This year, saying goodbye to Marshall was hard. Prior to leaving, my teacher friends here had a surprise going away party for me, largely organized by Shelly, Josh's wife. She told me we'd be taking pictures and doing glamour shots, which she knew would be the only way I would attempt to do my hair. Sneaky lady...I'm glad she did!
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| Josh and Shelly's adorable twins, my buddies Logan and Jack. |
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| Leah, myself, and Shelly. I will miss my Alaskan sisters so much! |
We were all in tears at the airport the day that the families Cunningham and Gaylord left.
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Saying goodbye to Josh, my joking buddy who saved me many a time,
was what broke me. He messed up my decision not to cry. |
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| I even got a snuggle from Josh and Shelly's littlest, Wyatt. |
That night, I took a walk with Audrey and Howie, who will be returning to their village of Emmonak. Here are some shots of my last night in Marshall at about 11:15 pm.
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| The still frozen river. |
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| Marshall School from the southeast. |
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| Last sunset view from my classroom. |
The next morning, May 19th, I awoke to find a fresh but light blanket of snow. For a minute I worried that I'd dreamed the past couple months and that it was actually still March!
Next year I will be in Mountain Village in the same capacity. I've already found out that a wonderful teacher from North Carolina has replaced me, so I'm glad to leave my kids in her capable hands. My time in Marshall was an unforgettable experience, one I'm so very grateful to have had. Mountain Village is sure to bring new friends and continued mischief. Thank you all for your support! It wouldn't have been the same without your kind words and prayers.
