March

It's been a crazy few months. March consisted of innumerable crises as I traveled out to villages (sexual assault, involuntary hospitalizations related to suicidal risk, self-harm, sexual abuse, extreme cases of physical abuse and neglect). I felt like I was just able to stay on top of emergency situations without having any time or energy left for students with what would constitute priority cases in any other location but didn't even warrant services here. Just exhausting.

Each year Bethel hosts a weekend of traditional Yu'pik dance and music performances called Camai, which we attended part of. Dave took a few photos and one video:

 Hard to tell, but drummers surrounded the gym and people began singing and chanting throughout the room. It was actually quite moving.

 Me and the other first year itinerant social worker Jessica (also a neighbor in our apartment complex).

A beautiful walk home in March.

With crazy weather and many flights cancelled I spent a lot of time riding back and forth to the airport in taxis, which is a unique experience in Bethel. Bethel has the highest number of taxis per capita in the country with interesting practices. Taxi drivers will pack in as many passengers as they can fit and will often make multiple stops after they've picked you up to pick up other passengers. What would be a five minute trip can turn into a thirty minute ride, which can be humorous and frustrating at the same time.