We will post many more pictures over the next few days (as I can't keep up with uploading and posting all of them!) Today, we do want to give you a sampling of what we have done since we got here:
Yesterday (June 25), we started the day by doing work projects for the community lead by the Lakota community members. Part of our team went to work on building a porch for a family, the other part of our group worked on painting a church. The cultural experience started right away, as we learned how to work together within our group, and with people from the community.
We next had "children's time, when the Shared Lakota Ministry Retreat Center (Where we are staying) hosts a play time each day from 4-5 p.m. for kids in the neighborhood. Children come to play kickball, ping pong, puzzles, games, etc. We were fortunate to have the time to play with the kids and enjoy the fellowship of children.
We then traveled to "Betty's Kitchen where we had a homemade meal created by Betty, a lovely, welcoming woman who shared her stories of her uncle, Black Elk, with us.
We returned to the retreat center where we met "Uncle Will" Peters (an incredible musician and Lakota teacher who specializes in youth empowerment.) He challenged our youth to truly be a generation who takes care of their brothers and sisters in Christ and brings Christian unity to those they meet. The message of unity was quite strong, and inspired the kids to want to learn more. He was a recipient of several Native American music awards, and he sang and played his guitar for us.
Today (June 26) God took us to a funeral for a woman named Irma Tenfingers from Ogalala. It was a humbling experience to be welcomed so completely into the community and into the lives of the people. God was certainly present and we all learned a lot not only about the people of Pine Ridge, but about ourselves through walking together in another's sorrow. We shared our gifts with the people by singing a few songs for the funeral. In my next posting I will share pictures of this amazing experience.
We also toured Wounded Knee, learning about the history of the Lakota people.
Prayer Requests:
- for the family of Irma Tenfingers
- for health, protection, and unity for the members of our group traveling together this week.
- for an end to racism in our world.
Mary, thank you for doing this. This has been very exciting for us. John is like a kid, checking this blog morning and night to see the latest "episode". We love reading your comments and of course, following the kids' activities through the photos. What a beautiful and God-filled adventure!We feel so blessed for this opportunity for all our children who are there. Praise the Lord and thanks be to God for all of you. Love, Mellie
ReplyDeleteI am amazed in the way that God bring's His people together. It matters not where we live, what nationality we might have been born into, or any of the stigmas that people place upon us. We are God's people. It is so beautiful so see and hear about our travelers and how they are becoming so close - so quickly - with the wonderful people of Pine Ridge! Mary, I loved seeing the picture of the children playing with the basketballs and soccer balls that you took with you! Can't wait to share that with Clarence, he will be so thrilled! Continue the journey, let God fill your hearts and your souls with the true meaning of "Christian Unity"...wish I could have been there to share the experience of Uncle Will Peters. Next trip maybe? Love to all and God's blessings! Miss Sheri
ReplyDeleteMellie took the words right out of my mouth. I, too, have been checking multiple times a day to catch up on the next update. I feel as our family is on this faith journey with you all, though virtually, of course. What an incredible trip this will be for all in SD. I give thanks to God for our opportunities, like this, for our church family and our own family.
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