Voices from the Flats – News from Nunam Iqua
27 11 2009Good morning Mudflatters! You’ve slept off the turkey, you’ve crammed yourself into your pants, you’ve gone to Sears at 3am to get a $5 washing machine, you’ve downed your weekly allotment of coffee, and you’ve settled in to check the cyber-world and see what’s going on. News of the ex-gov perhaps? Rush Limbaugh spouting off again? More speculation about Afghanistan in advance of the big announcement Tuesday?
Not yet. With bellies full, and thankfulness on the mind, please take a moment to read Ann Strongheart’s latest information about the folks in Nunam Iqua, Alaska. These are the people that were assisted last year by your generous efforts. Unfortunately, the fates have not been good to them this year. The same problems exist, and to add to the troubles, the flooding on the Yukon River not only took a toll this summer, but has created bad conditions that have persisted. You can read about them below.
You all may also know that our food drive coordinator Ann Strongheart is not in Nunam Iqua this winter. After the sad and untimely passing of her husband Segundo this summer, and the very recent birth of their second child, she is staying with dear friends in Ugashik. But the matter of a few hundred miles, and having a toddler and a newborn baby has not stopped our intrepid community organizer from stepping up to the plate.
Here is her latest update:
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Ice piled up during the Fall Flood at Nunam Iqua 11/11/09 Happy Thanksgiving from Ugashik! Well, Thanksgiving is here and I spent last night not only preparing food for Thanksgiving dinner, but also calling every household in Nunam Iqua. I called to not only wish them all a Happy Thanksgiving, but also to check on everyone and see how they were faring so far this winter.
Unfortunately, I did NOT receive good news. I was able to reach 23 out of the 36 households, and out of those 23 families that I did talk to, 22 were already struggling and requested help again with food to make it through the winter.
This is due to the fact that on November 11, 2009 Nunam Iqua experienced a Fall Flood. As you can see from the picture above and the one below, this flooding wreaked havoc on the Yukon River ice. The flooding brought in massive amounts of sea ice from the Bering Sea that unfortunately is still clogging the Yukon. Several people lost the fishing nets they had set under the ice and a couple of families even lost their boats during the flood.
With all of this sea ice still in the Yukon River at Nunam Iqua, it has caused a hardship on the residents. Normally during the winter families will go out onto the river and place fishing nets under the ice to catch fresh fish. But due to the mess of sea ice currently in the Yukon this has become very difficult if not impossible to do now. Fresh fish caught under the ice with nets is a large staple for families during the winter.
Now if you will recall, this past summer not only did the ADF&G restrict commercial salmon fishing on the Lower Yukon, but also subsistence fishing was restricted to less than half of what is normally allowed. These restrictions led to very poor subsistence fishing and led to families not being able to put away the much needed dried and smoked salmon families depend on to make it through the winter. Additionally, due to the poor commercial fishing season a lot of families lost the majority if not all of their income that would normally be generated from commercial fishing.
So now the problems in Nunam Iqua are compounded twice over. Lack of dried and smoked salmon put away during the summer due to the restrictions PLUS now families are not getting the fresh fish they rely on due to the flooding. This is already causing a hardship on families in Nunam Iqua this winter.
You can see the ice on the Yukon piled up in the background So again I am asking for your help! I need help with getting food to the needy families in Nunam Iqua. As most of you will probably recall last winter I organized an adopt-a-family for the winter food drive. I complied a list of every needy family in Nunam Iqua and their addresses, family size and needed items. Then WONDERFUL people from all over not only Alaska, but the entire United States and Canada, and around the world adopted these families and sent them flat-rate boxes of much needed food and supplies directly to their post office boxes.
I have again complied a list of the needy families in Nunam Iqua and I am hoping that you all will be able to help me get food to them. Since I am wintering in Ugashik this year I will not be able to accept food and distribute it like I did last winter. So this is why I will only be doing the adopt-a-family for the winter food drive this winter.
If you would like to help and can adopt a family for the winter, please email me at nunamiquayouth(at)yahoo(dot)com. I will then match you with a family in need at Nunam Iqua and provide you with their name, address, family size and needs.
Quyana in advance to anyone who is able to help! I will never be able to thank you all enough for your continued help and understanding in my people’s time of need.
Again Happy Thanksgiving and Quyana Cakneq!
