Nalukataq: Giving Thanks with Family

At Nalukataq more than any other time, we see families together. That is one of the things I love about it. To just be there with my own family and to see other families happy to be with each other, all sharing in the joys of the season, is such a blessing. Nalukataq is a time of thanksgiving as the Eskimo people thank God for supplying a bountiful harvest. It is a time when everyone finally feels "alive" again -- the sun is shining day and night, all of the snow is gone, water is on the ocean, grass is springing up, birds are filling the air with their music. Winter is just a memory! For all of these things we rejoice during Nalukataq, and that joy is evident on faces and in the air ringing with happy voices.

What cute little hats!

"The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head." (Prov. 20:29) One of my favorite things about living in a native village is seeing how elders receive the honor that they so deserve. In most people's thinking old age is a curse, but in Alaska's villages I get to see firsthand the privileges and honor that accompany that season of life. Families love and respect their elders very highly and do so much to take good care of them. They recognize the wisdom they have and seek it out.

Someone looks a little sleepy. =)

I love the fur on that parka! I believe it's Arctic fox.

Laughter is such a beautiful sound. It doeth good like a medicine.

This is Cora, a sweet lady who comes to church regularly, and part of her family. Look at the cute expression on her little grandson's face! (chuckle)

Kayla and her baby brother. So sweet!

This photo's a bit out of focus but you can see that some cake caught the attention of a little one. Ha!

Tomorrow I'll be sharing pictures of the adorable Eskimo children at the feast. I have so many I might just have to divide them between two posts.