Discomfort is healthy.

Last night, we had our Mid Rotation Reflection with our PLC Adim and we realized that one thing our group needs to work on as a whole is Open-Mindedness.  As a what he called "Teddy Bear type of personality", I don't think this is on the top of my list of things to improve since I usually blame myself for everything, but it was a really good discussion.

I finally expressed something to the group that I think is really important though.

The fact that feeling discomfort is a really healthy thing.

People will sit you down in their home and say "make yourself comfortable."  We always want to feel safe on our nice little comfortable bubble, but if we're so comfortable all the time, we're not going to learn anything new.
Sometimes, putting yourself in uncomfortable situations is the best way to learn something new about yourself.  in fact, when you feel uncomfortable and you make yourself more comfortable in the end, you learn to better adapt to new situations in general.  Sure you'll feel insecure for a little while, but you'll fear less and know more.

That is also being open-minded and opening up to new experiences.  That, my friends, is what Katimavik is all about: discomfort.

It's a beautiful thing.

Oh yes and good news!  I'll be billeting for two weeks at the Northern Sun Coop farm! (I'm living there.  And I'm the only Katimavictim in my group to get that opportunity!)  So I'll be living with Dawn and Mitch, and I might be rooming with someone who's coming to the farm with the WWOOF program!  (Which is the one I might just participate in!)
Oh yeah, and Troy Bridgeman from the Mercury has been trying to contact me for a week now (which is apparently really hard to do since we haven't been home much)  because I was selected as one of the Top 40 Under 40.
I guess I'm just following Hollie's footsteps eh?  (She was recognized for Top 20 Under 20!)

First Day of Work

So, today was my first day at the James Bay Eeyou School!  It's really neat to see how different everything really is here, even in Quebec in general!  For example, students are provided with water that is available at all times, and every students gets milk between their arrival and lunch time.  I believe this is unique to Chisasibi, but at lunch time, most students walk home or have lunch elsewhere.  

I also just got paid. $21 for the week... the fact that I get paid for this is just, unbelievable. But fantastic. Really fantastic.

The day was alright. It was a little confusing at moments, but it's a really laid-back atmosphere among the people which I really like.  The students are so sweet, it's so nice to see the kids actually open doors for you and smile so often.  One little girl that I spoke to briefly after lunch walked past me, putting her hand in my pocket. I didn't really react because I knew she didnt take anything (she was too obvious, she didnt run and there was nothing in her hand.)  So I just thought she was being silly with me.  Later, I put my hand in my pocket and I found some bubblegum.  She might as well have painted a smile on my face.  No joker smile though,  a sincere one.

I was amazed to see that the kids really respect their teacher and they actually respected me.  A few boys were hitting each other with library books, I told them to stop and they actually did.  Mind you, I'm not sure what I would've done had they not listened.  At camp (in Ontario), I really felt like I had to work hard towards earning their respect before they listened, but here, a friendly smile and hello might suffice. Not in all cases, of course.  Each class, each individual is a different case though, depending on the upbringing.  

 I'm not sure I really want to work in the Grade 4 French Immersion class though.  I think now is my real opportunity to try to pick up a new language, one that I will feel original for knowing. Sure, it might be useless when I go home, and I'll likely forget most of the words I learn, but I'll feel a whole lot closer to the people here if I can learn some of their language.  Chumuasco, beautiful, I remember.  I learned that one from one of my new friends next door.  She said it when I put a friendship bracelet on her wrist.  A child that truly appreciates being given something.

I don't think I'll ever get over how incredible this opportunity really, truly is.  Even if there are times where I'll miss this and that, after a week, I think I've already fallen in love.  

In love with these people, the place, the neighbourhood, COMMUNITY.