Thursday, November 29, 2012
The Reason For God
Today I had the opportunity to teach Religion and Phys. Ed at the local Catholic school. It was great! My B.A. was in Religion and Phys. Ed. and so I always thought it would be cool to teach those two subjects. My dreams were confirmed today.
Most often my role as a classroom teacher in the highschool setting is much more as a supervisor than as a teacher. It is just easier (on the teacher and on me) to give project time or an assignment as a sub plan than an actual lecture topic or instructional period. However, as students become more familiar with me and I with them, I have been able to have some meaningful discussions.
Many of the students who attend this Catholic school will tell me that they are Islamic or Buddhist or Atheist. Often times I think this is just an excuse to try and get out of their work. It does open a door for discussion. These teenagers are at a stage in their life when they are questioning the beliefs of the people around them and the authorities figures that in some ways dictate their life. Today I had the opportunity to guide some students through some of their own beliefs and provide some meager responses for a few of their doubts about Christianity.
Here is sample of some of the brief discussions I was happy to have today:
Q. How do we know Jesus was a real person? Isn't the Bible just a book of moral stories and myths? (like all the other religious books)
Me: The Bible was written within a generation of Jesus' death. Why does this matter? Well, for example, say Kyle (student) died and then you wrote a book about his life... maybe you wrote that he was the captain of the volleyball team and then was tragically killed by the Hell's Angels. Well, if Kyle's kids and grandkids were still around and this was not true, and really Kyle played basketball and died of natural causes, don't you think they would deny the stories in your book? Then your book would not sell and it would disappear from history.
Well, when the disciples wrote the gospels there were still people alive that knew Jesus and had walked around with him and definitely people that had heard stories from their parents about him. If the gospels were false realities, they would be denied during that time period. There are also other sources that confirm the historicity of certain events written about in the Bible.
*
Q. Christians have a history of doing terrible things (ie. residential schools, crusades, causing division), why would I want to be a part of that?
That is certainly true and although some of their intentions were noble, these acts are to be regarded as cruel and unlawful behaviour. However, don't forget that Christians have also acted as the catalyst for many very good things about our society. It was the Christians that during the Bubonic Plague, instead of running away and trying to care for themselves, stayed and cared for the sick and in the end developed the first hospital. The basis of our justice system and many of our western laws are founded on principals from the Bible and initiated by Christian men. The Education system was also started by Christians. So Christians have had a large role in the progress of our world as well.
**
Me: If you don't believe in Christ, then why do you attend ______ catholic school?
Students: Because it is a good quality school. Because walking through the other public school makes me uncomfortable- people aren't nice there. The teachers here are better- nicer and more fair.
Me- Why do think that difference is there?
Students: Because people here have to follow all that respect stuff and teachers believe in the Bible and so they live that way.
It is interesting that they would choose to live among the Christian community, but don't want to commit to Christ themselves. I'm studying the book The Reason for God by Timothy Keller with a group of people right now and it has helped me tremendously in being able to respond to a secular mindset and doubts about the Christian faith. I highly recommend it and am looking forward to being able to refine my own defense of the faith in the public sphere (as I'm sure even above there are many holes and much work to be done).
After some thought-provoking discussions, I got to spend the rest of my day playing badminton! It was really fun and also a great way to interact with many of the students I've encountered in other classes, let loose, and get a little competitive! What a great combination!
* Virtually all historians agree that the gospels were written at most 40-60 years after Christ's death. Most would say Mark was written in the 70s, Matthew and Luke in the 80's, and John in the 90's. (The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable? - F.F. Bruce or The New Testament by Paul Barnett)
**Keller would add that when people have done injustice in the name of Christ they are not being true to His spirit-- who Himself died as a victim of injustice and called for forgiveness. Only when people give of their lives to free others as Christ did do they realize the true gospel.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Moving
First, a weather update from the north:
It is a little chilly today. Ice Fog occurs when humidity is near 100% and temperature dips to -30 and below which creates ice crystals that suspend in the air or really thick fog. Today the ice fog was not that noticeable except over the Yukon River as we encounter temps in the -30s and -40s it will become more of a driving hazard.
