Monday, May 3, 2010

Leavitt Crew Strikes First



Finally, Barrow has successfully struck a bowhead whale. The Leavitt Crew, as they are called, was the first to help provide for the Barrow community this Spring whaling season. It is a really interesting thing to see how fast news travels. Last week, Justin and I were asking how we would be able to find out if a whale was struck and an elder replied saying, "The only way you wouldn't hear about a whale, is if you were living under a rock." That shows how close the community is and how any news, good or bad, can travel so quickly. I am not certain on the procedure from this point on, but I do know that there is a festival for the first whale struck every season, and I can assume it will be in the days to come. Justin and I were even lucky enough to see a handful of sleds carrying whale meat from the ocean to a house today after school. Quite the experience for a drive home from the school.

Justin and I are gearing up for the staff versus students dodgeball tournament this Friday. This is like a dream come true for us! How many chances does a teacher get to pay back all those kids who wouldn't listen or quiet down, by throwing foam balls at them?! We are more than excited to showcase our skills and represent teachers and Minnesota to the fullest. We are already talking strategies before we go to bed to ensure a victory. Otherwise, we are both wrapping up our teaching duties and just enjoying our time here the last week. It is going to be really sad to leave this school and the children. They welcomed us so graciously, and with the blink of an eye we will be gone. I hope they realize the impact they had on us and our future endeavors, but of course we hope there was some reciprocity and we gave them something they can take with themselves. They may not always remember what we taught them, but they will always remember how we made them feel.

We hope everybody's week goes well. Go Twins.

Best,
Travis

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