Eat, Pray Love

Blog  Jan 30 2011 3:24 AM

Honestly, the end of my day could not have gotten any better...

I send my sincere apologies for not blogging as frequently, but I’ve had little time to spare and when I did, I didn’t feel being on the computer was the most productive use of my time. (I might have finished a marvelous book I’d highly recommend to ANYONE: Eat, Pray, Love- so inspiring, so entertaining and heart-warming, and I could go on…) 

Now that I think of it, I guess this week really  was an Eat Pray Love week.  As (bear with me, for this is a taboo term now since it’s been changed to “responsable de maison”) I was house manager this week, I made some really fantastically delicious food with my housemate Olivia.  Oh and Mom:  your fajita pie is absolutely fantastic- even my replica, which wasn’t as good was worthy this title: “The best food I have ever eaten” – François.  No need for me to travel to Italy for good food I guess. 

I also made the bread.  Honestly, not to boast, but it’s actually the best bread I’ve ever eaten.  Partly because it’s so satisfying to know that I baked that bread. Also, I got such positive feedback from all my housemates.   Plus, it was actually so much better than store bought. And dirt cheap! I highly recommend everyone try baking bread as often as possible.

I will post some recipes soon enough, so bear with me on that!

Today, we were invited to a round table dance to celebrate the life of a life lost in the community.  I feel embarrassed to say that I honestly cannot remember the man’s name, but I’m sure his spirit was there with us, dancing and laughing.   When it came time to pray for his family, all I could think of was love.  I hope his family can experience more love during and after their time of mourning. 

“This is how you bring a community together,” I said to my project leader.

There was not a single person in that room that did not smile.  I did not know this man, but I felt his energy.

The round dance we were so incredibly fortunate to witness is basically a drum circle with chanting and people create a train around the drum circle, keeping step to the beat and circling their arms.  Then, there is a part where a man (I’m assuming his brother) walks around with what looks like a tiny frying pan with burning tobacco and herbs.   They believe the smoke brings the spirits to them.  I wish I could share more about the meaning, but I have yet to learn this much. 

My oh my, I must say though, these people can really sing.  Many travelled far distances, one from BC, another Saskatchewan and one more from Ontario to come sing for this round dance, so it truly was a big deal and I’m glad we didn’t miss it!  I haven’t even mentioned Karaoke on Tuesday night… flawless.

Their chants remain in my head at this very moment.  My urge to want to sing along still lingers as well.

As if being in that gymnasium wasn’t enough, the family was also offering food: bannock, sandwiches, crackers and jus served.  Oh but it gets better…  Many of my housemates left around 12:30 so they could get to bed, but the hardcore ones (myself and Yvonne) that stayed left with several items received as gifts.  It is a tradition for them to give out gifts to members of the community, and it was a massive pile of incredible gifts! I for one, was eyening the paintings. They were paintings with one goose perfectly painted with a plain and simple sunset/sunrise background.  And I got it.

“If you want something, the universe will turn around to give it to you” our PL, Chris said.

Well, I did.  And I feel so grateful.  I love this.  I love these people. I absolutely love this community.

And tomorrow, there’s a Pow Wow. Cultural Discovery much?

Losing a Member

Nik and his goofy posed smile.  He's not one to smile for the camera- instead he prefers to look like a troll!

 

Here's a real smile, even if it's hidden.  Nik, in his playful spirit that we'll miss, adored these dogs (Especially Bruno) I meant to post this picture some time ago, but gave up when it was taking so long to load! I'm impressed I got two in one post (that's because it's late and no one else is using the computer for once!)

It feels really strange to say this now, a member of our family has left us for personal reasons. :( Nik, we'll miss you brother!  Since it was within the first few weeks of our "probation period", we may be getting a new member of the family.  A boy, and since we don't have anyone from out East we're hoping for one!  But I guess we get what we're given since it would be such short notice for a 6-month program!