The outdoors actually looks quite inviting today because of the SUNSHINE! I didn't realize how much I missed the sun, but it has been quite dreary lately although we've enjoyed warmer temps because of the cloud cover (-15ish). I'm very motivated to bundle up and go for a walk to soak in some natural Vitamin D :)
In other news, we are moving this week! We found an apartment (all through word of mouth around here) that has two bedrooms and will save us about $400/month. Currently we are in a one bedroom apartment that is furnished; our new apartment is unfurnished. We are only moving about two blocks and are thankful that we can stay in our current neighbourhood which is close to about five schools. We are also moving almost next door to the highschool that I supply teach at most often :)
Our Current Apartment:
We're going to miss this storage compartment
for our stinky hockey equip!
Last week on one of my days off I checkout out the Sally Anne and all the local consignment stores as well as any local furniture/kitchen supply stores in Whitehorse to get an idea of what resources are available to us to furnish our place this week. It was pretty discouraging. The consignment stores were jam-packed full of furniture and do-dads that were all very expensive. The Sally Anne did not have a lot of choice. Overall I found the thrift store options out here lacking and overpriced. Sad day. From my research I realized that our best options were going to be Canadian Tire and Wal-mart for all our apartment needs. Wal Mart and Can. Tire have some good sales, but as I began to make lists of all the forks, knives, bowls, couch, desk, lamps etc. that we would need, I realized this was going to be a bigger investment than we first assumed. I had a bit of a meltdown as I pictured us sitting on the floor of a very barren, lifeless apartment. Meanwhile, Marcel tried to revive me with a rousing "Livin' on Love" rendition and anti-materialistic lecture. Blah.
Well, this story gets better. Our new landlords are a sweet elderly couple that were also once new to Whitehorse and are sympathetic to new-to-town, pregnant couples. Yes, I said pregnant. NO! I am NOT pregnant... apparently I just need to work out more!! While touring the apartment, our sweet host said to me, "So, you are with child?" I was stupified. I really couldn't respond and so I think Marcel negated the assumption for me and then our sweet landlandy dug herself deeper by replying, "Oh, it just looked like it by the lump under your coat." Thanks for the compliment. I blame the many layers of clothing forced upon me by the Whitehorse climate.
Because of this incident I think our landlady either feels guilty for her mistake or really does believe we are the modern day wandering Mary and Joseph without a home or any worldly belongings to our name so she and her husband have been very accommodating as of late. The apartment is already unoccupied and so we brought some odds and ends over on Saturday. We met up with our new landlords and they had a whole list of items that we could have for free if we wanted them! Awesome. We spent part of the afternoon moving a desk, kitchen table and chairs, a dresser, and coffee table into our new place. It is starting to look a lot less barren and once more of our clothes and pictures get moved over, it may even look like "home".
This past weekend, Marcel and I were also introduced to the church congregation we've been attending for the past two months. They do something called "Meet and Greet" at the beginning of the service where everyone shakes hands with everyone else and then often they introduce people that are new to the church community. We had the opportunity to tell everyone where we were from and why we came to Whitehorse. The pastor also mentioned that we were moving and in need of furniture etc. and so after the service we ended up meeting a whole bunch more people from the church, including some that had pots or dishes and even someone that has a queen size bed we can use!
This week I was reminded of a verse from a VBS camp I helped at this summer. I memorized it as a song and so in my head it bounces around to a cheery camp tune, but it reads "My God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus" and continues "Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen" (Phil. 4:19-20). God has supplied for my needs in countless situations, yet I'm still suprised every time. You may not need a couch or frying pan, but maybe you need a friend or an affirmative word; He sees you and He is faithful. Trust in Him.