November 27th, 2009 at 4:12 AM
I know a group that might be able to help — I know they’ll want to and that they will if they can. I will talk to them and then contact you. Anne Strongheart — how very aptly named you are!
Deb in N.J.
November 27th, 2009 at 4:44 AM
I’d like to see Queen Quitty Pants donate a SUBSTANTIAL sum to this effort, but I just don’t think her philanthropic sense allows donations to go out to others. She only allows donations to flow in to her…. like dead fish.
But best wishes to all you Mudpups, and to all in Nunam Iqua.
November 27th, 2009 at 4:49 AM
Perhaps the examples of Greenland and Newfoundland / Labrador in abandoning the unsustainable outports and bringing the populace, too deep in the ‘needs’ of the 21st century to any longer live successfully the subsistence lifestyle of the forbearers, without their cell phones, SKI-DOOs [or what ever SWSNBN would call them] and flat screen TVs, etc., etc. to where they can be sustainably serviced by the modern ‘welfare state’ would be a good model here, as opposed to this ‘feel-good’ ‘do-gooder’ romanticism?
November 27th, 2009 at 5:07 AM
Thanks, akm, I have emailed Ann.
I was googling around and found the entry from January 09 about her grocery run — I was appalled at some of the vituperative responses that showed up back then. Glad to see that our current group is mostly (if not completely) a more civilized bunch.
November 27th, 2009 at 5:44 AM
Ann, You are so generous to be thinking of others. I can help but am wondering if you would post a list of the types of foods that need to be sent so we have some idea of what is needed. Thanks and Happy Thanksgving to a wonam who toruly knows the meaning of the holiday.
November 27th, 2009 at 6:49 AM
megacephalus Says:
November 27th, 2009 at 4:49 AM
Perhaps the examples of Greenland and Newfoundland / Labrador in abandoning the unsustainable outports and bringing the populace, too deep in the ‘needs’ of the 21st century to any longer live successfully the subsistence lifestyle of the forbearers, without their cell phones, SKI-DOOs [or what ever SWSNBN would call them] and flat screen TVs, etc., etc. to where they can be sustainably serviced by the modern ‘welfare state’ would be a good model here, as opposed to this ‘feel-good’ ‘do-gooder’ romanticism?
**********************************************************************************
If you had been paying attention for the past year, you would know that these people would be doing well living their subsistance lifestyle if it weren’t for the interference and pressure of outside interests who are destroying their ability to do for themselves. Even the Federal government has admitted that the subsistance regulations, particularly regarding fishing, are broken. Without sufficient fish to feed their families and to generate income, rural Alaskans are caught in a bad situation. To uproot them from areas where they have lived and thrived for thousands of years and plunk them down in cities where they have no realistic chance to cope with a culture quite foreign to them is absurd. Our help is only temporary, until the larger issues of subsistance and sustainable enegy can be addressed.
November 27th, 2009 at 7:14 AM
I’ll make a donation again. Pay it forward, as the saying goes….
Happy Thanksgiving, Ann, Victoria, and all your loved ones!
November 27th, 2009 at 7:26 AM
Kind of disheartening to hear that same, old, tired, disproved argument from “Megacephalus”: indigenous people should just give it up, bow to their corporate overlords, accept their lot in life, relinquish their homes, culture, and food, and move to cities where they will decline, die, and vanish. Society will have free access to the resources they so covet for their own well-being.
Megacephalus, I don’t think you have a big head as your name infers. Or a big heart.
Maybe a pinhead and a shriveled heart.
November 27th, 2009 at 7:32 AM
Gramam & Mother Who Thinks —– I couldn’t have said it better myself!
We have a new thread started on the forum regarding the shortages. I’ve posted some suggestions, based on my prior shipments and contact with Ann and others who know the needs best. Please check it out.
http://www.themudflats.net/forum/index.php/topic,8929.0.html
November 27th, 2009 at 7:35 AM
Is it possible for Mudflatters to posse up so that each family can be adopted by a small group? As a Canadian I can’t mail food economically but could contribute a donation.
November 27th, 2009 at 7:47 AM
This is a list previously compiled during the earlier assist. Each family may have specific needs that aren’t on here, and some families would likely need need everything on this list. It is simply a guide to the more common non-perishables.
