Welcome to Stebbins!

We arrived in Stebbins around six o'clock on the evening of January 3rd.  We were picked up by the assistant principal of the school where I am working.  He picked us up in a small, white truck.  Apparently, the school owns a truck and either two snow machines and one four-wheeler, or vice versa (I cannot remember which).  Each is used as travel to the airport or St. Michael's, which is about 15 miles from here and has a much better grocery store.  Upon arrival at the school, we were met by the principal and escorted to the apartment where I would be staying.  

Stebbins School (K-12)
...& if you look to the right, my room is the window that is third from the right of the picture, on the raised part of the school.

The school appears to be in great condition!  Just inside the door, we walk into the cafeteria, which is surrounded by student artwork.  The gym is next to the cafeteria, and next to the gym's entrance, there is a door leading to a balcony area overlooking the gym.  The balcony surrounds the gym on three sides, and contains various weights and cardio machines (which I have access to at all times-so exciting!)  There are two apartments just off the balcony.  I am staying in the smaller of the two.  My apartment is small, but is free during my stay so I do not complain.  It is perfect for what I need.  There is a bathroom and a bedroom containing a small kitchenette.  Anything else I would need for my stay can be found in the school.  There is a washer/dryer in the kitchen of the cafeteria, which I use on Sundays, and I am not lacking for a view.  

A view from my window

Ocean front views from the apartment!  (LoL)

I have a huge picture window that overlooks the Norton Sound, which is part of the Bering Sea, and a beautiful view of the coast that lines the village.  Just down the way is George Washington's Bluff, named for the resemblance it has to the President's profile.  It is a beautiful sight to see at the end of the day.  

George Washington's Bluff

We did not have much time to settle in.  With one look at the apartment, we were taken on a tour of the school, followed by dinner at the principal's apartment.  His apartment building, along with some of the other teacher's, is just off the wood shop in the school.  Dinner consisted of salmon and vegetables.  The salmon was delicious and was caught right off the coast this past summer.  Apparently, the school sets out nets, and then collects all the fish to filet and freeze for the remainder of the year.  During dinner, we learned a little more about the school and the village (the rest I would come to learn on my own).  We were also told that if we needed anything not to hesitate to ask.  So, naturally, Dad took the opportunity to ask if we could watch the bowl game on the principal's big screen.  We were welcome to it, and we were also given dinner that night as well!  It was weird watching a game from one end of the US while many of my friends were at the complete opposite end of the country in Miami, but what a game it was?!  I am so grateful we did not have to miss it.

Cheering on the Mountaineers from the top of the world!
How about those Mountaineers?!

The teachers and other staff at the school, for the most part, are very friendly and willing to help.  I will not have a chance at going hungry, or cooking some of the food I brought for that matter.  I have been invited to dinner (and breakfast) by some of the teachers at least five times since I have gotten here.  The teachers are family because that is all you have up here.  They will do anything for each other, and I was accepted into that right away.

No matter where you roam, you never forget where you call home <3

Once back to the apartment after our welcoming dinner, we were invited next door by three ladies staying in the place next to me.  They wanted to offer me some advice on my first trip to Alaska, and it quickly became apparent that I would not have to worry about downtime.  From the moment I have arrived, I have been very busy.  My first day of work began the very next day.  I was introduced to almost everyone who works at the school, as well as some of the villagers who sit around the cafeteria in the morning after dropping off their children.  After meeting the staff at the main school, I was escorted to the Head Start building, which is about half a city block's walk from the main school.  This is where I would be working, so I was excited to meet the staff and my future students.  

The Head Start building

Since that first meeting, I have worked eight days, and now, I have come to realize that the small planes were the least of my worries.