Snapshots of our next apartment:
 |
| Living Room |
 |
| Living Room and Kitchen (Free Desk :) |
 |
| Bedroom (Two Closets!!! Whaaat?!) |
 |
| Second Bedroom. AKA Hockey Equp Room/ Guest Room (Appealing guests?) |
Monday, November 19, 2012
Suzie Home-maker in the Cold
Current Forecast
It is currently -21 degrees outside. This means if your hair is wet it will turn white outside and your nostrils will become crispy as you breathe. We also noticed our neighbours plugging in their vehicles and so Marcel went out and did likewise. It is true that it is a dry cold, which I think means that if you are dressed properly you should be fine; whereas in a wet cold environment it doesn't matter what you are wearing because the cold still seems to creep inside your bones no matter how many layers you have on.The sun came up at 9:19 am this morning and it set at 4:18. At 6:30 it already felt like it was time to get ready for bed and now at 8 pm I feel like I'm really pushing it... like it has been a late night and I should settle in soon. Strange how the lack of sunlight affects you. Marcel and I went for a walk so that at least we would get some fresh air and sunshine today, but we were happy to sit cozily (not a word- I know!) in our apartment all afternoon and evening.
On these cold Sundays I enjoy being at home and learning to be a Suzie-Home-Maker. Since moving here, I've learned to make guacamole, salsa, cupcakes and frosting from scratch (thank evwier! They were/are delish!), and whole wheat bread. Michelle J. posted a No-Fail Whole Wheat Bread recipe that Marcel and I have come to love. I've missed my $5 breadmaker that died in PEI (R.I.P.), but this receipe has been a lifesaver. I've found that the bread in Whitehorse is not only expensive, but goes bad quickly. With this receipe I've been able to make two loaves, one to eat and one to freeze for later in the week. There is nothing like the smell of warm bread, fresh from the oven. The first loaf I made was devoured with butter within 24 hours. I just have to share the recipe! Thanks again, Michelle!
No-Fail Whole Wheat Bread
To make two loaves, mix 3.5 cups warm water, 1.5 tsp. yeast, and 1/4 c. honey in your mixer bowl and let the yeast proof. Next mix up and add half of your 7 cups of whole wheat flour (3.5 cups), 2 tsp salt and 2 heaping tablespoons lecithin granules or olive oil (I use olive oil because I have a bunch, but I think the lecithin makes it even spongier). Mix it all up and let it sit for one minute. You can just use a wooden spoon here.
Now add the second half of the flour (another 3.5 cups). I do this part in the Kitchenaid. Mix it on high for 7 min. Then let sit for 15 minutes. Dump the dough onto a floured surface and divide in it half (I use one of those big pastry scrapers). It will be quite sticky and stretchy (see the first photo), so work quickly and with plenty of flour. Shape it loosely into loaves, put it in two pans and let it rise until it's sticking over the top of the pan. I line my pans with parchment paper and reuse it over and over. Bake the bread at 350 for 35min.
Below is our forecast for the next week! Ow! A lot of Yukoners say November is their least favourite month... I'm not totally sure why as I've embraced the snow and the fact that the ski season has arrived. It could be because of the creeping darkness though which is disheartening. I think I'll be wearing either my long johns or snow pants on my walk to school tomorrow morning though.
Long Term Forecast Updated:Sunday, November 18, 2012, 18:01PST
| MondayNovember 19 | TuesdayNovember 20 | WednesdayNovember 21 | ThursdayNovember 22 | FridayNovember 23 | SaturdayNovember 24 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conditions 6am - 6pm |  |  |  | | | |
| Scattered flurries | Cloudy with sunny breaks | Mainly cloudy | Cloudy with sunny breaks | Cloudy with sunny breaks | Cloudy | |
| P.O.P. | 40% | 30% | 30% | 30% | 30% | 30% |
| High | -18°C | -19°C | -19°C | -18°C | -16°C | -13°C |
| Feels Like | -24 | -23 | -24 | -23 | -23 | -22 |
| Low | -21°C | -21°C | -22°C | -21°C | -22°C | -18°C |
| Wind | N 5km/h | NE 5km/h | NE 5km/h | N 5km/h | N 5km/h | NW 10km/ |
| 24-Hr Snow | 1-3 cm | - | - | - | - |
Friday, November 9, 2012
In the News
One of the best ways to get to know a new town is by reading thier local newspaper. What is important to the town is in their local paper as well as information about how to get involved as a newbie. I took some pictures of some advertisements and articles that allow for some insights into life in Whitehorse.
