We made it back to Chevak with Roxie in tow. Each time I get on one of those bush planes I end up saying a prayer that if God will just let us land safely I will figure out another way to get to and from Chevak - although there is none - but when I am on those tiny planes I keep thinking that maybe I could just wade my way in and out. The flight this time was particularly scary. We encountered lots of turbulence as we took off and gained altitude. I honestly thought we were going to be blown out of the sky. Once we got above the clouds things calmed down a bit. Then when we got near Chevak and descended - oh my gosh. The pilot was so young and so small. He was biting his nails and the airplane felt like a pendulum in the sky. Usually the Native people think nothing of the ride - but this time even they were making comments and "Ohhing and Ahhing". I was gripping the window ledge thinking how glad I was that I was by the exit and I was reviewing the directions for opening the door in an emergency. We pulled in to land at Chevak faster than ever and completely sideways it seemed to get to the wind and then as we sidewayscame to the landing strip - I truly believed we were going to run off the side into the tundra. That guy never slowed down even as he made a 360 turn to go back to the airport building. Then there was no one to meet us and we had to wait about a half hour for someone to show up - we could stand in the wind and freeze, or we could stand behind the building away from the wind - but be eaten up by mosquitos. I was glad to get home finally.

Our friend Cyndy had actually cleaned up our apartment - I mean she had made the beds and put out fresh towels, pulled back the curtains, and DEFROSTED our freezer. Her parents had used our apt for a month for their visit to Chevak and then some friends of hers - biologists (bird studiers) had spent a couple of nights there - so I guess she felt like she needed to make sure everything was clean. It was. Cleaner than we keep it!

Lots of new teachers coming in. Most are new to Alaska - several couples and lots of kids. They are full of questions - but remarkably comfortable in this new environment. We were supposed to have three days of inservice with Apple Computer next week - but that won't happen - some issues in planning. So it looks like we will have four full days of work days - something unheard of. I think I'll work on my library handbook and hopefully update my web page.

Every new teacher who comes in to the library goes "Wow!" "This is beautiful!" "What a gorgeous library." "Look at these great computers." I may never leave here. I have been over a couple of times while Cyndy was still having Open Library this summer. The kids are so wonderful - computering, coloring, gaming, reading, listening to music, drawing. They love this place and I believe they will always remember this past year of extended hours in the library - a very popular place(due to my grant!). Cyndy was averaging 65 students each open day this summer.