Dinner last night was really hard, since he wasn't there and Yvonne was really sick, so it felt like most of the group wasn't there.  That just goes to show how much a single person can really change the group dynamic, and honestly, it's comforting to me.  Just because it means that each one of us means something to the rest. Our presence here is valued. 

Hilarious but heartwarming

A whole lot has happened since I last blogged, and I'd really love to keep to my daily routine of blogging, but our free time is limited now that we have work and we're starting to plan more activities.

My second day of work was a lot more fun, since I was I got to work with the gym teacher.  I got to work with a wider range of ages, which brought me closer to the conclusion that I'm pretty sure I can work with kids of any age.  I prefer to work with tweens mostly (8-11 I guess) since I can joke around with them, but they're so innocent, imaginative and best of all, if you listen, they'll respect you. There are perks for every age though.  Especially since the younger ones are so sweet and innocent, enthusiastic and energetic.  "I have more hope that the next generation will be better," the gym teacher said.  He said that after I asked what his favourite age to work with was. He told me that he didn't have a specific preference, but once kids reach grade 6 and 7 (Secondaire I in Quebec,) they start becoming more apathetic, rebellious and sometimes disrespectful and they do things like spitting sunflower seeds in the gym. Not all of them, of course, but there are always a few. Right now, by the way, there is one school for K-12 They're working on building another school though.

Okay, so I thought I'd add this to make things a little more interesting (just to interrupt the train of thought).  We are all a little overtired and one of us is a little emotional and I think Chris might stop breathing because Francois is trying to comfort her and he said "can I do something?... I can do so much things..."  then he started talking about collages, " I can make you a collage," he said.  I love it here.  Goodness I love these people... Noone can cry without laughing right after. "Seriously, if there's something I can do, I will do it," says Francois.  We're never really alone here, and we're so supportive of each other.

Hilarious, but heartwarming.

Friday night, we were invited to a school dance, Saturday night we were invited to a neighbour's house for dinner and a movie and Sunday night we were invited to play soccer at the school. WELCOME TO CHISASIBI.  We certainly feel welcome here!  It's wonderful, people are actually really interested to meet us! I didn't go to the dance on Friday because I wanted to get some homework done.  Saturday, I woke up early to make a cake for Brooke since it was her 19th birthday, which we celebrated at our friend Jean's house.  It was so fantastic to be able to do something different, meet people in the community and actually have a few extra dollars to buy food we'll enjoy for the next week. 

Today, I was supposed to go to the Cree culture camp!  Unfortunately, the teacher that was supposed to go called in the morning and told the Vice Principal that he had a meeting in Montreal for something.  The Vice Principal thought maybe he could work it out, so we waited in the front foyer for a while,  only to find out that they weren't going after all.  Instead, I made a beaded bracelet all day with a few girls aged 12-13 years old, which was really alright for me!  I had fun with my Bieber-loving (maybe even obsessed) friends, even went out for recess with them, which was fun.  The school atmosphere is really relaxed, "it'll get done," is the attitude, it's a huge contrast to the schooling I had back at home in a school of about 2000 people. 

And now, I am exhausted!  This blog took me forever to complete because, it seems I'm a little loopy because I am giggling at everything people are saying and veering off my train of thought mid-sentences. (That's not that abnormal for me, but I think I'm becoming beady-eyed right now...)

Bed time! at 12 :S

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.

Beautiful Chisasibi

So much goes on in Katimavik, it's crazy! 

Especially in Chisasibi!

The big thing today is JOB PLACEMENTS!  This morning, we went to the MSDC (multi services day centre) so we could all do 5 minute-interviews each with all 4 job placements. Earlier, I suggested they didn't interview us if we weren't interested in the placement, but it was really nice to get to know a little bit about each of them, even if it's talking about myself for 5 minutes. I guess I'm okay with interviews now because I've had my fair share of them, but also, I guess I don't mind talking about myself a little!  I wasn't nervous until the very last one- then my neck went all blotchy and the whole group commented when I got back to the room (it was rather embarrassing actually, I might've hidden my face a little, but Olivia lent me her scarf :)

I got the job I wanted!  I'll be shadowing a teacher in the elementary portion of the school.  It'll be a really neat experience since the school is such a happenin' place, being K-12 and they seem so positive, and I love the principal, she's hilarious! 

