It's all over

I am back in Nova Scotia and I have just completed my first day of our seminar week. It's an odd feeling being back. Everyone's life continued while I was gone, so it doesn't really feel like I left...maybe it was all a dream?

The four students who went to Nunavut (Tracey, Jennifer, Mandy and me) have to present our trip to our classes on Thursday. We have 30 minutes to sum up our one month experience. It's impossible to explain our trip because you really had to be there. I'm glad I kept a blog because it has kept all my memories fresh. I may consider writing one on all my teaching experiences. I would have to do it under a secret name, but I think it's a great idea. I could be like Bridget Jones - or like that movie Julia and Julia. If I ever do this I'll make sure to send you the link.

Since I will no longer be using this, I would like to thank you for following me while I was away. It was extremely heart warming to see the number of views. It was nice to see that so many of you care. I hope you enjoyed my blog and liked reading about my adventures.

Final Day

Today was really my final day because tomorrow is an "all day" Heritage Fair. Each student has worked very hard on preparing their projects, and I will post pictures of their projects tomorrow.

Today Co-op teacher and my class surprised me by throwing a little party. They made me a beautiful card and a cake, and Donna bought me a beautiful necklace in Iqaluit. I teared up - I don't know why I'm crying all the time now - and I was really thankful for all the love they gave me. It was really touching. I found it really hard to leave my kids at Ridgecliff, but I had been with some of them since September. I have only known these kids for a month, and I'm amazed at the bond we have formed. I'm going to find it really hard leaving them. They are a wonderful group of kids and they all want me to return as soon as possible.

Something really touching happened to me today. After my party, the class had to go to their CTS class (similar to family studies and industrial arts, but with an Inuit feel) and one of the girls, Judy, stayed back.

"Would you like a souvenir from me that I made?"

"Of course Judy."

She shows me a knitted hat

"Oh Judy, I can't take your hat!"

"Yes, I want you to have it. It says my name and middle name in Inuktitut."

"I can't take it. It's yours."

No, please have it. I want you to. ... when are you leaving?"

"Saturday morning."

"I'll come to the airport and wait with you."

"Judy you don't need to do that! It will be early!"

"I'll see you at 7 am."

Soooo sweet. I wanted to grab her and hug her. I took it home and washed it and I will wear it like a crown tomorrow. I have experienced such kindness today. She gave me the hat right off her head.

Some of my students playing "Midnight Madness"

The card my students made me. Each
posted note is an individual card from my kids.

Me with part of my class.

My gifts

My necklace