Any/All Condiments & Spices
Self-Rising Flour
Peanut Butter
Coffee
Biscuit/Muffin/Pancake Mix
Jellies & Jams
Sugar
Cornmeal
Pancake Syrup
Powdered Creamer
Breadcrumbs
Mayonnaise
Hot Cocoa Mix
Instant Oatmeal
Pastas
Powdered Nonfat Dry Milk
Dry Cereal
Rice
Kool-Aid or Juice Packets
Soup Packets
Instant Potatoes
Top Ramen
Spaghetti Sauce
Polish Sausage
Mac’N’Cheese
Margarine/Butter Tubs
Velveeta Blocks
Processed Meats
Canned Fruits, Veggies, Tuna, Beans
Dried Beans
Tomato paste/sauces
Diapers
Wet Ones
Toilet Tissue
Candles
These are two of the articles Ann has done – both will give you a good idea of what daily life without running water is like, and what an ordeal (and major expense) it is to shop for basic items.
http://anonymousbloggers.wordpress.com/life-without-running-water-in-nunam-iqua-alaska/
http://anonymousbloggers.wordpress.com/shoppin-day-in-nunam-iquq/
November 27th, 2009 at 7:57 AM
I’m not sure I’ve got this right, but the way I understand it, fishermen from *other* states (WA, OR come to mind) get first dibs on the salmon. After that, the sport fishermen (and hunters) get a crack at their respective sports. Somewhere in there, the Alaskan fishermen go out and haul in their nets, unless they happen to also be a native Alaskan, in which case, they wait until last or nearly so.
Oh, one more caveat: IF too many salmon have been tossed overboard (dead), and too few salmon are headed up Canada way, then the Native Alaskan fishermen are the ones that “get to make up” the shortfall by not fishing at all.
This makes no sense to me whatsoever. For one thing, in most cases, one is expected to take care of “one’s own” first. Where in all this has Alaska “taken care” of the native population? I don’t mean welfare, but simply allowing each individual to make a living for his or her family.
I’ve seen comments in which it’s claimed that Native Alaskans shouldn’t get “special treatment” over others. Well, when they’re the only ones not being allowed to fish, that’s “special treatment.” In that case, I agree 100%
I admit, this is probably simplified to the nth degree, but I’m merely trying to get my head wrapped around this.
heading out to work (but I’ll check the comments as soon as I get home)
November 27th, 2009 at 8:04 AM
For those of you who visit us at anonymous bloggers-
there is a way to donate via Span sales though we will have to sort out how to do that for families instead of bulk since Ann is not there to divvy up the shipments.
Also- before too many of you go off on the rat ( not sure which kind mc is…)
there are some important things to note :
Newfoundland/Labrador native peoples are only just now, in the last few years, settling land claims with their larger government and Greenland is just, this year, raising it’s own flag (sorta) seperate from Denmark .
Alaskan Natives gained title to their own lands in 1971- including these little “outports” like Nunam Iqua.
Many mistakes have been made by villagers, the State of Alaska, and the federal government in trying to sort out how to provide infrastructure in these areas as everyone sorts out what blend of responsibility , from whom, they need .
At that level folks need to be careful not to romanticize the everyday folks in the bush…
They are folks like folks everywhere… there are Chief Empty Pants types who scare and threaten , there are less than scrupulous types who make $ off their neighbors in the name of assisting the whole.
Rats exist everywhere…
There are plenty of folks on the edge of despair -caught between what to save from the past and what to lay down to face the future…
That being said , it is no mere do-gooder thingy to assist neighbors who have suffered a natural disaster like the ice here.
Nor is is pie-in-the-sky to work toward a sustainable economy and future for rural Alaska. Our riches and our roots are in rural Alaska.
For those from Outside who visit here and have helped so much, we thank you.
We have hope. We have the projects coming on board, across this state, to address the issues of rural Alaska . We have hope.
November 27th, 2009 at 8:22 AM
@12 Nan (aka roswellborn)-
You have some of it balled up, my friend
Oversimplified but basically -
There ARE competing interests amongst different types of fishing.
On the Bering Sea, FEDERAL waters, large scale trawling is managed by the fed through the Nat Marine Fish Service. Large trawlers mostly come from out of state but an increasing number are owned , at least in part, by CDQs here instate. ( different discussion for another time and place )
On the rivers it depends who owns the land/water…
The Fed manages subsistence issues on federal lands, the state on state lands. There is a major disagreement instate as to rural/urban subsistence priority and so that gets all balled up for folks too..
