One Week Down!!

I know everyone has been wondering if I could survive in the desert, but I’m still here and things have been great. I never thought I would like living in such a small town as this, but I kind of enjoy that everyone knows your name and people look out for one another.

The town of Sanders consists of a post office, gas station (with a laundromat inside), library, sheriff's office, a small college, general store, two grade schools (the high school is actually located on the reservation), our staff housing and district office, liquor store (that's a WALK UP only, ha!) and a trading post: that rents out movies, sells ice cream and has a museum in the back! Who knew you could have so much in one small building?? haha!

Work has kept me very busy and my school is awesome! It's only six years old and looks better than most small colleges. The kids have been very open to me and of course they all call me Ms. Q! We have 400 students from K-5 where a large majority are dealing with very serious issues at such a young age. I've only worked one week and I can't imagine a five or even an eight year old going through some of the things I've heard so far. But they're children and very resilient and seem excited that someone new is in town who's willing to just listen.

The staff have been great, although I suspect a few have bets as to how long I will last. They have lost several counselors in the past who never seem to complete a full school year. Between the lack of activites located in town, dealing with the issues at school and the apathy that some parents and social services have, I'm sure it can take a toll on someone. I'm looking forward to the challenge this school year.

I have signed up for several committees so I can keep my self busy. The 62nd Annual Navajo Fair is in two weeks and our district is building a float for the parade and a booth for the fair grounds. Guess who will be stuffing chicken wire with colorful tissue paper? They asked for volunteers and I said sign me up! I'm also in charge of the haunted house for our Halloween Carnival and somehow I got suckered into doing our school's monthly newsletter. That's what I get for trying to be proactive and opening my big mouth! haha!

I'll try to keep up this blog and often as I can and you can go to http://s531.photobucket.com/albums/dd352/mquidachay_2008/ to see some more pictures!




Love you guys!!

Melissa