of stress. "Mom, those kids are in our campsite and they're biking right through!" And Ezra yelled so loud today, I'm sure the boys heard. "MOMMMMMMMM! Those boys are BAAAAAAACK!" We've got a rubber mark all along our driver door where someone got a little too close and dragged their handlebar across as they were going by. It's not too bothersome but I do keep an eye out for Ezra and Evangeline. There is the chance that they might take a wheel to the head if they are not visible. Today, the older boy said to Jo, who was standing on the hill, "Hey little dude, could you move out of the way please?" He did. Josiah decided to take a different course of action today. He took 11 of Mackenzie's freshly baked gingersnap cookies and shared them with the boys. Ah, yes, placate them sugar.
Michele made us a tasty Mexican meal. Then she went for a walk with Kurt and a buggy full of kids. While they were gone, another visitor showed up. Sam Bird, from Calgary, just arrived in Inuvik to work with the same company as Kurt. I met him last time we were here and Kurt has worked with him before. Kurt had invited Sam and his family three times this winter to our house to go skiing, but it never worked out. It was funny to meet him again here, 3500 km from home. Kurt and Michele returned before Sam left, so we all sat outside and visited. When Sam left, we put the little kids to bed and we finished off the evening with Bronwyn playing her violin for Ike and Michele in their trailer, and then a late night movie with the kids.
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