Coach Kaplan
So much has happened since our return to Manokotak in January. In less than a week I hope to be back in Chicago with my family. My grandma passed away early this morning, and I am hoping to get back for the funeral in a week. I wish Lucas could go with me, but it is so expensive to get home it makes more sense for me to go alone. We've been spending our time teaching, lesson-planning, grading papers, working on graduate coursework, coaching, and more. We have the greatest (and coolest, I'm told!) friends here and it is nice to take at least one day a week to relax and enjoy our free time in Alaska.
Today was Lucas' last time coaching. His boys presented him with a gift to show their appreciation for his work the last three years. They were supposed to present it to him in front of the crowd, but I guess administration missed the memo and so they presented it to him after the game in his classroom. I think it meant more this way- an intimate moment with his boys that look up to him so much.
We are finding out how much this community supports us, loves us, and values what we do for their kids. So many bittersweet conversations with parents and community members this week :) We are so thankful for that! Here are some pictures of what we've been up to!
Ashley on our snow-go, heading home from date night in Dillingham :)
One of the cuties we like to hang out with!
Ashley chaperoning the middle school girls basketball team in Dillingham.
My middle school girls!
Last game of the season.
Lucas' gift from the team.
Our coach: Not just a great man, but a leader of boys as we became men.
Nice job this year, Manokotak Lynx!
We have so much to look forward to this year. Ready for the holding pattern to be over and moving on with the lives we want to live :)
-A + L
