Last Day in 'Sasibi

I'd definitely say I've never felt more appreciated by a whole community than I did today. 
I think that's what I came back for.  That feeling that I've really accomplished something, that I've stepped out of the box of conventional options for 'what to do next' and done something that few have ever done before.  And boy, did people ever make me feel like everything I went through, everything I saw and every moment of my time here in Chisasibi was well worth it. 

So I did some running around today so I could see all my friends before I go.  Yesterday, I was looking at my to do list and I said "I feel a little overwhelmed" to Mike.  He told me to prioritize and if I dont finish everything, not to worry.  Well, I was determined to complete this To-do list today and you know what, I did! My to do list consisted of visits and easy things like going to the band council and bank so it wasn't that difficult or unfun, so I'm not sure why I ever felt overwhelmed.  I guess a few things came up- Judy wanted me to look after the kids, for example, but I had no reason to fret.  I just hadn't thought how I'd make it all work out. 

Anyway, I delivered some Christmas cards (I think I even missed a bunch of important people to be honest :S)  But they all found their way to the people! :)

So my day starts off really nicely- I got a pretty paycheque for all the time they missed. :D
Then, another one from the band office for the action program :) 
So then I went back to the school later just to buy mittens (because I'd seen them before. and decided it was probably my last chance to get the mittens I want!)  They said James Bay Eeyou School on them.  Well, I got to the office and they were gone!  Rosalind told me to go see Susan in her class.  So when I got there, she had the mittens and I gave her all the money I had! (they were a little more expensive than I thought they'd be but that's alright.)  I was pretty happy with them, but I mentioned that I would have preferred the logo and just by chance, Margaret came in with a pair with the logo, saying "ohh I'll buy them after the holidays." 
I was sooo excited!  "NO WAY!" I said. 
Again, if you want something badly enough, it'll come to you.  Thanks Chisasibi. :)
Then, I went back to the office and was asked to sign a card for a friend.  Well, I put it on Rosalind's desk and I see another card.  "Ooh!  this is a nice picture!  Is this another one I should sign?" I opened it and I see my name.  Whoops!  Oh man, I laughed so hard! 
Then I went to visit my friend to wish them well and I came back to the office.  "Can I have my card now so I can go?" 
"Rita has to sign it!"  She said.


Rita is one of the principals who mentioned yesterday that she really appreciated my work at JBES, and that I'll really be missed there.  It meant a lot coming from her because she always seems to be in a hurry at school.  She just talks so fast and she seems so efficient that I don't always comprehend everything she's saying, and sometimes I was even a little less apt to approach her because she's that way. I understand though.  Anyway, it meant a lot to me that she told me this, and I really felt it was sincere.

Well, I waited around for a bit, saw some friends that came by the office, got sneak-hug-attacked by Chris :)  (glad I saw him) and said goodbye to a few others :)  So, then Rita made an announcement for all the secondary students and teachers to go to the agora for an assembly. Well, there weren't very many people there, but all the teachers came and Rita put her hand over my eyes and guided me there.  I thought she was just pulling my leg, that it was just a chance for her to communicate what's happening next week, but everybody just made a little circle and Judy D. started right away with "We just wanted to thank Stacey for all her contributions at the school...."  I couldn't believe it. I thought I was dreaming! 
She gave me a card with a gift in it.  It didn't matter what it was, the fact that they did this much for me meant a lot, and the support I had in this community-it's enough to make my departure a bit more bitter.

It's a really good feeling to leave a place feeling missed. 

A bunch of people signed the card and the gift was a hair piece - one I was actually going to buy!  And a beautiful pair of earrings that match.  Man, I was crying sooo much!  It was a little embarrassing, but I made light of it!  Then I proceeded to say "Thanks so much guys, and honestly, I really felt this is such an important place for me, because I really felt like I grew up a lot here... it was really the time when my perspective shifted from just myself to the realization that others are around me, which usually comes much later in life."  (maybe not word for word, but that's along the lines of what I said.)
I was just so touched by the fact that they'd gone out of their way to show their appreciation for me and I got a lot of hugs and handshakes from people I barely even got to know! Every one of them seemed to sincerely  appreciate my presence, and I feel truly, deeply gratified for it.

Then, I went home to Judy's.  (I corrected myself when I said "home" on the phone with Judy and she said "no, home." And I could feel her smiling)  Wes made the pizza and fries and I made a weird salad (as usual) that the kids didn't feel like eating haha.   Well, I got to have a mini-dance party with the munchkins, and Wes even posed for a few pictures with us! (I gotta post those!)



But honestly, I've never, ever felt more appreciated in my life.
And that's why I loved it here so much.
I'm onto the next chapter of my life though.  So here goes, to being a little fish in a big pond again, starting elsewhere anew.
I know I'll be okay, but starting anew at any time is hard, especially when you feel like you've built something really beautiful into people's memories.
Maybe I'll visit in the summer- Mamweedow, I said. 
"We'll see where life takes me..."