Pets and Animals are extremely important to Yukoners. I'm sure many newspapers have a pet of the week, but in Whitehorse dogs and foxes can actually gain celebrity status. Just look up Trevor the Dog and Whitehorse and you will see what I mean.
Christmas craft sales have begun! There is one every weekend until Christmas and they bring me so much joy!!
As most northern towns can relate, Whitehorse has a shortage of doctors.
Big issue in the Yukon: The Peel. The Peel is the dark blue region of the Yukon pictured below. It cannot be reached by roads, but is a beautiful area that has been enjoyed by First Nations people as well as other Yukoners for a long time. This is the local environmentalists vs. economists battle. There is a proposal for industry to begin in the Peel such as mining and environmentalists and First Nations are trying to rally the population to stop a road from being built into the region.
Mining: Still a very big industry here. The highschools have courses on mining (I haven't had the opportunity to sub for them yet :( Many believe there is going to be another RUSH beginning here in the Yukon.
Published in early November, you can now use your snowmobile on the Dempster Highway. This highway takes you to the Arctic Circle. Only in the North do they swap trucks for snowmobiles in November :)
Also- they have modified the caribou hunting season this year. There are apparently two separate herds that migrate through the Dempster Valley: the Hart River Caribou and the Porcupine Caribou. Usually environmentalists can time their migration patterns accurately, the Hart River Caribou move through first, then there is a vacant period, followed by the Porcupine Caribou. Thus, they plan the hunting seasons around those migratory patterns. However, the Hart River Caribou are still making thier way through the valley and the Porcupine Herd haven't made it through yet (at this time they are usually on the move). In order to avoid endangering the Hart River Herd by overhunting them, caribou hunting has been prohibited for a time.
These ads always makes me laugh. I'm not sure who funds them, but they are there every day! I've been really tempted to email or call.
Call for Artists. Whitehorse is a very artistic city and there is also a lot of funding available for artistic grants, especially to do with the environment or First Nations.
at a time and sometimes the sidewalks get plowed and some of
the main roads. It is really strange to drive on completely white
roads all the time. Oh- and those are Marcel's new boots- he is
pretty pumped about them.
We tried out curling one day! It is a lot harder than it looks, but by the end of the day Mar and I had seen some improvement in each other :)
I know I didn't include any sports in the clippings, which I do feel guilty about! I know those days will come because Marcel just broke a story about the NHL visiting Whitehorse and of course the Quest is coming up after Christmas. He is really enjoying his job which is so great for me to see. Unlike any other newspaper he has written for, the paper comes out in the afternoon. Normally a paper is printed in the evening or early morning and for a sports reporter this means a lot of late nights writing up about the most recent sporting events (many of which occur in the evening). Since, deadline for Marcel is at 1:30 pm now instead of ten or midnight, he comes home tired, but pretty relaxed. The morning is his stressful time and often lunch doesn't occur for him until 1:30 or 2 pm.
However, Fridays can be the opposite. On Friday, the newspaper is significantly larger due to an influx of ads and it being the "weekend" paper (I'm so glad there is no Saturday/Sunday paper!). The Whitehorse Star is printed on location (a very old-school-cool-looking operation!) and when the newspaper is extra big (say 68-72 pages) the press needs to do three separate "runs" due to the additional sections. This means that some sections of the paper need to be ready for the press at 9 am so they can get the whole paper printed in time for the afternoon deliveries.
