Week 2

Another week here has flown by, so here’s an update of the exciting events of this week. As I said in my last blog, Monday was my first full day off, and it was a wonderful time for me to clear my head and spend some time reading and reflecting on my time here. I went for a long walk past the fishing hatchery and through the woods that led to a wonderfully serene lake. It is actually the lake where the drinking water comes from. I was the only one out there and just sat and took in the beauty of my surroundings before heading back. After dinner, I headed to Tiff’s to watch the Canucks in their must-win playoff game. Unfortunately, they did not pull it off and I was sad that the first hockey team I’ve followed will have to wait until next year.

After closing up at the youth center on Tuesday afternoon, I got a call from the Band Office asking if I would be willing to host one of the couples that had just arrived in Klemtu to put on a gospel performance at the church. The group was from Summerland, BC and they call themselves the “Back Porch Gospel.” They were stopping in Klemtu towards the end of their two week tour down the coast of BC with Brian and Mary Crumback, who run NAIM’s “Mission Boat” that travels up and down the coast visiting First Nations reserves. Before they arrived, Tara (the teacher I have been helping) came over with a vacuum so I could sweep the floor and tidy up a bit. Tiff had given me a crab to cook for dinner that night and I asked Tara if she wanted to stay and eat with me. Although she was hesitant as she had never tried crab, she agreed and was pleasantly surprised at how much she enjoyed it. The rice I attempted to make, however, did not turn out so well, so we had more of a rice porridge. After dinner, I got to meet my guests. They were in their late 70’s and could not have been more wonderful. After their Tuesday night performance, we stayed up and talked about anything and everything before heading to bed.

Wednesday morning the Klemtu dancers performed some of their traditional Indian dances at the Big House for a cruise ship that had just arrived. It was very entertaining and a great cultural experience. Later that evening, Tiff graciously agreed to let me leave the youth center and catch the end of the gospel group’s final performance. There was a very good turnout and everyone seemed to really enjoy the show. I then headed back to the youth center and chatted with Tiff for awhile before heading back home for the night. My guests were waiting up for me and told me that I had broken curfew by twenty minutes. They gave me a gift of jam and syrup that they had brought from home along with one of their CD’s. We hugged goodbye as they would be leaving early in the morning, well before I would be awake.

Thursday was my second day off of the week and it was full of excitement. I made my second big meal: Tonya’s famous spaghetti. I had Tiff and her family over as well as Melody. Once I finally got the can of spaghetti sauce open (I broke a can opener trying to open it the first time) we enjoyed a delicious meal. Tiff says you are an excellent cook, T! I then hurried out the door and up to the field for my first organized soccer match in Klemtu. I posted signs around the school and the youth center and was pleasantly surprised to see an excellent turnout. They closed the basketball hall for the evening so everyone could either play in or watch the soccer match. The field is actually filled with sand, which made it a very entertaining game. We had about 20 people playing and a large number of people watching and cheering. We played for almost two hours, and then finally called it so the younger kids could be home by curfew. The kids have already asked me when the next game will be, so I think we will make it a Thursday night ritual.

This morning (Friday) was my last morning with the primary class, and it was kind of bittersweet. I have really formed a bond with the kids and enjoy working with that age, but I am excited to move onto another grade next week so I can get to know more of the kids. This weekend is “Sports Day” weekend, which should be a lot of fun. We are closing the youth center as most everyone in Klemtu will be participating in the events. I will save the details on this for my next blog, so stay tuned! Well, I better go get ready for a meeting Tiff and I are having with her supervisor about holding a soccer camp this summer. Once we have those details finalized I will be sure to share them with you! But in the meantime, if anyone has a soccer ball of any size that they would be willing to donate contact my mom or dad and let them know because they are collecting a bunch to send up here for the camp. My mom’s email address is atbrown@sbcglobal.net. Thanks and have a great weekend!