So we just got a visitor in our home, providing us with some DELICIOUS LOOKING FOOD (I think we'll share it later). "People do that here?" I said. Honestly, I've never felt so welcome anywhere else! (Not even at home sometimes!  But it's okay Mom, I still love you very, very much and I'll come home someday sometime...) This very gracious man invited us to his home on Saturday to watch a movie (which happens to be Brooke's birthday, and she suggested we watch a movie/ do something special for her 19th!) Gosh, we couldn't possibly be any luckier!  Life doesn't get any better...

Also, we walked to the gift shop today.  We didn't see as much local art there as we might have liked (most of us want to buy moccasins, slippers, pretty much anything that was made here)  But it's not a craft shop, so  it didn't really matter that much.  I took a gross amount of pictures of the sunset with the white frost on the trees. the whole time I kept saying "It's SOOOO pretty!" In an odd, cookie-monster voice.  On the way back, we went to the mall to get some chocolate and cochonerie (which I've learned I should be careful with that term since it has a double meaning...)  We met one woman, who asked us if we were from Katimavik, and this sweet lady just seemed sooo thrilled. She informed us that her friend (or daughter? I can't remember to be honest)  taught the last Katimavik group how to sew! I also talked to the lady in the line up who insisted we have our places in line in front of her, but we decided to go half and half. "There's a lot of us," I said, " and one of you!"  She was pretty funny, and I didn't mind asking her questions like "is agooda [I heard someone else say it] I am well."  She told it us it was more like "okay"  We've started a wall of Cree words, so I'll try to remember that one.  It's so neat to be able to learn a completely new language here! 3 months feels like it's not nearly long enough now!  It's so nice to be awknowledged and appreciated, even for work we have yet to partake in!

We also had a cree cultural workshop where two women from the Band council (which is basically they're government) came in to tell us a little bit about their culture, how things work here in Chisasibi and some of their history, which I actually really appreciated because they have had to endure a great deal through history here, and it really seems unfair.  I knew this before coming, but the government of Quebec actually, basically forced them to move from Fort George to where they are now just so they could build their dam. What I didn't know, however, (or think of for that matter) is that they actually have to pay for their hydro.  Many of the Cree people here believe that, after giving their land, it's not fair. Many refuse to pay hydro, some have just given up and others just don't care.

I hope to write more about the Cree philosophy when I know more, but the common phrase here is "it'll get done.."  People like to take their time, enjoy themselves, and family is really priority.  Thus, people here like to take their time.  Ahhhh... Perfect for me!  People that actually smell the roses and appreciate the little things!

"Remember to Live," that saying I found on the bathroom wall came to mind.

"Ohhh, remember to live, remember to give," a poem I wrote later, inspired by it.  It all applies here.

Chisasibi, you're so beautiful, how could I ever leave you?

Jobs, jobs more jobs!

So, like I said, there's four possible placements here. Each one is an incredible experience. The only place I couldn't see myself working is the radio station just because I'm not into the music culture like I think you'd need to be in that case.  The daycare would be fun, but I'm here to explore, and I've already worked at a daycare before!  The school would be a fantastic experience because I could see if being an elementary school teacher is really what I want to do.  (that's what my mind is set on right now) Again, I'm here to explore my options though. And the MSDC (multi-services day centre) offers the opportunity to work with people with special needs, elderly who need care (group care, through activities) and I'd work with people with mental illnesses. I don't believe there are too many places like the MSDC in Ontario (or any for that matter.)   There are times that some things might be difficult for me, like keeping some things confidential for one. I like sharing.  If it's someone else's secrets, though, I'm sure I could make do. It's a slow-paced environment and very laid-back, which I think I might like.
The school on the other hand is very gogogo.  It's K-12 and they're pretty open- they'll put you either in the library or basically anywhere you want to go, from the communications technology and cooking room, to Kindergarten, to Elementary or if you really want (but they doubt you do) the high school. It's a very central part to the community too since it's the only school in Chisasibi.  I was amazed of how high the energy was too!  The principal seemed to know all the students quite well, and have a positive relationship with all the ones we saw.  The teachers all seemed to want to be there too. 'There must be something we like up here if we choose to be so secluded,' she said.  (That's not an exact quote)