The Yukon and a couple other rivers in Alaska are subject to the Pacific Salmon Treaty with Canada with the goal of developing healthy stocks of fish returing to spawn all along the rivers… to their headwaters in Canada as well.
The big question this year, along the Yukon, was putting folks along the river on-hold as far as subsistence and commercial fishing to ensure meeting treaty obligations at the same time that the NPFMC operating in the Bering Sea functionally refused to address questions about salmon bycatch perhaps affecting the runs more than anyone in the pollack industry wants to admit…
We’ll skip right on by the malfunctioning sonar which led to underestimating the Chinook returns…
November 27th, 2009 at 8:26 AM
I will be glad to assist as I can.
However, no one has brought up, insofar as I know, my deepest fear: that the government and corporate interests have teamed up to change the regulations regarding subsistence fishing in hopes of driving off the Native Peoples from the land where the “riches and roots” are. We know that they want to “drill baby drill” or mine (aka rip the heart out of the earth and pollute it for short-term gain), so what better policy to have than to clear the area of living things – people, polar bears, et cetera. That is my biggest fear – that something truly heartless, truly soul-dark is working behind the scenes.
Does anyone know of any “treasure” (other than the people and wildlife themselves) that might be a factor behind the merciless denial of basic needs and dignity of these people?
November 27th, 2009 at 9:00 AM
AlaskaPi: Thank you for the information. Very well put.
After a Thanksgiving with some Republicans, I would feel very good about, once again, doing what is right and not judging those for whom I do it. I get frustrated when I hear these stories because it seems that our state has known this was coming (not necessarily the sea ice and flooding but the potential for food shortages) and here we are in November and already there are problems (no surprise here). Many people who go off on “the welfare state”, etc for those in the bush are happily tithing away at church for missionaries to go to other parts of the world and help. Just put those same ideals into helping some of our people at home. It sounds as if these problems are going to take time to sort out. There are many people in need all over this country right now. Just lend a helping hand if you can afford it and if you are moved (for whatever reason) to do so. Otherwise leave it alone, and stop judging.
November 27th, 2009 at 9:23 AM
Seems very simple to me. We are mudpuppies and we take care of our own. Our own include the villages of rural Alaska. We are brothers and sisters of the heart.
Anybody interested in labels and social theories can just butt out. I look around at the mess the world is in and ask you social scientists with all the answers, “How’s that working out for you?” Let’s just keep it simple and take a few minutes, a few dollars and a few ideas and try to make things just a little less of a struggle.
November 27th, 2009 at 9:46 AM
@15 lovemydogs;
” It sounds as if these problems are going to take time to sort out. There are many people in need all over this country right now. Just lend a helping hand if you can afford it and if you are moved (for whatever reason) to do so…”
——————————–
Yes.
Whether it is here or in your own backyard.
AMEN
November 27th, 2009 at 10:21 AM
Just a little information on the subject of Native lands and access. EVEN if all the Natives were NOT living on their lands no one can take their rights away. This is a right that has been upheld in court due to treaties, agreement, etc.
Residents are VERY involved in federal subsistence advisory boards on regulations.
Although I am very skepical of motives of monies and those involved I do not see any evidence of a plan to change rules to drive people from their lands so they can access them. Just not possible without a great number of things having to change, part of that would have to be court rulings and treaties.
November 27th, 2009 at 10:28 AM
@ blue in KS-
Come see us at anonymousbloggers. AKM has a link amongst other Alaskan sites. We are no -frills so you may have to do some digging but we DO talk about these things.
So you know, though:
Subsistence is enshrined in the state constitution- for ALL Alaskans.
As is resource development…
The duel between the two is not reserved for Alaska Natives only, though some of the toughest battles face them… and ALL of rural Alaska.
Also- the same law which settled land claims for Alaska Natives with the federal government created 13 Regional Native Corporations and over 200 village tribal corporations which, quite frankly, has made a hash of folks working together cooperatively…
Many are just now figuring out how and when to group together and when to stand alone…
There is no big dark hidden agenda…
Just normal old human messes all over the landscape…
Which takes an unfair toll on everyday folks far too often.
November 27th, 2009 at 10:35 AM
@ megacephalus
Your lack of background and understanding in this matter is painfully obvious. Hey, c’mon up to Anchorage this winter and see how well the transplanted Alaskan Native residents are treated by their non native neighbors in the city. On second thought – never mind. We have enough of your narrow minded and prejudiced type up here already. Funny how it’s all the same selfish idiots who rant about how the natives should move to urban America who are the same people who treat these displaced neighbors like third class citizens and worse. Feeling a little special about yourself today? You disgust me with your ignorance and arrogance.
