Happy New Year 2010!

New Years and July 4th seem to be the biggest holidays in Savoonga. On both occasions, the community spends the entire afternoon and evening doing relay games, tug-o-war, etc. and then finishing off the event with a Native Dance. The different community organizations put the event on and most everyone in Savoonga shows up and participates. They give out monetary prizes and huge door prizes throughout the event and provide free “refreshments” (lunch) as well. Last year, Jacob won the event for his age…being the first to cross half-court while balancing a book on his head and holding a ball between his knees. We were all crying we were laughing so hard as people shouted, “Go Pastor! Pastor’s winning!” This year, the boys agreed to compete in the 3-year old foot race. Shocking for my boys! Before they began, I said, “Okay, when they say `Go’, run as fast as you can across that line.” Logan said, “Me rather walk, Mama.” And that is just what they did. Even after the other kids had dashed across the finish line, Logan and Owen took their own sweet time…but they finished! :) Ah…my independently minded children:) I just laugh because we are living in a culture where they talk about “native time” and so many people have asked me if time is really pretty relative to the people here. I find that most people are more laid back about being somewhere “on time” or even indicating a time for an event to start or end, but at the same time, those individuals who have jobs are very prompt to the clock…so, it’s not an issue of laziness, it’s just a different understanding of time. But, I laugh because those who have this concept of “native time” are constantly commenting on how my children never seem to be in a hurry. This is generally true! Ahhh…grant me patience:)