Anyway, my new friends are outside waiting for me, so I'm going to go outside and play! :)

Happy Times

So much happens in one day, and by the end of the day I'm so tired, that I honestly, forget about what to write.  Throughout the day, I think about what I might write and by the end, it just slips my mind!

Yesterday was a really laid-back day.  We learned about the 8 Katimavik competencies, which have to be considered in every activity we do (they're along the lines of the list I wrote earlier), learned more about our role as "house manager", which I'm sure I'll write about in 3 weeks when I am a house manager myself.  We've also gotten a little more free-time the past few days, so I submitted an article to the Guelph Mercury and I've been working on one of my projects for school.  

Today was a lot more exciting.  We got to go out and meet two out of four of the places we could be working.  The work placements are in the school, at the radio station, one of 3 daycare centres, or the multi-services day centre.  We will be interviewed by the coordinator from every placement of which we're interested in on Wednesday and we start work on Thursday.  

As much as I adore little ones, I don't think the daycare is what I want to do, only because I've already worked in a daycare with French kids for a summer, so I'd rather expand my experiences, of course! And, I'm seriously considering becoming a teacher for elementary school, so an opportunity like this could help me decide whether or not that's my 'thing'.  I would really like to work at the Multi-Services day Centre as well, since, I feel it would be a really unique experience, I could learn a great deal about people in general and I might be able to gain a more accurate perspective about mental health and judging others in general. The radio would be a super cool job too, I guess I'm just not interested.

I feel the need to mention, though, that one year ago tomorrow, a man I really looked up to passed away, and I think it's really important that those of you that knew him take a moment to remember him.  Dave Smith, the Captain and CO of the Red Arrows Squadron of Guelph as I knew him passed, leaving behind a daughter around my age and a son not much older.  He did so much for the air cadet program- he was one of the reasons I stayed, actually, and I think the world needs more people like him.

I was also thinking about Micheal Elrick the other day.  He comes to mind rather often, since CELP had such a huge impact on me.  My Project leader here also reminds me a little bit of him, his spirit, enthusiasm and knowledge.  Only recently did I learn that his cancer was likely caused by the cedar he cut for our nametags every semester without wearing a mask.  I still can't believe he's gone sometimes.

I don't mean to bring the mood of this blog down, but death just happens in life, so all we can do is take the time to remember them, let our tears fall, then keep them close to us in a jar and celebrate lives well lived.  

Three children came to our door today just at the right time!  It's not uncommon for them to feel comfortable just knocking on the door and asking if they can just come in and play.  There are 10 if us here to entertain, and they feel safe, which is important.  I'm honoured to be part of that though.  One girl spoke for the rest, more than any of us, and the other two sort of revealed themselves slowly as time progressed.  After we listened to one of them, we'll say Daisy, one of them (I'll name her Samantha for now) pointed at my yoga poster and said "I can do that"  So I said "lets try, I'll try it with you!"  Then she said "noooo, I'm too shy!"  Later, we were all trying various yoga poses from the bridge to tree pose to dancer, and more.  Then, we started colouring for a little while.  I drew a dog, of course, and the girls followed.  Another girl (we'll say Wanita) who is the sister of Samantha came for a while as well.  Eventually, I was the only one socializing with them, and one of them decided to draw my name on a piece of paper for me (Wanita).   Then Samantha wrote in big letters "BFF Stacey and [Daisy]" the other girl, Sally was really quiet, she didn't say much, but she started to be silly, drawing marker on her nose, making silly faces (grimace is the french word, I think it suits better.)  Daisy drew a really cute Spongebob card I promise I'm taking home that says "Welcome/Bienvenue" like the sign we made for the two of us that arrived a day later and keep in the house.  I made a little collage with the animals on the wall in the dining room and brought the art the girls made for me down to my room to put up by my bed (along with the family photos I brought with me)  