November 27th, 2009 at 10:44 AM
OK, I should have left off that last sentence – sorry. I wouldn’t be so sick of “selfish” if I hadn’t had to listen to a year of Republicans spouting “It’s all about ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME and we don’t care about anyone else!”
November 27th, 2009 at 11:23 AM
Thank you, Great Granny, for the wonderful list! The Quincelettes and I have already been matched (thank you, Ann!) with a family and already have our first big ol’ flat-rate box ready to go! We were amazed at how much we could squeeze into a box. This is soooooooooo much more fun than ordinary shopping. It’s the first time my kids have ever been excited about grocery shopping!
November 27th, 2009 at 11:25 AM
Mega whatever: Your community probably has lots of problems too, although from what you have written I wonder if you’d help anyone.
George Bush and his policies harmed all of the United States, including rural Alaska. The whole country is messed up; there are hungry folks everywhere. I could easily become one of them.
I don’t plan to give up on rural Alaska. Wonderful people, wonderful places. I think it is safe to say they’re not like you.
November 27th, 2009 at 12:08 PM
Quyana Everyone for not only wanting to help but also for the comments here. (well I think I’ll reserve my thanks from the obviously ill educated misinformed trolls that seem to be lurking today
)
I have another request…
Are there any of you that adopted families last winter that would be will to share your thoughts and experiences with a reporter? I just had an interview with a very nice reporter from the Alaska Dispatch that would really like to hear from someone that adopted a family last winter. You know kinda get the prospective from the other side of the fence.
If any of y’all would be willing to share your experiences of sharing/adopting and helping a family please email me and I’ll hook you up with her.
You can email me at nunamiquayouth (at) yahoo (dot) com
Quyana again everyone!!!! I am receiving emails and matching families as fast as I can between keeping up with CC and GG this morning
Will be checking my email as often as I can, but plan on trying to take a break later this evening as we celebrate my late Segundo’s birthday. Today is his birthday and he would’ve been 39. Happy Birthday my beloved husband!!!
Quyana again everyone!!
Ann Strongheart
writing in forever loving memory of my beloved Segundo!
November 27th, 2009 at 12:16 PM
13 Alaska Pi Says:
November 27th, 2009 at 8:04 AM
For those of you who visit us at anonymous bloggers-
there is a way to donate via Span sales though we will have to sort out how to do that for families instead of bulk since Ann is not there to divvy up the shipments.
______________
maybe i’m not looking right , but i can’t find it. i would love to give some $ but don’t know if there is a way
November 27th, 2009 at 12:18 PM
OK found it, never mind
November 27th, 2009 at 12:22 PM
@26 twain12-
We ARE pretty no frills over there…
so things are sometimes not as visible as should be…
will have to update Ann’s post some
Anyway- on right side- look for How To Help and choose SPAN
Thank you.
November 27th, 2009 at 12:44 PM
Happy Birthday Segundo. I will be thinking of you all day, you with that big heart and huge smile who made us laugh. I especially love that you translated “Anonymous Bloggers” into the closest Yup’ik words you could find, “Secret Talkers”. You are in our hearts and memories and always will be!
November 27th, 2009 at 12:47 PM
I am not able to adopt a family on my own, but after reading GreatGranny’s list I have started contacting some companies on the list who might be able to donate a large quantity of needed items…Proctor&Gamble,Kraft,Pampers,etc.
November 27th, 2009 at 1:11 PM
Thanks to all who gave me information on AK state law. It is a relief to know. After the Bush years, one tends to jump at the worst motives of the rich and powerful. Sorry.
To pearl89 – what a wonderful approach. Because I have limited personal funds, I might give it a go as well. Thanks for the inspiration.
To AlaskaPi – will be cruising by Anonymous Bloggers. Thanks!
November 27th, 2009 at 1:37 PM
Before anyone jumps on the SPAN AK program, it might be a good idea to make sure that they are doing the same thing as last year (dedicated account for donations). Remember, they were delivering pallets of goods for Ann to break up. And I think there was someone else willing to do distribution in another village.
