Work Work, and more work

We started the day with one less team member. After dinner last night, one of our youth was not feeling too well, so their Mom and Dad came to get them and take them home. They were missed by all. Today’s wakeup was much more mellow; we simply turned on the lights. A few heads popped up but most quickly laid back down in hopes of catching a few more minutes of restful bliss. However, about one minute afterwards, the Sanctus bell rang out getting the attention of all. So started the day, and it was a busy one

The ride up to the reservation was made in rain and fog. We thought the day’s outdoor service projects were in jeopardy. We started the day as normal, eating breakfast and worshipping with the group from Denver. Robin shared a reflection on the previous day’s VBS story of Jonah. After breakfast, we went to the Rosebud Cultural Center and saw several interesting artifacts. Stephanie, the daughter of the Bishop Jones facility coordinator, went with us and she explained many of the items on display. At first she was hesitant, but with the encouragement of our team, she quickly jumped into the van and joined in the fun. In fact, she has become an integral part of our team working side by side with us.

Back at the facility, the weather began to break as we finished up the indoor projects. Once they were complete we were amazed at how different the once stark white building looked now. With drapes, pictures, and quilts hung there was a feeling of home for those who will be using it. After lunch with the Denver group, several of us headed outside to the pow-wow arbor to paint while most stayed behind to help with the other group’s afternoon VBS program. The energy of the day’s activity carried over into the evening.

Back in Valentine, we quickly spruced up the sleeping areas and began preparing for dinner and meeting the members of St. John’s. Mother Karen and Fr. Tom celebrated and co-preached on St. Barnabas and the way God is able to accomplish what is needed through us if we let him. After the service, and over dinner, members of St. John’s talked a lot about the energy our team, and the team from Denver who joined us, brought to their community. We even talked about the possibility of a return engagement next year. It was an exciting evening and it ended as all our nights do with the service of Compline.

A lot of tired bones crawled into their sleeping bags tonight. In fact, within five minutes of lights out, most were sound asleep. Ah the peace. Tomorrow is another busy day. Weather permitting, we need to apply another coat of paint to the pow-wow arbor and put things back in place that we moved to do the painting. As our trip begins to wrap up, we will spend a little time with the Denver group playing a few games as a way of saying good bye and good luck. Then we will all share lunch with the Tribal planning committee.

Once we clean up after lunch it will be back to Valentine where we will pack up and head to the Rocky Ford Outfitters, but more on that tomorrow. As for pictures, I had hoped to get them onto the blog tonight, but it will have to wait until another time. Please help us pray for good weather so that our trip down the Niobrara on Friday is able to take place.