I'm really looking forward to starting my job now.  I can see that there will certainly be a great deal of challenges, since there is such a huge cultural difference between myself and the fine people of Chisasibi, but also the fact that they all speak Cree and I can speak anything but. (well, French and English, for that matter.)  But I hope to learn a little Cree.  We have labels in English and French on various items throughout the house, and I'd really like to try to get those labeled in Cree as well!  I think it's manageable- we have the alphabet posted so we can figure things out, people that are so warm (makes me think of the word chaleureux I learned when I was in Quebec on an exchange a few years ago.  The sound of it alone, just feels more descriptive to me.) 

Our PLO (project leader officer) so our leader's boss, left us today :( Denis (that's a French Denis, not Dennis) left on a good note, leaving us with various of his habitable quotes such as "Guys, I'm just sayin'..." (with his hands in front of him, elbows closer to the torso and the side look.) I don't know how to describe him other than what I mentioned earlier that he said "I'm like a shooting star" well, I guess we better make our wishes. Honestly, I have no wishes for myself right now. Things can't get much better at this point. Except if Denis could stay.  Couldn't this meteorite just land in our backyard so we could gawk for a little longer before some museum curator takes it away? No? okay, well then I guess the shooting star is in our memories then.

Something really nice that I'd like to add here, is how much I really love the people I'm living with here.  Of course, I'm not one to let things bring me down generally, I just cry, then I go on with my day.  But a friend saw me cry (this was about Mr. Smith, thinking, what if that were my dad), asked me if I was okay and sat down with me for a while. Generally, I don't want people in my space in those situations (so I go off on my own) but he actually made me feel so much better with a combination of laughter, advice and opening up about his recent difficulties.  A few more were around, but not too close to laugh along and honestly, I don't think the situation could have been any better than that.  I would have been able to carry on just as well if no one came to see me, but I wouldn't feel nearly as supported now if they hadn't done so.  We really do,  honestly, already have a family (or something like it) here and I feel so blessed. I'm not religious, but it's like God stuck his huge hand through the clouds, put it in front of me to step onto and put me on one of those clouds to see from a bird's eye view how good I really have it here.  

Kati-Catching!

So I guess the Facebook publications help, but I've been quite surprised to find some views on this blog from really interesting places such as: France, India, Germany, Malaysia and Slovenia.  Cool eh!  Katimavik knowledge is expanding but I'd feel a lot better if I had a few more than a very meager four followers...

So today, we did a scavenger hunt-type thing which was cool because we got to see more of the city ourselves, meet more of the locals and only about 10 more dogs. The dogs are crazy, actually. Lovely, but there are so many and they love jumping and if you don't show your affection for some, they'll jump up and, well, practically dance with you (one in particular anyway- named him Bruno.) I'm starting to see how some people get annoyed. Nevertheless, I'm still thrilled about having volunteer companions everywhere I go within city limits that I don't even have to feed, walk or care for!

I just finished writing an article for the Guelph Mercury, so once that's published (it should be Jan 13), I'll post it somewhere on my blog and on my Facebook so you can check it out! At this point, it's about 11PM  and I'm ready to pass out, so I think I'm going to keep this blog short today so keep watching!

My first view of the northern lights!

I was rushed and I only took about four pictures, but this is what I got.... it's really hard because you have to put it on manual focus , which you can't really see through the viewfinder, but I was impressed I got at least this after only  a couple shots.

But yes, I'm lame.  tears were shed. There's nothing like the magic of aurora boreal!