Last days in Chisasibi

Our last week of work in Chisasibi ended up being no technology week. Er, well, uh, lower your carbon footprint week I suppose!  Which is why I havent blogged (even if I could I wouldn`t have had the time regardless though.)

As this month was spirit month, there was a lot going on, but these past few weeks have been a little slower since there were actually two deaths in the community- two very important deaths.  They cancelled all community events the week the doctor (I cannot remember his name but he`s been here for years)  Then, Jimmy Sam`s wife  (Jimmy is the photographer that I never got to meet) passed away and they closed the school since there were so many in the community that are related to her.  It`s really too bad, but because of all this, they postponed the talent show, couch and armchair race and it seemed fewer were participating in the daily events.  (pajama day, for example, was AWESOME because I got to wear my Tweety onesie!)  In fact, I wish I could wear my onesie everyday- it made so many kids smile! :)

Thursday and Friday at school were carnival days!  It was too bad I didnt get those last two days with the two classes I`ve been visiting regularely, but I finished the book I started with Rose`s class which made me happy and I got to see all of Mike`s kids at the carnival- I painted their faces! 
By the end of the day, I had to set up for our ``Poetry Slam`` er, well, open-mic-but-we-want-to-encourage poetry-sorta-thing, that is. 

My friends at the school helped me set up there, which I was really thankful for since I have no clue how to work the sound system!  They were so easy to work with too!  I didn`t really have to ask them to do anything- they just did it all!  

At the end of the day, I was feeling rather exhausted. 
Our group was hitting a few rough areas, suffering through what we call our ``storming`` period.  Great... I thought, nice timing.  It felt like I was getting on everyone's nerves and I just wasn't getting the respect I deserved.  On top of that, it didn't feel like I get a proper goodbye from the teachers I worked with at the school- not even a picture with the class I stuck with throughout my stay!  Or a card for that matter... 

On the other hand, I tired not to worry because I figured the group would perk up a bit once we all realized that we were going to have a change of scenery really soon. As for the school, I do feel I did everything I possibly could and I think I made a difference in the kid's lives, even if just for a few moments.  

Nonetheless, I was feeling a little lonely being far away from home with noone I felt comfortable just going up to and saying `hey, can we talk?' 

I didn't say a word to anyone.  Until Julie, who saw a tear in my eye asked if I was okay.  

That's when I realized that maybe I'm not the open, outgoing person I like to think I am.  At least not around other people anyway.  Even just by asking if I was okay and listening, Julie made me feel 10 times better.  And I love her so much for that!  I don't realize how much things bother me sometimes and that was the week I let things build up.  I managed to wipe my tears away and get excited about the poetry slam though, so I'm pretty proud of myself.  I may be sensitive, but only for moments do I let things bother me.  It wouldn't bother me so much though, if only I'd just learn to communicate with others what bugs me!  

It's good- I'm learning a lot about myself and Katimavik had really been a big help, even just in 3 months, for personal growth.

Sorry, no pictures tonight.  It's really late. Er, early (I pulled an all-nighter since it was my last night and I was sewing with Michael and Yvonne :) ) 

More reflections about Chisasibi will come but until then, wish me luck on my trip to Steinbach! 

SOOOOO looking forward to Steinbach :)

Chisasibi- Val D'or- Montréal- Toronto- Winnipeg- Steinbach (I will get there at like 2AM)!