Is the Trip Really Almost Over????

Our plan for the day was to go back to the pow wow in Pine Ridge.  We and set up in the parking lot for a full day of health promotion.  I was unsure what to expect or even if we were going to be allowed to set up, but lo and behold, we were able to and we did.  Boy, did we!  The Pow Wow announcer gave a public service announcement for us that we had health information, screening, and giveaways, and after a tepid start, we finally got a steady stream of people to visit.  We were able to interact with kids, adults, pregnant women, elderly–just about every age range.  Again, the students just shined.  Whether it was keeping donations organized and available; doing blood sugars and blood pressures; doing one on one teaching to a Type 2 Diabetic on how to use his new blood sugar machine;  teaching kids to brush their teeth; blowing bubbles, jumping rope, and playing football with the kids, every student had a role, and they all stepped up to the plate.  Students even walked around the pow wow grounds inviting people to come and see us!  We gave away most everything that we had, which is absolutely the goal.  I was able to assess a little boy of about two with a skin condition on his arms.  I spoke to his mother, who told me that he has been to the doctor numerous times for this skin condition and tested for bed bugs, scabies, etc. which were all negative.  I am not sure what was wrong, but I cleaned the areas and gave her some antibiotic ointment and teaching about how to care for the areas and symptoms to report to the doctor.  This little boy was a doll–just sitting in his new stroller and letting me clean off the areas and put the ointment on.  These kids are just absolutely beautiful. Sometimes I have to remind myself to step back and let the students have these interactions because truly, I am dying to assess, screen, interact, and teach.  This one was OK for me to take care of–my student wasn’t sure what to tell the mother.  I very much live vicariously through their interactions though!  Everyone worked hard, and again, if I mention that I am proud of them, it is because they have done such a great job.  One of the students even did some teaching with the lady who works at Rosie’s who is trying to potty train her 3-year old grandson.  Nothing is off limits!

After the pow wow parking lot, we returned to Rosie’s for the remainder of the group to have their beading lesson.  The students seemed to enjoy this, and most were able to complete their friendship bracelets, including our male students!

We have one more day on the reservation-I can’t believe that it has gone by so quickly.  I wish that we could stay.  This place is under my skin like you would not believe.  One of the male students has caught the Pine Ridge bug, too–he is interested in coming back to work for IHS when he graduates.  I sure hope that he does–what a great thing!