"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."-Ghandi

So yesterday morning Nadeem and I were interviewed for the radio via the high school journalism class. I swear we're celebrities here in this small town. It was really exciting being that I have never been on the radio before (unlike my little brother).

Once I was done with my celebrity duties I headed over to Headstart and was swarmed with hugs when I walked in the door. The kids have truly grown on me, most people who know me know that I don't really like kids so this has been a learning experience for me. I've found myself loving to play with them and just act young again. I did a lot of drawing and made more zoo animals out of play-doh! and even did some coloring. Yes mom, I colored-colored-colored. I drew some castles for some pretty princesses in my class who loved them and were so excited.

We left Headstart early so our whole group could go on a hike back to Icy Strait Point. Another local, Chris Budke, who works with the forest service lead us on the hike and discussed environmental issues here in Hoonah. Then it began to rain a good bit and we headed back to the bunk house where we had good discussions on being a team leader and the class you have to take along with it. Nadeem and I kept getting complimented by our team for having this trip so well planned, even when it seemed to us that it wasn't. That was really nice to hear especially since we have been working on it for so long.

Not long after we got back to the bunk house, Moto, our Japanese friend who kind of shadows us here came and made us a traditional meal of curry rice. It was delicious! We all really enjoyed it and it was the first time some of the team members ever used chopsticks, and that was fun to watch.

When we had finished dinner we went to the senior center for our Tlingit language class. Now that was a good time. Some of the words felt really strange today and others you couldn't help laugh while saying them. Don't be surprised if I start incorporating some of these phrases in conversations when I get back. Our teacher, Genevieve, used to be beaten when she was younger for speaking Tlingit in school so she has been trying to relearn the language. So it impressed her that we, and previous groups, have shown in interest in learning her native language.

After our class we came back and had reflection just like every night. Reflection always goes well and everyone enjoys learning each other's experiences during the day. We all were feeling pretty tired and delirious after reflection but we stayed up for a while serenading each other with old 90's songs. That should have been caught on tape.

More pictures will be posted tomorrow. I love and miss you all.