Yesterday Marcel was told that the sports section needed to be ready by 9 am. After dinner I went to the gym and then watched some friends play soccer, meanwhile, Marcel was at home typing away. I got a taste of what our life used to be like when he worked on midnight deadlines. It made me so thankful for these afternoon deadlines. He didn't make it to bed until 1:30 am and then needed a ride to work for 7:30 am to get his work readied in time. Thankfully, he'll be able to leave work a little earlier now that he's put in some advance hours which isn't too bad for a Friday of a long weekend (we get Monday off for Remembrance Day :) The best part though was when, despite his lack of sleep, Marcel woke up this morning cheerfully and said, "You know what, it wasn't even that bad staying up late to work. It was kind of fun!" That is when you know you are working in the right field, doing what you love.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Healing Totem Pole
On Saturday, Marcel and I had an opportunity to help raise a totem pole in Whitehorse. Originally, I thought it was a ceremony we could watch and we did observe a bit of a native ceremony prior to moving the totem, but then they needed help moving it to where it now stands along the Yukon River. I've got some pictures of the process, but let me give a little bit of background on the totem first.
Nine years ago a man had a vision of this totem while in a sweat lodge. He saw a healing totem where all the chips from the carving would be saved. Over the past five months, a team of carvers have been working on the totem at the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Center. At the same time, residential school survivors as well as family members of those that have passed have been dropping by the center to sign their names on the fallen wood chips. On Thursday of last week, a special ceremony was held to burn the ashes which will then be placed inside the totem.
Residential schools were church-run, government funded boarding schools that took First Nation children from their families in order to educate them and assimilate them into European-Canadian culture (some sources say "civilize them"). These schools were often overcrowded, had a lack of sanitary conditions, and physical and sexual abuse were common. Many students died in these conditions and since speaking their native language was restricted, much of their culture was lost in these years. The first residential schools began in the 1840s and the last closed in 1996. I think they were started with good intentions, however, quickly they became something very evil that have had lasting effects throughout the generations. In 2008 a public apology was given by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on behalf of the Canadian government for the abuse and neglect that occurred during these years.
On that note, this totem was carved in order to help in the healing process for victims and their families. Each part of the totem was thoughtfully designed:
The most important figure is always on the bottom of the totem. The figure pictured there is of a mother. The mother is holding the ashes and this symbolizes the residential school children being returned to their mothers.
The bottom of the totem respresents the past. Above the mother are two children, a boy and a girl that represent the children that were taken.
The top of the totem represents the future. Above the children is a father figure with a shield that shows strength (father) and pride (shield) of First Nations. Then above the father is a wolf and a raven (the two Yukon clans). There is a blank spot between the clans that represents the unknown future.
It was a neat experience to be a part of the community that helped move the totem. They needed at least 84 people to carry the totem and, to be honest, we missed the actual raising (instead we went to get Marcel a pair of winter boots before his toes fell off due to frostbite :P). The ceremony started at 10 am, we got there at 10:30 (typical Vwier style). At that point there was a lot of drumming, speeches, smoke being feathered over the carvers, and a prayer to the creator. I think we started moving the totem at 11:30 and it was finally raised by the river at 1 pm.
Here are some pictures of the process:
They put "tree"ed poles under the totem to prepare for the group lifting.
Drummers and dancers in traditional garb. Guess: Is this woman from the raven or wolf clan?
84 people ready to lift on three! 1...2... 3...
Got it! The men at the front had the heaviest part. There was a steel rod put on the back of the totem that was weighted heaviest at the bottom for obvious reasons. The Yukon Premier and Mayor of Whitehorse can also be seen in this photo (both whearing black coats).
Marcel and I in on the action! This was my view looking forward. We would walk for a couple hundred meters and then they would get two dollies out so people could take a break and switch in and out of the process. The men at the front needed breaks.
Our view behind us. We were near the top of the totem (this is the wolf head- the raven head was put on after it was lifted) which was quite light.
Marcel- smiling despite his frozen feet!
Talk about teamwork!
As we walked there was a man leading the group with a large painted paddle. He would encourage us by saying "Can I get a HooHAww?!" and we would all respond "HooHAww!" We also walked to the sound of the drum.
You can check out two videos of the action here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ds1vJskNVw0&feature=youtu.be (Watching the community work together)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WernZnNBC0&feature=youtu.be (Amy's Viewpoint- I really wasn't carrying that much weight so I went one-handed while videoing)
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