Birk dancing to his native beat during the morning session of Yukon River Inter-tribal Watershed Council summit held in Ruby during three rainy days in August. 70 tribes along the Yukon River are members of this river protection and native right organization. The traditional song "Goodbye My Sonny" was being sung by the new Ruby Traditional Native Dance group. As no other boys showed up, Birk had to solo dance and provide the beat as drum wasn't to be found. Little did I know we would be saying this to him a month later as he now is on a great learning adventure.
He has now arrived in Vermont to meet his Uncle John and Aunt Maggie along with cousins Colin and Alec for three days of kayaking, hiking, Labor Day weekend festivities as well as viewing the aftermath of Hurrican Irene in Burlington. He just went on four planes to arrive there. He is happy but tired. Excited to be leaving Alaska and finally seeing where Mom came from. Mentions things like ice hockey, violin lessons, ski-biathon. I kid when I say Hericane Ilene has sent "The Birkolator" to hit the East Coast. We are so proud of our 12 year old son with the intelligent curiosity and sweet, accepting manner. Our sensitive son with the Brave Heart is on a quest to gain a strong education, bond with distant relatives, immerse himself in the exotic-to-him culture of the Lower 48 states. He will attend school in Lake Placid, New York and be well cared for and guided by Uncle Mike as well as his companion, Ann.
And to you Birk: We miss you already. We love our enthusiatic,athletic boy with the leadership ability who easily makes friends. Alaska needs you and all the younger generation to raise the education bar here. Dad, Mom, Katrina and the two nephews Sheldon and Nummies want you to put all your energies into school and all the secondary things like knowing the new town, sports, friends and family activities will fall into place. There's lots of kids who would like to be where you are now.Put time aside weekly for calls, blogging journal, snail mail letters and emails to stay in touch with us in Alaska. Call Grammie Edie too! She would love postcards with a paragraph or two of news every now and then, okay? Start checking your email now as you will have pen pals to tell your adventures to. We love you. You are in great hands to guide you. The New York teachers, Lake Placid community and especially Uncle Michael. Take it all in and read, read, write your journal, blog, do your homework as soon as you come home to a tranquil environment, ask questions and take on extra credit when you feel grounded there. Your brain wants exercise. The sky is the limit. No worries, we are fine and Foster will have pals and will remember you. However the chickens and ducks won't soon. :}
Now it is your turn to take charge and soar.
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