Tuesday, June 28, 2005

Bye For Now Manitoba - June 28, 2005

Hi Everyone;

Our time in Minnedosa is almost at its end. There is one more day of school for myself. By this time next week our family will have moved into our new digs in Whitehorse, Yukon.

I am leaving behind 12 years of teaching at Minnedosa Collegiate, a wonderful community, a home that saw our kids grow up in, but most of all some of the most wonderful students I have ever taught. Over and over again they have taught me that that our future holds hope and that there are students who do care about others and are willing to give their best to get their best.

Thankfully, we have Sharon's brother's family in Whitehorse to move near to (just around the block from us). He and his wife have 2 girls - Kasia, who is entering her grade 12 year and Savannah who is 12. It will be great to have them help us with the adjustments. Kelvin L. has even been here for the last week helping us pack to go.

The home we have there is quite similar to the one we have here in Minnedosa. It is a 2-level bungalow and about the same age. We purchased it 2 years ago thinking that we would keep as a revenue home along with the option to move into it if we ever felt the desire. As it turns out we have had great renters there. It has 5 bedrooms and is located in a very suburban part of Whitehorse called Granger. From our back deck you will be able to see only trees and mountains.

As for the next part of my career, I plan on beginning with substitute teaching this Fall and hope that that ideal Science teaching position arises. I am not too worried. I feel confident in my abilities and that my destiny will find me enjoying whatever comes along in Whitehorse.

You may be surprised to hear what the climate in Whitehorse is like. While the lengths of days are much longer in the summer and shorter in the Winter, overall temperatures are a lot less extreme. In fact, Winters are milder than they are here in Manitoba. This is due to its nearness to the Pacific Ocean. In Whitehorse there are also very few bugs - this is because there is very little standing water around and it is really quite arid. The average rainfall there is 2 inches less than Tucson, Arizona.

As for what Whitehorse is like, it is situated by a large river and is surrounded by forest and mountains. It has a population of about 25,000 people and its main economic structure is based upon tourism and government. For a small city, there are many amenities. All of the major big box shopping stores are there. There is a major sports complex being completed near our home. It is partly in preparation for the 2007 Canada Winter Games. It will include an Olympic sized swimming pool, indoor soccer pitch, indoor running arena, and 2 ice arenas.

If you are wondering what such a move feels like, well, it is both exciting and daunting. Both Jordan and Kelvin seem to be looking forward to it all. They have had many happy/sad goodbyes with their friends here. They also seem very prepared to make new friends and to begin again. This must have been due to all of the travelling Sharon and I have taken them on over the years.

It may seem like a long distance away but we already know that we will be returning to Manitoba each Summer. We hope to keep up with family and friends and hope that our boys maintain former friendships for as long as they can.

I hope to hear from you all at one time or another. Please drop a line and I'd love to hear what you have been up to. Please take care and best wishes to all.

Peace; Kelly