November 27th, 2009 at 1:49 PM
@32 the problem child-
There is STILL a dedicated account…
it is that Ann is not there to distribute…
We have to contact SPAN about individual accounts and whether that is possible.
One time donations can still go there as it is in the works to have at least one distribution done from there on the Nunam end…
November 27th, 2009 at 2:08 PM
Alaska Pi
Many thanks for the explanation, and “oversimplified” is exactly what I need!
Even so, the differing jurisdictions (is that the word?) between Federal and State lands/waterways adds complications I’d forgotten about.
The bycatch is a whole nuther topic! Needed goods thrown away for convenience’ sake, while so many go hungry. That’s just plain wrong!
I have to admit, the state seemed to do some better this year than last year, although there’s plenty of room for improvement still.
will do what I can, I just wish it could be lots more.
Nan
November 27th, 2009 at 2:34 PM
16 lovemydogs Says: November 27th, 2009 at 9:00 AM
Many people who go off on “the welfare state”, etc for those in the bush are happily tithing away at church for missionaries to go to other parts of the world and help. Just put those same ideals into helping some of our people at home.
—————
You’ve touched on a very important point, lmd. Why do the same people who complain about “welfare queens” and who never shut up about American foreign aid spend so little time helping the destitute family down the street? Charity begins at home and I am very happy this year to participate in 3 separate “adopt a family for the holidays” programs in my local area. But why aren’t the church people participating?? Guess some people just need to go to church more often than others.
November 27th, 2009 at 5:51 PM
I’m with KateinCanada.
I’m a single teacher and don’t have enough discretionary income to support a family. But I could pair up with some others in a small group.
Anyone interested in making a California contingent? Maybe we can rotate sending packages or something.
November 27th, 2009 at 7:25 PM
I would love to help again this year. I rose to the challenge of making dollars and flat rate packages count. I don’t think I can take on an entire family. We bloggers are physically isolated from each other.
Ann did such a bang up job last year with the distribution. Isn’t there someone else in the village who can handle it?
If I can’t figure out a way to contribute I will continue donations to local food relief projects. (I was really surprised to see how much assistance is needed in Oregon.)
We all need to help where we can. I am hoping for a way to help the villagers.
November 27th, 2009 at 8:52 PM
Pearl89 and BlueInKS – The idea of writing to major companies is a super one and it can be successful! While we were stationed in Germany in the 1980s, I was the financial assistance coordinator (yes, many young soldiers and families were at or below poverty level) for our region, and several of our volunteers took on a major letter-writing campaign that was highly successful.
We received hundreds of cases of disposable diapers, formula, and baby food. There were minimum requirements to be met before the items were distributed, but no one went without these basics. Despite lower prices at military stores, some of the young kids simply couldn’t stretch their money far enough.
Possibly Ann could find one or two people in the village who could accept the shipments and then distribute as needed. I feel very confident that you will have success in getting items. I know money has been tight and people aren’t giving as freely as in better economic times, but major companies are making profits, they can always use tax write-offs, but most importantly – there are more compassionate folks around than we sometimes realize, but until asked they don’t realize the needs that exist.
Thank you so much to everyone who is responding positively to help in whatever way each can!
November 28th, 2009 at 5:54 AM
Sandra in Oregon @ 37:
There is an Oregon Mudstock coming up on 12/5 in Salem. Perhaps we could do a little”community organizing” at that event for the benefit of Nunam Iqua.
November 28th, 2009 at 8:50 AM
@39 bluebanshee-
that’s a great idea!
Ann is encouraging people, when they email her, to band together to adopt families. We, almost none of us, can afford to take on all needs folks may have.
I adopted a family last year but cannot do so, by myself, this year. I will have to scale back to when-I-can help this year as so many others must.
Thank you to those who are doing what they can in their own backyard in these times of need all across America .
And thank you to those who can help Nunam neighbors.
We’re all in this together- wherever we are and whoever we can help…
November 29th, 2009 at 3:28 PM
I went to Ann’s blog and got connected with a group of women who have teamed up to help a family. That way, I can do something to help, even though my own family is struggling right now. I figure we all need to help each other the best we can. I also drop dollars into the Salvation Army kettles whenever I pass one, to help people in my location. I’m a Lutheran pastor’s wife, I know many others on this blog forum aren’t into the church scene, and I don’t care, I think you’re all great and I’m learning a lot from y’all. Working to help a Nunam Iqua family is my Christmas present to myself.