Two weekends ago I had the opportunity to go to Bethel for a workshop and the Cama'i Dance Festival. The workshop was on culture, and it was much more interesting than the cultural workshops I went to last year. I actually learned quite a bit. For example, I learned why Yup'ik obituaries usually don't mention the way the person died. To the Yup'ik, it doesn't matter HOW someone dies, just that they pass over to the other side. That's also why they have feasts commemorating the death of a loved one. It is to celebrate the person's journey to Heaven.
We had the opportunity to see Native dancing from all over Alaska. There was also a duo from Japan, a breakdancing group, and a Sudanese group. I will post some of these videos as soon as I can get them edited into manageable pieces.
I also had the opportunity to hang out with some of the wonderful people I have met while here in Alaska. For most of these folks, it will be the last time I ever get to see them. So, it was a time of mixed emotions. I was SO glad to see these people that I have come to call my friends. But, at the same time, I was saddened to think that I might never see them again. It's like being at summercamp. You always say that you will keep in touch, but how often does that really happen?
On Sunday, the weather was SO beautiful that Mark, Vicki, and I had to take our coats off as we walked over to the high school to make some last-minute craft purchases. When we got to the school, we saw that it was a balmy 37 degrees. When we came out of the high school, it was a different story. The sky was VERY overcast.....snow was on its way. By about two o'clock, it was snowing really hard, and Mark and I contemplated whether we should even go to the airport. Calmer heads prevailed, and we went. It was a good thing because our flight left right on time. When we got to Kipnuk, we discovered that they had gotten about three feet of snow while we were gone AND that our luggage was on a different plane.
I came home with some great souvenirs, wonderful memories, and a raging sinus infection--which I am still battling.
Hopefully, I will have the video up by the end of the week.
Six more weeks.
Debbie
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That sounds great, celebrating when someone dies! I love the thought - because hopefully there is a celebration - if the person has a savior in Christ it should be, home with HIM!
ReplyDeleteAs to the sad and bittersweet of seeing some of the newfound friends from Alaska, stay in touch with them. We too often pass the opportunities to build lifelong friendships. Speaking for myself....
Just glad you are back on the blog and lookin forward to more