There has been so much lead up to the trip this year. Months of planning; a grant application, presentation, and award; a new collaboration for technology for our screenings, and more. I have done more worrying and fretting than usual because of this. What if we can’t do as much health promotion? What if my group doesn’t find a passion for the people and land of Pine Ridge? How can I continue to do better and do more? Last year’s trip was so good, what if this one isn’t as good?
The dubious start relates to the useless worry mentioned above, as well as having to get my appendix removed emergently one week before the trip. All of the prior worry was nothing compared to my concern that I might have to cancel the trip because of my health. Everything happens for a reason, and while the trip looked and felt quite dubious last week, I received a great reminder that I can control only so much. I must rely on faith to get me through.
So here we are again–the promise has been fulfilled. The trip actually happened, and I am going to appreciate and enjoy all of it–the good, the bad, the ugly, and whatever else might come up! I am feeling good with no restrictions except related to lifting.
We made it to Pine Ridge yesterday. Many of our beginning activities are the same as in past years–a quick trip to Mt Rushmore and then on to get settled at the motel. The trip to the Chadron Walmart for supplies today which is always an adventure, but even more so this year. (I’ll explain why later). This is the first year that I truly doubted that we were going to be able to get all of our Walmart purchases into the SUV–we could not have fit one more thing!
My students already feel
like a tight-knit group. They are absolutely hilarious, and I am loving getting to know them on a more personal level. The Suburban (or the ‘Burb as we refer to it) is full of excitement, lots of singing, and so much laughter that it is hard to drive at times. Some highlights so far would be quiet Shelby getting pulled out of the security line to have her carry on bag full of maxi pads (donations to be given away that she so kindly agreed to bring) searched; seeing a high speed chase in Pine Ridge today (including the use of spike strips across the road and the chasee continuing to drive on his rims) and the students yelling at me to follow the chase (the answer was no); listening to some quite enthusiastic duets by Stormi and Alexander; and much more.
The view was dubious last week, but we are certainly off to a promising start!
Nursing Students at Pine Ridge 
WHAT you had to have an appendectomy !!!! I know its going to be a great week, take it easy … well as much as possible.