Monday, February 4, 2008

It Clings

The internet is one of those things that I don't really have to understand to use and appreciate. Like flipping on a light switch, the "magic" of cyberspace is something that I've grown accustomed to, though it does remain a complete mystery in many ways. A recent increase in internet subscribers in Atqasuk has turned our local service on its ear and I'm not exactly sure why. It has something to do with that mystery, but in this case it doesn't feel all that magical.

Checking email (or updating a blog) during peak hours is like waiting for cold syrup to pour. It's almost painful! So, when a window of opportunity presented itself tonight (for some reason the connection is fairly decent at the moment), I found myself a little unprepared. I've wanted to add to the "tour" of the village, but thought that I'd have to wait until 5 a.m. on a Saturday or Sunday morning. That appears to be the optimal hour for tasks that require any speed, such as loading photos. But, here I am, faced with a speedy connection without a clue as to how to share what's been going on.

Many of you are aware that our little village lost two young men last week. It's been a difficult thing and, quite truthfully, I've felt more numb than anything else. Death isn't easy to deal with at any time, but senseless deaths seem even harder to accept. I don't want to handle lightly or insensitively the private pain of the families involved. But, at the same time, I don't think it makes sense to focus on the beauty of this place without at least acknowledging the harsh reality that exists alongside that beauty.

There is a danger in the darkness that has nothing to do with predators or frostbite. There are ways of being lost without ever leaving home. Like the snow that covers our corner of the world, sadness clings; it lingers. It changes the appearance of almost everything we see. My prayer is that the sadness covering Atqasuk will, like the snow, eventually loosen and melt away. If you are inclined to add the warmth of your prayers, I know this tiny community would be extremely grateful. Thanks.

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It's gotten very late as I attempt to complete this posting. If I don't get descriptions added tonight, I may come back in a day or two (as the internet connection permits) and do a better job. Until then, please feel free to ask about anything you see.

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Atqasuk Chapel...small in number...great in heart. :)

Atqasuk Chapel

Clinging snow...

Frozen Ladder 1

Frozen Ladder 2

Meade River Store (left) and Atqasuk's post office (right).

Post office on right...Store on left

Fire Station...

Fire Station

The tan building on the right is the bus barn...center building (with lights) belongs to the borough and houses the water and waste disposal trucks. The building center-left is the police station...one officer on duty, shifts change every two weeks.

Cold Evening 2

A few houses have continued to display Christmas lights.

Still in the spirit

More snow clinging to the sides of the houses.

Snow clings

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

"There is a danger in the darkness that has nothing to do with predators or frostbite. There are ways of being lost without ever leaving home." How true. And unfortunately, so many people do not even realize that they are lost until the path back has been erased by the blowing snow. I will be praying for you as well, and that the community can fight back and see beyond the sadness and into life again.

Anonymous said...

Thank you, Bryan. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers...for the community and for me! :)

Steve said...

What a beautiful invitation to prayer. I will.

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Steve.

Anonymous said...

"Like the snow that covers our corner of the world, sadness clings; it lingers." I wasn't aware of the deaths in your community, I am so sorry for the sadness you all are walking through.
But I like the way you expressed the hope of coming warmth, I'll certainly add mine in prayer. Beautifully written.

Anonymous said...

beautiful post Kimberlee. I didn't know the men that Atqasuk lost, but I see the sadness that everyone feels.

Anonymous said...

Hi, Sarah. Thanks for adding the warmth of your prayers and thoughts. I appreciate your kind comments, too. I'm so glad to hear from you! :)

Anonymous said...

Ami,
You have been a blessing here in more ways than you probably know. Every morning that those little hearts walk through the door and find you there, they are encouraged, knowing all is well. So many things in the lives of our kids can change overnight. Finding a loving teacher right where they expect (need) one to be is an unbelievably important thing. No matter how much time you end up spending here...that's something you definitely need to take away with you. You HAVE been a guardian of those little hearts.
Thank you for that!

Anonymous said...

Well, there is something to cut, paste, and keep....forever. :)
I don't even know how to say thank you, Kimberlee. I respect you and your teaching style a great deal, and so it means a lot that you believe in me. Thank you for THAT!